Local business owners and managers provide us with a glimpse of the hot items in their stores and unique gifts for those easily pleased and hard to buy for individuals.

Avon Beauty Center – Two years ago Diana Cavanaugh opened this main street store providing reasonably priced beauty products to the people of Wakefield. For gifts this season Diana recommends the anti-aging kits which come in snazzy red cases ($68, on sale from $100), the Try It Kit which provides a full sized eye cream, trial sized day cream, night cream and cleanser ($30) and the Woodwick Candles Christmas Two Set ($24.99.)  I couldn't help but be charmed by the saucy red apron in the window and the Madame Alexander® Dolls in the store. Contact: 781-224-4141.

Florence's Fashions- A Wakefield staple for over 50 years, located at 68 Albion Street, specializes in bra-fitting services as well as an eclectic mix of items from lingerie to wigs to winter jackets. The walls, counters, and hallway are full of items that sparkle, shine and catch my eye. Barbara Mirlocca, the store's proprietor, recommends the selection of women's winter jackets which come in a variety of quality fabrics and styles that range in price from $69 to $85 dollars.  There are also trendy and classy pocketbooks ranging in price from $24 to $48 dollars.  Barbara also notes that she has a Christmas Special where many of the items are 20-50 percent off. Contact: 781-245-1385.

Frame Shack –  Located at 339 Salem Street, this framing store is a great gift resource. Owner Jeff, says that framing sports photos and memorabilia is always a popular holiday gift. A unique idea that has increased in popularity is to have someone's wedding invitation or any special invitation or announcement framed either by itself or framed attached to a mirror. The recipient can have a beautiful keepsake of a special moment.  Contact: 781-245-0089.

Hart's Ace Hardware – Over 40 Years on the corner of Main Street and Water Street, Ace's Hardware has been the local store for your hardware needs. Owner Doug Hart believes that their drills and drill bit sets make the perfect gift for the holidays. The drills range from $20-$100 and the drill bit sets are on sale for $9.99.  As a homeowner, the tool sets and portable grill caught my eye. Purchase from Ace Hardware online and have it will shipped to Hart's Ace Hardware for free. Contact: 781-245-0989.

Ox Bow Pet Shop – Family owned and operated Pet Shop for almost 65 years this store is a landmark of Wakefield. Located at 335 Albion Street, this store boasts pet necessities as well as top of the line pet clothes, food and treats. Ox Bow carries a line called Howie's Hearts, named in memory of the creator's father. These are all natural dog treats and they come packaged in hanging ornaments for the tree, little lunch pails, bone shaped metal boxes and in mugs. This wide selection is sure to charm the dog loving host of the Christmas party you are attending, the sister or neighbor who loves their dog. Or more importantly, your own puppy. Contact: 781- 245-1550.

Rada Boutique – Located at 394 Main Street this boutique mixes fabulous consignment pieces with new and up and coming pieces. The owner, Rada, showed off gorgeous fringe scarves which are used to dress up or down an outfit. They come in a multitude of colors for $20 each or 2 for $18. She also suggests a floral appliqué wristlet for gifts for teachers, friends, nieces, or to add pizzazz to a gift card presentation. These wristlets also come in a multitude of colors and are also only $20 or 2 for $18 each.  I also noted she had a whole section dedicated to local and USA-made lines of clothing including an adorable earring line made in Rhode Island. Contact: 781-224-1033.

Roots Creations – Brand new to Wakefield, this shop, located at 78 Albion Street, is impeccably decorated for the holidays. Erin Coyne, owner, reports that her line of "jack's frost" candles, named for her son Jack, are a wonderful holiday gift. They come in glass jars with Christmas-themed décor and a choice of scents: Christmas Tree or Peppermint Pattie. These candles are individually hand poured and created with 100% soy wax, lead-free wicks and carefully selected paraben free fragrances and have a 60 hour cool burn. Additionally, she recommends the all natural soaps that use natural color and fragrance with subtle scents of Lavender, Spiced Vanilla and Pomegranate. These two items make great gifts for anyone from family to teachers and party hosts. The Boston Series of her urban, inK. candles, Chinatown, Back Bay, Dirty E and Cheers to name a few, would be a great gift for my Massachusetts-born friends who now reside elsewhere. Contact: 781-224-ROOT.

Sarrin Music Studio – Nothing says Christmas like music. At Chris Maggio's 544 Salem Street store, giving the gift of music is simple. For the novice who wants to learn an instrument to the expert who wants to fine tune his or her skills, a gift of music lessons will be a hit. If you want something tangible to go with the lessons instruments are available to purchase. If they are already practitioners then a great stocking stuffer idea are drumsticks, guitar strings, music books and many more items that are available at Sarrin. Contact: 781-245-2200.

Ski and Sports Shack – With their retro sign and quality brand skis, snowboards and skateboards, this Main Street sports gem is a great place to purchase equipment and accessories for the holidays. They also provide trade-in programs, rentals and repairs.  Winter sports equipment makes great gifts. If the intended gift recipient already has snowboards or skis, then new boots, hats, goggles, jackets may be on his or her wish list. Not a fan of the cold or ice? A new skateboard may be just what is needed to make someone's Christmas that much more exciting. Contact: 781-245-1990.

Web Head Enterprises – Located on North Ave, this store is more than just comic books: There are DVD's, music, trading cards, action figures, games and more. Owners Dean and Mark said they have trouble keeping the trading card game, Magic the Gathering, merchandise in the store. If you are looking for a gift for someone who loves Magic the Gathering card game, the store carries new sets, special gift sets, an intro pack for beginners or single packs for great stocking stuffers. When giving this gift be sure to inform the recipient about Web Head's game night on Thursdays where people get together to play this popular card game.  Contact: 781-246-1797.