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Letter to the editor

Dunedin 'finds,' just in time

Here's something to gladden the hearts of lollygagging gift givers.

By TAMARA EL-KHOURY, Times Staff Writer
Published December 14, 2007

DUNEDIN - Listen up, procrastinators: Christmas is about a week away, the malls are insane and you have nothing to put under the tree.

Have no fear. We've done the shopping for you, and you don't even have to leave Pinellas County.

Most of you already know that Main Street Dunedin is filled with great stores and restaurants. So let's wander slightly off the main drag, where sources for unique gifts abound.

The Rose Garden Boutique737 Broadway734-5052

This vintage-looking mother of pearl purse first caught our eye $60, but after a search for a bracelet to wear with a dress for a friend's wedding, the owner's daughter made one to match. The bracelet was ready the next day for $22. And no one else has one.

Enchanted Branch718 Broadway, 736-5825

The briefcase-shaped business card holders ($12.50) would make great stocking stuffers. There is also a flask/cigar set ($74) which includes a funnel to pour the liquor in and a cigar cutter. While we were browsing, Dunedin resident Candy Barnette walked in with jellies she made using the herbs in the store's garden. Jellies ($8.50 a jar) come in tarragon, basil, rosemary and garlic dill.

Kookie Krums513 Main St.736-5786

Cookie tins are passe. The new thing? Cookie bouquets. Technically, this store is on Main Street but it's away from most foot traffic. Fresh cookies on a stick garnished with ribbons come in a colorful flower pot or box. (Most are between $20 and $40. Add more for shipping.) Eat the cookies and plant something in the pot.

Pinellas Trail Bicycle Rental357 Scotland St.734-5976

Planning a date is always a welcome Christmas gift. Start with a bike ride on the Pinellas Trail, which runs right by the rental store. Adult bike rentals start at $10 an hour and goto $25 for the full day. That includes a helmet and bike lock. The date gets even better if you reload and refresh at the Dunedin Brewery (937 Douglas Ave.). We're partial to the Apricot Wheat. Check www.dunedinbrewery.com for hours and brews. Gift cards are available for values of $25 or more. Dunedin Beads716 Main St., 738-9000

Give a fun, original and, most important, sparkly gift. Put your teen or tween's creative energy to use with a gift certificate for a beginner's stringing session ($15) on making beaded jewelry. Advanced classes are $25 to $35. Beads start at a few cents. The address is Main Street, but you'll have to leave downtown and get to the store by car.

Tamara El-Khoury can be reached at tel-khoury@sptimes.com or (727) 445-4181.

[Last modified December 13, 2007, 22:00:45]