It’s stocking stuffer time, the time when all the big presents have been purchased and hidden away. Now the fun begins. Unexpected, little surprises stuffed in the toe of a large, colorful sock, is what “stockings hung by the chimney with care” is all about. So I’m headed to the varied shops in downtown Landrum to discover those last minute extras.

I begin my search at Landrum Hardware. A finch sock catches my eye in the bird feeding section. Add some thistle seed to complete the gift. Or maybe a sack of tulip bulbs will bring pleasure with colorful blooms in the spring.

Next door is The Nest and Sly Fox. Is there a teenage girl on your list? How about a luscious bath bomb from The Nest that looks like a frosted cupcake, along with some extra soft pink washcloths? Sly Fox occupies the back of the shop. With a teenaged girl still on my mind, I notice a pair of ruffled knee socks. If it’s a more mature woman, the Invisibelt might do the trick. It lays flat under a top to help slim the waist and create a smooth line.

Perry Ltd is what I call “stocking stuffer headquarters.” Last year I purchased their best selling item, the Soap Lift, for several friends. It’s a gadget that keeps your soap high and dry. Today, I see a perfect son-in-law gift, a beer cozy called the Ugly Sweater. It just the fun type of gift that is a perfect stocking stuffer.

There are two good reasons to stop in Sissy Boutique, one to pet the sweet black and white cat, and two, because they offer a lovely selection of merchandise. A Camille Beckman gift, a line of glycerin based moisturizing products, would please that hard to buy for special woman that has everything. Thyme Candles, a new line at Sissy, are made in the USA. I peruse the Cooke Tavern Soups. Flavors like Tomato Basil, Black Bean Chili, or Sherried Mushroom, sound delicious, and I know some stockings that I’ll be filling with these all natural, non-MSG offerings.

At Another Time Another Place I see the perfect present for the cat lover: Gorham clear, crystal cats that are salt and pepper shakers. When filled, the salt shaker creates a white cat and the pepper becomes a black cat. Just the type of rare find that I’m looking for.

Honey Child has a stocking stuffer surprise for a grandchild, sitting right on the counter. A little cylinder unrolls to become a portable road or a train track, perfect for matchbox cars and quiet play at a restaurant or when visiting a friend. Cute little hairbows in the shape of animals will delight a young girl wanting to dress up a ponytail or a larger bow.

Kenzie is a clothing shop, but if you hang a stocking for your horse or dog, stop in there for WarHorse Equine Shampoo and Conditioner, good for dogs as well as horses.

It’s time for a break and Linda Howard’s Southern Delights is a favorite stopping off spot for a cup of tea and a chicken salad sandwich. What child, “dreaming of sugar plums,” wouldn’t love to find one of this shop’s gift certificates in their stocking. Having their own gift card to present for ice cream or a cookie would bring pure happiness.  Linda can also be found a few doors down at Carolina Antiques where they offer a complete rack of super hero comics, easily tucked into a stocking for a boy of any age.

At P3, the consignment shop, I find a gift that serves two purposes. Jars filled with snacks will fit in Grandpa’s stocking. And the purchase price goes to a fund to spay stray cats.

If you think that Foothills Amish Furniture is only furniture, think again. They offer a complete line of accessories such as place mats, napkin rings, catchy signs with sayings like “Depresso…that feeling you get when you run out of coffee,” and the perfect stocking stuffer for a friend looking for her Prince Charming, a handsome frog wearing a gold crown, just waiting to be kissed.

A cook on your list? Some herbs and spices from Dutch Country Foods would be a welcome stocking find. Olive and Then Some offers miniature size bottles of their olive oil and balsamic vinegars.

When you think you’re stumped, a gift card from one of our local restaurants can brighten Christmas morning. A card from a hair salon, a gym, or for a relaxing massage will always come in handy. Stop by CVS Pharmacy and select a decorated gift card box to dress the cards up.

Expressions has a great find for a nostalgic music buff, old 45 RPM records with titles from Chubby Checkers, Bobby Vinton, even Steve and Eydie. Some little miniature shea butter soaps with holiday scent can fit in a small handbag for travel.

Looking for a dramatic rope style necklace or exquisite earrings? A soft flowing artisan scarf, a jaunty wool winter hat, a fashionable pair of gloves? PJ’s, the classic women’s boutique, has it all.

On a more casual note, Athleisure recently opened just in time for Christmas. A pair of yoga pants or a t-shirt could easily be rolled up to fill a stocking. An unexpected discovery are hand-stitched journals and hand crafted gift tags.

Feeling sentimental? Stop in Landrum Antiques and Furniture for a mason jar filled with marbles. Check out the box of postcards from the 50s and find a couple to stick in each stocking.

Is your mother or a friend always rushing to the salon for a touch up on hair color? Dale James Salon, just off Rutherford on E. Prince Rd, has a Root Retouch kit available in different shades. Applying to roots to blend in hair color can lengthen the time between salon visits or is perfect when traveling.

If there’s a quilter on your list, stop by Elaine’s Attic and for knitters, visit The Palmetto Yarn Shop in Campobello.

Imagination Station II on Church St. will complete your stocking stuffer hunt. Teeny TY characters will be loved by all ages and sizes. A colorful rainbow brush and mirror will delight a girly girl. PopSocket, an inventive phone stand and grip is perfect for a teenager. Or what about a pen that screams “NO” when you’ve been asked a question too many times?

Why fight traffic, crowds at the mall or a big box store, waiting in line to check out? Make December 16 “Stocking Stuffer Saturday,” visit the shops in Landrum, stop for lunch or a coffee break. Our downtown has it all!