Are Your Ready For Some Christmas?

It's time for the last minute shoppers to really start thinking about getting serious about doing their shopping. Don't panic, here are some local ideas.

Oprah's got her favorite things. Here's a few of your TE Patch editor's favorite things.

It's the thought that counts, right?

Think local, help local merchants, and avoid the malls' last minute crush.

(Please feel free to add your own suggestions to this list in the comments section)

•. This custom gift shop opened in May, , closed for several weeks and then . Owners Kelly Prevost and Wendy Bell have a a great sense of humor and they didn't give up in the face of a really tough break out of the gate. They also have a lot of heart,

They've stocked their store with some wonderful ideas for all ages. The Christmas items range from beautiful and charming to kitschy and fun. In addition to unique and customizeable items for your home, your hostess and yourself, this is a great place to find things for tweens and girls. The owners have kids, know kids and have never steered me wrong. A "slap bracelet" watch set I bought at Shoppe Flare for my tween daughter's 11th birthday was the gift that literally made her shriek with joy.  It was a agift suggestion I got from owner Wendy Bell.(Special note to Men: if there are girls and women left on your list, you'll love this store and the very helpful, personable folks who work there). If you are an extreme last minute shopper, be aware Shoppe Flare will only be open 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. on Christmas Eve.

• If you hate shopping at the big box "home centers" you will love this store. Friendly people who actually know their merchandise and would give you that familiar big box store clerk "blank stare"  when you need help,ideas or instructions on how something works.  And downstairs is a Christmas wonderland that every Christmas lover should check out.

• They are to kitchen gadgets, food preparation and unique houseware ideas what Hardware Center is to hardware. They also have a friendly, knowledgeable staff who will either remember your name from the last time you stopped in, or will make you feel welcomed on your first visit. If you're looking for anything for your favorite foodie to use to make their favorite foods, Kitchen Kapers is a great place to check out.

•. If you're interested in giving couture for Christmas, it's worth a visit. A friendly and extremely knowledgable staff will lavish you with personal attention. This is no Filene's basement but this might be a good time to drop in if you never been inside. On Thursday the sign out front advertised a huge sale going on right now. All gifts and sportswear are currently on sale at 50-74 percent off.  From prom dresses to cocktail wear for CEO's, VanCleve has the fashions you would otherwise probably have to go to New York to find. They also have some wonderful accessories if you're looking for a gift idea for women with discriminating taste.

•If you have a local history fan on your list, has a large selection of books about Chester County and Southeast Pennsylvania towns.

• has a gift store full of items with a local flavor. Your purchase also helps support a free local treasure.

• just opened it's new auto center next to Whole Foods in Devon. A Triple-A membership gets your gift recipeint big discounts on auto repairs in Mechanics and service writers will show you exactly what they're doing to your vehicle during routine service or a major repair. They handle all makes and models. There's a wifi equipped waiting room with a little kids play area and huge windows that let you see the service bays as your car gets its care.

For the Foodies and Restuarant Lovers on Your List

•  The dealine for Christmas orders has passed, but it's worth stopping in anyway to get a gift certificate for anyone on your list with a sweet tooth. Chef Kimberly Davis Cuthbert is a Conestoga High Graduate who came back home after college and culinary school to open her nationally-acclaimed shop (next to the Berwyn Fire Compnay). These are goodies to die for prepared by some of the nicest, friendliest people you will ever meet.

•. This coffee shop/bakery It's tough news for the baristas who are getting laid off the day before Christmas. So why is Saxbys on this list? It's the people who make all the difference at virtually every business on this list. Some good people have been dealt a bad hand. Stop in, buy a cup of your favorite brew, and if you have it to spare leave an extremely generous tip for your barista, they'll be out of work come Christmas. You can also use Saxbys gift cards and rewards points from the Paoli location at other Saxbys stores.

• Owners Emily and John Smith bought the restaurant early this year and after six months under the PattyMac's banner are no putting their own stamp on the cafe which is still staffed by familiar, friendly faces serving menu favorites from PattyMacs but John Smith says they've concentrated on good food, done right. Dinner and lunch specials are always offered on the menu board. They do take out, put a gift certificte is a lot easier to put under the tree (and stays fresher too). If you need a pie for Christmas or to take to a party, EmJ's has you covered with homemade delights in the front case. Emily and John Smith are welcoming hosts who have made an inviting restaurant even warmer and more friendly with new design touches and a staff that makes customers feel like friends.

is a restaurant with a menu and a mission. T Volunteers serve as waiters and waitresses assisting a professional chef/manager. The food is fresh and filling. The dining room is light, bright, friendly and relaxing. They'll custom make a gift certificate for you to slip under the tree and if you have a cat lover on your gift list, they've got gift items too.

What are some of your favorite local things? Share your last minute gift ideas with other TE Patch readers by telling us about them in the comments section.