Light up those lips

Softened up by the harbor-view brunch and a Bloody Mary at Waikiki Edition’s Morimoto restaurant, I wandered into the hotel gift shop where a glittery lip gloss caught my eye. "See the light!" lip gloss sealed the deal with its luxe, soothing feel, subtle plumping effect (ingredients include seaweed collagen, grape seed and green tea extracts) and a bonus feature: a built-in light and a mirror so you can see yourself in a darkened room when necessary. Just push a button on top like a pen. It’s cute and fun to use, and at $22, not out of line with other spa-type products. It sells out of the shop fast, according to the clerk, so you might want to call ahead before you take a look: Waikiki Edition, 943-4800; beautyforreal.net. – Elizabeth Kieszkowski

Puppet Peepers are party perfect

These hilarious Peepers, purchased at the Contemporary Museum gift shop in Makiki for $4.95, create a delightful puppet experience. The eyes fit around your finger, and you can add extra materials to create different characters. Our favorite Peeper person is Hula Hands, as she sings and dances to "Aloha ‘Oe." It’s great for airplane rides, party favors or just plain fun. The museum gift shop is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays to Saturdays and noon to 4 p.m. Sundays; call 523-3447. – Susie Roth, Kahala

Shakespeare near and dear

"Intimate theater" sounds so cozy and safe. A better term for what the Hawaii Shakespeare Festival does might be "arresting theater." In a space no bigger than a good-size living room, these accomplished thespians bring the epic works of the Bard to life, complete with sword fights so close you could become an unscripted victim if not for the skill of those involved. I’m only telling you about it because I already have my tickets. Get more information and links to tickets for this season’s plays — "The Tempest," "Two Noble Kinsmen" and "Henry IV, Part 2" — at www.hawaiishakes.org. Shows start July 8. – Stephanie Kendrick

Chuck E. rewards good behavior

When we go to Chuck E. Cheese’s, it’s almost always to celebrate some childhood triumph. Acknowledging this not-so-original concept, the restaurant website, chuckecheese.com/promotions has more than a dozen printable reward charts to help parents inspire/bribe their kids into good behavior. Parents log a child’s progress for two weeks at a given task — potty training, room cleaning, instrument practicing, etc. — and kids bring the sheet back to the restaurant for 10 free tokens. (Parents must purchase food to qualify for the free tokens.) The website also features 10-token awards for good behavior at the dentist, awards for young athletes and more. – Donica Kaneshiro

Get organized with a Baggallini

Generally, I’m a tote girl when it comes to handbags, but I hate all the constant fishing around for keys, lipstick, pens and Tic Tacs. So I began looking for a purse within a purse to hold my essentials and found this lightweight, crinkle nylon "Everyday Bag" from Baggallini — known for its functional bags and travel accessories — which can be quickly jettisoned from my bigger tote and called into service as a clutch. An outside zippered pocket replaced my bulky wallet, with built-in organization for cash, cards, cellphone and receipts. Priced at $55, it comes in an assortment of colors and prints, with a detachable strap. I bought mine on sale at the Container Store during a recent mainland trip, but you can find them here at select handbag, luggage and gift stores and various e-tailers. – Christie Wilson

5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. What are you loving this week? Send a brief description of your latest favorite thing, where to find it and how much it costs, along with your name and contact info to features@staradvertiser.com.