Our special holiday edition of 5 Things We Love is offering a month of gift ideas at different price points for every budget. And to retain a bit of the spirit of the season, we’re also featuring gifts that give, benefitting local nonprofit groups. Share your gift ideas by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.
STOCKING STUFFER
Satisfy the caffeine consumer on your gift list with 1.75-ounce coffee sampler bags for $3 and $4 at Green World Farms in Wahiawa. Flavors include hazelnut, chocolate mac nut, caramel and traditional roast. Half-pound bags are $7.95. The coffee is grown on the farm or imported from other islands. For tea lovers, try Hawaiian Sunset Tea made with noni leaf, mint and rose petals ($6.95 for a 1-ounce package). The farm is at 71-101 N. Kamehameha Highway (at Kaukonahua Road). — Nancy Arcayna
UNDER $50
Setting up for a relaxing day at the beach can be, well, stressful on a breezy day. Just when you get all the pegs in the sand for your tent, a gust comes and you’re starting from scratch. Lifeguard Koa Ibarra saw too many tents and umbrellas become hazardous airborne objects, so he invented the Hawaiian Sand Anchor. The 10-by-12-inch polyethylene anchor is shaped like a paddle to scoop the sand. Dig a hole 12 to 15 inches deep, then bury the anchor, which is attached to nylon rope. Stomp on the sand and you’re done. The weight of the sand equals about 70 pounds of resistance. The lightweight anchors are sold in two-packs at Hanapa’a Fishing stores, McCully Bicycle & Sporting Goods, Surf N Sea, Nanko Fishing Supply and other locations. Prices range from $25 to $39.95 per set. Call 351-8171 or get information at pacificoceandreams.com. — Joleen Oshiro
UNDER $100
"Push don’t pollute" is the slogan on one of my son’s favorite caps, and here’s another reason to hop on a deck with four wheels: the plastic skateboard. I’ve been seeing more and more people — and not just young ‘uns — carrying or riding these brightly colored skateboards around town. Made of durable plastic with a nonslip waffle top and mini kick tail, they are ideal for cruising or commuting. And at 22 by 6 inches, the skateboards — sold at surf and skate shops — fit easily into most backpacks and lockers. This Globe model is $80 at T&C Surf Designs. — Christie Wilson
OVER $100
It can be difficult to convince a loved one to spend an exorbitant amount of money on something nice to have instead of something they absolutely need to have. That’s why dinner at ‘Ilima Award-winning restaurant Vintage Cave makes an excellent holiday gift. A lot of people might flinch when they see how much it costs to dine at the restaurant in the basement of Shirokiya at Ala Moana Center, but once you get past the price tag and focus on the brilliance coming from executive chef Chris Kajioka’s kitchen, it will quickly become evident you’re in for some of the most cutting-edge cuisine available in Hawaii.
Now through Dec. 31, Vintage Cave is offering a special six-course degustation menu featuring white truffles from Alba, Italy. Five of the courses, which include a pasta, egg dish and dessert, will spotlight the ingredient’s decadent flavor. At $320 per person, not including drinks, tax or gratuity, this type of gift should be reserved for someone who really, really, really deserves it. Call 441-1744 or email info@vintagecave.com for reservations. — Jason Genegabus
GIFTS THAT GIVE
It’s not only two-legged creatures who seek TLC during the holidays, but our furred, feathered, antennaed and scaly planet co-inhabitants as well. The Honolulu Zoo Society is always in need of Giving Tree donations that go toward the care of the zoo’s creatures, both large and small. There are many categories of giving, ranging from fulfilling wish lists and symbolic animal adoptions, to charitable and memorial gifts. To start, wish-list items range from $10 edible plant treats for reptiles and $20 parrot treats to $100 for a tortoise pool. "Adopting" an animal will get you a photo and certificate of adoption. For details, visit www.honoluluzoo.org. — Nadine Kam