Holiday shopping is sweeter at Choco le‘a

Choco le‘a opened in Manoa last month offering a decadent array of artisan chocolates perfect for gift-giving. There are easy grab-and-go boxes, or for a more personal selection, fill a box with handpicked morsels ranging from truffles with fresh mochi centers to Hawaiian sea salt caramels, Hello Kitty-shaped delights, and other treats made with Choco le‘a’s signature blend of fine European and Hawaiian chocolate. Among the recent grab-and-go selections created by chocolatier Colins Kawai was a nine-piece box ($19.99) of festive Kahlua French vanilla liqueur, lychee liqueur and blackberry port chocolates.

With December also a time of marriage proposals, a box shaped out of dark chocolate ($3.99) is perfect for stowing diamonds or other holiday trinkets. (Ring not included.) The family-run chocolate emporium is at Manoa Square, 2909 Lowrey Ave. Call 371-2234 or visit chocolea.com. — Nadine Kam

Peer inside your cupboard for gift ideas

Look to your kitchen cupboard for last-minute Christmas gifts. Jars and containers of all sizes can be used as vessels for bath and beauty products, recipe kits or treat holders. I made these bath salts using Epsom salt, food coloring and essential oils. Put a few drops of lavender or other favorite scented oil into a small bowl of salt and mix. Add food coloring for flair, pour the mixture into a jar or container, and embellish with ribbon or other flourishes. — Nancy Arcayna

Treat someone on your list to Cirque-style show

The ideal last-minute Christmas gift is something that doesn’t require another trip into the mob scene at the mall. Gift certificates for CabaRAE, the Cirque-style variety show at the Hilton Hawaiian Village, will certainly fit in a stocking but generic they’re not. It just opened in its new showroom less than two months ago, and that means anyone on your last-minute list almost certainly hasn’t seen it. The "random acts of entertainment" performed by an amazing cast of acrobats, aerialists, magicians, celebrity impersonators and "Incredible Hula Boy" Craig Reid will entertain all ages (see my review at HonoluluPulse.com). Gift certificates range from $60 to $80 at www.cabarae.com or at the CabaRAE Box Office at the Hilton Hawaiian Village Tapa Tower. — John Berger

Kikaida updated for 21st century

The just-released "Kikaider: The Ultimate Human Robot" DVD is a great stocking stuffer for anyone who grew up watching the iconic 1970s television series and sci-fi fans vaguely familiar with the Kikaida character. The feature film reboot has been updated for 21st-century audiences, complete with Hollywood-style camera work and high-caliber special effects. Action scenes abound and a manga-style plot includes plenty of unexpected twists and turns. "Kikaider: The Ultimate Human Robot" is available at Shirokiya in Ala Moana Center for $24.99; buy online at generationkikaida.com. — Jason Genegabus

Portable speakers can be music to the ears this Christmas

Compact, portable speakers are ideal for mobile music lovers. They connect through Bluetooth, so no need to fuss with wires. The little Aviator has its own play/pause buttons and the iHome/Wireless has an LED display that changes color as you listen. The water-resistant BOP H20 is equipped with a suction cup for easy placement. For water sports enthusiasts, consider the waterproof Boom Swimmer, which comes with a suction cup, or you can use a flexible tail to hook it to your paddle or outrigger boom. The Aviator ($24.99) and BOP H20 ($29.99) are available at Brookstone, while the iHome/ Wireless ($34.99) and Boom Swimmer ($59.99) are sold at Sports Authority. — Steven Mark