By Anne Batty _ Photos by Don Kindred

Shop DownTownThe air is crisp, and the leaves are changing. Amid our busy daily lives we will soon find ourselves listening to the sounds of jingle bells and inhaling that oh so familiar scent of pine.

Christmas … 

Have you ever found yourself frantically shopping with thousands of other shoppers with only days to spare before the holidays? This year, why not try something that will reduce your stress level and benefit your hometown. We have taken the work out of your shopping, coming up with some marvelous gifts right here in town. Eccentric gifts for the new homeowner, the person you think has everything, and the family, friends and neighbors you are closest to. One-of-a-kind gifts and collectibles available right here in this hidden treasure we call San Clemente.

Downtown

Avenida Del Mar 

This entire street is chock full of one-of-a kind items you would never find in a department store or mall. The best part is that no matter where you live in town, you are only 5-10 minutes away from downtown. There is plenty of free parking and while you shop you can choose from a wide variety of restaurants to rest and dine in. It is the one stop you will not want to miss this Christmas Season. 

The frame HouseThe Frame House 

For the perfect family gift, take last year’s family Christmas photograph to the Frame House. This family owned business carries an extensive variety of wood and metal frames. Expert craftsmanship and design are proudly portrayed in each frame created in this establishment. This is a perfect gift for those parents or relatives you believe have everything. A gift to be treasured for years to come. 

Schmid'sSchmid’s 

Fine Chocolates

The right piece of chocolate can transcend miles. A collection of fine chocolates is a perfect gift for the chocolate lover on your list. Schmid’s prides itself on using the best chocolate, butter and cream together with the best fruit flavors and nuts to make its confections. They will ship anywhere in the US for an additional charge, provided weather permits.

The Village Gourmet 

For the couple that has just moved into a new house or their first house, this gourmet shop has everything they will need to complete their kitchen. 

For Her 

Try the newest addition to the store, Jenn Air blenders and mixers. These are unlike any you have seen before; they are very powerful and come in a wide variety of colors sure to match any kitchen. These blenders are so beautiful you will not want to hide them in any cupboard or pantry. 

For Him 

A stainless steal bar set by Rosle is the perfect gift for the man who enjoys making a great cocktail or martini. You will also find terrific tools for the BBQ enthusiast. That special man in your life will thank you for these crafted stainless steel beauties for years to come. 

For Both

The Village GourmetChoose from a sizeable variety of Temecula region wines and wine accessories; hand painted glasses, and the perfect opener even an amateur can use. The Village Gourmet also stocks kitchen gadgets, housewares, cutlery and tabletop items. They will custom make gift baskets at your request. (Baskets are in-store)

Rocky’s

Since San Clemente is known for its remarkable surf, there is bound to be at least one surfer on your list that could use literally anything from this well-known surfing establishment. Everything from wax to clothing, shoes and custom-made surfboards is readily available there. Sunglasses and sun accessories abound in this shop.

Haven Home, Inc. 

As one of the newest stores in the downtown, they have made an impression upon home interiors all over San Clemente. If you have someone on your list in need of a room makeover, their services are the perfect gift for him or her. Haven Home, Inc. will re-do an entire house or gladly spruce up just one room. Introduce that special someone on your list to a newly remodeled home or room this Christmas.

Mac and Madi

The most enthusiastic recipients of Christmas are the children. Mac and Madi is a unique children’s boutique that carries top-of-the line clothing, as well as one-of-a-kind toys and furniture for infants through size 14. Designers include: for the girls, Baby Mode, Hannah Banana, Little Miss, and Von Dutch, for the boys, Von Dutch, Charlie Rocket, and Sonic. This boutique also carries one of the best selections of children’s books in Orange County. That young person on your list will surely be the best-dressed kid in school or at play with Mac and Madi on your shopping list.

Ocean View Plaza

Camino de los Mares

South Beach Boutique features Tommy Bahama and Brighton.If you qualify as a last minute shopper, and I mean “you are grabbing a gift on the way type”, then Ocean View Plaza is the perfect place for you. This is also a great place to acquire stocking stuffers and gifts for the health conscious. With a variety of eateries and service shops you can find something for just about everyone on your Christmas list.

Stocking Stuffers 

Choose from an assortment of eateries here at Ocean View Plaza, all offering gift certificates for that someone who you have no idea what to buy for. Some of these include: Juice Time, Carl’s Jr., Rubio’s, Cold Stone Creamery and Starbucks. Any one of these gift certificates is sure to please the pickiest of eaters.

South Beach

Boutique

Located upstairs on the south side of the Ocean View Plaza, the South Beach Boutiqe offers a wide selection of men’s and women’s clothing and accessories including Tommy Bahama, Brighton, and other fine lines.

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The Mole Hole 

This is truly a one-stop-shop for most of your holiday gift needs. This unusual shop carries just about everything when it comes to collectibles and exclusive presents. From the moment you walk in, your senses are embraced and captivated. For the collector on your list, the Mole Hole carries Department 56. This manufacturer is a leading designer, wholesaler and retailer of collectibles. These The Mole Hole is also your Patience Brewsterceramics are truly unique. Start a tradition by giving one piece a year. The North Pole series or the entire Christmas series will look beautiful for many years to come. The Mole Hole also carries a selection of wind chimes, candles, handmade purses and scarves, glassware and bath and body products. Make this a must on your shopping list, we bet you’ll find more than one person crossed off that list when you leave this special store. 

Besides taking a bit of stress from your life by shopping San Clemente, the graph below shows how spending tax dollars in your hometown makes a difference to your city’s improvements. On page 7 is a breakdown of the entire 7.25% sales tax, collected by merchants in San Clemente for a year. b