The holidays have us stressing about the perfect present, cooking for days and entertaining until our hardwoods are worn through. Holidays do happen, and to really enjoy them in Encinitas without needing a therapy session, arm yourself with some knowledge. Here are some of our choice things to do and gifts to give over the entire holiday season.

Surf On Thanksgiving Day!
Before the tryptophan from the turkey sends you into a trance and football fills the big screen, do what a ton of Encinitas locals do, and get in the ocean. Most Thanksgivings tend to be a Santa Ana warm-wind day with good surf.

Every Festive Season Needs a Festival
The 17th annual Poinsettia Festival and Street Fair returns to downtown Encinitas on the Coast Highway 101 between D & J Streets on November 18. Everything gets cracking at 9 a.m., so get into town early because an estimated 50,000 visitors will be attending. Holiday shopping, fabulous food vendors and entertainment take to the streets.

Garden of Lights at Quail Botanical Gardens
Sure, the foliage isn’t dusted with snow, but Quail’s presentation of lights is the Southern California way of adding a twinkle to your holiday. More than 100, 000 sparkling lights don the gardens for the display that runs December 7-9, 13-23, 26-30. Open from 5 to 9 p.m., cost is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, military, students, $6 for members, $3 for children 3-12.

Perfect & Plush
Surround yourself in a sumptuous Barefoot Dreams robe and feel the world fade away. Made of luxurious COZYCHIC knit, this exquisite robe is double belt looped and machine washable and dryable. Designed for years of luxury and comfort, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. Robe shown: Bordeaux, $120

Dreamy
937 S. Coast Highway 101
Ste. C108, (Lumberyard) Encinitas
(760) 632-1463
shopdreamy.com

Celebrity Chic
Live like a celebrity in Zoe Chicco jewelry. This small horseshoe necklace with diamond speaks to the woman who knows glamour captures the limelight. Don’t stop there; indulge in a Hobo International black clutch wallet, deigned by women for women. And to secure the best look in the room, a pair of Seychelles sandals, such as these gold metallic modern wedges, will steal the show. Necklace: $270; clutch: $105; sandals: $78

M Collection
466 N. Coast Highway 101, No. 8, Encinitas
(760) 436-1206

2971 State St., Carlsbad Village
(760) 720-1252
themcollection.com

Getting Him in Style
For the guy who knows looking good means feeling good, surprise him with an exclusive 7 Diamonds shirt. This long sleeve button up with shoulder detail is one of a variety of styles that will have all eyes on him. Shirt shown: “Heaven for Everyone” $101

Swirl Boutique
119 N. El Camino Real, Ste. G, Encinitas
(760) 753-0870

Eat, Drink & Be Merry
For the wine enthusiast to the most serious oenophile, spoil them this season with unique and limited edition wines. Also consider custom gift baskets, elegant handmade giftware or joining the wine-of-the-month club. Vinturi Wine Aerator: $39.99; Sea Smoke “Southing” Pinot Noir 2005: Market Price; Marilyn Merlot Velvet Collection 1.5L 2003 & 2004: $199.99-$299.99; Mulholland Lariat Leather Wine Carrier: $379.99; Vineyard Serving Tray: $79.99


Carlsbad Wine Merchants
5814 Van Allen Way, Ste. 155, Carlsbad
(760) 804-9994
carlsbadwinemerchants.com

Imported Bling
KumKum Jewelry from Sweden – you can almost call it an infatuation. Featuring uniquely individual, hand-made pieces, the white pearls and zircons set in sterling makes this necklace from Sweden’s own Tiffany a gorgeous decision. “Mystic” pendant on chain: $259

deepFLING
466 N. Coast Highway 101,
Ste. 1, Encinitas
(769) 942-4254 deepfling.com

Baby, It’s Cold Outside
Ward off the winter chill with a sweater from Anita K. Styles abound, including unique hand-knit sweaters, three-button wraps, cashmere and sweater coats. Can’t decide which is your favorite? Unique tops, velvet jackets, custom jewelry and gift certificates are available in all prices. Sweater shown: Radzoli, $95

Anita K
2744 Carlsbad Blvd., Ste. 100, Carlsbad
(760) 730-0146

Ki’s for Christmas Eve
A bit of a holiday tradition, Ki’s Restaurant in Cardiff is open on Christmas Eve for families, friends and anyone looking to stay out of the kitchen and still enjoy a fantastic dinner. 2591 S. Coast Highway 101, Cardiff, (760) 436-5236

All Eyes On You
Dolce & Gabbana sunglasses are an unmistakable standout for the confident man or woman, but you can’t lose in Prada – a favorite of celebrities – and a designer eyewear collection that raises the stakes in style.

Andrews Optical
585 Grand Ave., Carlsbad
(760) 720-7447

Rejuvenate, Relax & Rejoice
Relaxation is one of the greatest gifts you can give. Ocean Day Spa offers the ultimate in pampering, whether it’s an Incredible Massage, a Beautifying Facial, or a Rejuvenating Body Treatment, we have it. Avoid the shopping crowds this year and pick up a gift certificate for any dollar amount. (Call and ask about our special offers for this Holiday Season). Ocean Day Spa also has a wonderful retail selection offering a wide variety of products and gifts.

Ocean Day Spa
5814 Van Allen Way, Ste. 165, Carlsbad
(760) 930.8032
oceandayspacarlsbad.com

Precious People
The Käthe Kruse 19-inch Bambina Baby Doll is sure to delight your little darling. Her high-quality vinyl face and limbs are German-tested and made without nonylphenol and phthalates. Weighing about 2 pounds, she has a soft cloth body and wears newborn clothing. Don’t forget her pink buggy, a treat for any girl to stroll with. Prices available upon request.

Magical Child
967 S. Coast Highway 101
Ste. B-108, (Lumberyard) Encinitas
(760) 633-1326

Sacred Splendor
Dress her up with authentic Huichol jewelry, exquisitely handcrafted necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Each piece is vibrant in color and is imbued with sacred symbols keeping with their traditions. Your purchase helps to support the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival. A gift with HeArt. Fair Trade. Priced: $24 - $220

Global HeArt
580 B Grand Ave., Carlsbad
(760) 730-1858

I Want a Real One!
Bring the sent of evergreen into your home this year with a real Christmas tree. Sure they shed, need a lot of water and don’t last that long, but there really isn’t anything quite like the real thing. Sunshine Gardens, corner of Encinitas Boulevard and Quail Gardens Drive, has great trees, serves free hot apple cider and has carols for your listening pleasure.

Who Goes Griswold?
We know that driving around hunting for the best Christmas lights on display is half the holiday fun, but in case you want a little direction, here are a couple Encinitas neighborhoods that won’t disappoint.Northeast end of Crest Drive near Encinitas Boulevard – traditionally nice lights on some very nice homes. Via Tiempo in Cardiff – the houses here tend to go Griswold. Via Tiempo is off of Lake Drive and Wales Drive. Lone Jack Road in Olivenhain – just off Rancho Santa Fe Road. A more rustic and stately light extravaganza.

Getting Her in Style
Women and gorgeous handbags just go together, so this season give her the one she’ll love on an all new level. Isabella Fiore’s Live to Love “Jeni Hobo” bag is part of a limited edition numbered series. The edgy tattoo-inspired bag is created from hand-painted original Isabella Fiore artwork. She’ll be putty if you combine the gift with the matching zip around wallet, which can also be used as a clutch. Prices available upon request.

Swirl Boutique
119 N. El Camino Real, Ste. G, Encinitas
(760) 753-0870

Eclectic Jewels
Discover a wide array of jewelry from around the world at Tashci Design. These Roman Coin Sterling Silver Earrings, Byzantine Design Twin Faceted Topaz Ring and Ostrich Skin & Sterling Bracelet are fantastic choices for the hard to shop for. Personalized and customized designs available, using a select stock of precious and semi-precious stones. Earrings: $140; Ring: $280; Bracelet: $245

Tashci
2829 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad
(760) 434-4432
tashci.com

Get Out of Town
This holiday season give your friends and family a present they’ll never forget – The AAA Gift of Travel. Enjoy peace of mind by planning with knowledgeable agents, receive exclusive member savings/benefits and enhance your AAA member vacation with extras like maps, Trip Tiks and more.

AAA Encinitas
499 N. El Camino Real, Encinitas
(760) 635-4070

Got Art?
Designed to be collectable, each piece of beautiful, gold-leafed decorative art glass by Laurel Wilder is signed and numbered. No piece mirrors another and this glassware is food safe, in addition to its work of art status. The collection features an array of shapes, sizes and motifs. The perfect gift for someone who thinks they have everything!
From: $75-$500


The Poached Pear
2690 Via De La Valle, Del Mar (Flower Hill)
(858) 755-9050

2946 State St., Carlsbad Village
(760) 730-9050

Scented Bliss
From soy candles to one of a kind scented pillars embellished with a beautiful cross, warming up a home with the aroma of candles is sure to make an impression. Visit us for the holiday season and see our candle collection. Candles shown are from $36 and up

Candle Collection
1911 Calle Barcelona,
Ste. 156, Carlsbad
(760) 753-5153

All that Glitters
… is 18K gold and French enamel rings from
world-renowned designer Hidalgo. With more than 250 available styles, you’ll be sure to find the perfect match of stackable rings, fashion pendants, bracelets, earrings, men’s diamond enamel rings and cuff links. Rings from $400

Pauling Blue Fire Diamonds
5620 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad
(Carlsbad Premium Outlets)
(760) 804-9899
pauling.com

Faceted Chunky Crystals
This season’s look on everything from jackets and sweaters to accessories, Dana G has it all. This silver metallic croco bag with jet, crystal and black diamond stones and matching silver metallic snakeskin belt is a sure hit for the fashionista in your life. Hand bag: $140; belt $152

Dana G
540 Grand Ave., Carlsbad
(760) 729-3401

Sugarplum Dreams
Settle in for a long winter’s nap in this oversized, rustic mesquite bed, made with old-world nails and ironwork developed by generations of craftsmen. Custom design yours with special-ordered leathers and cowhides, some with a unique tiger print. Price varies by design.

Casamor
2744 Carlsbad Blvd., Ste. 108, Carlsbad
casamorinteriors.com / (760) 434-9516