The Avon Store just started to carry those awesome hats that look like a stuffed animal with long 'ears' that hang down with a pocket for kids hands. I love them because I don't have to fight with the kids about hats/gloves! Oh, and they are half the price of the hats at the mall! Between those, the handmade doll clothes and the little boys shaving kids I got all the neices and nephews gifts there!

Rapid Liquors, Main Street Stoneham carries the loveliest handmade gift baskets and they are reasonably priced! They don't need to be wrapped. Oh, for those like me who don't like to wrap??? Buy the gift, wrap it the same day. It seems painful at the time but you aren't facing a pile of gift to be wrapped at "crunch" time. Happy Holidays!

Greenwood house of Pizza. Order 5 large pizza's get a large cheese free. Just did this last Friday night for a Christmas Party for my girl scout troop.

No need to go to Stoneham for the gift baskets - Greenwood Wine and Spirits in Wakefield has great baskets. I just bought a gift for a client there that was made in a really nice stainless strainer and included pasta, oils, treats, red wine... really nice. She also has wooden crates with a dozen bottles of wine for $100 that you could gift or split up.

No time to bake - Head to the Gingerbread house and grab some great Muffins!

My favorite appetizer to bring to a holiday party when I have no time to cook - bring an order or 2 of Crab Rangoon from Melrose Garden on West Wyoming. Always a hit at any party!

Yes, lots of pre-made baskets at Greenwood Wine and Spirits. If you don't see what you like they are always happy to make a custom basket and the turn around time is quick.

Hallmark has a coupon for $5 off $10 or more, can't beat half price at that store!

If you're going to the mall, shop EARLY in the day. Short lines, ample parking and tidy stores. Beat the crowds.

On Dec 22nd, the best shopping tip I can offer now is START EARLIER next year :-) Seriously, I just wrapped it up yesterday myself, at Staples, it's amazing all the little stocking stuffers you can find there and no crowds! I knocked out two hard to buy for people, and got lots of little items to fill stockings. Hope you all have a Happy Holiday Season!

Well, once the Holidays are done, THIS is an amazing deal. On Friday, January 6th, at the Beebe Estate on West Foster Street, JJ Long will be the featured artist of the month there. On Friday, Jan 6th, for COMPLETELY free, there will be a viewing of his paintings, along with free food and wine for all who attend. Sorry, but as far as deals go, FREE isn't something you can beat. Meet the artist, sip wonderful wine, snack away on the free food and enjoy meeting other locals.

they have some great last minute stocking fillers at Walgreens' on Main Street in Wakefield :)

Absolute best new(ish) addition to Wakefield center is Zuzu's cafe on Main street. Fantastic food and outstanding catering. They are selling gift certificates that can be used towards cooking classes too which is such a great gift for the person who has it all! It's also a great place to order some apps or side dishes for your holiday spread. Cannot reccomend enough!!

Slice has a great take home Pasta special with either meatballs or chicken cutlet on Mondays and Tuesday....... it is posted on their Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/pages/Wakefield-MA/Slice-Pizza-More/192645107993

The gift for someone who has everything? How about one of the "Winterfest" Fundraising Calendars offered by the Hartshorne House Association? Offered now for the third year, the calendar gives you 31 chances to win prizes donated by local and area merchants, including one $150 and one $200 cash prize. Prizes are drawn each day in January, and will be mailed to your home the day it's drawn. Not only is this a unique gift, you're also supporting a local non-profit and a source of great pride to the Town, the 1681 Col. James Hartshorne House. Calendars can by obtained from any Hartshorne House director, via email to nthsh01@aol.com, or by calling the House at 781/245-3935.

Go to Zoo Lights after Christmas. Not as crowded and everything is the same except Santa has gone back to the North Pole. Kids don't seem to mind that he isn't there after Christmas and you can still go on all the rides!

WHO DOESN'T LOVE A DISCOUNT???

WALGREENS
33% off Photos/Posters - Use code: GIFTPICS
33% off Calendars/Photo Books - Use code: ORDER2DAY

THE LIMITED
40% off everything online - Use code: MERRY

PAYLESS SHOE
40% off entire online purchase - Use code: 59863

JOANN FABRIC
50% off one online item - Use code: YER358

RADA boutique is my go-to store in Wakefield, especially for the holidays. She has beautiful items that make great $25-$30 grab gifts like costume jewlrey, wristlets, scarves etc. The blend of consignment and new items make it easy to assemble a fashionable party worthy outfit for not a lot of money. Right now if you "like" her recent status post-picture (its a cartoon about a woman at the Dr. because she's going to die if she doesn't get this handbag) she'll give you %20 off most of the handbags in the store. Here is the link http://www.facebook.com/#!/RadaBoutique - for you men out there who haven't started shopping for the wives yet, let RADA & her elves help you, they are awesome!!!

correction about my post, if you tag yourself in the cartoon you will get the discount.

Hi everyone,

Thanks to all of you who submitted a shopping tip! The contest ended at noon Thursday. We'll announce the winner on Friday.

Mark Ouellette
Editor, Stoneham Patch

That's it for this week's contest. No more entries will be taken. We'll announce a winner tomorrow. Thanks for sharing your shopping tips with others!