Local shops offer solutions to last-minute shopping problems

With only 11 shopping days left until Christmas, many people may still be frantically searching for the perfect gift to give to a family member, friend, co-worker or pastor. It can be stressful to constantly battle traffic when heading out of town to shop or to find that perfect gift online only to realize it's out of stock.

To alleviate the stress of looking for the perfect gift the CN has put together a list of hot holiday items that can be found right here in Blytheville at locally owned shops and venues. From keep-sakes and the latest trends to gift certificates for a more personal touch there are a number of great gift ideas just around the corner.

Arkham Comics

Arkham Comics has a wide variety of comic books, calendars and other items.

For the avid reader or perennial geek in your life, Arkham Comics and Used Books has you covered. Owner and operator Sarah Jackson said one of the best gifts to give at Christmas time is a calendar, and Arkham has stocked up in preparation for the new year. From Batman to The Big Bang Theory to Doctor Who, there's no shortage of options, and if you don't see the calendar you're looking for Arkham can often track it down for you.

Hubbard & Hoke

How about a big-screen TV under the tree on Christmas morning. Hubbard & Hoke has several models available.

Furniture can often seem like a nice gift. Items like an Arkansas Razorback themed lamp or a giant flat-screen television or even a cozy chair would make great gifts--for the right person. But Ben Hubbard said furniture is so personal that it's hard to shop for someone else, and recommends taking a different approach.

"Furniture is very personal, but you could certainly come in a pick up a gift certificate so that they can get what they wanted or what they need," Hubbard said.

Day's Mens Store

Southern Point shirts are among the items available at Day's Mens Store.

For the gentlemen in your life, Day's offers a wide selection of menswear and accessories. While some of the brands offered can be picked up in almost any department store, Day's associate Bobby Garner said one the most popular brands in the store is also relatively exclusive to this local shop.

"Shirts and sweaters, in general, are what people go for. But for a lot of guys, especially younger guys, it's going to be Southern Point," Garner said. "We've got stuff for all ages but this Southern Point is probably the hottest stuff we have in the store--and it's pretty exclusive. You can't just get it anywhere. I call it the Polo of the South."

Me & My Sister/Merle Norman

While Me & My Sister offers a number of popular items, owner and operator Lori Hixson said some of the hottest brands they have are Brighton and Vera Bradley, and Hobo wallets are always a popular item. But for this local store it's more about the personal service than the actual items, according to Hixson, particularly around the holidays.

"What's really good, as a local store, is people can come in and pick stuff out, say a daughter or a wife or someone, and we'll hold the items so their mom or husband or whoever can come in and buy them what they want without having to try to guess," Hixson said. "We know our customers and that helps us help our customers even better. In fact, when we go to market we often go with certain people in mind."

Hinson said Me & My Sister also delivers and ships items, as well as offering gift wrapping services.

That Bookstore In Blytheville

That Bookstore In Blytheville has been a source of cherished memories for people across the country for nearly 40 years. With that history in mind, owner Chris Crawley suggested picking up some of the Christmas ornaments the shop has for sale.

For under $10 Crawley said shoppers can give a gift that will be a special Christmas memory to the recipient for years to come with the rather ornate accouterments.

In addition to the ornaments, TBIB also has a large selection of children's toys and games, including sets of old fashioned wooden building blocks, which Crawley said are one of his favorite items in the store.

The Ritz Civic Center

The Ritz serves as the home of the Arts Council of Mississippi County's regular series of events, and with three events coming up for the spring executive director David Lyttle said tickets to these events are not only a thoughtful gift, but also a way to support the local arts program.

Starting on March 20, the Arts Council will present illusionist Reza, followed by the play Della's Diner on April 10, and the Bits 'N Pieces puppet show Rip Van Winkle. Tickets are $20 for the first two events and $10 for the third event.

The Ritz also offers gift certificates available in $5 increments, which can be used at any Arts Council event, as well as sponsorships and patron memberships.

Mailboxes & Beyond

The last step after all of your shopping is done is making sure everyone gets their gifts in time for Christmas, including those who don't live in the area. Mailboxes & Beyond has shoppers covered with a wide variety of services.,

Mailboxes ships with all of the major carriers, including FedEx, UPS and USPS, as well as DHL for international packages. Owner Toby McClanahan said the last day for Christmas delivery is Dec. 17, after that customers have a variety of expedited shipping options that McClanahan said should reach recipients as long as they sent out by the 23.

Along with boxing and packaging services, Mailboxes also offers gift wrapping for any gifts.

"People can come in here and box up their package or they can bring in a whole bag of Christmas presents and we can box them up and make sure they get where they need to be," McClanahan said.

cpinkard@blythevillecourier.com