Last-minute, off-beat gift ideas in Laguna

If you’re a Laguna Beach resident, you’re probably running late with your holiday gift buying. There are reasons.

For one thing, you rarely leave town, which means a Target run is not convenient. Secondly, it’s a bit of a pain trying to find things. For example, if Forest Avenue were closed to car traffic, it might be easier to stop, walk and shop. But I digress.

Fortunately, I’ve done the shopping reconnaissance for you. Here’s my annual top 12 alternative gift list — only in Laguna, all a little offbeat.

12. Main Beach Toys

(150 Laguna Ave.)

The giant bubble maker is extremely popular right now with both adults and kids. You can get the full package here for $20. Also, the store has your favorite old school toys, including “Indian Archery” with those suction cup arrows where you lick the end for extra staying power.

11. Seaside Soles

(1400 S. Coast Hwy., www.seasidesoles.com)

It’s easy to pass by this small shopping area in midtown, but it’s worth a visit. Located under the Cuban cigar shop, Seaside Soles has some great women’s shoes, plus handmade jewelry by local resident Lynne Curtin. Check out the $298 Italian sandals called Dusica Dusica. You can’t miss them.

10. The Vault Kids

(361 Forest Ave., www.thevaultkids.com)

Owner Gila Leibovitch does a nice job at selecting a range of kid’s clothes, from nice outfits to cute baby onesies. Prices vary.

9. TS Gourmet Shoppe

(1464 S. Coast Hwy., www.selannesteaktavern.com)

Where else can you get an autographed hockey puck, fancy truffles and a $160 Prime NY strip loin to go? Former Anaheim Ducks’ star Teemu Selanne has expanded his restaurant with an adjacent small retail shop. In addition to branded hats and clothes, there’s an assortment of take-out meats, cheeses, desserts and other goodies.

8. Bushard’s

(244 Forest Ave., www.bushardspharmacy.com)

If you run out of Brut, you can get a giant bottle here. Laguna’s beloved downtown pharmacy hasn’t substantially changed since 1960, which is a good thing. Because when you need a “Gold Magic Professional Plastic Conditioning Cap,” this is where you go.

7. Soul Project

(1516 S. Coast Hwy., www.soulproject.com)

Salty … Awesome … Stoked … That’s Soul Project. They make their own one-word T-shirts, and source simple, innovative apparel. With local credentials and street cred, the store gives $1 from every Soul Project item to local kids and environmental charities.

6. BC Space Gallery

(235 Forest Ave., www.bcspace.com)

If the door is ever unlocked at 235 Forest, walk in and go up the stairs. Buy something. There will be odd things, interesting things — photos, maybe, or creative multimedia art. It may be themed to a short-run play going on in the back room. You will not be disappointed.

5. Buy Hand

(670 S. Coast Hwy., www.lagunabuyhand.com)

Owner Kavita Reddy works tirelessly with sister Vidya to find local, charming and affordable handmade items, from bird stained glass to pet bling and home goods.

4. Artisan Works

(1143 S. Coast Hwy., www.instagram.com/artisan.works)

You have until the end of the year to get original Argentine goods. After little more than a year in Laguna, Walter Cholewa and Ginger Demke are closing the store to focus on their shop in Claremont, plus do more online business. You will also be able to find some of their products at a handful of Laguna stores and galleries, including Art for Tomorrow and Laguna Gallery of Contemporary Art.

3. Electric Cyclery

(900 N. Coast Hwy., www.electriccyclery.com)

Now that every country on the planet has agreed to tackle climate change, isn’t it time you do your part? Buy an electric bike. You know you want one. Prices range from about $2,500 to $7,000. My favorite is the Felt Brühaul E-Cargo for $5,000. You can haul a small brew pub on the back in case you get thirsty.

2. The Guitar Shoppe

(1027 N. Coast Hwy., www.theguitarshoppe.com)

Since 1972, you’ve heard young men trying to play “Stairway to Heaven” in this North Laguna store. From lessons to retail and repair, the store caters to musicians of all levels. You can also buy sweet old guitars, such as a $4,500 Epiphone Emperor, used largely by jazz musicians dating back to the 1930s.

1. Charities

And the No. 1 gift suggestion: Give to local nonprofits.

While giving to friends and family is a nice tradition, consider donating money or time to something that will result in real value. Some of my favorites: Boys and Girls Clubs of Laguna Beach; The Friendship Shelter; Laguna Beach Community Clinic; No Square Theatre.

DAVID HANSEN is a writer and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at hansen.dave@gmail.com.