Great Last-Minute Gifts & Stocking Stuffers

Don’t Be Caught Empty-Handed Over the Holidays

David Lee Shopping

Gift-giving plans can go awry, so expect the unexpected. The following suggestions can help you keep your emergency holiday gift stash stocked.

Everyone loves candles. HOME 101 in Palm Springs carries one of the largest collections of quality scented candles in the desert, including brands Aquiesse, Diptyque, Thymes (including the wonderful holiday collection “Frasier Fir”), and Voluspa. It is the only outlet in the Coachella Valley offering Nest Candles by Laura Slatkin. You’ll also find a large assortment of diffusers and room sprays to round out your home-fragrance needs.  www.home101store.com

Friends and family who love to cook will be amazed at your thoughtfulness when you hand them a boxed spice collection from SAVORY SPICE SHOP on El Paseo in Palm Desert. This well-appointed store offers a generous array of herb, spice, salt, and pepper gift-box combinations. Even the gift-box decorations — cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, star anise, and nutmeg — are edible. www.savoryspiceshop.com

Next time you’re driving by ACE HOTEL & SWIM CLUB in Palm Springs, stop in and invest in fun and quirky gifts that will surely put a smile on the receiver’s face. A full line of logo items, including hoodies and T-shirts — some sporting Ace’s favorite coyote — are available, as are Ace Swim Club towels. Stamped leather coasters can be yours for $5 each. www.acehotel.com/palmsprings

Everyone enjoys a nice, relaxing cup of tea. So why not keep a few special tins handy just in case? TEAVANA on El Paseo offers dozens of varieties and combinations of herbal or black teas or Silver Yin Zhen Pearls, one of the world’s rarest teas. A variety of tins and gift bags/boxes are available. www.teavana.com

Golf lovers will go for a gift of a round on Palm Desert’s CLASSIC CLUB links or accessories and golf wear from the pro shop. Home of the Bob Hope Classic from 2006 to 2008, this club is open to the public and offers gift certificates in any amount for either golf and pro-shop purchases or food and beverages, including pit stops at the beautiful Bellatrix Restaurant. Call ahead for easy pick-up. www.classicclubgolf.com

Satisfy those who love to entertain with Bodum coffee brewers, mugs, kitchenware, and glassware from 5001 HOME COLLECTION in the Palm Springs Uptown Design District. This shop offers great kitchen tools, as well as a plethora of serving pieces. Dazzle and delight with the Guzzini Collection — a hot line of colorful Italian ware. Its two-container service set and elegant white porcelain mugs with colored handles are winners. 760-778-4488.

Go beyond impulse shopping and into extravagance with a visit to DESERT EUROPEAN MOTORCARS on Highway 111 in Rancho Mirage. Consider celebrating the 50th anniversary of the classic James Bond 007 movie series by driving an awesome Aston Martin off the lot. Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Audi, Porsche, Maserati, Lotus, Jaguar, Land Rover — they’re all available for the taking and those cool key fobs make fabulous stocking stuffers. www.deserteuropean.com