Season's Greetings '90 Shopping malls stock unusual gifts 9 r a lis the season of | goodwill and cheer .1. ... and worn-out wal lets and tired ideas What is worse than the last-minute Christmas rush is not having the vaguest idea what gifts to buy for family, friends, or for that special someone in your life. Add to that a lean student budget, and options appear acutely limited. But fret no more. If you’re not particular about the con ventional present and are not averse to giving something unusual or funky, here are some alternative gift sugges tions that'll not only lighten up someone's Christmas and your pocket as well, but prob ably get you extra credit for innovation. All stores are at Valley River Center. NORTHLANDS GIFTS The store’s pretty, intri cate, hand crafted and hand painted ceramic and porcelain figurines make excellent col lectibles or elegant mantel pieces for the home From elaborate doll and cute cherub sets, to special animal, plate and cot tage/townhouse collections (some in limited editions), there's something to please every whim and fantasy. Especially for this season, of course, are the lovely nativ ity pieces that’ll definitely add some festive sparkle to the home. Prices range from as low as $6 for a simple piece to $70 for the limited editions. THINGS REMEMBERED For that personalized touch, this store offers cus tom engraved gifts. A broad selection of gifts and commemorative items are available and the staff will personalize from one to 1000 pieces to meet your needs and etch everything to your specifications, even custom logos and designs Clocks, key chain, pens, Photo by Potloo Unusual gilts can ba found at Valley River Center, including the Illusion Kaleidoscope, which sells for $30. memo pads, coasters, name plates, frames — you name it, they'll do it. And it's nice to know that all that service comes to as little as $6 for an engraved key-chain Average prices range from $15 $40 depending on complexity of design NATURAL WONDERS This is the place to go for the weird and wonderful This is a specialty gift store thriving with products that are either derived from or related to nature. Two hot items now from the store: the Illusion Kaleido scope, and the Laser Disc The kaleidoscope is filled with light oil, crystals and sparkle stones that float by the prisms within the kaleido scope, creating a myriad of colors and shapes The disc, popularly known as the "Laser Dazer," is a met al disc with a holographic de sign When spun like a top. it throws off different light de signs and shapes Pick it up for just $5 HK LIMITED Though it appears to be pri marily a retro houseware store, it stocks some rather novel items as well. For those frustrating mo ments when you just want to vent steam but can't afford to get your hands on anything but a pillow, try Stress-X, a 1 Accessories VALLEY RIVER CENTER - 344-2267 squishy, tough, rubbery mate rial shaped into a thick head Just squash the life out of it whenever you're in the mood Also, there's a punching bag version called "Wham It," where you can attach a pic ture of someone or something you wish to sock it to Both cost $10 50 each For those with a star fetish, give the life size Hollywood card board stand ups The ce lebrities in line include Mari lyn Monroe and James Dean ($25). DOLAN'S BRIAR SHOP Hats and cigars of all varie ty are the staples of this store But the more popular items now are: crushed rock critters and statuettes at $17 50; Indian pottery from $20; and pewter fantasy items the likes of dragons and wiz ards from $10. Ming Rodrigues Grand Opening I haw*! iukhkuI mail vAIaI^ ,rmj«nv in it* utth W*f . 4 *{*-» uli/in* in (hr vuituff o4 t< ?> ■ » .^vaiay it* ftf«< .*aW-« *t»** frat'Kinf denv • »«*■ * limJ tanipi^t «m! unHjur ht>liJa> gift a flrram *tpm tfv wavIU I milfd ia «hr I ifthfvnrl I S I M H) Nun II * Shibumi: The Japan Store SUCKIN' AROUND FOR THE HOLIDAYS? COME JOIN THE CROWD AT Monday Night Pitcher Party Night $ 1.75 pitchers of beer Wednesday Night College Budget Night 25< Beer 75C Mixed Drinks Thursday & Friday Nights Comedy Night Shows start at 9:00pm Saturday Night Ladies Night Cash giveaways and other prizes 343*4734 • 2222 Centenial Blvd \t inbrr /WU J * All prices include shipping within the continental IS Three Jar Gift *$20.50 I'hrcc |.irs ol preserves or fudge loppings hi an exquisite red