SHOPPING: Local businesses offer great stocking stuffers

The holidays are well on their way, and hopefully you've got your holiday shopping finished and gifts wrapped. But if you're anything like me, you're probably still looking for at least a few last-minute items, so I've listed some local shops that are heavy on gift-worthy products.

Julie Anne's Bakery, Cafe and Fine Foods (10895 S. Eastern Ave., 566-9979) carries lots of tasty treats both fresh from the bakery and prepacked, as well as an impressive selection of specialty items, including regional favorites like Dagoba hot chocolate mix, salsas and marinades by Texas on the Plate, and products and cookbooks from Foster's Market. The shop also creates gift baskets, which are either prepacked or tailored to the buyer's budget or interests.

Layers Bakery (2708 North Green Valley Parkway, 221-2253) is also a great option for any dessertaholics on your holiday shopping list. The bakery carries a vast and ever-changing array of tasty treats, baked fresh, warm and deelish daily by Jeanne Forrest, as well as a pleasing selection of coffees and teas.

Las Vegas Paper Doll (231 West Charleston Blvd., 385-7892) stocks cards and oh so much more. Small items like unique notebooks, magnets and decks of cards are perfect for stocking stuffing, and the shop also carries paint-by-numbers, create-your-own-masterpiece kits ($20), smoothie knitting kits ($15), interesting books and fun office supplies.

The Reading Room at Mandalay Place has not only a great selection of books and staff that will be able to help you pick the right book, but a great selection of rare books as well as works that focus on the Las Vegas Valley, which make good gifts for newcomers and natives alike.

Bellies & Blossoms (10271 South Eastern Ave., 255-1100) carries a variety of fun items for moms and moms-to-be, including blankets and diaper bags by Petunia Pickle Bottom ($69-$178), baby slings ($29.95-$34.95) skin care products from Tummy Honey Butter ($19.95), fun tanks and T-shirts and gift certificates.

If you're looking for a gift for an audiophile, Big B's CDs & Records (4761 South Maryland Parkway, 732-4433) is one the best spots in town to search for the sounds of local groups or to find rare or imported recordings by nationally and internationally known artists.

Ethel M Chocolates (One Sunset Way, 800-438-4356) carries gourmet chocolates and candies in prepackaged assortments or you can create your own box of chocolates at the factory or any of the satellite stores throughout the valley.

You also could pamper friends and family with gift certificates for locally owned salons or spas, like Globe Salon (1121 S. Decatur Blvd., 938-4247), which carries gift certificates in any amount.

If you're the super last-minute type, shops in the hotel and casino malls on the Strip will be open, along with the likes of Starbucks for much of the day on the 25th. But you might want to get your rest -- the after-Christmas sales frenzies start on the 26th, and they're sure to test even the most devoted shoppers.

Maria Phelan is a reporter for the Green Valley and Henderson Views. Retail information appropriate for mention can be sent to mphelan@viewnews.com.