Find Last-Minute Gifts Right Here

Okay, it's two days before Christmas and you still have to buy gifts for a couple of people on your list. What to buy and where to buy it?

Don't despair. There are plenty of places to go right here in Barrington if you're a last-minute shopper. And shopping locally helps your friends and neighbors who run Barrington businesses as well.

Here are some last-minute gift ideas -- some downright interesting and unique -- that can be found right in stores on County Road or Maple Avenue. You can finish off your holiday shopping without visiting those big box stores.

Let's start with , operated by George and Susan Tamer, on County Road near Rumstick Road and the Barrington Shopping Plaza.

"To Go Cups" for hot and cold drinks make good stocking stuffers. They cost only $6.99.

Flavored olive oils and balsamic vinegars would please most kitchen aficionados on your list. They range in price from $14.95 to $17.95.

A wine box to tote your favorite grape product is $21.50.

In the same display is a picnic blanket that rolls up and looks like a purse: $21.

Check out the "Sloggers" rubber shoes and boots -- great for gardening or any household chore. There are even pairs for doctors nurses and other medical care workers, said George Tamer.

A Craftsman Dog Bone wrench makes a great gift for that do-it-yourselfer. It costs $24.99.

Need to water plants while you are out of town? Try the Aqua Globes for only $9.99.

Moving right along: Do you have a pet-lover in your life? Or maybe you want to splurge on your dog or cat?

on Waseca Avenue is the place to shop.

Gift baskets filled with toys and treats make great gifts at $15.75, said owner Karen Lynch. Or try a coffee mug filled with dog treats at $15.50.

Do you own a big dog? A very big dog? A Mammoth Bone about a foot long taken from a steer could be the perfect gift at $10.75.

Actual elk antlers cut down to a manageable size for a smaller dog will send them into a chewing frenzy, Lynch said. The price is $19 and they don't splinter.

"Pupcakes" make tasty treats as well. The small ones are $2.50; the large ones are 50 cents more.

How about a Hugglehound stuffed toy. They range in price from $11.50 to $16.50.

Not far away on Maple Avenue is , one of Barrington's favorite gift shops and florists for more than 30 years.

Owner Lois Coppolino walks first to the Mark Roberts ferries that also help to decorate her store. Each ferry is a limited edition, she said. They come in three sizes starting at $42.50.

Lampe Berger scented oil burners can enhance any room and match any decor, she said. They are priced at $53.

Jack Black bath and body products will delight any man on your shopping list. And not far away in a separate display are Kai body wash and perfumes that range in price from $38 to $78.

Want to buy an actual tree for a friend or family member to plant in their yard or garden?

Drive on down Maple Avenue to . Seeds of Life spruce and cedar saplings cost $33.

Hollie Smith's gift shop also offers Sea Bags that make perfect wine or beverage carriers. The bags are made of recycled sails, she said. Price is $29.

An interesting array of painted drinking glasses with favorite scenes of Rhode Island, Cape Cod and even the North Pole sell for $10.95.

Do you have someone on your list who is a reader? Or you want to buy an unusual toy or play item?

Head on over to in the Barrington Shopping Plaza.

The store, celebrating its 25th anniversary, offers books of all kinds for children and adults, and it has an array of toys and puzzles that you won't find in the big box stores.