BEST BUYS -- greer wylder

Holiday shopping is in full force at Even Sisters on Balboa Island.

“We are ready for Hanukkah and Christmas with the latest from Roxy, Paul

Frank, Toes on The Nose and Cloud Nine Pajamas,” says Helen Shull, owner

of Even Sisters.

All Ty Beanie Babies are $6, and Beanie Babies are $10.

“Also, Balboa Island is the place to be this weekend,” she said. “There

will be a tree-lighting ceremony at the fire station at 3 p.m. on

Saturday, and on Sunday there will be live music and snow for the kids to

play in. At 3:30 p.m., Santa arrives for picture taking and to talk to

the children. At 4:30 p.m., Santa will light the tree while everyone

sings carols. Cookies, cider and coffee will be available.”

The Balboa Island Home Tour is also planned for Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5

p.m. Tickets are available for $15 each at Persimmon Tree, Martha’s

Bookstore, Island Home, Balboa Porch and Even Sisters. “Come join the

holidays with us in a small home town setting on beautiful, fun Balboa

Island,” Shull said. “Even Sisters also offers complimentary

gift-wrapping and enclosure cards.” Even Sisters is at 207 Marine Ave. on

Balboa Island. Call (949) 673-2130 for more information.

A winter wonderland is happening today at the Grant Howald Community

Youth Center, at 5th and Iris in Corona del Mar. Local kids can play in

20 tons of snow from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. During the event, kids can create

holiday crafts, visit with Santa, and compete in a snow creature contest.

The fun event is planned thanks to a generous donation from the Newport

Harbor Elks Club.

Stagecoach Luggage is offering great buys on luggage for the holidays.

Examples of savings include: Skyway Luggage in the Tierra Collection for

50% to 60% off and Briggs & Riley Luggage with an additional 30% off the

sale price on their most popular suiters. All business cases are reduced

by 20% to 70%. All gift items including pens, figurines, games, coasters,

candles, clocks, and animal figurines, are 20% to 50% off. If you mention

reading about Stagecoach Luggage in Best Buys, you’ll receive a free

laminated luggage tag. Stagecoach Luggage is at 2043 Westcliff Drive in

Newport Beach. Call (949) 515-9005 for more information.

Great bargains can be found on antiques at the Antiques 4 You eighth

anniversary clearance sale going on now through the end of the year.

Everything in the store is marked down 10% to 40%. The antique shop is

filled with china, sterling, crystal, jewelry and furniture. Antiques 4

You is at 312 Newport Blvd. in Newport Beach. It’s open six days a week,

Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Call (949) 548-4123 for

more details.

For the best in bedding, stop by the Scandia Down holiday sale at South

Coast Plaza. Included in the sale are cold-weather comforters,

featherbeds and travel-size comforters. The sale lasts through Dec. 31.

Scandia Down is in a new location, at the former Crystal Court side on

the second level of South Coast Plaza. Call (714) 549-9046 for more

information.

Bed, Bath & Beyond is celebrating its grand opening in Costa Mesa at its

new location at 3900 S. Bristol St. The store is stocked full with

kitchen items, bath accessories, linens, towels, bedding, holiday decor,

and all kinds of gifts for adults and kids. The store advertises that it

has the best brands, a huge selection, and that everything in the store

is below sale prices every day.

Zany Brainy is an easy place to find the best in Christmas gift ideas for

kids. The store is packed with the best in toys -- educational toys,

computer games, musical instruments, books, games, arts & crafts, Legos

and more. There are specially priced items available throughout the store

to make shopping easier on parents. It’s at the Corona del Mar Plaza in

Newport Beach. Call (949) 640-5131 for more information.

Hickory Farms has opened a temporary gift center for the holidays at the

Costa Mesa Courtyards at 1835 Newport Blvd. The shop has a complete

selection of holiday food gifts, prepackaged and ready to be delivered.

The store also offers shipping. For phone orders and more information,

call 1-800-541-6176.

* BEST BUYS is published Thursdays and Saturdays. If you know of a good

buy, send a fax to (949) 646-4170 or write to Daily Pilot, Best Buys, 330

W. Bay St., Costa Mesa 92627.