Elves may have have all year to make the presents, but most shoppers spend less than two months finding the right items to give as Christmas presents.

For some shoppers, all their Christmas shopping will be done in the last few days before Christmas. For those who procrastinate, there are still opportunities to find the perfect gift.

The fear factor

"We're finding that it's starting a bit early this year," Bob Linn secretary Mary Linn said Friday. "We're getting panic calls - people saying 'I need help.' Usually, we see it a couple days before Christmas. But on the 19th?"

Diamonds are a girl's best friend

"We have a three-stone diamond pendant. The three stones represent the past, present and the future," Allyn's Jewelers manager Georgia Frazier said.

Frazier said one unusual item for that last-minute shopper could be the globe oil lights. The elegant globes are filled with oil and can be added to floral centerpieces or brass candlesticks.

"Candles, potpourri, things that have a 'homey' touch, are always popular with women," Country Blessing co-owner Peggy Harrison said.

The Coal Grove businesswoman said cake candle arrangements that come in a variety of scents are always safe bets for Christmas gifts.

"They sell well all year long but they're especially popular at Christmas," Harrison said.

Adults and children are picking up copies of the "Stranger In The Woods" books.

Harrison also suggested fresh flower arrangements and planters make delightful holiday gifts.

Still can't decide what she wants? Hostess With The Mostest owner Mindy Schneider said a personalized gift basket may be just the ticket.

"We can pack them with gourmet food, coffees, candy, bubble bath," Schneider said. "The baskets with bubble bath and bath salts and scrubbies are very popular. I did one that had a 50s theme: it had Fifties music and a little pink poodle in it." Prices range from $10 to $150. Schneider said the baskets aren't just foe women: she makes customized baskets for children and men as well. "I made a Harley Davidson basket once. It had a neckerchief, some motorcycle paraphernalia, and some chocolate," Schneider said.

Guy gifts

"For men, there are money clips, some of them have diamond studs. There are key rings, and both the key rings and the clips can be engraved."

Frazier said this year's hot item is the Tiger watch, a $39.95 creation to satisfy the spirit of Ironton sports fans.

"We've probably sold four dozen of them," Frazier said. OSU watches and UK watches are selling well, too.

Young at heart

Frazier said Spidel ID bracelets work well for young people as well as Christmas mugs filled with a votive candle.

"We're selling a lot of school spirit stuff," Bob Linn secretary Mary Linn said. "We sell a lot of beanies, hoods with decals. We're selling a lot of OSU apparel this year.

We're selling a lot of jackets, school gym bags, sweat suits. These are really for all ages."

When all else fails…

Still looking for that perfect gift? One size may indeed fit all. Most stores gladly sell gift certificates, as do most restaurants and supermarkets.