Holiday Gift Guide 2005	On an Hour's Work by Devon Dams-O'Connor

Just because you don’t have a ton of cash for gifts doesn’t mean that you have to spend hours crafting it’s-the-thought-that-counts holiday keepsakes, or avoiding people on your gift list until after the New Year. Here are ten bargain gifts under $10 (still more than an hour’s worth of minimum wage in New York State) that will deliver more value than you might expect.

Flavor

Rosemary is a fragrant, savory herb that looks a lot like a small Christmas tree (only tastes much better). Pick up a potted rosemary plant at Lexington Co-op (807 Elmwood Ave.) for $7.99, and spruce it up with a red ribbon on top; the aspiring cook on your list can take it from decoration to dinner after the holidays.

Revenge

Of course you have naughty friends. Bring them a not-so-nice voodoo doll (pictured right) for $5.25 from Positively Main Street (773 Elmwood Avenue), which includes white and black pins for casting both good and evil spells. Just make sure you won’t be on the receiving end of a nasty ritual to come; impotence or a visit from the IRS may befall you.

Nostalgia

Surprise mom with an assortment of the sweets she grew up with, like Boston Baked Beans, Zagnut bars, candy cigarettes, rock candy, lace licorice, or Beeman’s chewing gum. The candy counter at Vidler’s 5 & 10 (694 Main Street, East Aurora) is full of time-tested candy bars and big glass candy jars that hold countless combinations of old time flavors, ranging from a few cents to just under a dollar apiece.

Buzz

With the sheer number of wines now globally available, it’s easier than ever to find an inexpensive bottle of wine that doesn’t come with a twist-off cap. Look for one with a funny name, or try a top-rated 2001 Canyon Road Chardonnay for only $7.99 from Prime Wines (3445 Delaware Ave., Kenmore) or a nice-priced red from Vino Aroma (5223 Main St., Williamsville).

Sparkle

A gift that comes in a little box automatically says expensive. At Harold’s Curiosity Shoppe (63 Allen Street), you can strike it rich with authentic $4 to $6 vintage sparkly cocktail rings and chunky beaded or pendant necklaces that this year’s designers are copying with a vengeance—and charging upwards of $40 for.

Play

For the little people on your list, why not give a gift that peels them away from the TV? Paul’s Teacher’s Pet (corner of Transit Road and Main Street in Williamsville) sells checkers, chess, a Barrel of Monkeys, giant pick-up sticks, puzzles, and card games ranging from $1.34 to $5.39 each. Clayton’s Gifts and Toys (5225 Main St, Williamsville) and The Treehouse (754 Elmwood Ave.) both have great grab boxes of small, affordable gifts for wee ones.

Confidant

Companionship is priceless, and goldfish only cost 10 to 15 cents each at most pet stores. With a wide glass vase from the dollar store, plus a bag of gravel and a jar of food for $1.29 each at Elmwood Pet Supplies (706 Elmwood Avenue), you’ve got gift that will love someone back.

Sound

Scavenge around Amvets or The Antique Man (234 Allen Street) to find a bundle of records that your parents dug when they were dating, or that support a friend’s recent retro habit. Albums in decent shape range from $1 to $6 each. Or head to the used CD bins at a local shop, like New World Record (765 Elmwood Ave) or Record Theatre (1800/3500 Main St.).

Implements

Ah yes, tools for Christmas. You can pick up a wooden-handled grill spatula and tongs with leather cords for hanging, each for $1.99, at any Valu Home Center. To light their fire, choose either a package of 90 9” heavy-duty matches or a butane wand lighter for $1.99. What a nice set for the bar-b.

Amusement

Why not treat someone to an afternoon of throwing things? $6 covers two games of bowling and two slices of pizza at Voelker’s (686 Amherst Street), where games are only $1 on Sundays—funky shoes included.