Lots O' Gift Choices For Under $20

, a Stonington borough shop known for its reasonable prices, also succeeds magnificently as a fabulous place for gifts under $20. Among the thousands and thousands of pairs of earrings, you'll find plenty to meet your $20 limit. The store, at 141 Water St., also carries an array of necklaces, pendants, charms and bracelets that fall under the magic number.

All of the silver jewelry is genuine sterling. A circle charm bracelet goes for $12.75; dangly leaf earrings for $15.85 and triple star earrings for $15.85. A pair of Paua shell earrings in a silver design is $15.50, while a moonstone and amethyst pendant can be yours for $19.75, along with a silver snake chain at $11.75.

The store also carries art glass and a varied selection of amber in big (some very big) and small pieces. Dangly cognac amber earrings in an oval swirl go for $16.95, while an amber ring and teardrop earrings, go for $19.50 and $12.50, respectively. Multi-colored amber earrings in green, cognac and yellow are $19.75.

With gold prices so out-of-reach, browse the selection of Vermeil pieces, which are sterling silver plated with real gold. Handmade iolite, antique-style Vermeil earrings sell for $15.75, while a chain goes for $8.50 and modern disc dangle earrings for $16.85.

Just up the way, at 149 Water St., offers cobalt blue and bright yellow mugs for $10. For $13, add biscotti, candy canes and a little gift-wrap and you've got the perfect gift for teachers, babysitters or hosts. And, don't forget the coffee. You'll find a wide selection of coffee beans, from morning blend and Tiramisu to Colombian and Antigua Guatemalan, all at $13 a pound. 

In downtown Mystic, the at 7 W. Main St., ranks as an under $20 wonderland. First, there's the Seagull Poop Bags for $4.99. No poop in these bags; only chocolate nonpareils. And in the $5.99 Thank You bags, as in thank you for watching the kids, house, dog, bird, cat, fish, you'll find chocolate-covered pretzels. The Shoppe makes all of its chocolate, fudge and ice cream. You can buy a pound of fudge for $12 in varieties such as cranberry nut, Rocky Road, mint chocolate and butter pecan. Don't even get me started on the truffles at $16 for 6 in flavors of strawberry, raspberry and cherry bomb.

Over at Mystic Green, across from Olde Mistick Village, you'll find handmade ornaments for $8.95 at Cape Cod Crafters at 12 Coogan Blvd. Made by Sakonnet Pottery in Rhode Island, the porcelain ornaments will suit many on your list, including golfers, new parents and cat and dog lovers. A multi-faceted Christmas Mistletoe Kissing Krystal shines bright and is said to hold magical powers from the soul of the mighty oak tree–for $11.99.

Wishing you a happy one.