Whether I’m writing an “I miss you” card to a mainland friend or saying “thank you” to a thoughtful co-worker, the stationery matters. Miemiko at Ward Centre is full of cute stationery and accessories, many of them made locally. Offerings at the small shop frequently change, so if you see something you love, buy it.

My favorite thing there is Cari Nakanishi’s carefully curated selection of Hawaii-themed cards, many of which she designs, prints and cuts herself on an antique letterpress at home. Whether it’s a tag with a gold-foiled silhouette of Diamond Head (three for $10), a postcard declaring you are “in an aloha state of mind” ($4) or cards printed with “aloha” or “mahalo” ($5.50 to $6.50), the possibilities to charm are endless. She does custom orders, too. Call 277-6999 or visit miemiko.com. — Jermel-Lynn Quillopo, Honolulu

Inspirational jewelry also helps kids be healthy and active

If you need extra inspiration during a tough workout, Momentum Jewelry will help you to keep on going with messages such as “inspire & empower,” “strong is the new beautiful” and “don’t think, just run.” I chose a stretchy black fabric wrap bracelet ($18.99) with “live fearlessly” engraved on a small aluminum oval. The bracelet is comfortable and hand-washable, and also comes in eggplant, red and pink.

Five percent of the proceeds from sales goes to Action for Healthy Kids, an organization that works with schools to teach children to live active, healthy lives. Visit momentumjewelry.com. — Nancy Arcayna

Hand-knit dolls appeal to children and adults

On safari for cute objects at the Andaz resort in Wailea, Maui, I came across a collection of adorable hand-knit dolls by Zubels, an Illinois company. The pink-haired mermaid and smiling crab won me over. Made with cotton yarn and eco-friendly dyes, and filled with polyester, they’re 4 inches long, hand-washable and have a small rattle inside, making them suitable for young children but appealing to all ages.

Find them for $11 each at Andaz’s 24-hour Mokapu Market, 573-1234, or order from zubels.com, where the mermaid is currently out of stock but other ocean-centric dolls, including a jellyfish, turtle, octopus, lobster and whale, can be found. — Elizabeth Kieszkowski

Find Starbucks fave in grocery stores

Though my parents were big coffee drinkers, I preferred tea. Then the principle of least effort came into play, meaning a ready-made cup in the hand is worth the one that would require patience, a kettle or microwave, and a tea bag. Still, it was easy to bypass Starbucks unless a certain flavor (Pumpkin Spice Latte) was in season. Then Skinny Vanilla Latte came along.

And now, who needs a barista? I buy Starbucks Iced Espresso Classics’ Skinny Vanilla Latte in the cold-beverage aisle at the grocery. This anytime caffeine fix — good hot or cold — has 70 calories in an 8-ounce serving. A 40-ounce bottle was $5.49 at Target in Kailua. — Cindy Luis

Toaster oven boasts roll-up door to free counter space

My new Hamilton Beach convection toaster oven has an innovation I really enjoy: Its angled door rolls up rather than folding down. The advantages include not having to reach into the oven, making burns less likely, and having more working space to prep food right in front of the oven. The design also deters the impulse to stack things on the oven, creating a fire hazard.

It also takes up less counter space than my old toaster oven despite having the same 12-inch capacity. It was $69.99 from bedbathandbeyond.com with free shipping. — Stephanie Kendrick