5 Things We Love: Hostess Gifts

Be the guest who brings the best to a holiday host or hostess with these last-minute gift ideas.

1. Island Olive Oil offers tasty option

Waiting until Christmas Eve to do your gift shopping isn’t as dicey a proposition as in years past, as more retailers are staying open until the last minute. The Island Olive Oil Co., a new addition to Ward Centre, is following the trend, open today till 6 p.m. While nothing in the store is actually made in Hawaii, the olive oil sold here is easily the freshest and most diverse available. Island Olive Oil treats its namesake product almost like wine, sourcing it from different regions around the globe and stocking it on shelves within six months or so after the olives have been picked and pressed into oil on the farm. Once you try some, you’ll wonder why people waste their money on the stuff sold in supermarkets. Gifts ready to go include two-bottle infused olive oil and balsalmic vinegar sets starting at $32.95 and a six-pack of 60-milliliter bottles for $39.95. Call 388-8912 or visit www.islandoliveoil.com. — Jason Genegabus

2. Totes carry messages of good cheer

Whether it’s Bollinger Brut or Martinellli’s Sparking Cider, the drink will seem incidental when it arrives in one of local artist Tamar Wong’s recycled cotton canvas wine totes. Messages are printed on both side of the sturdy bags, including "Be Merry" and "Happy New Year!!" for the holidays, as well as "Aloha," "Mahalo," "Celebrate!" and "XOXO" for other occasions. The totes are $16-$18 at So’mace Design in Kilohana Square in Kapa­hulu, Red Pineapple in Ward Centre, Iolani on Kona Street, and Boutiki Gift Shop at Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, and also at Wong’s website, www.happytownhawaii.com. — Christie Wilson

3. Sea salts benefit recipient, sanctuary

For a gift that truly says Hawaii, consider a boxed set of Hawaiian Islands Trading Co.’s Sea Salts of Hawaii. This pack includes three gourmet cooking salts — white Kona, red ‘Alaea and black Uahi — in 2-ounce bottles for $21.95. The salts are harvested from salt farms on Molokai and the deep waters off the Kona Coast. Your purchase will benefit the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, which will receive 1 percent of proceeds for marine debris cleanup at Papahanaumokuakea Marine National Monument. It’s available at the Executive Chef at Ward Warehouse and in Kailua (open today till 6 and 5 p.m., respectively); at Waikiki Aquarium, Iolani Palace and Kualoa Ranch gift stores; and Wai­alua Fresh, 67-071 Nau­ahi St. (open today til 7 p.m.), and at www.seasaltsofhawaii.com. — Nina Wu

4. Wine charms adorn Christmas tree

This glass Christmas tree is charming when decorated with tiny balls that double as wine charms. The Tree Wine Charm Set ($24.95, Pier 1) is the perfect centerpiece at a holiday party, and guests can pick a ball to identify their wine glass. Pier 1 is open until 6 p.m. today at Ward Centers, Pearl Highlands and Kailua. — Donica Kane­shiro

5. Tea towels and utensils add class

Le Jacquard Francais tea towels, made in France, make a classy, colorful gift for a party hostess. The towels ($29 each) come in vibrant anise, fuchsia, orange and turquoise colors. Attach a set of coconut serving utensils ($14) and your favorite salad recipe for an added touch. Find towels and utensils at Place A Design Atelier by Philpotts, 40 S. School St, open today til 4 p.m.; call ahead (275-3075) and they’ll have your items ready to go. Visit www.placehawaii.com. — Nancy Arcayna