I was on my way to Makana’s recent Ke Kani O Ke Kai concert at the Waikiki Aquarium when this octopus in the gift shop caught my eye. The bright eyes, curling tentacles and large head/body are an accurate representation of the iconic cephalopod (he‘e in Hawaiian), and make it a striking gift for a child or for an adult collector (Wild Republic, $17.50). Kids can learn more about octopi and other interesting animals at www.wildrepublic.com.

—John Berger

Stock up on supplies with bead bargains

Avid beaders know that each bead store has its own niche, whether you want to produce a singular project or stock up on your supply. If you’re into the latter, BeaDazzle in Pearl City is the place to go. While the shop offers beads by the piece, its best feature is beads by the strand, always competitively priced. But the gem here is its membership: For a $25 annual fee, you get deep discounts on each strand you buy, plus deals on tools and other items. And when the shop holds sales, members usually get additional bargains on top of the discounts. Want ideas for how to use the beads you just bought? BeaDazzle owners Amanda and Eddie Lee display dozens of earring and bracelet samples and hold classes for executing their designs. On their website, ibeadazzle.com, you can find about 50 YouTube demonstrations for making beaded jewelry. BeaDazzle is at 98-027 Hekaha St., Building 3 (the pink building), Unit 12. Call 834-8088.

—Joleen Oshiro

Japanese kale powder packs a vitamin punch

I’m always trying to incorporate more vegetables into my diet and fujiKale powder helps me do that effortlessly. I add a scoop to my smoothie or just shake it with water and drink it on the go. The ultrafine powder is 100 percent pure organic kale grown in Japan. A 10.6-ounce pouch costs $69.95, and you get a free shaker cup and recipe book with such ideas as adding the powder to pancakes or meatballs. To order or for information on a free trial offer, visit www.fujikale.com or call 866-226-6481.

—Nancy Arcayna

Sturdy sandals offer style, versatility

A good pair of shoes can make or break my day. While on assignment it is imperative that I have comfortable footwear that works well in a variety of settings — from climbing a mountain to attending a press conference downtown. The Merrell Whisper Bandeau Sandal (shown in Tea Leaf) has filled the job. The grip on the outer sole gives me a sure step and the upper is made from full-grain leather treated with M-Select Fresh for breathability and odor reduction. The adjustable ankle strap can be tightened for intense use or leave it open for more casual situations. Find them online at amazon.com for $75 to $100, depending on size.

—Krystle Marcellus

Serving up s’mores sans campfire

If you ask me, the best thing about camping is the s’mores. Now with Starbucks S’mores Tarts I can get my melty marshmallow, oozing chocolate, toasty graham cracker fix without having to venture outdoors. The folks at Starbucks will heat up the $2.95 tarts for you, but since I usually get my drinks on the go, I prefer to take it at room temperature and stick it in the toaster oven when I’m ready for my afternoon sugar rush. The 3-inch-diameter tart packs in 310 calories so it’s not an everyday indulgence, but I can get it more often than I go camping.

—Donica Kaneshiro

5 Things We Love is a shortlist of newly discovered stuff you have got to see, hear, wear, use or eat. Please keep in mind that featured products may be in short supply and may not be available at all store locations; prices may vary. Tell us what you are loving this week by emailing features@staradvertiser.com.