Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.   A gift shop attached to a restaurant, a gas station, an office supply store and a liquor store are all located across Hwy. 119 from the downtown Nederland area. Pedestrians walk in the area every day. Although these facilities are off the beaten track, they could contain that perfect gift for someone you know.

Just a block away from the downtown Nedestrian walking area, the Kathmandu Gift Shop is usually closed, but it is always open if you just ask at the restaurant. Resham Gurung, Kathmandu’s owner, would be happy to let you in to see all the gifts from Nepal.

Resham says she has ordered many new items from people who are still recovering from the earthquake that destroyed their homes earlier in the year.

“It takes a long time to rebuild their houses and things are delayed even further because there is now a gas shortage. It would help them to know people are buying their work in America.”

Warm, colorful jackets, knit hats, mittens, jewelry and exotic, brilliant clothing may be found in the Kathmandu shop and all items will have a 10 percent discount during November and December. When the shopping is done, there is a mug of hot chai and the restaurant’s popular buffet.

Next to the Kathmandu, the Peak Wine and Spirit Shop can be a one-stop for the wine, beer and liquor that makes the holidays festive.

Shooters always make great stocking stuffers. At the counter is a selection of tequila skull shooters for those who want to drink uniquely.

Peak owner Karen Fletcher says the Wild Women Wines are on sale, just in case you might know someone who fits the bill. She says she has a good selection of pumpkin beers and all the “ation” ales: Jubilation, Hibernation and Accomadation. Boxed liquor and glass sets, such as Bailey’s Irish Whiskey will also be abundant.

At the Business Connection, the holiday spirit reigns, with boxes full of wrapping paper, Christmas cards and all one needs to ship their gifts.  Adult coloring books, such as Optical Illusions, have been selling well and art supplies are always in demand during the holidays. Find do-it-yourself cards and gifts to Grandparents.

Business Connection will offer a 15 percent discount on Black Friday and the following Saturday. Check out the original Nederland Exposure t-shirts and hoodies.

On the northwest corner of the roundabout, the Smoker Friendly Store looks kind of isolate while the facility replaces underground gas tanks and builds a new shelter structure, but inside, the shelves are filled with shiny glass pipes in diverse designs: Star Wars, Minnie Mouse and Garfield novelty pipes.

The shop has a diverse inventory of smoking products as well as no-smoking products, such as e-cigarettes and vapor pens, which could be a great gift for someone trying to kick the habit.

There will be a 15 percent discount in the marijuana section. The shop will resume selling gas at the end of the year.

Walking around town can be inspirational. Think outside the box this season, but think locally.