Small, enticing luxuries at Passports

SALISBURY — The alert holiday shopper can find a lot of unusual items for the hard-to-please people on the list at Passports on Main Street in Salisbury.

Recently, Manager Christopher Baetz drew a reporter’s attention to a few items that are pleasant to behold — and that won’t break the bank.

Mainstays such as stretch pearl and stone bracelets ($15) and kimono hair clips ($15) will be familiar to Passports veterans.

And the blue-and-white bowls, at $10 a pop, are just the thing for the person who is just starting out or who loves Asian cooking.

There are socks — some busy, others more restrained — made in the USA (starting at $26). Everybody needs socks.

Never mind boring old candles. At Passports, there are flat candles ($20) made from palm wax that burn slower than paraffin candles, and beeswax candles (made in Copake, $15) that not only burn slower than paraffin but also help reduce indoor pollutants.

Wire placemats, made in South Africa, come in bright colors and dizzying patterns, and are indestructible — just the thing for summer meals involving small children and barbecue sauce ($48).

And with the winter months in mind, be sure to check out the subtle cashmere scarves ($95) and suede gloves with shearling linings, in snazzy colors ($145).