Following what has seemed like a continuous flow of store closings in Hamilton, some shoppers may be feeling the pinch when it comes to finding unique items for friends or family this Christmas season. However, by turning west, you’re likely to find a wide variety of gift choices.

Dockyard has long been a forgotten gem in most people’s minds, however, the efforts of the West End Development Corporation over the last ten years or more has seen an increasing number of standout, uncommon and quaint shops opening their doors, particularly at the Clock Tower Mall.

Definitely one of the most unique is Bermuda Triangle, which offers a wide selection of novelties and curios, including photo albums, jew-ellery boxes, candles and incense and many other home accents. Many of the items have a hand-crafted quality that distinguishes them from items that can be purchased elsewhere. The store also carries a wide variety costume jewellery for ladies, young and old, of all tastes, including bracelets, necklaces, earrings and rings, as well as comfortable, casual clothes made from natural fibres.

Just next door is the House of Stewart, which features products all from Thailand, including dress ware, jewellery and other accessories for women. Unique in its purpose, the House of Stewart is run by Keith and Pu-yi Stewart as a part of a ministry to the people of Pu-yi’s homeland, Thailand. Much of the funds earned from the store go right back into providing for a variety of spiritual and practical needs for the people of Bangkok, Pattaya and other cities and villages throughout the Thai countryside.

If ethnic-inspired home accents in warm hues and rich jewel tones might be the perfect gift for you this season, then the Turkish and Moroccan items from The Enchanted Grand Bazaar might be just the place to shop. One of the featured gift items are the novel hanging glass lanterns. . Enchanted Grand Bazaar also features a wide selection of beautifully intricate woven bed coverings, pillow cases and table runners. While most of the products at the Littlest Drawbridge are souvenir items, the shop also features a beautiful collection of extraordinarily carved boxes and other trinkets.

Does the lady in your life like to adorn herself in ethnic-inspired clothing and accessories? Jazzy Cat carries a wide selection of blouses, skirts, dresses and more. They also have a novel selection of leather shoes and purses, as well as other accessories. Artisan Christa Leduc is the genius behind the stunning pieces available at Wire Art Jewellery. Her interest in creating stain glass decorations led her to seek out a way to use the leftover pieces, rather than simply trashing them. As a result, five years ago, she began to explore jewellery making.

If artwork is what you are seeking, the Picturesque Gallery and the Michael Swan Gallery both offer a wide selection. Picturesque features the work of photographer Roland Skinner, including prints in a variety of sizes, as well as his books. The Michael Swan Gallery features the artwork of renowned local artist, Michael Swan, best known for his simplistic renditions of Bermudian architecture and the plays of light and shadow.

With the arrival of the Spirit of Bermuda, the Bermuda Sloop Foundation has opened a shop to sell a variety of wares, including shirts and hats, as well as other clothing items, featuring the foundation’s logo, prints of the ship and other memorabilia. Of course, there is a lot more on offer for those willing to head to the West End. Also at the Clock Tower Mall are outlets of Pulp and Circumstance, the Bermuda Bookstore, Calypso, Coopers, Crissons, Iana, E.R. Aubrey, Makin Waves, Mambo and Davison’s, all well-known Hamilton shops. Beyond the mall, there is also Dockyard Glassworks, the Bermuda Rum Cake Company, Bermuda Clayworks, the Arts Centre and the Craft Market.

<@$p>Take a trip and rediscover the Dockyard