Bermuda offers a treasure chest of shopping from East to West and many intriguing places in between. I traveled from one end to the other in search of interesting gifts for the season. If you have the money the gift or holiday object of your desire is somewhere in Bermuda.

Let us begin in St. George's. The atmosphere here is relaxed and casual as one walks down the quaint streets and alleys unhurried. The sales people are friendly and helpful.

The closer it gets to Christmas, the busier the town is as more and more shoppers are realising that picturesque St. George's really is a gem.

Parking us usually not a problem and it is totally free ! This is the first shopping bargain. The best place to park is off of Water Street, near the Square, in the large parking lot between Belco and Chick's. One can park here all day and it is free.

In the heart of town, and around town, one can only park for one hour between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. in designated spaces.

One of the first places you might like to start your shopping adventure is the Bridge House Gallery located near Water Street and behind Town Hall on No.1, Bridge Street. It is believed to be one of the oldest Bermudian art and craft galleries and offers a fine selection of locally made items such as cedar work, enamel jewellry, and banana dolls.

My favourite attraction here is the art of Jill Amos Raine , a prominent Bermudian watercolourist, who has a permanent display at Bridge House of original paintings, prints and note cards. I particularly admire her works about St. George's and one of her latest works is a view down `Old Maid's Lane' looking towards the harbour. She has a new line of luggage tags and bookmarks too.

Her husband, David Raine , has written several Bermuda books and his newest is: "Solved: The greatest Sea Mystery of them all''.

I am particularly fond of his book, "Bermuda Through Distant Eyes'' which uniquely portrays Bermuda seen through the words and drawings of the nineteenth century. This is an excellent reference book on Bermuda and a signed hard copy costs around $20.

Downstairs in "The Alley Cat'' , find antiques, collectibles, old Bermuda prints, maps, postcards, and collector's bottles. They have something for everyone! Crisson Jewellers, nest door has a fine collection of watches from around the world such as Rolex, Ebel, Cartier, and Seiko to list a few. Look at the Bermuda jewellry collection in gold, silver and coral.

Across the Square is Carole Holding's art gallery of pastel prints and original art work along with her recent additions of jam, mustard and chutney line including fig and apricot chutney and hot chili and carrot chutney. She will have the delicious strawberry and champagne jam and English mincemeat in time for Christmas giving.

Ms. Holding's recent release of "Town of St. George's'' is a perfect gift for the affectionados of the old town. This detailed rendition of most of the old buildings in St. George's is a wonderful idea for the millennium or as a Christmas gift. The matted scene is $19.50 and you may buy it framed from $60.

Also a new item, which is perfect as a gift or stocking stuffer, is her popular 100 percent cotton nightshirts with an hibiscus design also available on sweat shirts which range between $20 to $25.

Carol Holding stores are additionally located on 81 Front Street, Hamilton and Clocktower Mall, Dockyard.

Cracker Box: Offers hand carved wooden mirrors and animals.