Domestic Bliss n Domestic Bliss, 166 W. Main St. in Mesa, is a shabby-chic lover’s dream. The frilly yet rustic union of the boutique’s decor and merchandise makes it the perfect stop for those looking for a unique gift. Domestic Bliss stocks an array of Petunia Picklebot-tom bags, from the handy diaper bag ($177) to a cute clutch ($62) and a take-me-anywhere hobo ($145). The shop’s walls are covered in sweet, thoughtful wooden signs by SugarBoo Designs, starting at $200. Don’t miss the Cupcake Bath Bombs ($13.95). They are hidden among a table of real sweets, look-ing so authentic you’ll want a bite.

Watch USA TODAY reporter Jayne O’Donnell give tips on shopping at local merchants.

Modern Mommy n Modern Mommy, 3355 W. Chandler Blvd. No. 3 in Chandler, is a one-stop shop for new moms, expectant moms and happy-to-shop grandmas. The boutique offers a range of baby and mom supplies, from glitzy dresses and dapper pint-sized fedoras to breast pump rentals and coveted nursing bras in larger sizes. The fuchsia and sequin Cach Cach dress ($74.99) is irre-sistible. And bring Grandma along. She’ll find gifts such as tea sets, a high-end play pram and baby legwarmers, and you’ll find a lactation consultant and swaddle blankets.

Find bliss, bling, baby slings at local shopsFrom downtown Mesa to Old Town

Scottsdale, the Phoenix area has plenty of pickings when it comes

to stylish boutiques offering of-the-min-ute trends, fun gifts and vintage gems. Here are a few ideas for unique holiday gifts from small, independent merchants.

Amy Inc. n Chunky knits are this season’s hit, according to Amy Yount, owner of Amy Inc., 7144 E. Stetson Dr. No. 140 in Scottsdale. She’s seen them on celebrities and seen them flying out the door. “It’s more ca-sual,” Yount said of the sweater versus a jacket. “We’re so casual here, so it works.” She carries the folklore shawl ($308), seen recently on Katie Holmes, and stocks handbags from Nicole Richie’s line, House of Har-low, ranging from $220 to upwards of $600.

Decadence Boutique n If it’s jeans you’re look-ing for, specifically jeans with rhinestone-embla-zoned pockets, head to Decadence Boutique, 2055 S. Power Road in Mesa. There you’ll find oodles of denim, including LA Idol ($40), Miss Me ($99) and Miss Chic ($30). The store just started carrying LA Idol’s girls and plus sizes as well.

BY LISA NICITAPHOTOS BY RUSSELL GATES

Vintage by Misty n Misty Guerriero isn’t sur-prised when someone lets out a gasp at the sight of the Chanel Spectator shoes ($575) she has on display at Vintage by Misty, 818 N. Central Ave. in Phoenix. They are awe-inspiring, rare and right in line with the type of items she stocks at her boutique. She

is happy she brought her store downtown. “I love downtown,” she said. “People want it.” Shop vintage Pucci, Chanel, Oscar de la Renta, and YSL, or buy Missoni fabric by the yard for $120. Don’t forget to try on a designer button ring at the jewelry case.

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