Ginger queen Cheryl To, the energy bomb behind PacifiKool, has developed a cult following for her ginger syrup. Now she's branching out with crisp, addictive "biscuitti" ($5) and soaps ($4) — all ginger-tinged, of course, and all locally made. You can find PacifiKool at the farmers' markets at Kapi'olani Community College (Saturday) and in Kailua (Thursday). The syrup is also available at R. Field, Tamura's and Fujioka's Wine Times. Everyone likes edible stocking stuffers. For details: 265-9300, www.pacifikool.com.

— Lesa Griffith

GIFT IDEA

LAST-MINUTE PRESENTS

Sansei Hawaii is having a liquidation sale — all T-shirts must go. Tank tops are $3; sleeved shirts are $10. The shirts are dyed and screened with Japanese or Hawaiian motifs (like family crests and taro), or tie-dyed. Sale lasts through Saturday. Back in the '80s everyone had one of these Ts, made from crisp, finely woven cotton. Call 487-6422 to make an appointment to visit the Halawa Valley factory.

— Advertiser Staff

FINAL WORD

"Everybody's making jokes about Japanese girls and the stereotypes. I had no idea I'd be walking into that."

Gwen Stefani | on reaction to her onstage "Harajuku Girls," in Entertainment Weekly