Columnist Muriel Stevens: The wrap on prepping for holidays

Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2001 | 8:22 a.m.

Muriel Stevens' shopping and travel columns appear Wednesday. Her dining column appears Friday. Reach her at 259-4080 or muriel@lasvegassun.com.

The pressure is on.

With the last of the sweet Thanksgiving memories tucked away and the leftovers long gone, it's time to complete the list of gifts to be purchased. Then comes the joy of wrapping (if you choose to do your own). Handing out the carefully chosen presents is the best part, but if you're mailing gifts, don't delay. These are not normal times for the post office.

It might be worth a phone call to learn how packages should be wrapped. If your budget allows, have the packages wrapped for mailing by the experts. There are many Mailboxes Etc. and other mailing outlets all over town, including some in Hallmark stores.

For last-minute shoppers there's always the Internet and mail order. I'm slowly becoming convinced that Internet shopping with all of its caveats can be a good way to go, but I'm shopping local stores first.

The scene is festive at The Grand Canal Shoppes at The Venetian. Old-World charm is the theme, and it's beautiful with miles of holiday decor and festive wreaths everywhere. Central to the decor is the elegant 18-foot tree in St. Mark's Square. Talk about baubles -- the gorgeously adorned tree has cornered the market.

And oh, those Vegas-style elves who stroll through the Grand Canal streets to meet and greet guests and shoppers. These accommodating characters are available for photo ops Friday through Sunday, through Dec. 23.

Fred T. Walters, general manager for The Grand Canal Shoppes, says the elves were such a smash last year they've increased the number. Additional entertainment is available throughout the complex.

Visit Venetian Guest Services to learn about the many holiday promotions and the complimentary Winter Passaportos for locals (18 or older). GCS hours: Sunday through Thursday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight.

Boulevard: Expanded hours and some new stores plus "temporary retail tenants" are among the holiday highlights at Boulevard mall. New at Boulevard are: Fred Meyer's Jewelers, Frederick's of Holiday, Hot Topic (a new and bigger location), Claire's (accessories), Agaci Too (trendy garb for women and teens), Pet Pros (new location at the East main entrance), Glamor Nails and Uniform Sports (team jerseys and sports merchandise). Among the temp outlets are: Hickory Farms, Calendar Club, Gepeddo (collectible dolls) and Pogo's Gift & Holiday Shop. Santa is already in place at Boulevard's Reindeer Wonderland.

Good deed gifts: Help the visually impaired and buy a super gift basket for $55. ISIGHT Center for the Blind is offering holiday gift baskets filled with such goodies as white chocolate popcorn from Danielle's; handmade chocolate specialties from Confections and Bows; Ghiardelli and Lindt's Chocolates; fine cookies; honey-roasted cashews; a special hot fudge topping; and many other treats. Order by phone (have credit card available), Internet (blindcenter.org) or go to the center at 1001 Bruce St. ISIGHT will deliver locally or ship nationally. Call 642-6000.

Holiday hours at Fashion Outlet: Holiday hours for Fashion Outlets of LV at Primm: Standard hours, 10 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Sunday. Christmas Eve, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; closed Christmas Day.