Gift giving list got you down? Don't fret- you can get that seasonal smile back on your face in no time by stepping into Sparkhouse Toys.

For two years now, this South Orange shop was been winning over fans with their whimsical, wonderful takes on toys for kids of all ages. Just walking into the Scotland Road location is all you need to jump start your inner child and/or your Kris Kringle impulses.

From the dual height entrance that greets customers on one side of the shop to the cozy corner book nook on the other, this place is fun and friendly and obviously run by folks who enjoy what they do.

"I love coming to work," says co-owner Celina Herrero, who started out as a frequent customer before joining Michael Casaren as a business partner. "We get really excited about picking out the items we're going to stock- and we balance out each other pretty well because Michael has two boys and I have two girls at home."

Their personal toy testers are obviously pointing them in the right direction because both genders will find plenty of items targeted towards their specific interests and ages (up to tween and beyond for the young at heart)- as well as a large selection of crafts and a fairly large assortment of books.

You'll find the best of the trends and classic games, toys and books stocked here as well as a wide array of off-the-beaten track offerings you'd never find in Big Box stores. You'll also get expert advice from educated and proactive sales associates- something else that sets this Mom and Pop apart.

"We pride ourselves in helping people pick the perfect gift because our staff is exceptionally knowledgeable," says Celina. "We want to help folks find special, unique and creative stuff here," adds Michael.

The Sparkhouse owners are also firm believers that budget need never get in the way of giving a great gift. "There's a BIG difference between inexpensive and cheap," explains Michael. "We work hard to provide people with quality choices at all price points."

"Can you spend $200 on a single gift? Sure," adds Celina. "But you absolutely don't have to. All you need is to take the time to think about your gift and the person you're giving it to."

To prove that point they quickly laid out a large selections of great gifts from $5 to $20. Here's a quick rundown:

$5 and Under: A pint sized Gund (4.99) a retro Smurf figure (3.99) or a tried and true Magic Mic (3.99)

$10 and Under: The clever Switch Pitch (7.99), the hipster Journal Pad & Pen (7.99), the Stick n' Style Rainbow Bangles (9.99) and the truly engaging Just Look 10x Scope (9.99)

$15 and Under: The interactive Spot It game ($12.99), the imagination jump-starting Bubber (14.99) or the groovy Shains (14.98)

$20 and Under: The insanely popular battery powered robot Hex Bug (19.99), Motor Boat Murray (19.99) and the bright, chunky connecting Interstar Rings (19.99)And that's just a small sampling.

So whether you're looking for some last minute Hanukkah gifts or to cross off a chunk of that chubby Christmas list, you can't miss at Sparkhouse. Santa's elves would seriously go green with envy at the ease with which you'll be able to get in and out- wrapping included..and no reindeer required!

Sparkhouse Toys and Books: 15 Scotland Rd, South Orange, NJ 07079 | 973-821-5227