The Star’s hunter-gatherer, Durell Godfrey, went looking for the frivolous, the silly, and the delightful. Wanting an antidote to heavy current events, lightness became her goal. Here’s what she shined her personal light on:
LIGHTLY (1 of 12)
This retro looking balsa- wood glider has two wing positions, one for distance and one for tricks. The scientific name of balsa wood is ochroma lagopus and it is one of the lightest, least dense woods there is. The highlight of any kid’s day is flying one. Easy assembly, too. $21.
Elizabeth Dow, 14 Gingerbread Lane, East Hampton.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
STARLIGHT (2 of 12)
Folksy and graphic this star will lighten your spirits every time wish upon it. Hang it over the fireplace, in a child’s room, or in front of a picture window to frame the view. Made from vintage wooden rulers, no two exactly alike. $165.
Hamptons Gather, 94 Newtown Lane, East Hampton.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
ENLIGHTEN (3 of 12)
This illustrated series of books about extraordinary women is a perfect way to encourage daughters, granddaughters, and, yes, sons and brothers, too. It is never too early to present role models to children. And adults can always learn a thing or two. Shine on, superstars! $14.99 each.
Stella and Ruby, 144 Main Street, Sag Harbor.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
LIGHTS OUT (4 of 12)
Hurricane lamps are essential for power outages, but very nice when you just want a little glow on the deck. Use with a lighted big fat match, or battery-powered candle if you might fall asleep. Made of teak vines, these are graphic and nontraditional. $459 the pair. Battery candles $54 each. (A great housewarming or wedding gift, too.)
Rumrunner Home, 330 Montauk Highway, Wainscott, and 62 Hampton Road, Southampton.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
CANDLELIGHT (5 of 12)
We all know it is better to light a candle than to curse the darkness. Using vintage candle holders makes it even better. These are are made from Vaseline glass, also known as uranium glass because it glows green under ultraviolet light. Circa late 1800s.
$185-$245 per pair. Nellie’s of Amagansett, 230 Main Street, Amagansett.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
LIGHT WEIGHT (6 of 12)
Copper travel tins have a true vintage book plate look. Each holds a two-wick candle to scent your room with fragrances designed to evoke the spirit of the author for which each is named (the Poe candle has a hint of absinthe). Many authors to choose from, and each beautiful label has an author quote. A grand gift. $9.95 each.
BookHampton, 41 Main Street, East Hampton.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
NIGHT LIGHT (7 of 12)
You know this little Pac-Man ghost. Now he lights up and changes color. You can even make it change color in time to music. The hunter-gatherer likes it as a night light. Comes with a USB cord. and your adapter plugs it in anywhere. Eight inches tall, but you might want a bunch lined up on the mantel for New Year’s Eve. $39.99.
Kites of the Harbor, 75 Main Street, Sag Harbor.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
TWILIGHT (8 of 12)
’Tis the season for beach walks and watching great sunsets as the light fades. Take the chill off with a little libation from this nifty flask in the shape of a flounder. A fun gift for an angler, or the groomsmen at a beach wedding. $35. Annyx, 150 Main Street, Sag Harbor.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
DELIGHT (9 of 12)
Is there anything lighter than a bubble? Bubble blowing is irresistible for little kids and senior citizens. Buy these by the case for picnics and parties. Keep a stash for stocking stuffers. $1.95 each.
Stevenson’s Toys, 66 Newtown Lane, East Hampton.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
HIGH LIGHT (10 of 12)
Moderne, midcentury, mod, retro, or just plain cool, this floor lamp will send light all over the place. The arms are moveable and you can adjust the shades to light a dark corner, highlight a sculpture, or read The Star. On-off switch is on the floor for an uncluttered look. $1,129.
inHOME Design, 132 Main Street, Sag Harbor.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
LIGHTER (11 of 12)
Birthday candles, fire pits, campfires, bonfires, or romantic evenings all need something to light that fire. These long-stemmed matches come with a convenient striker on the label. The screw top keeps them dry, even at the beach. $16.
Country Lane Studios, 85 Main Street, Sag Harbor.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
NEON LIGHT (12 of 12)
The hunter-gatherer, like everyone else, misses the sign on the Sag Harbor Cinema and hopes there will be (neon) light in the Harbor again. You can read about a century of movies, from the silents to the last independent, which were shown at the single-screen theater. $35.
Sylvester + Co., 103 Main Street, Sag Harbor, Harbor Books, 20 Main Street, Sag Harbor, Guild Hall, 158 Main Street, East Hampton, Parrish Art Museum, 279 Montauk Highway, Water Mill.
Photo by Durell Godfrey
