Shoppers looking to find something different this year can find an assortment of gadgets, ornaments and collectibles at stores and shops in Fairfax County.

At Edible Arrangements on Lee Highway in Fairfax, shoppers can order a bouquet that serves as a declaration of affection and a meal. Using a combination of fruits, chocolates and toothpicks, employees fashion food into flower arrangements. Satish Vemana, manager of Edible Arrangements, said their Berry Chocolate Bouquet and Delicious Fruit Design were both top sellers. For prices between $50-$100, the flower arrangements might not last as long as real flowers, but they taste better.

"Whichever location you’re going to use for flowers, use us," said Vemana.

Andrew Carle, assistant professor and director of the program in assisted living/senior housing administration at George Mason University specializes in gifts for seniors. For the last two years, he has put out a Top 5 list of "Nana" technology, which he describes as any device that is microchip-based and improves the quality of life for older adults. Items between $100-$200 include a locator device that allows you to radio tag and track the location of certain items like keys or even a car, a wireless headset and a computer-less e-mail system. Carle based his list on three criteria: price, the item’s ability to improve someone’s daily life and is user-friendly enough not to scare seniors away.

"My test is pretty simple: if I take it out of the box and I’m not using it in 15 minutes, neither is an 80-year old," said Carle.

WIT’S END on Old Keene Mill Road in Springfield specializes in designer knick-knacks like Catstudio glasses and frames crafted from recycled wood. Decorative tiles by designer Sid Dickens go for $50-$80, while a starlight ceiling ornament makes an unusual gift for just over $40.

"I challenge you to find them somewhere else around here," said sales employee Beeta Soltani of the lighted, three-dimensional star ornaments.

Nancy-jo Manney, executive director of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce, believes shoppers in Springfield and Fairfax County have the best of the both worlds. She said a healthy mix of mom and pop stores and popular retail outlets give residents the choice to go chic or out of the ordinary.

"You can think locally when it comes to almost all if not all your needs," said Manney. "We’re trying to make sure you look to your local florist instead of calling a 1-800 number."

Parents looking for gifts for their children that are both fun and educational can stop by Teacher’s Mart on Burke Centre Parkway in Burke.

"Everything we sell is educational," said Ana Alston, director of marketing at the store.

Items like Sparkle foam and Insta-Snow Powder, which makes fake snow when mixed with water, are both cheap and, at least in the case of foam, non-messy. Alston said their logic and puzzle games, like Chocolate Fix, sell particularly well during the holiday season.

For friends who are going green, Darke Graphics Custom Screenprinting and Embroidering on Burke Centre Parkway in Burke sells environmental friendliness. "Tees for Trees" shirts are designed and printed by owner Stan Darke. Buying a shirt from the program ensures that a tree is planted to replace it. Darke also custom designs each shirt, calling the style "off the wall."

"Come here before you go to the malls. Get something from here that's original for someone you care about, something that you won't find anywhere else."

At the Clifton Saddlery on Chapel Road in Clifton, gift-seekers can find jewelry, giftware ornaments and statues along with children’s apparel.

At The Cottage Art on Chapel Road in Clifton, items like a switchable night-light for children and Jim Shore figurines make attractive gifts as well.

"Our Made in Virginia items are really big right now too," said Teresa Balkin, an employee. "We have Williamsburg pottery, customizable pottery, Bill Harrah ink prints, of Fairfax, Clifton, and some colleges and universities, and we have all-soy all natural candles."

At Noodles and Noggins on Main Street in Clifton, parents looking to brighten their toddler’s holidays can look for an assortment of toys, games playsets and robotics are available. Employee Corike Muide said their "Colorful Critters" playset has been selling well during the holiday season.

"I find that toys that allow kids more interaction are always the better ones," said Muide.