The scarves and mittens are on the store shelves and an autumn chill is in the air. Holiday shopping can't be far behind. As your holiday gift list gets longer and your gift ideas less inspiring, Atlantic City promises some gift ideas that will have any family member or friend wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?" What better taste of Atlantic City than salt water taffy, the Atlantic City original that is enjoyed all over the world? James' Salt Water Taffy has been a family owned and operated Boardwalk business since the 1920s and offers a mouthwatering selection of James' and Fralinger's salt water taffy, fudge, macaroons and candies, including sugar-free confections.

Gift baskets and custom wrapping are available and selections include a large holiday tin filled with enough taffy to satisfy any sweet tooth. Or, to make sure they know it's from the Jersey shore, there is a large canvas beach bag filled with taffy, macaroons, caramel popcorn, chocolate covered molasses paddles and other tastes of the Boardwalk. Mail-order gifts can be purchased by phone or at www.jamescandy.com. For more information and to order their holiday catalog, call 609-344-1519.

The Boardwalk Peanut Shoppe, the home of Mr. Peanut, has four locations on the Boardwalk and specializes in premium nuts and hand-dipped chocolates. They feature seashore-styled items such as the Seashore Treasure Bucket of peanuts, taffy and caramel corn, and a miniature lifeguard boat filled with a variety of sweet treats. Gifts can be ordered by phone at 609-272-1511 or at www.boardwalkpeanuts.com.

Another delicacy that is synonymous with Atlantic City and the Jersey shore is the macaroon, made famous by G. Carl Tripician in 1910. The original chewy coconut and almond macaroons and also popular chocolate covered macaroons are available at the Tripician's store in Absecon, as well as through Steel's Fudge Shops on the Atlantic City and Ocean City boardwalks. Their gift selections also include fudge, chocolate-covered pretzels, taffy, nuts, sugar-free items and more. For holiday giving, try a basket with a casino theme or special holiday themes. You can shop online at www.acmacaroons.com or order by phone at 800-645-4815.

If you would like to bring back fond memories of past vacations, try giving a piece of Atlantic City memorabilia. The gift shop at the Absecon Lighthouse has a wide range of books and items for lighthouse lovers and collectors. The selection includes toys, lighthouse replicas and some great stocking stuffers. You can order by phone and have your gift shipped anywhere in the world.