As the countdown continues for my little dude (who undoubtedly believes Santa will promptly deliver him a “real big racetrack” sometime during his slumber on Christmas Eve, I myself have been slacking a little in the gift giving department this season. I have yet to check many people off of my list, so I went in search of some gift ideas right in my hometown of Bloomsburg. I’m fairly aware of all of the great shops we have situated right on Main Street, but I rarely get the chance to venture in many (of them frequently (besides my own, because people sometimes ask me if I live here), so I was excited to find out what they had to offer in terms of gifts.
I started out at my own store and worked my way through a few of my other in-town favorites, which even included some time to sit down for a much needed meal at my favorite little corner eatery! If you have been slacking on your holiday shopping as much as I have, then read up, boys! Here are some of my favorite finds to put under someone’s tree this year:
1. A dinner for two at Balzano’s Italian Kitchen. Nothing beats the quaint atmosphere and being greeted by Mr. B (besides the food). A $50 gift card could comfortably allow two to dine at this downtown favorite since 1998 (not everyone was as fortunate as I to start taste testing family recipes and stuffing candy baskets in the early 90s). Pick up a favorite bottle of wine and sit back in the inviting atmosphere to indulge in the Italian family recipes Balzano’s has to offer. Is it possible to be considered Italian by association or love of food? If so, count me in. Balzano’s also offers catering services for Holiday parties, and amazing cookie trays. Trust me, I’ve tried them all. Check out www.balzanositaliankitchen.com for more info and find them on facebook!
2. Faux Fur and some sparkle from Exclusively You. As soon as you walk into Exclusively You, it’s hard to not want to get dressed up, but this bridal shop has much more to offer than just wedding dresses and prom gowns. Since I don’t have any special occasions to attend in the near future, I looked for practical options for everyday use (yes, a crystallized clutch is very practical in my opinion). The Donna Salyers Fabulous Furs are luxurious and stylish and would be a great addition to anyone’s wardrobe. My favorite was the cape coat, which can be ordered in sizes XS-XL in a variety of colors. I fell in love with the leopard and golden fox, and had to remind myself that this was about shopping for others, not myself. The selection of jewelry and sparkly clutches available at Exclusively You is also impressive, any of which would make a perfect present for a special someone. Head on over to www.exyoubridal.com and check out their facebook page for more information.
3. Anything from Karen’s Candies. Literally, anything. As a pretty loyal candy consumer from a fairly young age, I have been a customer of “the candy barrel” for as long as I can remember. I used to make my grandmother take me there for giant jaw breakers as a kid (which are probably not even sanitary but oh so delicious). I’ve now graduated to all things dark chocolate but I’m pretty sure my two year old is addicted to their gummy bears. Stop into Karen’s Candies any day of the week and you’ll be sure to be greeted by Karen herself, in between her batches of my beloved coconut clusters peanut butter cups. Karen’s Candies is on Facebook.
4. Lindsay Phillips Snap Shoes from Krickett Square. Krickett Square has a large assortment of perfect gifts for that special someone, from their super stylish and practical Hobo handbag collection to their collectible Brighton jewelry selection. My favorite thing they had to offer this season is the Lindsay Phillips line of customizable shoes! Umm, genius! Buy a pair of ballet flats or the super stylish new Kristen Black Patent Wedge and you can customize them with a large variety of “snaps” that just snap on to the front of the shoes! The concept is that you only need one pair of shoes (in each style, of course) for basically any outfit. Add the flair with the inexpensive snaps and you have a new pair of shoes for every outfit. Love these. For store hours and information, visit Krickett Square on Facebook!
5. A good book, a dragon flagon, and some sugar cookie coffee from The Cloak & Dragon Bookstore. Every time I step into The Cloak & Dragon Bookstore I’m taken back to 8th grade and the countless number of shows I saw at Phillips Emporium way back then. All of those memories aside, The Cloak & Dragon Bookstore has more to offer than just young bands. Fresh coffee and a large selection of new and used books and some great finds from local artists, like this handcrafted “dragon flagon” coffee mug are great additions to anyone’s stocking this Christmas. I am envisioning myself sitting by a fire with that coffee filled dragon flagon and my new book as we speak. If only I had a fireplace… The Cloak and Dragon Bookstore is on Facebook!
6. Some furry legwarmers and scarves from The Purple Zebra, of course! I already made myself a pair or two, but what child of the 80’s can have too many pairs of legwarmers? Especially when they’re furry and fuzzy and everything nice? These legwarmers, or boot covers, are handmade by myself, and in my opinion make a spectacular gift for anyone who likes have a little fun with their wardrobe from time to time. Throw in a furry circle scarf and that’s a pretty wild gift!
For more information on The Purple Zebra check out my website at www.purplezebrashop.com and find The Purple Zebra on Facebook!
No comments:
Post a Comment