Buy Local Holiday Gift Guide

Ideas for Everyone on Your List

It’s getting down to the wire to find that perfect gift for everyone on your Christmas list. Don’t worry, Explorers! Here’s a local gift guide to help you get started!

While it is tempting to jump on the computer to find those special gifts, buying local saves you on shipping and guarantees you will have the gift in time. It also supports local business so they can continue to offer great products and services.

The most memorable presents show that you know the person for whom you are buying well. So, it’s great if you can highlight one of their favorite hobbies or teams. One local place that you might not have thought to stop by for Christmas gifts is Schalow’s Nursery, 8461 Heritage Drive. They now offer a variety of specialized signs that might be a great fit for someone on your list. They also have a lot of other unique décor items.

Another option for a meaningful gift can be found at Endless Designs, 217 S. Central Ave.

Owner Torri Dahlke said one of their popular items this year is their Tree of Life Ornament Globes.

artglass_2“They are hand blown glass and they all have a story with them. For instance there is a tree of family and it has a little saying about the meaning of importance of family,” she said.

Dahlke said they often have customers looking for just the right item, and they are happy to help.

“We work with our customers one on one to help them find the perfect gift,” she said.

This is the kind of customer service that you might not find online or in larger shopping locales.

Another route to go with gifts is to have something made that is personalized. You can have awesome canvas prints and calendars done locally at Premier Printing, 2500 E. 5th Street. The nice part is they will do the work for you, just provide the photos and they will help with the rest! (And yes, I checked, there is still time! Just call today!)

Perhaps the person you are shopping for simply has everything they could possibly need and just doesn’t need any more stuff.

Then, try thinking about an experience. Perhaps stop by one of the local salons or spas and get a certificate for a massage, manicure, pedicure, haircut or some other type of treatment. Nobody can say “no” to a little relaxation, especially this time of year.

If there is someone younger in your life, try giving something that will encourage them to look up from their screens and be active. Reis Martial Arts Academy, 2001 S. Central Ave. is running a great package for Christmas that offers six beginners course lessons, a uniform and t-shirt for $35.

Hopefully, we have helped give you some ideas to fill out your list for the holidays. Just remember to check out some of your local businesses and see what they have to offer. It might be the perfect package for under your tree.