Not sure what to buy your friends and family this holiday season? Before you head out of town for your annual shopping trip, try looking locally instead – chances are, the perfect gift can be found in your backyard. Check out these fantastic finds, courtesy of various Pickerington-area shops.
For Santa’s Helpers
Ring in the holiday season with a personalized ornament from Kindred Spirits. With dozens of names available, these snowman jingle bell ornaments are the perfect gift. $2.29, 799 Windmiller Dr., 614-759-9808, www.kindredspiritsgiftsandhomedecor.com
For Family Members
Keep a unique scrapbook with a Woven Moments picture blanket from Embroidery Barn and Gift Shop. These blankets typically use one picture, but can include more (selected by the individual), which are then woven into the blanket. These blankets will preserve treasured memories and keep you warm on winter nights. Blankets take about four weeks to make. $109, 591 Hill Rd. N., 614-920-BARN, www.embroidery-barn.com
For the Holiday Hostess
Deck your halls with a winter greenery arrangement from BJ’s Bouquets. These arrangements are made with assorted evergreens, fresh-cut flowers, bright ribbons, pine cones, berries, candles and trims, and are perfect as a stylish holiday centerpiece. Starting from $35 and up, 16 W. Columbus St., Pickerington, 614-837-1400
For Vera Collectors
An ever-popular Vera Bradley handbag is always a great gift. Feather Your Nest features the entire collection. Select from the colorful styles and various sizes. From $10 to $129, 36 W. Columbus St., Canal Winchester, 614-834-3392
For a Crowd Pleaser
Looking for a great gift for your child’s teacher? Or just for someone who is difficult to shop for? How about giving the gift of personalized stationary from Aubrennens Invitations? Get a set embossed to make it extra special. $15-$40, 48 W. Columbus St., Pickerington, 614-834-5417, www.aubrennensinvitations.com
For Those Who Embrace Carbohydrates
A Great Harvest Bread Co. gift card – available starting at $5 – is the perfect gift for bread lovers, especially when the choices include original Buckeye Bread (peanut butter and chocolate chip), cherry white chocolate swirl, cinnamon swirl, cheddar garlic or Popeye parmesan breads. Great Harvest Bread Co. uses whole wheat bread to bring you a nutritious and delicious option for snacking. Available in various amounts, 801 Hill Rd. N., 614-920-0095, www.greatharvest.com
For Tea-totalers
Give heartwarming tea to your loved ones this holiday season with a gift basket from SimpliciTea. These baskets provide everything you need to create a perfect cup of tea, including a Smart Tea Maker, a pound of natural cane sugar, an array of teas, canisters to keep tea fresh for a year, teaspoons and sweet treats for a finishing touch. Add tea cups for the ultimate basket. $75, 10503 Blacklick-Eastern Rd., 614-751-1985, www.simplici-tea.com
For Purse People
A great gift idea for the woman in your life is a handbag caddy from Deblin Design. These caddies provide a way to hang a purse from a table or chair instead of placing it on the floor, where it becomes germ-riddled or a tripping hazard. $6, 18 E. Columbus St., Pickerington, 614-833-3803, www.deblin.com
For Those Who Need to Unwind
Body wraps from Allvera are great for those on your list who need a little relaxation. Serving a four-fold purpose, these wraps serve as a deep conditioner for your skin, a flab reducer, a natural detoxifying agent and a way to relax for 15 minutes. $39, 201 Clint Dr., #600, 614-367-7237, www.allvera.com
For Rockers and Music Lovers
For those who walk to the beat of their own drum, try music lessons from 88 Keys Music Studio and Rock Factory Studios. 88 Keys offers instruction in voice, drum, piano and guitar, while Rock Factory has lessons available for guitar, bass guitar, drum, band projects and voice. Prices vary based on lessons, 8575 Refugee Rd., 614-864-3550, www.88keysmusicstudio.com, or 449 Hill Rd., 614-735-4715, www.rockfactorystudios.org
Katie Sheets is a contributing writer for Pickerington Magazine.