For the Bookshelf
1. Athletic Animals
Leap & Twirl, which follows the adventures of a frog and a squirrel, helps young children learn about dance and the creativity and self-expression associated with it. The book was written by CATCO Producing Director Steven Anderson, illustrated by local freelancer Sarah DeAngulo Hout and published by BalletMet. $10.99. www.balletmet.org
2. Time Travel
Columbus’ bicentennial year is almost over, but the stalwart city supporters you know will still appreciate Columbus: Past, Present and Future. The book, put out by the Columbus Creative Cooperative, contains 23 short stories set in Columbus between 1812 and 2212, punctuated by art and photos of our fair city. $14.95. www.columbuscoop.org
3. Jazzing Things Up
The jazz fan on your list can learn more than he or she ever wanted to know about the musical genre’s role in the development of our state with Ohio Jazz: A History of Jazz in the Buckeye State by David Meyers, Candice Watkins, Arnett Howard and James Loeffler. $19.99. www.historypress.net
For the Wine Rack
4. Apple of Your Eye
A bottle from Brothers Drake Meadery, central Ohio’s only maker of honey wine, is a unique addition to anyone’s wine collection. The just-released 2012 Apple Pie mead uses honey from Marysville and apple cider from Rushville to sweeten the experience of the wine drinker. $34. www.brothersdrake.com
5. Mulling it Over
Mulled wine can keep anyone warm during chilly weather, and Powell Village Winery makes the experience easier with a package containing a bottle of its Gina Maria pinot noir and a packet of mulling spices. $15.95. www.powellvillagewinery.com
6. Smash Hit Spirits
Help a friend or loved one spend the holidays with a glass of wine in hand and a song in heart with a bottle of Good Vibrations, an un-oaked Chardonnay, or Let it Be, a Bordeaux blend, from Good Vibes Winery in Westerville. Everything on the winery’s menu is named for a classic rock song. $14.95-15.95. www.good-vibes-winery.com
For the Jewelry Box
7. Enter the Dragonfly
The popularity of Pandora jewelry continues to reach ever greater heights, and Simply Rr’s has a wide variety of options for any Pandora fan on your list. This dragonfly pendant with sterling silver chain – sold separately – is only the tip of the iceberg. $110 each. www.simplyrrs.com
8. ‘Joy’ to the World
Brighten someone’s holiday with a Brighton accessory from Accent on Image. The line’s whimsical Joyful Heart collection includes a pillbox, a compact and a card case. $22-28. www.accentonimagepolaris.com
9. Brace Yourself
Looking for a bracelet for a friend, but not sure of her wrist size? Head to Occasionally Yours – Alex & Ani bracelets, which come in a variety of different materials, are designed with sliding mechanisms to make them adjustable. Prices vary. www.oygifts.com
For the Pantry
10. Buckeye Fever
Bowl games are all that remain of the 2012 college football season, but not to worry – here’s a buckeye the sweet tooth on your list can still cheer for. Emlolly Candy’s buckeyes are available by the piece or in holiday gift boxes. $1 per buckeye. www.emlollycandy.com
11. Shake Your Bonbon
Chocolaterie Stam is well known for its bonbons, and when the holidays roll around, its holiday bonbons become a hot commodity. The chocolate candies are available in a variety of different gift packages. $4-56.95. www.stamchocolate.com
12. Noshing Around the Christmas Tree
You’ll not find a more delicious decoration for a friend’s Christmas tree than one of these Sparkle Ornament Treats from Cheryl’s. The tree bulbs, which are filled with a variety of cookies and other tasty Cheryl’s treats, come in sets of eight and 12. $44.99-59.99. www.cheryls.com
For a Worthy Cause
13. … And Goodwill Toward Men
A charity-conscious friend will be decorating the tree with a labor of love if he or she receives one of these custom Christmas ornaments from the Goodwill Art Studio & Gallery as a gift. All products sold at the Goodwill art studio are made by local artists with developmental disabilities. $12. www.goodwillcolumbus.org
14. Pick a Card
If you’re not the type to customize your Christmas cards, you can make your season’s greetings a little warmer with holiday cards – available in packs of 12 – from the TWIG program at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The designs are drawn by local children, and all proceeds go to the program, which benefits patient care, education and research at the hospital. $12. www.nationwidechildrens.org
15. Hometown Heroes
A unique gift from Simply Vague, like this Molly Mattin Designs tote bag depicting all the counties in Ohio, will impress a friend and support a local crafter. Every item sold at the store is made in Ohio. $20. www.simplyvagueohio.com
For Everywhere Else
16. The Oak’s on You
Give the chef on your list an impressive addition to the kitchen with this oak cask of Balsamic Vinegar of Modena PGI, a high-quality vinegar from Italy. The limited-edition product, made from the finest grapes, is available at Giant Eagle Market District. $199.99. www.marketdistrict.com
17. State-Hopping Sausage
The Jumbo Bahama Mama Pack from Schmidt’s Restaurant und Sausage Haus will remind any Columbus expatriate of just what he or she is missing. Like all items sold via the Schmidt’s website, the packs can be shipped anywhere in the U.S. $75. www.schmidthaus.com
18. Unlimited Amusement
No family with kids is going to object to the idea of admission to COSI whenever they want it, and that’s precisely what a year-long family pass offers. $110. www.cosi.org
