Gift ideas around the island….

Another gift to the community...the Dance of the Elders as part of the celebration of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Friday night on Spring Street

‘Tis the season…I know you’re thinking of things to offer to friends & family to show them you care…here are a few ideas that might get you started (or finish that list!):

Who would turn away a gift from the heart, that just doesn't happen to be a gift from the wallet?

• Hold your spending to $100 or less. Keep the focus of the giving & the love you have for the folks you care about. Here’s more, from Bill McKibben (by the way, this is what my family has done for years. The bit that our culture has about “But what about the kids???!?” is a crock – kids need to learn to live with less indulgence & more with ideas of service & sharing.

• Before you plunk any money down, think about things you can do, and make a certificate that says so. Things to think about: Three hours of free babysitting (usually a huge hit, plus you get to hang around with your friends’ kids), three nights of movies over the next year at the Palace Theatre, a massage, two hours of free gardening help (also a huge hit), free game night with a friend’s mom at the Convalescent Center, free lawn mowing some Saturday, or free lessons of something you’re good at, that someone would like. You get the idea.

And there are no bad presents – just good ones & great ones.

• There are some other ideas around the island, betcha didn’t think of:

Rebecca at a FHHS tennis match a couple of months ago...cheering for the team, including her son Parks

– Have a friend who is try to lose weight? Consider Rebecca’s Limba Slim system. Here’s more. Another idea: A trial or short-term membership to Xtreme Fitness or San Juan Fitness.

– Bodywork is always good – try Lavendera, Laura Greenan (whose last name is now Geniuch because she got married in October), Deb Langhans (if you are looking for “healthy” stocking stuffers, she offers a powerful “Therapeutic Foot Soak” (self-formulated)–a week’s worth of therapy for $15–& reflexology gift certificates of any service & amount), Spa D’Bune, Cynthia Elliot, and Afterglow Spa at Roche Harbor.

– Your coffee-addicted friend’s favorite coffee place here on San Juan Island – get a certificate for them.

The design by Robin for hot chocolate at the Naked Bean....

– An orca adoption at the Whale Museum for that fave kid of yours…

– Have you been by The Elephant Room – it’s a new place run by Jennifer at Jeri’s Mall, next to Cousin Vinny’s Pizza, down the hall from the Hot Shop. She does a great job with women’s accessories & underthings, and she has gift certificates. Drop by!

Music - great stocking stuffer & ear stuffer.

– A gift of music – Claudia at Island Studios and Laura at Griffin Bay Books have wonderful selections of tunes, with both featuring locals, and lots of ’em.

My favorites this winter have been Joe Bongiorno‘s new CD, Kate Schuman‘s timeless work, Teddy Deane‘s latest, Devorah‘s latest album.

Shoot, I sure don’t mind if you either download or buy my albums (Love you on the Run and Things Seen & Unseen – click to listen to samples!)

– Dinner at one of the restaurants on the island – a certificate for free drinks or dessert, or the whole enchilada (if it’s at Mi Casita.)

Sandy's stuff rocks.

– Sandy Buckley has all kinds of creative gifts at her Zazzle site – check her out!

– Donate to an island charity or non-profit…that’s always good. My favorites (all year, not just this time of year) are the presently over-stressed Food Bank, the Family Resource Center, and the schools. Let’s take care of each other.

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