There is nothing like traffic and bustling parking lots to take away some of our holiday cheer as we franticly fight crowds trying to get in and out of stores shopping for holiday meal ingredients and buying gifts for that special someone. This year, why not try a different approach and support your local vendors at the same time? Shopping online and keeping it local is easy.
First, put on your most comfortable clothing and step into a pair of slippers. Pour yourself a hot toddy or cup of cocoa and get situated near a computer and telephone. Make a list of everyone that you need to buy presents for and all of the items you will need from the grocery store. Light a fire or turn on some holiday music for extra effect.
Start by getting the grocery shopping out of the way. Go online to Big John’s Market in Healdsburg to view their holiday menu, then call to order specialty cheeses, meats and premade sides such as roasted vegetables, salads, stuffing, gravy and sauces. If you are hosting the full holiday meal and want to skip standing in the kitchen all day rather than entertaining your guests, you can also order the entire meal package from Big John’s including whole pies and desserts.
Now it is time to set the table. Go online to Atrellis Flower and Gift Shop based in Windsor on the Town Green and order flower arrangements to be delivered right to your front door.
“They can order same day but it is best to order ahead of time, a couple of days, to guarantee they will get what they want,” said owner Nancy Lewis, noting that customers can also call in orders including requesting novelty items from the store to be complimentary gift wrapped and delivered along with flower arrangements.
Now that the house and meal are ready to go, it is time to check off that gift list. For the culinary connoisseur in the family, go online to BeeKind out of Sebastopol to find infused honey, honey balsamic vinegar, honey roasted nuts and truffles infused with honey. While you are ordering, throw in a set of handmade beeswax candles for the dinner table.
Who is next on your list? How about cotton pajamas for grandma, a robe for mom or lavender spa booties for a girlfriend? All of these items can be purchased online at Midnight Sun, a local Healdsburg boutique. This is also a great spot to buy baby gifts including blankets, clothes and accessories. If you are entertaining out of town guests, you can also order bedding on their website.
“We have had our website for almost 10 years and of course it allows us to reach a bigger net but what I like about it is that people are so busy these days sometimes they can’t make it down here between 10:30 and 5:30 and they are doing their shopping at home at night, sitting there, and because they know us and the quality of our products, they can shop from the comfort of their own home and they know that we are going to gift wrap it and ship it and we try to make it as easy as possible for our locals too,” said Midnight Sun owner Shelley Anderson.
If shoppers are looking online for specific colors and sizes, it is always best to shop in the first two weeks of December rather than waiting until last minute, Anderson said, this guarantees getting the items that you want.
“The Simple Pleasures cotton night gown on the website is my number one thing because they are made in America, they are lovely cotton gowns that are very hard to find, so those are a popular item for us and then the Barefoot Dreams robes, we have sold them for many years, they were Oprah’s favorite robe one year and they are just cozy and soft and come in sizes for the whole family,” Anderson said.
At this point, your holiday checklist should almost be complete. If you still need to stalk up on toys, games and gifts for children, visit The Toyworks website, www.sonomatoyworks.com to find a list of items they carry. The store has been locally owned for 32 years and offers a wide range of toys for all ages and curiosities.
Choose from gifts for newborns, toddlers and school-aged children including costumes, educational games, classic toys, toys for the bath, and items for outdoor play. Also add a game or two to the list to play with adults after dinner. Spot It! is a fun memory game that even young adults can join in on, or buy a game for the children to play while the adults have coffee and dessert. Once you have your list together, give them a call to participate in their Toyworks Take-Out program where they will take your order, gift wrap them, collect payment, and then all you have to do is swing by to pick them up and they are ready to go under the tree.
One more important site to visit before you close your computer and slip off to sleep ready for the holidays; visit your favorite local winery website to buy gifts for neighbors, your dad, brothers or uncles and a few bottles to pair with your holiday meal. J Winery in Healdsburg is a great website if you are looking for a little bubbly to serve. You could buy extra for New Year’s Eve and really never plan to leave the house this season. Make sure to order your wines in advance, sometimes it can take the longest to receive.
That is it. You have done your good deed for the year, keeping your dollars local and supporting businesses of fellow neighbors and friends. Happy holidays!
