Take a deep breath and shake off the feelings of frazzled and
frantic, the local shops in Sonoma County are keeping their doors
open for those last minute gift purchases, and here are a few ideas
of what to buy and where to go.
It’s all about them
There is nothing better than watching the faces of little ones
tearing apart wrapping paper in anticipation of what gift awaits
them inside. Children are the easiest to buy for because they will
most likely have more gifts than they know what to do with so you
can buy them something big or small and they will be happy. Toy B
Ville in Healdsburg has a selection of gift ideas for children of
all ages and offers gift-wrapping so when you walk out the door you
are ready to go. If you are looking for a toy that is eco-friendly
or made locally, try Earth Child toyshop in Sebastopol or
Kaleidoscope in Windsor.
Wine connoisseur
Whether it’s a neighbor, great uncle, or Christmas dinner party
that you need a little something for, a bottle of wine or wine
accessory is usually a safe bet. Paul Rea, Hospitality and Sales
associate at Windsor Vineyards on the Healdsburg Plaza can
recommend a variety of gifts and reasonably priced wines that will
help check off those last few people on your list. The company also
offers gift-wrapping and expert advice on wine pairing if you are
thinking of bringing a bottle to a party alongside a holiday
dish.
The intellectual
Every family has a few members that love to read, listen to
music or cook. They are the creative type and sometimes the hardest
to buy for. At Copperfield’s Books in both Sebastopol and
Healdsburg, you can find books about almost anything, music, gift
certificates and games. While you are there have the friendly staff
wrap up a board game to bring to a party host or a cookbook for the
family foodie.
Nature lovers
If you know someone that loves the outdoors, tends to be a
minimalist and has vowed that they don’t really need anything for
the holidays, then a gift that gives them a year access pass to the
49 Sonoma County parks may be the perfect match. Sonoma County
Regional Parks is offering a 12 months pass that includes a free
night of camping, a family pass to the Tolay Fall Festival and
other park discounts. The membership pass can be purchased at REI,
the Bike Peddler, NorCal Bike Sport, Oliver’s Markets, Sonoma
Outfitters and online at www.sonomacountyparks.org.
Food, Friends, Festivities
Heading to someone else’s house this year? Giving the gift of
food is always appreciated. Visit your local grocery store for a
selection of cheeses, gourmet crackers and olives. For friends and
family that enjoy cooking try the Savory Spice Shop in Santa Rosa
for spicy gift sets, epicurean salts and exotic seasonings. Need
something non-perishable? Ask Doralice Handal at The Cheese Shop in
Healdsburg for the latest food themed books, gourmet pickles and
hors d’oeuvre serving accessories.
Painting the town red
We all know that special someone that can’t sit still, the
on-the-go busy body that spends their weekends on the town. This
may be the easiest last minute gift to buy. Head to your local
theater for tickets to an upcoming show or buy them a gift
certificate to a local restaurant. Many Rivers Tea in Sebastopol
offers private tea tasting gift certificates while Relish Culinary
Adventures in Healdsburg has a wide range of cooking classes to
choose from.
Stocking stuffers
With work, holiday parties and Christmas shopping it is no
wonder that “Santa” has almost forgotten to buy trinkets to stuff
the stockings. Brush Salon in Healdsburg is offering gift
certificates for Salon services and pint size products that will
slip nicely into a sock. Powell’s Sweet Shoppe has two locations in
Windsor and Healdsburg filled from floor to ceiling with classic
sweets like candy buttons to the entire line of Willy Wonka
products. You could fill up an entire stocking at this store. For a
more sophisticated stuffer, stop by Bella…all things Beautiful on
the Plaza in Healdsburg for gloves, lacey undergarments, beauty
products and gifts for that special guy.
With just a few days to spare, there are plenty of gift giving
options out there. Before you leave the house, make a plan of what
town you are heading to and who you have left to buy for. It may be
best to ring the stores before you leave to find out closing times
although the rule of thumb is most local shops close by 3 p.m. on
Christmas Eve. If you still have a long list to fill, try asking
store employees for the most popular buys rather than wandering the
store aimlessly. Most stores will allow for exchanges in case you
missed the mark and many offer gift-wrapping.
Last minute list
TOYS
Toy B Ville
401 Center St., Healdsburg, 433-4743
Toyworks
6940 Sebastopol Ave., Sebastopol, 829-2003
Earth Child 200 Main St., 824-0940
Kaleidoscope Toys 9078 Windsor Rd., Windsor
836-8697
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FOOD & WINE
Windsor Vineyards 308 Center St., Healdsburg
921-2893
UPTick Vineyards 9050 Windsor Rd., 837-5630
The Cheese Shop 423 Center St., Healdsburg
433-4998
Savory Spice Shop 317 D St., Santa Rosa
284-1310
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BOOKS, MUSIC, GAMES
Copperfield’s Books
138 North Main St., Sebastopol, 823-2618
104 Matheson St., Healdsburg, 433-9270
Pages Books on the Green 920 McClelland Dr.,
Windsor 837-8665
Levin & Company 306 Center St., Healdsburg
433-111
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