Take a breath, you still have time. Better yet, you have time to find/make some fantastic, unique, pretty much perfect gifts for those on your list. Though the items below all fit into a stocking, many would make excellent under-the-tree or hostess gifts. The things below are available locally (if you live in our lovely Valley), but most are also available on-line.
1. Rabbit Wine Stoppers–I bought these wine stoppers at one of our local shops, Fiddlesticks. They are awesome–lightweight, easy to clean, colorful and affordable. Something that many adults on your list would love to unwrap on Christmas morning.
2. Hammond’s Vanilla Stir Sticks–These old fashioned candies are a special treat and many of them are made with all-natural ingredients. I bought the classic peppermint sticks downtown at Garden Girl. These vanilla sticks look equally delicious, as do the cinnamon variety. Whip up your cocoa and stir away with a perfect candy stick.
3. AprèsVin Grape-seed Oil–Made in the Yakima Valley, these oils will elevate a loaf of French Bread, as well as your cooking. Absolutely perfect for the chef in your life. Available locally at Deep Sea Deli.
4. Personalized Poetry Book–No link here because is something that YOU can put together. Google some favorite poets, find the poem that your grandma wrote and put together a little chapbook for your family. My thought: a poem for each month with the goal of memorizing one every four weeks. Pull from culturally significant literature or something that is meaningful just to your family (brother Johnny’s 5th grade sonnet). Recognizing that so many traditions used to be handed down only verbally, create this habit in your own home. In the digital age, there are things that we should all commit to memory. The brain is the ultimate computer (especially when we use it).
5. Kayla Cole iPhone Case–These cases (created by my talented & lovely cousin Kayla!) are beautifully designed and unique.
6. Pictionary cards, Catch Phrase or other games–Giving games is a surefire way of guaranteeing some laughter on Christmas (as long as you open the box!)
7. Krochet Kids Headband in Mustard–My cousin Stewart’s non-profit provides a way to give gifts and give back at the same time. Doug wanted me to include a Krochet Kids’ hat for the men folk (there are awesome hats for women too!). And I LOVE this bow tie. All of these will fit handily in a stocking. Order by Tuesday and you can still receive by Christmas!
8. Classic Holiday Show like ELF–I like to laugh and am not ashamed to admit that Will Ferrell cracks me up.
9. Coffee Card to your Favorite Local Joint–Two of my favorites (if anyone happens to be taking notes :)): Espresso Express (first drive-thru espresso stand in Yakima!) and Northtown (home to glorious Stumptown beans!). What are your favorites? Show them some love by stuffing your stockings with coffee cards!
10. Birdhouse Ornaments ($5) & Magnets($3.50)–These little birch and copper-roofed beauties are a favorite. Lovely and unique and a great deal to boot! And made by my too-talented father. If you’re interested in information or ordering, leave me a comment and I’ll get back to you with details.
