I love shopping local because I know that I am putting money back into my community while supporting my friends. Sometimes it seems like more effort than just going to a big box store, but it really is worth it. Plus, I really enjoy supporting my friends (and making new ones!).
I asked the advertisers of HCB to come up with some creative gift giving and holiday entertaining ideas to make your holidays easier.Yes, I know that they are known as “wedding” vendors, but they really are so much more. All of the ideas contain clickable links on the business name. Take a peek …
For those who love fashion and accessories:
For the girl who likes a little sparkle, why not stop by Celebration on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg? They offer jewelry and accessories for special occasions … you may even find a little “bling” for yourself for New Year’s Eve!
For something very special, why not stop by Bowen Jewelry in Downtown Lynchburg? They offer gift certificates along with beautiful jewelry that will bit any budget. My personal favorite is their estate line … so many beautiful items to choose from!
Are you in need of a dress for the holidays? Well, stop by Church Street Bridal in Downtown Lynchburg. They have a wonderful selection of beautiful gowns (not just for brides, but also for special occasions … trust me!) in a plethora of colors to choose from.
For help with your holiday (or future) entertaining:
If you are hosting a Christmas get together, why not take the time to relax a little? Love Is in the Air can help you with your catering and centerpiece needs … it’s the holidays, and you deserve to enjoy your own event.
If you have “visions of sugarplums dancing in your head”, but you do not have time to make any sweets yourself, you should give La Bella Torta a try (really, do!!). They offer cookies, pastries, gift baskets and pies … or a gift certificate towards a special occasion cake would be a wonderful option, too.
Many times music makes (or breaks) a party, right? We’ve all been there! Well, Official Entertainment can help with your own celebration, or you can give gift certificate for their services … how fun would that be? From the Big Band sounds of the 40s to the Billboard’s Hot 100 of today, they have you covered.
Photo booths are a TON of fun, so guess what? The Virginia Photo Booth Company is offering a 25% discount on any of their photo booths during 2012 when you purchase one as a gift … what a fun option for a party!
Do you have an event coming up or know someone else who will soon? The gift of an intimate event space is perfect! Tresca on 8th is known for their big, beautiful ballroom, but they also have a lovely space upstairs with comfortable conversation areas for up to 60 people. It is a great place to host a shower or other small affair.
For any occasion, RS Exclusive can help out … whether is in in the area of decor or coming up with a fun color coordinate “candy bar”, a certificate for their services will help out even the most savvy hostess.
For those who love memories (or anyone!):
The gift of memories is one that will last a lifetime, so why not create some with Stone Blue Productions? A gift certificate would be perfect for any type of photo session … they also offer canvas prints and quality albums for showing off those great moments. As Jeremiah said, “Great memories are always in style.”
Need a gift for a whole family? Consider a gift certificate from Jane Bradley Photography for a fun filled family photo session. It is a gift that they will treasure for years to come!
Who doesn’t love a sale? If you purchase a gift certificate for a session with Visions by Heather Photography, you will receive a $50 portrait credit in December … either keep the credit for yourself or add that in as an extra little gift for the recipient. How fun!
KD Burke Photography has a style all their own, and they offer gift certificates for all of their services … sessions, prints and the like. Give memories as a gift this year.
For those who love to shop:
If you have never been to The Farm Basket, you are really missing out! They have a lot of gift ideas … from Vera Bradley to items to help out in the kitchen, they really do have an amazing selection. When in doubt, give a gift certificate, which can be used towards merchandise or even a delicious lunch (my favorite is the chicken salad!!).
At Your Service Events Planner offers Carlson Craft gift certificates, which would be perfect for those who love things that are personalized.
Have you been to The Corset Corner lately? Not only do they have beautiful, quality intimates, but they recently opened an entire gift section of their shop on Main Street in Downtown Lynchburg.
For a little pampering:
If you want to give the gift of beauty or pampering, why not consider a certificate to one of our spas? SPA 4109 or Bodyworks Day Spa and Salon are sure to treat your recipient right (or even you … wouldn’t you love a massage during all of the holiday hustle and bustle?). Both stores are in the Boonsboro area and also offer lots of little pick me ups (such as shampoos and beauty items) that make wonderful, luxurious gifts.
If you are looking to stuff that stocking (whether it be for a man or a woman, mind you), Mary Kay has plenty of offerings … from nail polish to soothing lip treatments, they can add that “oomph” to an otherwise blah stocking.
For a new look either pre or post holiday, consider paying Mitchell’s Salon on 7th in Altavista a visit … they are in the hair business, which is their definite area of expertise!
To surprise the man in your life:
For the man in your life (oh yes!), why not schedule a session with DulceNoche, a division of Allegra’s Studio, and present him with a Little Black Book (filled with sultry photos of YOU). Yes, you can still have your session and images back by Christmas.
Speaking of fun photos, you can stop by Boudoir in Boonsboro and pick up a little pretty something for yourself or even another family member … they offer pretty lingerie along with pajamas that are “Christmas morning photo appropriate”, and they also have accessories and other fun things, too!
And, finally, to beat those holiday blahs and bloats:
Are you worried about how you will look and/or feel for those holiday parties? It Works has a whole line of vitamins to keep you healthy along with their slimming body wraps … who says you have to leave the holidays with extra fluff around your middle? No muffin tops here!
If you want more ideas, just check out all of the links to the right … I love our family of vendors, and I hope you will support them this Christmas season.
