It’s the thought that counts – shop locally this holiday season!

Local Holiday Shopping For Your Entire Gift List

By Rochelle Karina

Thanksgiving is looming just around the corner, and that means Black Friday, the “official” start of the Christmas shopping season and the insanity of the mall. When you live in Severna Park or Pasadena, there is no need to brave the sea of cars at the mall parking lot. You can take care of your Christmas gift list without ever leaving the area. Keep reading for some terrific local resources and gift ideas for the guys and girls on your list.

ALL THAT GLITTERS IS GOOD

Jewelry is always a good option for the ladies on your list, but there are also plenty of options for men, too. A fine timepiece is a classic gentleman’s gift sure to bring smiles of joy.

Local jewelry shopping options include Marc Todd Jewelers. Todd does custom design work, antique jewelry repair and watch repair, and carries a wide range of jewelry from beaded jewelry to diamond rings. Marc Todd can be reached at 410-975-9557.

Sanders Jewelers is another local option. If diamonds are on your list, they’re the place to go. Sanders carries Hearts of Fire, Simon G, Art Carved and Pandora as well as other well-known jewelry brands and can be reached at 410-360-5118.

At Ron George Jewelers, you will find a large selection of engagement rings, nautical jewelry, colored stones and even loose stones and diamonds to choose from. They can be reached at 410-544-5850.

Zachary’s Jewelers is a family-owned business offering fine designer lines and custom jewelry. They can be reached at 410-544-4005. And finally, a long-time local tradition is Mercado Jewelers, offering estate jewelry as well as custom work. They can be reached at 410-647-7797.

The current trend in jewelry is to the slightly funky side. Pandora is still hot and a new charm is a terrific gift option. Pink gold has made a comeback in a slightly different look than its ‘80’s version. The new trend with rose-colored gold is to pair it with pink or black stones in big, show-stopping pieces. Feathers and animal prints are another hot current look, with feathers adorning earrings and necklaces, and bangles and chunky necklaces embossed with animal prints. Something that never goes out of style, of course, is the Christmas engagement – what a perfect time to give a beautiful diamond ring to the lady you love.

For men, the trend is split between a classic-retro look and very modern and funky. Men have more options than ever when it comes to jewelry. Watches can be simple, classic and elegant – basic black or metal band with a thin, metal bezel and face, or they can be signature pieces, mounted on a thick leather cuff with heavy buckles. It’s all about individual style.

The same is true of rings. Men are no longer limited to a simple wedding band and maybe a pinkie ring. Today, they can wear a wide range of styles, and it all depends on their personal taste. Men’s necklaces and bracelets tend to be heavier, chunkier and of simpler design than women’s, but almost anything goes.

When it comes to jewelry, it really is a case of “good things come in small packages.”

GETTING FIT

Giving the gift of fitness is a healthy way to treat the holidays. Whether getting a jump-start on a New Year’s Resolution to get fit, or outfitting someone with some of their favorite gear, there are several local options available. Spark Running offers both traditional and natural running shoes as well as apparel and gear. Contact them at 410-544-3184. For the cycle enthusiast, Pedal Pushers has bikes, accessories and cycle services. Call them at 410-544-2323. For the bowler, or the whole family, Severna Park Lanes offers a wide range of fun. Contact them at 410-647-0811.

If a fitness club is more your speed, check out Big Vanilla in Pasadena or Arnold, www.bigvanilla.com, or Severna Park Racquet and Fitness Club, 410-987-0980, or try Sport Fit at 410-432-6140. The ladies can go to Curves, 410-544-4100. Take up golf at Compass Pointe Golf Club, 410-255-7764 or Bay Hills Golf Club, 410-974-0669. And if you’re into sports, call Maryland SportsPlex at 410-729-0694.

It seems every decade has a fitness fad, from Jazzercise to yoga. Today, the trend is more to being fit as an individual and crafting a long-term plan that works for you and your lifestyle. It’s about being personal. Still, there are some pretty cool options out there today. Zumba, that Latin inspired dance workout, is just one of the many new fitness crazes sweeping the nation. Rock climbing, mixed martial arts and bikram yoga are just a few of the latest trends in non-traditional exercise options.

A fitness gift can be a great choice for the person who has everything, or a family gift – it’s the gift that keeps giving with quality time spent throughout the year and establishing a lifetime of healthy habits.

GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT OF CHRISTMAS

Why not give the gift of spirits? Wine and liquor are perfect gift choices for many on your holiday list. Local choices include Corwell’s Liquors at 410-647-9336, Harbor Spirits at 410-544-6377, Port Tack Wine and Spirits at 410-974-0800, Fishpaws Marketplace at 410-647-7363 and Goska’s Liquors at 410-647-4041.

If choosing the right wine is not your strong suit, your local shop may be a surprising source of assistance. They can point you in the right direction and give you shopping tips for different palates.

Accessories are also great gift ideas. Wine openers have gone so far beyond the traditional vintner’s knife as to be almost unrecognizable, but they make great gifts for the oenophile. A Venturi Wine Aerator is another stocking stuffer for your favorite wine drinker – it eliminates the need to allow wine to “breathe” prior to drinking.

PAMPER THEM

Spa treatments aren’t just for the ladies. Many salons offer salon services catered directly to men as well as their usual services for the ladies. Rumors Retreat Salon and Spa offers everything from hair and nail service to waxing and massage. Call them at 410-360-0707. Keith Harris Salon is another local, full-service salon, 410-360-9559. It’s all about hair at Fabu Salon, call them at 410-544-1277. At Image Creators Salon, the whole family can get their hair done, plus there are specialty hair services available. Contact them at 410-544-8852. Ambition Salon offers hair, nail care and waxing and makeup services, contact them at 410-360-3373. Sassy Shears is another choice for hair and nail care, call them at 410-255-0881.

The gift of a spa day can be as simple as a gift certificate to a favorite salon, or could include the gift of your time as well by planning for a spa-day-for-two – an especially nice thing for couples.

IN VOGUE

Unique, one-of-a-kind gifts are more in vogue than ever, so custom jewelry is a great option. Or find a local artisan, there are plenty around. The gift of personal time is always appreciated, and makes the tangible gift even more special.

The economy may still be slow, but people are shopping – they’re just doing it smarter. So why not make sure more of your dollar stays right here in the local economy and shop area merchants and vendors whenever possible? It just makes sense, and it’s in keeping with the nationwide trend of thinking globally but shopping and eating locally.