Can you believe that we are already well into November? It’s time to think about the holidays – they are just around the corner! Like many of us, you probably love the holidays, but the ritual of Christmas shopping can be exhausting – you want to buy something that will be appreciated, but without spending a fortune. This blog is dedicated to helping you solve that dilemma! 

You’re invited to ‘Wrap It Up’: An evening of one-of-a-kind shopping, silent auction and social gathering

For a fun night out that’s guaranteed to help with your Christmas shopping challenge, join us at our Stoney Creek location for ‘Wrap It Up’! For just $10, it’s an evening of holiday inspiration featuring local artisans, a silent auction, treats and more. Best of all, proceeds from ticket sales, the silent auction and raffle tickets go to Hamilton Food Share, which makes it a wonderful opportunity to help a very worthwhile cause.

Unique gifts from local artisans

Wrap It Up features unique ideas for gift giving, including handmade jewellery, belt buckles, home décor including soy candles and vintage & repurposed items, Christmas décor and much more.  These are one-of-a-kind, quality pieces made by some of the finest craftspeople in the area. Among the participating artisans are Dolce Kimera, Amy’s Place, Square Pegs, Lainey & Co., Marquis Dreamstore and many others.

Christmas tree silent auction

Seven beautifully-adorned Christmas Trees will be displayed on silent auction. Each one has been decorated by a talented designer, including Natalie Sexton, Tara Dolce Kimera, Brenda Cox, Carol Fines, Patricia Knebel, Marquis Dreamstore and Stoney Creek Furniture. You can bid on a professionally decorated tree for your own home. Trees have been generously donated by Holland Park Garden Gallery.

Samples, raffles and grand prize draw

The Watering Can Pastry Market and other local food shops will be on hand with baked goods, treats and hot beverage. Raffles throughout the evening will feature great prizes like furniture, gift cards and gift baskets. The $10 admission fee includes a ballot for the Grand Prize Draw for a leather club chair or coffee and end table set.

 Where, when and for tickets

Wrap It Up will be held Wednesday, November 18, 2015 from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM at Stoney Creek Furniture, 395 Lewis Road in Stoney Creek. <Click here to purchase tickets.>

Gift giving ideas

As I write this, there are just 7 weeks until Christmas! With that in mind, here are 7 gift-giving suggestions to help you find the perfect present:

1. It’s about love, not money. Select a gift that shows you really thought about the recipient – their likes, hobbies and passions. For most recipients, the cost is irrelevant; choose from the heart.
2. Don’t know what they like? Do a little investigation. A person’s social media sites, their home or their office is bound to provide inspiration.
3. Send them to an event. Rather than a thing, make it an event. Think creatively. How about mystery dinner theatre tickets or dinner and billiards at a favourite pub?
4. Make them laugh. If the person you’re buying for has a sense of humour, choose a silly gift. Think about what makes them giggle and go with something cute. Sometimes just the gift wrap can be funny with a serious gift inside.
5. Rekindle a memory. Reflect on special times spent together – a holiday, an activity you do together – and choose a related gift.
6. Make something. If you’re talented, make a gift! Remember, it’s not about cost. Knit, bake, paint or sew – whatever you like to do – just make sure it will be something your recipient will like!
7. Donate. If you really can’t think of something to buy and your recipient has a cause they are passionate about, make a donation to that charity on their behalf.

Tags: events, Holidays