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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Nov. 22, 2017)
SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | WAYS TO GET INVOLVED Connect locally t might seem like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but hitting downtown to do some shopping really can help put you in the Christmas spirit and provide a deeper local connection. Most towns decorate the downtown streets, and many shops do holiday-themed window displays to attract shoppers. Yes, you should spend some money while you’re out (it helps the local economy), but just hitting the streets to do some window shopping is a great way to bond with your family and friends. I Hit the streets When you’re ramping up your Christmas shopping strategy, set aside a Saturday, or afternoon, to park (or walk, if you’re close enoughinto your closest shopping district and start exploring. You might find a store you’ve never seen, or at least make an effort to visit a store you don’t frequent very often. It’s a great chance to look for unique gifts, while also getting to know your own town a little bit better. Make it a family bonding experience Even if you don’t actually pick up any gifts while the kids (or spouse) are with you, hitting the local stores to scout out gift options is a great way to just spend some time with your family. Tell your kids stories about unique finds in the antique store, or let them make a list of gift options while perusing the aisles at a downtown general store. If you’re shopping for adults, it can also give you a chance to glance into local downtown boutiques. It just feels like Christmas Walking the streets in downtown, with a chill in the air in November or December, as the Christmas lights twinkle around the street lights and in the windows, just feels quintessentially Christmas. It evokes the visuals and emotions from classic holiday films like Miracle on 34th Street, and is just a great tradition to add to the Christmas season. Remember to get cash One important step to remember before heading into town and hitting all those lovely, local shops to buy Christmas gifts: Hit up the ATM first. Shopping with cash has myriad benefits, but it can really be a huge help for small businesses around the holidays. CELEBRATE GREAT SAVINGS Forsythe ¯ a Where nature & art collide in décor that will refresh & comfort FREE S DLES COR PLUS f f O 25 % If you’re totally stumped for a gift selection, there’s nothing wrong with snagging a gift card and tossing it in a greeting card. CHECK LOCAL SHOPS Select e Series Signatu e r s 12/31/17 Expir Oregon Coast 503-738-5242 Lincoln City 541-994-9954 SW Washington 503-738-5242 www.budgetblinds.com fine art décor traditional toys 1124 Commercial St. Astoria, OR 503 325-2189 No-questions-asked warranty + no-surprises price = no brainer. *Applies to <XXXXXXXXX> window treatments. Restrictions may apply, ask for details. Valid for a limited time, not valid with any other offers, discounts, or coupons. Offer good at initial time of estimate only. At participating franchises only. ©2017 Budget Blinds, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Budget Blinds is a trademark of Budget Blinds, LLC and a Home Franchise Concepts Brand. Each franchise independently owned and operated. LOCAL GIFT CARDS Don’t DIY. Have an expert do-it-for-you. Budget Blinds gives you an exclusive combination of design-driven products, expert service, no-surprises pricing, and our no-questions-asked warranty. 4 • HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2017 • WWW.DAILYASTORIAN.COM Monday - Saturday 11am-5:30pm Sunday Noon - 4 pm Some local stores have started offering gift card options for customers, be it a rechargeable card or a gift certificate. It makes for a more personal gift than a generic gift card. If you find a store you think your loved one would like, get a gift card and let them enjoy shopping and picking out their favorite item. OR A COFFEE SHOP A $20 or $30 gift card can stretch a good distance at a coffee house or bakery.
