COTTAGE GROVE SENTINEL • NOVEMBER 21, 2018 • 11A
SHOP LOCAL Holidays
for
the
Plan Your Holiday Meal
You’ve consulted your cookbooks and perhaps the experts at
Food Network, and planned your holiday meal. It is now time
to start shopping for the bounty. Instead of heading to your
local big-box grocery store, consider spreading the joy.
Groceries are an often-overlooked aspect of shopping local,
Breakfast
and one that can make a big difference not only to a small
business, but to your holiday meal as well.
Make a List, Check it Twice
Purchasing items from different shops comes with the territory
when it comes to food. The best
place for produce may be differ-
ent that the best shop for meats
or bread, unless you have a co-
op at your convenience. Arrange
your lists by location. This will
help keep you organized and not
forget any essential item.
With Santa
Scout Local Farms
If you are looking for a holiday
bird to be the centerpiece of
your meal, look around for local
farms. Many local farms have
a stand at a farmers markets
or will advertise through local
channels. This is a great way to
get a turkey, for example, that is
very fresh and most likely been
raised cage-free.
Visit a Farmers Market
Depending on your climate, you may have an operating farmers
market available to you year round. Fall and early winter months
just happen to be prime time for root vegetables. Even if you live
in a cooler climate, many open markets try and stay open as late as
possible to help people with their holiday shopping.
Support Your Local Bakery
Take some pressure off yourself and let someone else handle the
desserts. Local bakeries will have plenty to choose from. Just be
sure to call and pre-order. Unless you place your order ahead of
time, bakeries may not be able to guarantee their selection by the
time you arrive.
Gifting Hand-Crafted
Santa is on his way from the
North Pole to cook you breakfast and he wants to
know what is on your Christmas List!
Saturday
December 1
7AM - 11AM
Free
at South Lane Fire & Rescue
233 Harrison Avenue
Cottage Grove
We will be taking donations of
unwrapped new toys for "Toys for Tots"
A handmade gift can add a special note of
thought to a gift. But remember to think outside
the box. Shopping local can actually allow you
to achieve the best of both worlds: Gifting an
item that is unique and handmade while also
saving yourself the time and stress of creating
something yourself. And let’s face it, not all of
us were blessed with a crafty gene or skilled
artisan hands. This is why local markets exist.
A Gift with a Story
Don’t hesitate to strike up a conversation with
the shop owner. Because local businesses have
a vested interest in their own success, they take
special care with the items they stock and often
know how things are produced. If you fi nd your
intended gift has a story, share it. For an added
touch of thoughtfulness, choose a piece of fi ne
stationery and write the item’s story down. In-
clude the note with the gift.
Visit a Local Bakery
Hand-crafted is not limited to wares. For those
on your list who prefer a minimalist lifestyle
(or have everything), consider a consumable
gift. Local bakeries go into overdrive during the
holiday season, producing many delicious treats.
Consumable gifts are a great way to show some-
one you care. One of the great things about local
bakeries is that they take advantage of the high
store traffi c, and often produce specialty items
only available during the holiday. Homemade
marshmallows and cocoa-dusted truffl es will
make any friend feel loved.
Online Platforms
Many online forums serve as communities of
small-businesses selling handcrafted wares, many
of which who work out of their homes. While
this may not necessarily be shopping local in the
traditional way, it is most defi nitely shopping
small. (You also can probably fi nd local sellers
on these platforms.) It is important to support
small businesses because most are family-run.
A majority of these businesses are so small they
need to keep their overhead low, which means no
brick and mortar building. By purchasing items
from these shops, you are helping someone else’s
dream grow and gaining a handmade gift in the
process.
BUY
TICKETS
NOW!
November 23 - December 23
Open Most Dates
500,000 LIGHTS,
VENDORS & MUSIC
LIVE REINDEER ON DEC. 8
Bring the whole family,
even the pets!
Visit VILLAGEGREENCHRISTMAS.COM
for schedule & pricing
Stay overnight at
The Village Green,
with our special
Christmas package
starting at just $119
Cottage Grove
Creswell
49 South 6th St. Cottage Grove
(541)942-1301
104 S. Mill St. Creswell
(541)895-4166
VillageGreenChristmas.com
725 Row River Road
Cottage Grove, OR
541-942-2491