“Yes, you can do all your Christmas shopping in Westfield”
For years I have heard that there is no reason to come to downtown Westfield to shop and I have listened to people complaining about the lack of parking. Saturday, December 3rd, was the Dickens Days Village Stroll, and I challenged my sister, Sandy, and myself to march right down there, explore, and see if we could succeed in finding gifts for everyone and at the same time be creative in doing so. There was parking at every stop we made either on the main streets or in the lots behind the stores.
As we set out, we started with the goals of wanting to find creative gifts for people of all ages as well as finding a few green gifts that would be good for the earth, as well as the receivers.
One of the things I hate to do in the middle of winter is get out of the car to pump gas. We thought that a gift certificate to DeGray’s gas station located on Meadow Street would be a great gift for anyone, especially for the parents and seniors in our lives. At DeGray’s, you not only get to sit in a warm car while your gas is pumped; it will be pumped with a smile and a few friendly words. Another great gift for a parent or grandparent would be to give a gift certificate for your time and material to put on a fresh coat of paint for one of their rooms, or perhaps to remove their current light bulbs and replace them with energy-efficient bulbs that will continue to save them money for years to come. Another idea is to replace their fire and CO2 alarms with updated models; many no longer beep but give verbal commands that are much easier to understand. You can find all of these supplies and so much more at our new Rocky’s Hardware that has just reopened. Another great gift for the winter would be car wash certificates from Friendly Car Wash on Franklin St. to keep the salt and slush off the cars. We have been spoiled to date, but yes there will be snow again. A gift certificate to a favorite barber, hairdresser, massage or nail salon makes a great gift or stocking stuffer.
Recently, we have spent many dark hours without power due to one storm or another. I have to believe there will be many more. I spoke to Pilgrim Candle and learned that the purchasing of candles has been down in this economy. I am not big on burning candles for fragrance as many people are; but, I can tell you, that I have some on various shelves in my living room that were given to me as gifts. During the power outages I was extremely glad they were there, readily accessible and put immediately to work for the original purpose that they were invented for.
Another industry that has been hurt during the recession is the restaurant industry. Many people want to eat out but can’t afford it. Therefore, gift certificates are a great idea and we have a large variety of restaurants that have held on throughout the construction and continued to serve those who would venture out. The Tavern, School Street Bistro, Leo’s, Westwood and Soups On, as well as others, were real troopers during this exciting rejuvenation of our downtown. Saying thanks to them and others by giving a gift of a night out would be an awesome idea. Not only do these businesses, as all others in our community supply goods and services, they also employ our friends and neighbors in a time when there are all too few jobs. So again your gift to someone you love will be helping many.
The North Elm Butcher Block has survived the construction, and they can attribute their survival to quality product, creative marketing and friendly service. A gift certificate would be a great idea for anyone or perhaps buy in bulk at lower prices and make up a gift basket and keep a portion for yourself.
As you head out to a holiday party, stop in at the Mina’s Wine & Spirits and get a gift of spirits for the host. This is another business where you will get a warm welcome.
We went to Billy C’s Jerky and learned that although he has been selling jerky for years and has many flavors, his original flavor is still the favorite. At the request of family and friends, he has been asked to send a large amount of his product overseas to our service men and women. How could we forget them.
We strolled past Truly Mine and found an adorable handmade rocking horse and stopped in to find it to be less than half price and so affordable. What child would not want one?
As we continued to stroll down Elm Street we stopped at George’s Jewelers and found awesome Hershey Kiss jewelry. “The kiss that lasts a lifetime.” A great unique idea for someone you love.
Looking for more green gifts we stopped into Ezra’s Mercantile and found great kitchen towels. A dear friend of mine, Tink Hartdegen, taught me years ago to avoid paper towels and use cloth to save trees. This is a great store with gift ideas for all ages. Also, just next door at Fast Feet, I learned that you can get a great fitted running shoe, and you can also bring used shoes, especially sneakers and they recycle them to third world countries.
When we visited World Peace Beads and Glass Emporium we found another great idea. Ask your daughter or granddaughter to join you in a bead class and make a piece of jewelry together. Its great fun and you can have some quality time together.
Another wonderful gift idea that won’t cost you a dime but will give you great satisfaction would be to volunteer in the next week or two serving a dinner or ringing a bell or some other fun service. There are countless charitable organizations that need your help during this wonderful season.
So all in all, we found if you looked at Westfield with truly open eyes and saw what we are lucky to have and not cry about what we don’t yet have, you can do all your shopping in downtown Westfield. You will get great gifts that will be useful and loved, make a difference to your community and to the world all at the same time. 8 shopping days until Christmas, get moving!!!!
P.S. Don’t forget to pick up a “Westfield First…buy local” campaign card from a downtown merchant, for every three purchases you can have a chance to win a $500 Gift Basket…for details go to www.thedistrictwestfield.com!
