Keeping it Local

By Steph Turner

The holidays are here, and let’s face it, money will be spent ~ sometimes lots of money. In difficult economic times, although we all need to be aware of what is happening nationally and internationally, it is our own local economy ~ the well-being of Worcester County ~ over which we have the most control. The holidays, when we are each going to spend money on gifts we hope will bring smiles to the faces of family and friends, are the perfect opportunity to show support for local businesses and organizations. We should feel a sense of kinship with store and shop owners who have decided to run their businesses in the very same neighborhoods where we live and work. They provide us with excellent food, services, and products, and this holiday season, we can show our appreciation by shopping locally and helping keep Worcester County’s economy as strong as possible. And lucky for us, there are so many wonderful businesses here that no matter what is on our holiday gift list, we can find it right here.

Health

Finding Fitness

What’s that old saying? “At least you have your health?” Well, there’s no better way to show that you truly care about someone ~ a parent, sibling, friend, significant other ~ than by giving a gift that promotes health through exercise. Now, there are a lot of ways to approach exercise, but the first that usually comes to mind (since it promotes general hotness, too) is a membership to a gym. It used to be that gyms offered a few machines, some free weights, maybe a class or two. Nowadays, they offer every kind of exercise class imaginable (think Pilates, yoga, strength training, weight loss management, aerobics, martial arts, Zumba, boot camps, BOSU, aqua fitness, spinning, and everything in between), are equipped with tons of the latest exercise machines and diagnostics, offer personal trainers on-site, and can basically cover any and all of your fitness needs. It’s one-stop fitness shopping. And yes, hotties abound, so anyone who gets a gym membership this season is going to thank you ~ a LOT ~ for several reasons!

Since personal training has exploded over the past few years, you might also want to consider hiring a trainer who will make house calls to your “giftee.” That’s definitely a gift that keeps on giving, and it’s perfect for someone who might not be quite motivated enough to get to the gym on his or her own.

Got a martial arts fan in your family? Boyfriend or girlfriend ready to start taking self-defense classes? Sign him or her up for classes at one of the many martial arts studios in town: New England Karate Academy in Worcester, The MMAT Center in Worcester, Gardner Martial Arts Academy in Gardner, Kwon’s Taekwondo Inc. in Lunenburg, Mantis Kung Fu in Millbury, Seavey’s Traditional Kenpo, Jiujitsu in Worcester, and Simmler Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Worcester.

Have a significant other who prefers getting the heart rate up in the great outdoors? Winter is the perfect time to get in some outdoor exercise ~ think skiing, snowshoeing, skating. How about season passes to Wachusett Mountain? Or ski lessons AND a season pass? Put that and maybe some new equipment from Strand’s Ski Shop under the tree or menorah and you’ll see the holiday spirit in full effect. Concrete Wave also has an awesome selection of snowboards, bindings and boots (that’s right, they’re not JUST a skateboard shop by any means!) for the snow lover ~ and if you’d rather wrap up a gift that’ll be perfect for when the summer months hit, they’ve got a bunch of skateboards and surfboards, too.

Want to get a little more creative? What about getting your sweetie a membership to the Central Rock Climbing Gym? They’ve got terrain levels from beginner to expert, plus lessons, rentals, and more. Get a membership for two and by the time the holidays are over, you’ll both be ready to head outdoors and try out your skills ~ so give the gift in December and you’ll get to enjoy it year-round.

Now here’s one of those “Buy it for her and you’ll BOTH enjoy it all year long” gifts. How about getting your girlfriend a membership to DL Fitness Studios in Worcester? They’re the premiere pole dancing studio in the area and the training incorporates techniques that build total body strength and confidence ~ and you’ll reap the benefits…Enough said!

Another gift that you can buy for two (literally, this time) is a membership to a yoga studio. Now guys, don’t laugh, yoga is NOT just for females (and hasn’t been for a long time ~ just remember, yoga will help increase your stamina, not just your overall health, and that might just come in handy on those long winter nights!) ~ so think about a membership to classes or to private instruction. Our suggestion on where to start? Sunbird Yoga Studio in Worcester, Body Mind Balance Pilates Studio in Worcester, Auburn Yoga & Pilates Center in Auburn,
Flowforms Yoga in Worcester, Yoga for Health in Lunenburg, and Wellness Works in Worcester.

You’ve still got a little time ~ why not stop into a few of the gyms and get a feel for them so you know you’re choosing the one that will bring the biggest smile to someone’s face when you present the membership. Here’s a partial list of our favorites: Omega Performance Center in Shrewsbury, Ciccone Fitness in Clinton, World Gym in Worcester, Gold’s Gym in Worcester, Global Fitness in Fitchburg and Leominster, Orchard Hills Athletic in Lancaster, the YMCA and YWCA in Worcester, 117 Fitness in Leominster, Worcester Fitness in Worcester, and Eastman’s Fitness in Leominster.

Good Grub

Think you might rather go the healthy eating route? Buy a nice big basket, stop over at Living Earth, and fill ‘er up with all sorts of health food (locally grown natural, organic, macrobiotic, vegan, vegetarian, etc.) as well as natural remedies, herbs, coffees and teas, and more. Or how about heading to the Artichoke Co-op and purchasing either a membership to the co-op or a basket full of their top-quality organic and natural foods (they even have natural pet food!), available in either bulk or as pre-packaged goods? Healthy food makes a great gift for the person who is already committed to eating healthy, plus it’s a great nudge in the right direction for folks who are looking to start eating better ~ and when they do, they’ll have you to thank!
Up in North County? Fill up your basket at Roots Natural Foods in Leominster.

Giving the gift of health says that you not only purchased an actual gift, but that there was a very important sentiment behind it ~ that you care about your loved one and want him or her to pursue a healthy lifestyle!

Entertainment

Out and About

Sports, theatre, music ~ we’ve got it all right here. If you’ve got a baseball or hockey fan to buy for, support one of your local teams and pick up a season subscription to The Tornadoes or The Sharks. The Tornadoes play their home games right at Holy Cross’s Fitton Field and The Sharks are in residence at the DCU Center. And speaking of the DCU Center, they’ve got a line-up of great shows ~ from wrestling to music mega-stars to shows like Cirque du Soleil ~ so why not order tickets in advance?

Is there a music lover on your list? How about hooking him or her up with tickets to one of the killer shows at The Palladium? They’ve got a ton of death metal, rap, hardcore, even some “poppier” shows, plus tours that you can’t see anywhere else in Central MA.

The Hanover Theatre has an amazing season coming up ~ from shows for kids to classic ballets to Broadway favorites to opera to star-power comics. The Hanover is absolutely gorgeous and giving someone tickets to a performance there ensures an incredible evening out.

Making Music

Does the person you’re shopping for prefer creating his or her own entertainment, ie is he or she a musician or aspiring musician? We’ve got that covered, too ~ local music stores offer everything from lessons to instruments to gear and more. And we’ve never met a musician who doesn’t need something to add to his or her arsenal ~ home studio components, wireless set-ups, combo pedals, drum kits, amps, etc. And with almost all bands/musicians having a MySpace or FB presence, setting them up with everything they need to record their own MP3s to upload will earn you big points ~ very big points. If you’re not quite sure what the musician in your life needs, talk to the store owner ~ you’ll find that many are former/current musicians themselves, but all know their stuff when it comes to all things music.

Check out Union Music in Worcester, Kurlan Music in Worcester, City Music LLC in Leominster, Wavelengths Pro Audio, LLC in Leominster, and Gordon Music in Southbridge and Leominster.

Food and Drink

Baskets and Bottles

Going to a big holiday celebration? Sometimes bringing over a nice big arrangement of specialty foods or wines is the best way to go. The gesture of bringing something that you put together yourself will mean a lot to your host or hostess, plus the actual items will be appreciated because, well, they’re yummy (and seriously, who doesn’t look forward to some wine or fancy spirits during and after the holidays ~ it’s tradition!)! Mix it up and combine perishable and non-perishable items so that the gift lasts a little longer ~ the idea is for your host/hostess to enjoy your gift once there’s time to relax post-holidays. Places like KJ Baaron’s in Worcester, Julio’s Liquors in Westborough, Ed Hyder’s Mediterranean Market in Worcester, Romano’s Market in Fitchburg, Wyman’s Liquor Mart Inc? & Bonn Wine Room in Leominster, D’Errico’s Market in Worcester, Bahnan’s Marketplace in Worcester, Tom’s Marketplace in Northboro, and Patel Indian Market in Shrewsbury all have a great selection of unique items.

Even if you don’t have to worry about bringing a “thank you for inviting me” gift, bottles of wine make a great stocking stuffer for everyone (age 21+) on your gift list ~ and if there’s someone particularly special, splurge on a bottle of champagne! If you have your eye on a certain someone and want him or her to “get the hint,” make it a bottle PLUS two champagne flutes…could be the start of something that will last beyond the holidays!

Sweets and Treats

If you want to make your gift extra memorable, top it off with some decadence ~ cookies, brownies, cakes, fudge, decorative chocolates…who doesn’t love dessert! Stop by Wholly Cannoli in Worcester, Trudie’s Treats in Lunenburg, Joyce’s Pies and Bakery in Leominster, Prifti’s in Worcester, Priscilla Candy Shop in Gardener, Widoff’s Bakery in Worcester, Aunty Ellen’s Creative Confections in Leominster, the Roma Bakery Shop in Fitchburg, or Hebert Candy Mansion in Shrewsbury to pick up something totally mouthwatering (some of these shops will even personalize their creations, so make sure to ask).

One of the best reasons for shopping at these local businesses is that they all have knowledgeable staff on-hand to help you make just the right choice ~ whether you’re just buying “liquid refreshment” or pairing it with some food items ~ so make sure to take advantage of their expertise ~ and if they offer to wrap your purchases, definitely say yes!

Gift Certificates/Cards

One of the greatest things about living in Worcester County is that we have so many restaurants to choose from ~ there really IS something for everyone, from traditional American and Italian to tapas and Middle Eastern to Asian and Vegan to pub fare and Indian ~ there are casual dining spots, elegant restaurants, laid-back diners, funky cafes, and more. Gift certificates are the perfect way to let your friends or loved ones try a new place that they might not ordinarily have thought of ~ and since so many restaurants now offer extravagant brunches, entertainment, and special nights, you’ll be giving a lot more than just a “free meal” ~ you’ll be giving someone a night (or day) to remember! In these tight times, too, a lot of folks cut back on dining out ~ so being able to go out, relax, and not worry about the tab really will be a treat. Try a “combo pack” approach ~ you can get a gift card to a place you know your friends like (think of it as a “safety”), and then choose a place that you think is a little off their usual path. Or what about one nice casual place and then something fancier? And if you want to throw in an extra special touch, how about arranging for a limo to drive them to and from the restaurant? And if that’s too pricey, how about offering to be their chauffeur for the evening?

Some of the restaurants we’d recommend are:

Worcester

El Basha, Mezcal, Hamilton Bistro, The Sole Proprietor, The Jewel Box, Citizen, Bocado, Tweeds, Webster House, Last Minute Café, Red Lantern, The Kenmore Diner, 55 Pearl, Leo’s Ristorante, Nancy Chang, Via, Morocco, 111 Chophouse, Junior’s, Zipango, Beechwood Hotel, Fifth Amendment, Crowne Plaza Restaurant, Squires, and Tortilla Sam’s

North County

Il Camino Restaurant Inc in Leominster, Il Forno Brick Oven Pizza in Fitchburg, The Luxury Box in Leominster, Lidio’s Restaurant? in Leominster, La Pasta Mia in Leominster, Monument Grill? in Leominster, Border Grille & Bar? in Leominster, Slattery’s Restaurant? in Fitchburg, Gardner Ale House? in Gardener, Joseph’s Bistro? in Westminster, Paisanos Pizza in Leominster, The Devens Grill? in Devens, and Cornerstone Restaurant? in Leominster

Other

Wachusett Mountain Restaurant in Princeton, Carmella’s in Brookfield, Sonoma in Princeton, 12 Crane in Southbridge, Tailgaters in Clinton, Cedar Street Restaurant in Sturbridge, El Basha in Westboro, Point Breeze in Webster, The Manor in West Boylston, and Black Sheep Tavern? in Sterling

And while you’re there, why not pick yourself up a gift card, too ~ or look for special discounts, since some places will offer, for example, a $25 gift card with every $100 spent.

Bon appetite!

BLING

Ok guys, you know what I’m about to say is SO true…if you’re at a certain point in your relationship, buying jewelry is really the only way you’re going to be allowed to live ‘til the new year. But that said, jewelry can also be the perfect gift for siblings, friends, and parents ~ even the very sweet but odd co-worker who always makes you cookies during the holidays ~ she’s probably love a charm for her charm bracelet or a pin that reminds her of her beloved feline Puffernutter. There are so many kinds of jewelry for both men and women (plus the option of having something designed specifically for someone, or having an existing piece engraved with a special sentiment) that the possibilities are nearly limitless. Talk to your local jewelers ~ it’s their business to know about stones, gems, metals, etc. Know what the person you’re buying for prefers, too ~ many people simply won’t wear gold if they’ve worn silver or platinum their whole lives, and vice versa, some people hate bracelets but love necklaces…you get the idea…and make sure you know a person’s ring size before you make a purchase ~ sure, rings can be resized, but it’s a lot more fun for the person receiving the gift to be able to wear it right away. Check out Sharfman’s in Worcester, George’s Fine Jewelers in Leominster, Sach’s in Shrewsbury, Duvarney Jewelers in Fitchburg, Guaranty in Worcester, Neil Rosenblum in Worcester, Crowne Jewelers? in Leominster, Elliott’s Jewelers in Fitchburg, and Pucci’s? in West Boylston.

Body Art

Now, remember when I said there are so many kinds of jewelry out there? Well, one kind that’s definitely appropriate for your significant other ONLY (unless you have an INCREDIBLY cool mom or dad who would get a kick out of being presented with a nipple ring or small gauge plugs) is body jewelry. Get creative, have some fun, pick out pieces that add a little sparkle to his or her…whatever. It’s definitely an intimate gift ~ and you can pretty much rest assured no-one else will be getting your sweetie the same thing! And nothing goes hand in hand with body jewelry better than ink, so why not design ~ or have a professional custom design ~ a tattoo for your sig. other? Now, don’t go forcing anyone to get a tattoo if he or she isn’t into it, but if you’re calling someone your “sweetie,” you should already now if he/she is “ink-friendly.” Some great places to try for body piercing/jewelry and ink? Unholy Grail in Worcester, Flesh by Design in Fitchburg, Miraculous Creations in Worcester, Tattoo 101 in Leominster, Piercing Emporium in Worcester, Secret Society in Worcester, Main Street Tattoo Parlor in Gardner, Rogue Tattoo in Fitchburg, and Out of the Dark Tattoo in Worcester.

If you like the work or item you get at the place you choose (and we’re sure you will), grab a bumper sticker and display it proudly on your car, in your dorm room, wherever ~ it’s a great (and free) way of showing your support and giving an extra little shout-out to a local business.

HOME Décor

Money’s tight these days, and a lot of people who might have put a bunch of dough into updating their homes ~ inside and out ~ are holding off until the economy gets a little better. But we all know that it’s easy to get sick and tired of staring at the same old furniture, lamps, linens, throw pillows, etc. ~ so why not treat someone to a new piece or two that will add new life to his/her home? It’s amazing what a difference a couple of pillows or even a really unique lamp can make to a room ~ add in a couple of candles or a nice, soft throw and you’ve got a great gift for anyone who owns a home, rents an apartment, or even has a dorm room (bean bags and foofs are especially great for college living!). It’s personal and we guarantee it’ll be greatly appreciated! For décor items big and small, try The Futon Company, Light Lab, and Rotman’s, all in Worcester.

CLOTHES

Who doesn’t love getting new clothes (or even a gift certificate for new clothes)? And who doesn’t love getting new clothes especially when said clothes aren’t going to be exactly what everyone else is wearing because they all shop at the chain stores and big malls? Leave the malls to people with no imagination. Boutiques and fun, elegant shops are where it’s at, and Worcester County has a ton of them ~ for girls, guys, men, women…Local boutique and shop owners take a lot more care in helping their customers, too, making sure you find exactly what you want, even helping with suggestions on styles, sizes, everything ~ they’re a much more personal shopping experience all around (and you get to avoid the insane mall parking scene!). Read up on the latest fashions and then head over to some of the best shops around: Spoil’d in both Worcester and Shrewsbury, Rio & Co. in Worcester, Tush in Worcester, Ike’s Den in Shrewsbury, Definitely Wendy in Westboro, Armando’s in Worcester, Chelsea’s in Leominster, Shack’s in Worcester and Fitchburg, and Queen B Boutique in Leominster. Remember to ask for complimentary gift wrapping, too!

ART

Sometimes the best gift is one that, in some ways, is totally impractical ~ one that a person doesn’t need, has never asked for, and certainly doesn’t expect. And this same gift ~ art, in its many forms ~ is just as often the perfect gift because it is simply about beauty, about giving someone an item ~ be it jewelry, a print, a figurine, a book about Impressionists, a piece of decorative pottery, a professional photograph ~ just because you hope that looking at it will bring them joy. Since the definition of “art” is such a broad one, too, we’re lucky to have a wide range of shoppes and galleries that appeal to a wide range of tastes, from the classical to the avant garde and everything in between: Prints and the Potter in Worcester, Boulder Art Gallery in Fitchburg, Dzian Art Gallery in Worcester, Bhadon Gift Gallery in Worcester, the gift store at Higgins Armory Museum, Varisco Studios in Fitchburg, the many artists of stART on the Street (www.startonthestreet.org/start-street/participating-artists), Erb Photography in Worcester, and the gift shops at both the Worcester and Fitchburg Art Museums.

One of a kind ~ Vintage, thrift, and consignment

Have someone on your to-buy-for list who has that really cool sense of style, that effortless sense of chic? Someone who decorates her home with only the funkiest items that no-one else has? Someone who always has on a neat outfit that’s Boho chic, or retro, or somehow ties a whole bunch of unique pieces into one drop-dead gorgeous look? Chances are she’s a vintage or consignment store junky, more at home digging for hidden treasures than she is anywhere else (and don’t get me wrong, there are lots of guys who are thrifters, too!). No matter what you call them ~ used clothing stores, vintage boutiques, consignment shops ~ these places (some big, some small) are chock full of unique items ranging from accessories to clothes to furniture to framed pictures and everything in between ~ at prices that are usually insanely low. You can find high-end designer clothes at one end of the store and then come across an amazing set of crystal champagne glasses at the other ~ and then find a gorgeous broach for her from the 1950s for an absolute steal…and on your way out, spot the perfect leather jacket that he’ll just love. And you can be sure that you’re giving a gift that no-one else will have, and that makes it all the more special (plus I’ve never known anyone who could walk into a store like these and NOT find something for him/herself, too!). If you don’t find something in the first place you try, there are plenty of shops around, so just have fun with the search! You can find Salvation Army Thrift shops in Worcester, Fitchburg, Hudson, and Spencer, and both Savers and Goodwill have stores here in Worcester. Upscale Consignment is a great shop in Fitchburg. Also check out Worcester’s Unique Boutik, Alexis Grace, and Blackstone Vignettes and West Boylston’s Michelle’s Revived Relics/Regina’s Fabulous Finds.

Beauty and Relaxation

Oh, the many stresses of the holiday season…and for that matter, of daily life. What better gift than time at a spa, away from it all, being pampered and soothed, relaxing in a calm atmosphere with the scent of candles wafting through the air, knowing that a massage, a facial, or even a glorious hand and foot massage (aren’t those the absolute best?!) that leads into a manicure and pedicure is on its way? Used to be that escaping to a spa was something that only the ladies looked forward to ~ but nowadays, spas are for everyone ~ so you can get your parents and your main guy/girl a whole spa package, or maybe spice things up and get a package for the two of you (your b’friend/g’friend, that is!)…If you really want to make the gift extra-special, check out all the other options that local spas and salons offer ~ since many spas are combined with salons that specialize in everything from hair to make-up to the newest in coloring, lash extensions, products, and more, you can put together the perfect gift for ~ well, come to think of it ~ almost everyone on your list, from parents to friends to boyfriends/girlfriends to co-workers. And with the new year coming up, I’m sure we all know someone who has vowed to change up his or her look for 2010 ~ what better way than treating them to a make-over! We have some of the best, most all-inclusive salons and spas right here in Worcester County ~ here are some that you should definitely check out: Divine Spa in Shrewsbury, Tu Moda in Worcester, Victoria Place in Worcester, The Claw Shop in Leominster, Go Bare in Worcester, Salon 647 in Worcester, All About You in Leominster, Lord’s & Lady’s at the Auburn, Greendale, Solomon Pond, and Whitney Place malls, Devens Day Spa in Devens, Inspiration Day Spa in Fitchburg, Jeffrey Roberts in Worcester, 126 Post Salon, Head to Toe in Westminster, Chateau Cheveux in West Boylston, St. Cyr in Worcester, and Face It Day Spa in Leominster.

CAR STUFF

There’s one in every bunch, as the saying goes. Someone on our list who gets the biggest thrill not out of new clothes, not a make-over, not even tickets to a great show ~ someone whose face will light up if and only if he/she receives something for a car, SUV, or motorcycle. Yes, it’s the car lover (sometimes die-hard gearhead, sometimes not) in all our lives ~ whether it’s making a car prettier, faster, safer, more up-to-date, or just plain old cooler, this person digs car sh*t. Luckily, with today’s technology, there is ALWAYS something that can be wired into, installed, synched up with, accessorized, or updated in our vehicles. GPS systems, DVD players, iPod integration and accessories, Satellite radio, rims, speakers, lifts, body kits, sunroofs, heated seats, car starters, car alarms…the list goes on. As any of us who’s ever watched “Pimp My Ride” knows, if you can dream it up, someone, somewhere can install it. Try East Coast Kustmrydz in Worcester, Ahola Car Stereo Center? in Fitchburg, Enhanced Street Performance in Sterling, Sunroof Sound & Security? in Leominster, CD’s Auto Sound in Leominster, and Victory Auto Supply-Speed Shop in Fitchburg.

Well, there you have it ~ if you can’t find the perfect gift locally for everyone on your gift list, then it just doesn’t exist! And remember that even though presents are a big part of the holidays, they’re not the biggest ~ this time of year is all about being with family and friends…so from all of us here at Pulse, Happy Holidays!!!