Yikes! All of a sudden it's THAT time of year again! Time for office parties, stringing bright lights, egg nog and candy canes, Christmas “sweaters,” latkes and menorahs, friends and family, and all the fun stuff. It's also time for the dreaded gift-buying.
Don't get me wrong, I love buying gifts that are wanted or needed by specific people (like guitar
lessons for my son or a warm woolen vest for my husband), but what do I do about all the people
who I want to give something to during the holidays but don't know what they need or want, or
worse, already have everything, like my mother in law? I’m not the only person in this fun
situation, right?
In a moment of brilliance last year I realized that I could focus on fabulous Vermont products and
take care of my whole list with either a visit to a local store (preferred) or with the click of a
mouse! Not only did I know these gifts would be well-received but I felt so good promoting our
local economy.
Here's what I bought last year and, given the reactions, I’ll probably do most of this again this
year. Easy peasy…
First, the comestibles: Barr Hill Gin for my cranky brother and brother-in-law who both are
happier (i.e., nicer) once they have a good drink in hand. Caramels from Red Kite Candy for all
the bankers and lawyers who put up with me (I may or may not take a few out of each bag before
gifting). Laughing Moon Chocolates (now with CBD oil!) are simply the best and you can never
go wrong with chocolate (Santa always brings me a couple boxes of these). Morse Farm maple
syrup goes to all my out-of-state family and friends (much better than fruitcake from down
south). And speaking of the south, southerners pride themselves on their ham and pork products:
I know because lived there for four years. But I can assure you nothing, NOTHING, beats a
Harrington Ham, smoked and spiral cut, from Richmond, VT!
And for the Non-Perishables: Seventh Generation cleaning products for folks like my niece in
Seattle who is working to make the world environmentally sound, one clean household at a time.
Danforth Pewter photo frames, oil lamps, compact mirrors, vases or key chains are always
beautiful and last so well (I gave one of my sons a turkey key chain and it is so appropriate). The
mother-in-law who doesn't need anything? Lovely note cards with artwork from Vermonters like
Sabra Field or Mary Azarian (my MIL is a prolific and prompt thank you note writer so there's
always a little pressure to make sure my kids and I hop to it). Zutano has the absolute cutest baby
clothes! I always go into the store in Montpelier to get these gifts because it's just so much funs,
and serves as an extra trip down memory lane.
That should get you started. From all of us at Coldwell Banker Classic Properties, have a very
happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year!
Sue Aldrich
Broker/Owner
Coldwell Banker Classic Properties
www.vtclassicproperties.com