The Guide • 11-5-25 UNIQUE PLACES FOR HOLIDAY SHOPPING Although the holiday season is a relatively brief period, it still can consume months of time in regard to preparation, shopping and hosting. According to a SWNS Digital survey of 2,000 adults in the United States, the average American spends six weeks preparing for the holiday season. Five weeks are devoted to planning presents, meals and other essentials, while an entire week is just for decorating. Shopping for presents can consume a lot of time, especially for those who aren’t quite sure what to get. Thinking outside of the typical retail box may help with inspiration, and shoppers may encounter smaller crowds and find better deals. Here are some unique places to shop to grab great holiday gifts. • PHARMACIES: While you’re picking up your prescription or medicine cabinet essentials, take a spin around the store to see what else might be available. Typically, pharmacies have entire aisles dedicated to seasonal merchandise, so you might be able to find holiday decorations, gift wrap, candles, pampering items, and even food-related items and gift baskets. • FARMER’S MARKET: Farmer’s markets pop up in towns on set days of the week. Although plenty of farm-related produce and plants are available, these markets also attract many other small businesses. You can find craftsmen, jewelry makers, niche food sellers, and so much more. • SCHOOL (OR CHURCH) BAZAAR: In an effort to raise funds for the PTA or other organizations, schools and churches often host holiday fairs and bazaars right before the holidays. Area businesses rent table space and set up booths with an array of different products for sale. This is a great spot to grab interesting finds all under one roof. Plus, you’re supporting the local community in the process. • HOME IMPROVEMENT RETAILER: Plenty of people will appreciate practical gifts that they can use in and around the home. A visit to a hardware store or home improvement retailer offers up aisles of essentials for the do-it-yourselfer. While new shelving for the garage or a set of flashlights may not be the most glamorous gifts, these items can come in handy. • CRAFT STORE: Cater to recipients’ favorite hobbies by ensuring they’ll be flush with plenty of supplies. Craft stores have a bevy of items for every interest imaginable. They’re also surprisingly good places to grab deals on picture frames, housewares, food-making supplies, and decorative items. • SPECIALTY FOOD STORE: Head to small specialty food stores to load up on unique items larger supermarkets might not carry. Ethnic markets may have flavorful and interesting ingredients to group together in a food basket that makes an ideal gift for transplants missing the flavors of home. Before a person logs on to the internet for online shopping or heads to the nearest strip mall, he or she can explore various unique places to shop for holiday gifts. FARMERS MARKET 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 1
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