Holiday Shopping Idea: Sugar & Spice & Everything Nice!

Holiday shopping is in the air! Mall parking lots runneth over already - and if you're anything like me, you're probably thinking of running the other way! I'm doing my best to avoid the malls this year and try smaller local businesses instead. Here's some ideas...

Spend an afternoon on Route 20 in Sudbury, Wayland, and Marlborough. Start with Russell's Garden Center for a unique selection of holiday decorations, jewelry, toys, and so much more. I thought Russell's was only for gardening but was I ever surprised! Although they can be a bit pricey on some items, it is difficult to leave here without a few unique gifts for those who seem to have everything.

My next favorite stop is the Wayside Country Store in Marlborough. Their candy counter alone is worth the trip! Kids of all ages will have a ball picking out all sorts of "penny" candy - from watermelon gummy bears to Finnish licorice to handmade nonpareils - this place has it all! Great stocking stuffers! Right next door is a country store with pickle barrels and ginger snaps, also offering numerous unique gift ideas, including Byers' Choice carolers and specialty foods.

Backtrack to the plaza with Learning Express for toy ideas and have dinner next door at Lavender, a stylish restaurant serving Asian favorites such as Beef with Sliced Ginger and String Beans, Tangerine Chicken, and Pineapple and Spinach Fried Rice. When a Chinese restaurant offers free wontons when you sit, and ends your meal with free sliced oranges and fortune cookies, you've got my attention! After all this shopping, you deserve a nice meal!

Have unique stores you like to visit? Please share them here or email me and I'll list them. We can all use a little help finding unique gifts this holiday season and helping keep smaller stores in business in this economy. Thanks in advance for sharing your tips!