Monday, December 14, 2009

Last Minute Gift Ideas!


For the Conscious Shopper.


One of the funnest gifts that I assembled for someone was a personalized basket. This included a reusable woven shopping basket (perfect for the farmer's market or a picnic). I filled it with local goodies ranging from honey and salsa to a bottle of wine. Other local products that are perfect for filling a gift basket are chocolates, lotions, soaps and candles. Here are a few one-stop-shops for these kinds of gifts.
  • I love The Isla Vista Coop. It is jam packed with all sorts of products. You are certain to find something for someone here.
  • Santa Barbara Gift Baskets has wonderful local items to choose from-even for those with a more discriminating taste.
  • Similar to the I.V. Coop but closer to downtown-the Santa Barbara Tri-County Produce is where you can find dried fruits, great local wines, coffee and sweet treats from around our area.
  • Find unique jewelery and other worldly gifts at Arcoboleno Trade. This is a fair trade gift shop that helps support artisans in developing countries and promotes sustainability.
  • A great item to stuff in your gift basket are these Reusable Produce Bags. Perfect for your friends that shop the Farmer's Market.
  • Don't forget that local coffee shops carry reusable coffee mugs. Wrap one up with some coffee or tea and it makes for an easy and thoughtful gift. One of my favorite coffee shops in town is Vices and Spices. They have a large selection of tea, coffee, jewelry and fine soaps. Located at 3558 State Street Santa Barbara, CA 93105-2628 - (805) 687-7196.
Change the way you present your present. Reuse special paper for wrapping your gifts. Calendars can make great wrapping paper that can be quite pretty and interesting to look at.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Holiday Light Exchange Dates!


The South Coast Energy Efficiency Partnership (SCEEP) is helping Southern California residents save time, money and the environment by hosting drives to exchange our standard incandescent holiday lights in exchange for light emitting diodes (LEDs). Here are the Santa Barbara locations and times so you can swap yours out!

Santa Barbara
1st Thursday Holiday Tree Decorating Station
December 3, 5-8 p.m.
Borders Bookstore patio (in front)
900 State Street
Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara Home Improvement Center
December 12 & 13, 12-4 p.m.
415 East Gutierrez St.
Santa Barbara

Goleta Goleta Valley Community Center Tree Lighting Ceremony
December 4, 5:30 p.m.
5679 Hollister Avenue
Goleta

Orchard Supply and Hardware
December 6, 12-4 p.m.
125 N Fairview Ave.
Goleta

Carpinteria Carpinteria Boy Scout tree lot – Troop 50, Pack 50, and Troop 147
Saturday, December 5, 12 noon to 4 p.m.
Carpinteria Ave., under the historical Torrey Pine (across the street from the Carpinteria Public Library)

For more check out SCEEP's website.