Special Events
CLICK BELOW to view the photos from "Celebrate Sausalito" Awards Gala
http://www.axelrodart.com/chambergala/
CHECK OUT THESE GREAT GIFT IDEAS IN SAUSALITO...
Brought to you by Sausalito’s Shopping Sleuth, Cheryl Popp, Popp Inc. and Marketing Director, Sausalito Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors
While you’re checking that list for who’s naughty or nice, remember to shop local this holiday season. Yes, Virginia there are more than t-shirts shops in Sausalito and if you want to keep our unique boutique retail environment here you’d best support them! Take a look at my suggestions for some great gift ideas right in your own backyard.
Mom & Dad– sign them up for the Bacchus & Venus wine club – they’ll get 2 delicious wines shipped to them every month and when you go to visit you can be assured of drinking something better than what they buy at Trader Joe’s!
Just for Mom– Put together a basket of handcrafted beauty products from the Scented Seagull – over 52 different scents in a wide range of products, from vegetarian soap, to bath salts, seaweed scrubs, moisturizers and essential oils. Choose from classic chamomile, jasmine and violet to the more exotic Neroli with aloe and cucumber melon, or special blends with inviting names such as Fresh Cut Grass, Fresh Towels and Sweet Sausalito. Gift sets are available and so are personalized lotions! Cindy the owner is the chief mixologist and loves her trade! The Zen Men bath salts and Fizzy Bath Bombs are not to be missed either.
The brother who hunts & fishes– a handsome knife with a carved handle from the Scrimshaw Gallery
The brother who has questionable taste in art: help him with an original piece of art from one our art galleries. Get it framed at Sausalito Picture Framing (you know he can’t be trusted on that front either!)
The sister who has everything– Give her a seal – or at least adopt one in her name at the Marine Mammal Center. When you look at their sweet, whiskered faces you will want them ALL!
The Husband-- a cooking class at ITK Culinary J
The Wife– woo her with gems and jewels from Jewelry by the Bay, Katya, or Sausalito Jewelers
The Kids: Discovery Museum passes; Sea Trek Kayaking lessons
The mother and father in-law:a weekend at the Inn Above Tide so they have some place other than your house to stay when they visit (!)
The Uncle who loves the water: an SF Bay Adventures cruise on the schooner Freda B
The uber aunt who has everything-- She won’t have handmade oils, lotions and potions from Angelica Touch & Wellness – truly unique and luxurious – crafted by the on-site ower, Samantha
All the other aunts:go to Out of Hand and you’ll find something wonderful for all of them; Chris -- the owner--has a delightful collection of gifts and is almost always on site to help.
The niece who knows everything– A gift certificate to Sushi Ran for dinner and a sake tasting – she will experience incredible food unlike anything she has ever tasted, especially if Yoshi is there
The nephew who knows nothing– Literature to enlighten from Habitat Books; Sharon the owner knows her inventory and can provide invaluable input for this educational endeavor
The wine snob cousin– impress even him with several fine vintages from Real Napa; have Linda Fotsch the wine maker and proprietor sign the bottle
The sister-in-law who deserves an award for putting up with your brother: treat her to a collection of accessories from Hubba Hubba – choose from a large selection of lovely scarves, purses and costume jewelry
The significant other girlfriend:A lovely ensemble from Green Apples – Shelley the owner has impeccable taste and can help the most fashion-challenged men
That special man:visit the incomparable Gene Hiller Menswear. Believe me, it’s worth it.
The other man (who sails): nautical attire from the Ship Store
And the other guy who loves country:A pair of kickass cowboy boots from Pegasus Leather and tickets to the Trainwreck Junction Western Hoe Down in Sausalito January 5th – supporting Sausalito’s Sister City Cascais, Portugal
The best friend who is ALWAYS trying to get in shape:Sign her up for a duet with you at Core Pilates or classes at Yoga of Sausalito (gifts that keep on giving) – both businesses are operated by owners who also teach on site
The other best friend who is devastated she can’t go to Venice this winter because it’s under water– she will think she’s actually been there after you gift her with elegant linens and Italian papers from EyeItalia; Susan the owner can take you on a tour of Italy’s finest in her charming boutique
The best friend from high school who is still a really close friend even though you don’t understand how she went from cheerleader to ashram devotee who teaches meditation– a crystal or stunning gem stone to display from Dynamic Crystals—the carnelian and amethyst are stunning!
The client in New York– send a taste of Sausalito with a Venice Gourmet gift basket, California wine and Sausalito-branded jams, olive oils and other condiments.
The stressed-out business partner: a day at the tranquil Healing Arts Center and Spa at Cavallo Point – I suggest the Sea Kelp Scrub to revitalize, exfoliate, and detox, and the Signature Massage with aromatherapy
The assistant who is also stressed out:a day of pampering at the Casa Madrona Spa so she likes you again
The neighbor who always has you over for drinks:choose scalloped glass appetizer plates, shot glasses or signature pewter wine-stoppers from Hillside’s collection of home wares that have been carefully selected by Sandy the owner/operator of this pleasant shop with the garden seating out front
The Animals: Lorna Newlin at Sausalito Pottery will make a personalized food dish for favorite fidos or coveted kitties…while you’re in her studio you will no doubt find a half-dozen other original pieces that will make memorable gifts
Everyone:a 2013 Barkers by the Bay Calendar – celebrating our hound-happy town and the winners of the 2012 Cutest Canine contest. Only $15.
Stocking Stuffers:Go beyond candy canes with Cibo gourmet goodies (Blue Bottle coffee, Blue Chair orange-anise marmalade, Kika’s Brazilian honey cakes, 24 Blackbirds artisan chocolate bars); gift certificates at local restaurants (Poggio, Angelino’s, the Trident, Napa Burger, Saylors, Plate Shop and more); handcrafted soaps from the Scented Seagull; “Hilside” zipped bags and pouches from Hillside; packets of wildflowers and other seeds from the same venue; tickets to a taste of Vina del Mar – the “Seven Wines, Seven Women, Seven Dreams” event at the historic Pines mansion January 26– benefiting the Sausalito Sister City program with Chile (you’ll be gifting a FUN evening and supporting a worthwhile cause)
OTHER HOLIDAY ESSENTIALS JUST DOWN THE BLOCK
Holiday décor:The Holiday Shoppe (of course!) for a vast selection of ornaments and other Christmas cheer
Holidaylights:Waterstreet Hardware
Wreaths:Studio 333 (Christopher the owner donates monies raised in honor of his mother)
P.S.The Bay Model and Marine Mammal Center have terrific gift shops.
SHOPPING LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS SPURS LOCAL ECONOMY
As a Marin Independent Journal editorial noted last week, sustainability is a popular concept these days, and small, local retailers are a crucial part of that concept, our economy and our sense of community. The editorial rightly noted that: “The money spent stays here, keeps getting recirculated and keeps storefronts full and downtown and retail areas vibrant.”
Small businesses are owned and operated by friends and neighbors -- and they generate jobs. This profile is especially true in Sausalito where almost all the retail establishments are independent, owner-operated businesses. Our zoning codes do not allow “big box” or chain stores. Our local merchants usually know your name, are delighted to see you, know your dog’s name (and even have biscuit for that four-legged friend!)
Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) was a retail frenzy when shoppers focused on big ticket items; Cyber Monday the following week was all about online shopping. The Saturday after Thanksgiving has been dubbed Small Business Saturday and is much more personal, reminding us to support our local retailers. As the IJ suggested, we should make every Saturday this Small Business Saturday. Shop local, think local, stay local. It beats the malls as far as I’m concerned.
