Still looking for great gifts for those hard to buy for people? So am I…
Shopping during holiday season is never fun…long lines, impatient crowds, big savings, little time — bad combos in the making. But if you’re still shopping…as I am (I haven’t even started…and Christmas is next week — don’t remind me!) there are some local Saratoga Springs options that might relieve some of that pressure.
For the sweet tooth in the bunch, there is the Peppermint Pig — I’ve seen it at Saratoga Sweets, Impressions, Putnam Market…anywhere else? I have to admit I’ve never had a Peppermint Pig…but that little hammer that comes with all the Peppermint Pigs is adorably dangerous.
For the fashionista — just take a walk down Broadway, and you can’t look five feet without seeing one boutique or another. There’s bound to be something. And if you don’t have fashion sense yourself…gift cards are always a great fall-back.
For the stress freak — give them some time to relax! Saratoga is called ‘Spa City’ for a reason! …Or you can be an enabler, and get them coffee from Uncommon Grounds, Coffee Traders…or, if you dare it…Starbucks. I’m sure there is wonderful coffee in Saratoga that I’m missing out on here — but I don’t drink coffee! So if anyone can top my recommendations here, it’s welcome.
For the word nerd — there are quite a few books out there about Saratoga Springs, even one about the Batcheller Mansion (if you’re feeling particularly generous this season, you can also drop a cool $5 or $6 million for the place itself), and numerous books about the track. If your bookworm isn’t quite looking for that, there’s always Lyrical Ballad, Borders in town or Barnes and Noble out in Wilton.
For the foodie — check out Putnam Market (and wine), Four Seasons — among others….or their favorite downtown restaurant for a gift card.
There are a bunch of places in town that are great to wander through, as well — you never know what you might find in Suave Fair, Divinyl Revolution, among others….so many great shops in the area. For something particularly local, there is the Saratoga Local Living guide, as well.
Got any other ideas for last-minute locally found gifts? I know I’m all ears, and I’m sure others are too!
Edited for content and clarity; 12.15.10
