Shop Local Sarnia - Gift Guide

A few weeks ago I shared some ideas to help you shop local in my Think Before You Shop post and now I want to offer you some specific gift giving ideas from some of my favourite Sarnia businesses.

Silpada - Joan Armstrong

Shopping from Silpada for any lady on your Christmas list is a no brainer for me for 2 reasons. 1. This line has a huge selection of jewellery offering styles for anyones taste and 2. I can shop when it is convenient for me online and have the items delivered to my door. If you like shopping online, consider the variety of direct sales companies that offer their consultants websites. Silpada  has been offering some great sales, you can sign up for their newsletter so you can take advantage of some great deals.

I have been wearing the two Silpada jewellery pieces featured in the images below a lot, dressing them up and down. I know these earrings and necklace will be at the centre of many looks I create this season. If you have any questions about Silpada, Joan would be happy to assist you with your shopping. You can send her an email from her website or get in touch with her through her Facebook page. 

The Book Keeper

Childrens books are an amazing gift for young families because they provide an opportunity to spend time together. I love the children's corner at The Book Keeper, you can pull up a little stool and let your inner child take over as you browse the wide selection of books they have available. They have books for anyone on your list from young to old and they even carry some books written by people from Sarnia Lambton and books about our community!

If there is a specific book that you are in search of, they can help you find it in store or order it in for you. If you would prefer to shop online, you can do that as well from their website. This store is cozy, the staff are welcoming and shopping at The Book Keeper for gifts is always an enjoyable experience.

Shoes @ 144 Front

This is one of my favourite stores in Sarnia and they don't just sell shoes. In addition to an amazing variety of footwear, they also carry funky socks, purses, bags, wallets and super stylish hats, all great gift ideas for a girlfriend, sister or mom. For all the males out there who don't know what to get their lady, a gift card to this store would be an excellent present for Christmas morning. Your lady will love the selection of beautiful items to choose from and I guarantee she will have the most pleasant shopping experience while she is there.

Specifically, I love the line of Co-Lab bags that Shoes @ 144 Front carries. This line designs everything from wallets to large totes. I have a few of their faux leather items, they are functional, quality bags that make it easy to be a stylish mom. A few months ago I shared why I loved the Co-Lab back pack in the My Diaper Bag story but most recently I have been loving this magenta over the shoulder bag (pictured below). This purse easily transforms into a clutch that I can throw into Luke's diaper bag by clipping off the shoulder strap. If you have a mom on your Christmas list that loves stylish bags, a purse that allows her to keep her fashionista identity and be prepared for everything her child may need during an outing, is a very thoughtful gift!

Greg's Auto Detailing

Tyler gave me the idea of a truck detail this year as I was having trouble thinking of something unique for him. I loved the idea of a vehicle detail for anyone who loves their ride. As you can see from the images below, this gift is not your average car clean, this is a vehicle transformation. After reviewing all the images on the Greg's Auto Detailing Facebook page I could see why Tyler would want his services as a gift. Greg's Auto Detailing doesn't just clean your vehicle, he makes it look like new. It is amazing how having my car cleaned to perfection makes me love it like a brand new vehicle all over again.

Greg's Auto Detailing has been in business for over 15 years. His work is proof that he takes pride in his business and appreciates his clientele.

Sticks and Strings

I think warm and stylish winter gear is always a great gift for us up here in the true north. I want to be able to enjoy my time outside during the winter but I want to look cute too. Within the Sticks & String line, there are many pieces that come in child and adult sizes which means Luke, Tyler and I can all match, wouldn't matching knits be a great gift for a little family! These handmade knit items will keep your loved ones warm and on trend all winter long. You can browse the variety of items from their Facebook page and if you see something you like, just send a friendly message.

The woman behind Sticks And Strings is a friend of mine whom I have known for many years. Her creativity easily flows into all of her handiwork. She also creates custom Nuns and other cool items, if you are looking for a very personal and unique gift idea.

As I learn more about my favourite local businesses there is one common thread, they are all prideful and appreciative of the community they live and raise their businesses in. For this reason they give back to our communities joyfully at Christmas and all year round. Shopping local doesn't just support the business owners and their employees, it supports our community and makes it stronger by allowing businesses to continually support the charities in Sarnia Lambton. The positive ripple that will take place when you begin to change your mindset and thoughtfully shop in our community, will reach so many of our neighbours. Have fun shopping local this Christmas Sarnia and all year long.

Merry Christmas!

P.S. Connect with these businesses on their Facebook pages to keep up with all the fun stuff they have going on all year long.

Silpada - Joan-Armstrong

The Book Keeper

Shoes @ 144 Front

Greg's Auto Detailing

Sticks and Strings