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Gift Cards Can Be A Creative And Personal Gift This Holiday

If you're not sure about what to buy your loved one, consider some creative ways to give a gift card.

If you're torn on what to get your loved ones, friends or even co-workers this holiday season, think small and plastic – gift cards are a great option. And there is no shortage of local retailers who sell them.

Your child's school might also sell them as a fundraiser and they'll get a percentage of the profit, so make sure you check it out. Edward Walton School in Springfield is one participant.

Local businesses provide such a wide variety of goods and services, you don't have to brave the mall crowds to come up with something creative. It's all in the presentation and can still be very personal.

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'Tis the season to eat, drink and... go gourmet. For a range of unique and delicious gifts consider a gift card from Gary's Wine & Marketplace in Madison.

Donna Bird, assistant to owner Gary Fisch, says the food and wine emporium offers gift options far beyond wine and spirits. "We have gourmet food, fresh cut artisan cheeses, gift baskets, giftware, and more," Bird says.   

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Gift cards from Gary's are also available in any amount and have no expiration date, adds Bird. The cards are available at any cashier station.

At Just4Pooches in Cranford, the gift certificate comes just as nicely wrapped as the gifts. "We have cute packaging for gift certificates," said owner Lynn Suga-Rafanelli. She said it's placed in a little pillow pack and wrapped up very pretty. "It's really very cute."

Suga-Rafanelli said while many people come into the store knowing what they want, "a gift certificate would be a great alternative."

And she added there are lots of fun, smaller items to accompany it. Bark Bars, which look like giant pieces of holiday candy, ginger bread men, candy canes, snow men. "We have tons of cute stuff."

Owner of The Town Book Store in Westfield, Ann Laird, said she sells a lot of gift certificates as the panic sets in closer to Christmas. She said it's a great option for last-minute shoppers.

As for the actual certificate itself, "we're kind of old fashioned," she said. The store doesn't use the plastic cards. They print out a receipt to give to the recipient.

Another positive reason to use gift certificates: they often don't expire. At Boogie's Tickets, Westfield, owner Adam Gartenberg said his gift cards have no time limit and "it enables the person who's receiving the gift to choose something they would really like to attend."

He said another reason to consider a gift certificate as a present is there are no refunds allowed once the tickets are purchased.

"We encourage people if they're unsure to buy a gift certificate."

And while you can purchase tickets online at www.boogiestickets.com, those with gift certificates must go in person to the Elm Street store to purchase tickets. "We fedex tickets anywhere people need."

Gartenberg said he does see a business boost during the holidays, not only because of gifts, but also because people have some time off and want to spend some time attending events with their families. Broadway shows, Christmas shows and sporting events are all popular this time of year.

And if you're looking for another way for the family to bond, get a gift certificate for an activity you can do together. Owner of Color Me Mine in Summit, Ann Mills, said "we see an increase in everything and we do sell a lot of gift cards at this time."

The store is filled with unfinished pottery pieces for customers to paint. Mills said the  gift-giver needs to decide whether they want to paint the piece for the recipient themselves or let them experience it themselves.

She said since there are Color Me Mine stores across the country, "people purchase gift cards and send them to people."

If you're still worried about it seeming impersonal, go to www.giftcardlab.com, and you can order a photo gift card. Include the recipients photo, or one of your own, and it will add a unique and personal touch. There's nothing more personal than a picture!

So if you're sold on the idea of gift certificates, here are some great local stores, along with some pairing ideas, to purchase from.

Out of the Box (Office)  …

Tickets, tickets, tickets: A great gift idea for the theater or concert-lover, or just someone who needs a night out. Boogie's Tickets, Westfield sells tickets to all of the major sports and entertainment events. Pair it with a bottle of wine to enjoy at dinner, or some movie DVD's or music, so you can turn it into an entertainment package.

Meet Me at the Movies: Whether The Rialto in Westfield, Cranford Theater in Cranford, Clearview's Beacon Hill Cinema 5 in Summit or AMC Theaters in Mountainside, movie tickets are something everyone will use and enjoy. Wrap up a gift card with some popcorn bags and candy from Target in Springfield  or even a book related to a current movie, and you have a stellar gift.

For His/Her Best Friend …

Pets …a sure bet: Urban Paws in Summit, Just4Pooches in Cranford and The Pet Shanty in Scotch Plains are just a few of the pet specialty stores that will help you win your way into the owner's heart. People love to gussy up their animals during the holidays, and a gift certificate to one of these stores is sure to put a smile on the owner's face. Make a card with the pet's picture, or have one framed, for a pet-perfect presentation. Or pair the gift card with a small, fun item.

At-Home Entertainment …

Games Galore: Gamestop in Westfield (and there's one on Route 22 next to Barnes & Noble in Springfield) is the safe bet for kids 5 and up. Nintendo WII and DS are popular video games for kids, but the games are pricey. So parents will appreciate taking some of the pressure off.

Born to Read: Books are a great gift for any age or gender. So if you're torn about what to buy, a gift certificate to your local book store is a great option. Renaissance Book Store, Cranford, The Town Book Store, Westfield, Shenanigan Books, Summit ..among others. Wrap it together with a small book light or a fancy book mark.

Quality Time …

Knitting Know how: If you have a loved one who wants to take up knitting but won't take the time to learn, a gift certificate is the perfect solution. Give them enough to purchase needles, a book and some basic yarn, and let the ladies at Knit A Bit, Westfield, do the rest. Or buy the needles and yarn ahead of time and wrap it up with the gift certificate.

Color Me Mine: The Summit "paint your own pottery" store is a fun place for kids especially during the cold and long winter months. You can always make something yourself ahead of time, and place the gift certificate inside as a surprise.  It's a great opportunity for parents to do a project with their little ones too.

Just Bead Yourself: Another creative way to show your loved one you appreciate them. You can go together to make something special for both of you and spend some quality holiday time. Mom can make a bracelet with your name on it for a keepsake.

Creating Memories …

Photo Op: Sittings for family photo shoots can be pricey and stressful, so many families won't attempt it. But if you hand your loved ones a gift certificate to one of the many photo studios in the area, they're sure to follow through with a smile (literally).

 Favorite Past-time …

Yoga Time: If your friend or loved one is a Yogi, and spends a lot of $$ taking classes, why not get them a gift certificate for something they already love. Tying it to a new yoga mat or pairing it with some special, healthy snacks would make for a very peaceful and positive present. Many studios also offer additional services like personal training and massage, to which the gift card can be applied. Be sure to get the gift certificate to their studio of choice: Bikram and Satsang in WestfieldSummit Yoga Studio in Summit and Yoga & Healing Center in Scotch Plains.

YMCA: If your gift recipient enjoys activities at his/her local YMCA, you can also purchase a gift card there.  All of the local Y's participate.

Cooking Classes: Classic Thyme, Westfield offers gift certificates for their many classes, series or special events. If you order online, www.classicthyme.com, with a specific date, the store will send them free of charge.

Tobacco Fix: At Florez Tobacconist , Summit, you can buy your loved one a $750 annual membership or give him a gift card to hold him over until it's feasible. Cigars start at $5, so a gift certificate for any amount will get you somewhere. Pair it with a Xikar lighter or cutter, starting at $29.

Fine Wine: Who doesn't love a good glass of wine? Local Liquor Stores, like Cool Vines, Westfield, offer a wide variety so spend as much or as little as you want. Or pair it with a gift certificate from a local BYO eatery and the recipient can enjoy a night out on the town.  Speaking of local eateries, there are a slew of restaurants to choose from. So pick your new favorite, or the gift-recipients favorite, and you won't go wrong.

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