So what category do you fall under? The one where your Christmas shopping was all done by mid-July and wrapped by mid-August (and you’ll remember where you hid everything!) or the one that hates to be told how many days ‘til Christmas ‘coz you know you’ll wait to the last minute regardless? Not admitting which one I am, though I got grumpy when I realized Thanksgiving was only a week away which meant Christmas wasn’t too far behind it… And yet, as I’m sure you’ve all noticed (and I’ve been trying to ignore), Christmas stuff has been popping up all over the stores since before Halloween. So then of course I figure that talking about holiday shopping for the next blog is a good idea despite my personal preference. If it’s any consolation, I’m inwardly shaking my head with a ‘no, let’s not, as it’ll force me to come out of the Land of Denial and I’m pretty comfortable living there’, but alas, that’s not how it works.

It’s funny that I procrastinate on the whole gift thing, as really do like searching for and giving gifts that are absolutely targeted to the person receiving them and the more different they are the better. Typically these gifts just pop out at me in the least expected places, like in Nashville at a flea market. Wanting to stick closer to home and shop local, how about those really cool places for gifts that might not come to mind as quickly as a big box store? Did you know Delavan is full of unique stores and shops with that one-of-a-kind item just waiting for you to find it? I won’t even tell anyone if you buy it for yourself instead of as a gift! Or if you buy it for me!

Having raised my girls in Delavan and with both of them now living elsewhere, getting a Delavan logo item is a great reminder of home. Bradley’s and Delavan Lake Store are two places to make that happen. If a book on the history of Delavan is more their style, that can be found at Remember When Antiques & Collectibles. Artwork by a local artist can be found at Lubick Gallery & Gifts and you can get it framed there, too! I personally like the selection of wind chimes at Lubick’s. Hint, hint for those getting me a gift!

Antiques of all sorts can evoke memories for just about anyone. Lauren’s Antiques & Art Centre, JMJ Antique & Trading, Pac-Ratz, Don’s What Not Shop and Remember When all offer endless possibilities of items to bring forth a special memory or something to make new ones. What about refurbishing a piece of furniture, big or small, or some other household item, with the guidance of Pipe & Board and it becomes a treasured family heirloom? Or check out Everything Homespun, where around every corner and in every nook and cranny there is something unique and different to choose from with primitive, farmhouse, rustic, and handmade items.

Speaking of treasured family heirlooms…jewelry absolutely comes to mind, and easily when I look at my own hands and see the ring with my children’s birthstones in it or the ring my youngest me bought with her own money (other than not taking in to account sales tax and having to ask me for it). Beall Jewelers and Utiger Jewelry are two family-owned jewelry stores that can assist with whatever you have in mind and can even help design something.

Got foodies on your list? Then a gift certificate to a local restaurant would be perfect! There are a variety of types to choose from to suit all taste buds and moods – fine dining, café, supper club, sandwich shop, family-style, ethnic, mom & pop, franchise, bar & grill, etc. You can’t go wrong with any of them and consider trying something new, such as The Trout House, as well as the tried and true favorite, like Sweet Aroma or Elizabeth’s Cafe. Don’t forget Lake Geneva Cannery, conveniently located next to Riga-Tony’s, and you’ve got two gifts taken care with an easy stop at each! Not listing all the restaurant and food-related options in town is in no saying that those I have mentioned are better than others – it’s only that there are too many to list them all in the blog! How long do you want me writing for and then how long do you want to be reading?!

I try and go with the ‘something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read’ format in gift giving with my girls and it works pretty well, besides helping tremendously with the budget! Focusing on the ‘something to wear’ portion, Neki’s Hope offers unique boutique items and one-of-a-kind jewelry creations. Bradley’s may be 165 years old, but their up-to-date fashions for women and men certainly aren’t! From a complete outfit, to that favorite piece, to the perfect accessory, and as I say, a girl can never have too many Erin London jackets in her closet! For the new-to-you experience and finding that just right item, be it a Christmas sweater, purse, jewelry, jacket or scarf, or whatever else you didn’t know you needed, Scene II is one of the area’s oldest established consignment shops carrying brand name women’s, men’s and kid’s clothes. Got a special occasion or event where a blinged out dress is required? Alexa’s Boutique is the place to find the perfect dress for any occasion needing some pizzazz and sparkle!

Someone too far away to easily send their gift to them? How about sending flowers instead? Both Rosebuds Floral & Gifts and Treasure Hut Flowers & Gifts can help you design the perfect floral arrangement or pick the plant that even someone with no green thumb at all can keep alive and well. Still one of those that sends Christmas cards out to friends and family, and if so, do you wanna do mine for me…? Jan’s Hallmark is the place to find a great variety of seasonal cards to choose from, along with a huge selection of year-round cards and gifts.

For someone with a very specific interest, then think about LSJ Music for the music lover, Yoga Hohm and Delavan Nutrition Store for the health and wellness follower, Lakeside Bait & Tackle for the fisherman, The Stitchery for the quilter, Pet Pals for the animal lover, Caleta Western Wear for the cowboy or cowgirl, and Boxed & Burlap for the coffee lover. You could be feeding an existing interest or starting a new one!

A couple tucked away spots that you might not think of unless you’re already at the businesses where they are located are Rosewood’s Gift Shop and Lake Lawn Resort’s General Store & Gift Shop. Talk about finding that one-of-a-kind, and not-everyone-is-going-to-have-it item! It also gives you the chance to get a gift certificate to Rosewood for someone on your list that likes dining and entertainment combined, or for someone that wants a spa getaway at the Calladora Spa at Lake Lawn Resort.

If I’ve missed mentioning something or someone or whatever, my sincere apologies! There’s just so much to offer in Delavan, that to not only keep track of it all, but to write about it can be mind-blowing sometimes! Get out there, wander around and find all these wonderful businesses and more! I guarantee you’ll find that perfect gift for everyone on your list, including for me, and even something for yourself.

Enjoy the adventure!