By Sharon Merkel Prudhomme ~
Well, here it is….time to get hopping and go shopping! But what to get for your best buds and family members? If you truly know someone, it’ll be a breeze IF you think! Just ask yourself a few simple questions and it will be a cinch, AND you can do all your shopping IN ONE PLACE! Don’t doubt it…make a short little survey list of your people.
Your local Hardware Store is the one-stop-shop
What do they like? Hobbies? What do they do for fun? Do they have a garden? Garden tools, knee pads, gloves, bug spray, shrub fertilizer, flower seeds, veggie seeds (attach a pack of Forget-Me-Not seeds to wrapping paper) sun visor or garden hat, garden clogs or boots, potting soil, veggie garden markers, strawberry planter pot, garden ties, garden sprayer, new garden hose, hose attachments, solar garden lights, glow in the dark paint for rocks and planters, garden twine, garden twine dispenser, spring bulbs & bulb hole tool, garden flag holder & flags, etc.
Do they enjoy cooking outdoors? Grill cooking utensils (sauce mop, tongs, forks, grill mats), grill cleaner, wire grill brush, new propane tank, gift cert. for a propane re-fill, drunkin’ chicken rack, grill gloves, charcoal, grill lighters, fire starters, BBQ sauce, hanging lantern for evening cooking light, apron & chef hat (hit craft store for iron-on letters! Get goofy!)
Do they have an indoor fireplace? Long Fire matches, brass long match quiver, fire starters, firewood, duraFlame logs, treated pinecones for flame colors, new andirons, damper charm hanger (we had a devil), new fireplace screen, kindling basket ( gather and fill with kindling), wood rack, new ax, wedges, hatchet, log tongs, fireplace toolset, etc.
Are they into birding or birdwatching? Bird feeders with appropriate seeds for various birds, suet block holders & suet blocks (variety to attract specific birds), hummingbird feeders & filler mix, shepherds hook to hang feeders, birding identifier books, birdbath, small galvanized can with locking lid(seed holder), seed scoop, bird house, DIY Birdhouse plans, **young child-precut the wood pieces with glue & nails for assembly, binoculars, notebook for logging sightings, etc.
Are they into DIY projects? Every crafter/DIYer need: wood stain, craft paint (samples often avail.), apron, rubber gloves, paint thinner/remover, sand paper-varying grits, new drill, Dremel with attachments, router w/ attachments, new palm sander, wood glue, Exacto knife, rollers, foam & assorted paint brushes for small & big jobs, etc.
Are they home wood crafters? Wood burning set, craft paints, brushes, various glues, staple gun, new glue gun w/ glue sticks, decoupage spray/liquid, various sized wooden blank plaques, brass or black iron house numbers, etc.
Are they walkers/hikers/campers? Walking stick, (Yeti items) water bottle, coffee travel mug, coolers, fire starters, windproof lighter, fireplace lighters, DuraFlame logs, grill rack, camp folding chairs, solar battery lanterns, a string of solar campsite lights, compass, folding camp side table, bug spray, tick/skeeter spray, sun SPF lotion, campfire coffee pot, picnic basket loaded with checked table cloth & essentials, etc.
Coffee addicts? Cool coffee mug, travel mug, filters, plug-in coffee cup warmer, etc.
Are they always fumbling to find the right key? Check out the cool key covers! Football teams, leopard, floral, color-coded, etc.
Do they have an existing little flag rod in the garden? Check out the wide variety of new seasonal flags!
Do they have ceiling fans? Most hardware stores have displays of really fun fobs for the ceiling fan and light chains.
Relax, hit up a local hardware store, shop local NOT the big box stores. Help our little shop owners and make everyone happy this year. Get creative, all in one store!
Merry Merry to all the shoppers out there! Tell your local hardware store we sent you!