Finding the perfect present for the hardest-to-please friend or family member just got easy.
For the Hostess with the Mostest
If your party hostess gives Martha Stewart a run for her money, you’ll want to give her something equally charming and thoughtful for all her hard work. Luckily, there’s a variety of home gift stores and places to pamper.
A little something. Scented French lotions and tonics, tea napkins, and other pretty little trinkets that make us ooh and aah are plentiful at Goods, 2537 Santa Clara Ave., Daisy’s, 1347 Park St., and Whales & Friends, 2060 Lincoln Ave, all Alameda.
Foodie forward. A Gift certificate for Alameda Natural Grocery and Patricia’s Pantry, 1650 Park St., Alameda, lets you go natural and give a highly versatile gift that’s good for organic food or cookware.
Well run. Keeping a tight ship is one trait the home entertainment experts seem to handle with ease, stylish journals, calendars, organizers, and diaries are available at Books Inc., 1344 Park St., Alameda.
For the Fitness and Outdoors Buff
Loosen up. Stay loose by giving any sports-minded person on your list a grid foam massage roller ($12.99–$39.99), at Big 5 Sporting Goods, 325 Park St., Alameda, which uses trigger points and a special texture to loosen up sore muscles. Kinesio tape, or elastic sports tape ($12–$19.99), was made popular by U.S. volleyball players at the 2012 Summer Olympics and can provide targeted pain relief and muscle support while adding a splash of color through multi-color strips.
Hit the water. If your gift recipient spends more time in the water than on land, stop by Bon Voyage, 2225 South Shore Center, Alameda, and pick up Eagle Creek bags ($7.50–$18) that zip up to prevent wet swimsuits and towels from leaking in gym bags or cars. Quick drying chamois towels or shammies ($17–$30) made of super absorbent microfiber are also a great gift for swimmers who need to dry off quickly while saving space in their sports bag or locker.
Keep the winds in their sails. Whether they dream of sailing into the sunset or plan on racing for America’s Cup, sailing gear, clothing and shoes, electronic gadgets and gizmos and accessories are available at Marine West, 730 Buena Vista Ave., Alameda.
For the Greenie
You won’t be going out on a limb when you branch out into environmentally conscious products for the people in your life who make saving the earth top priority. Skip the wrapping paper and try these nifty gift ideas.
Terrarium gifts. Whether your gift recipient has a green thumb or black thumb, air plants and their glass holders look like living works of art. Pick up a glass terrarium kit at Dandelion Flowers, 1419 Park St., Alameda, or Modern Mouse in South Shore Center.
Repurposed or upcycled items. Try Pixies and Peony, 2305 Santa Clara Ave., Alameda, for whimsical repurposed shabby chic styled home décor items or Redux Gallery and Studios, 2315 Lincoln Ave., Alameda for eye-catching works of art, jewelry or home décor.
Paper and media. Browse through Rocket Reuse’s, 1355 Park St., Alameda, impressive selection of second hand books, DVDs, CDs, and LPs to find your loved one’s favorite movie or record from years past.
Start them young. Babes and tots will enjoy getting modern and fun toys and accessories. Mom and Dad will appreciate the organic and sustainable fashions, and eco-friendly and chemical-free toy and feeding brands from Monkey Bars, 1339 Park St., Alameda. Another place to shop for the youngest ones on your list is Tot Tank, 1413 Park St., Alameda, which offers a comprehensive selection of toys, fashions and gifts.
For the Entire Brood
When it comes to satisfying the whole family, Alameda is an endless playground full of activities. Unlike some Christmas sweaters, entertainment and fun never go out of style.
Movies. You can’t go wrong with access to year round entertainment at the Alameda Theatre, 2317 Central Ave. Pick up certificates in booklets of five $5 certificates ($25) and enjoy the Island’s jewel of a theater.
Blips, beeps, and balls. For the pinheads in your life, you will score big with a gift certificate to Pacific Pinball Museum, 1510 Webster St., or ’80s arcade game mecca High Score Arcade, 1414 Park St.
Board or party games. Nothing brings a group together for a little friendly competition like board games. Stop in D20 Games, 2311 Santa Clara Ave., to check out the latest board games, and get helpful reviews of games for all ages.