Getting the Ideas
Some Suggestions for the People on Your Holiday Gift List
The holiday shopping season is well underway, but many still have a lot of work to do to as they endeavor to draw lines through the names of those of their holiday gift lists.
In the spirit of the season, BusinessWest is offering some ideas. But these aren’t just any ideas. They’re suggestions involving local businesses, many of which you’ve read about on the pages of this magazine in recent months.
We start by listing the business venture and then move on to the item or items you may want to consider there.
We hope you’ll consider these options and, when possible, buy local.
Amherst Farm Winery
Route 9, Amherst, MA 01002
(413) 253-1400
www.amherstfarmwinery.com
• Tasting and bottle of Pumpkin Frost dessert wine: $25
Enjoy a winter afternoon wine tasting at the Amherst Farm Winery. The rustic barn that houses the granite-top tasting counter, winemaking kitchen, and gift shop also features a fireplace sipping room. A tasting includes a choice of five of the 15 vintages, a bonus sample of Winemakers limited Chocolate/Raspberry DIVA or Pumpkin Frost dessert wine, and a logo wine glass.
A.O. White
78 Center Square
East Longmeadow, MA 01028
(413) 525-1800
www.aowhite.com
• Kinross Cashmere Sweater in plum: $325
• Maker & Co. pinstripe fitted shirt in plum, gray, and lime: $125
Lewis White of A.O. White says every man’s wardrobe needs a fine cashmere sweater. Paired with a quality pima cotton shirt and favorite trousers, the casual outfit is perfect for holiday get-togethers and relaxing weekends. Dads, sons, brothers, boyfriends, and husbands will all appreciate an exquisite new cashmere sweater, especially to mix and match with different tailored shirts.
Bay Path College
588 Longmeadow St., Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 565-1066
www.baypath.edu; [email protected]
• 2014 Women’s Leadership Conference Early Bird gift certificate: alumni, $250; general public, $275
April is not far off, actually, and the much-anticipated annual Women’s Leadership Conference staged each spring by Bay Path College, an event of inspiration, education, and community, makes a great gift. This year’s speakers for the April 25 event have not been made public yet, but with past keynotes by award-winning thespians, businesswomen, and government leaders, including Jane Fonda, Queen Latifah, and former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, the schedule for the 2014 ‘Own Your Story’ conference is sure to be as exciting and motivating as ever.
CityStage/Symphony Hall
One Columbus Center, Springfield, MA 01103
34 Court St, Springfield, MA 01103
Box Office: (413) 788-7033
[email protected]
www.citystage.symphonyhall.com
• Bud Light Comedy Series 6-Pack: $149
Provide laughter this holiday season! Give one of CityStage & Symphony Hall’s Comedy Gift Packs, which will provide a great night out for friends and family. Consider the Bud Light Comedy Series 6-Pack, which includes a Bud Light Cooler and two tickets to see Paul D’Angelo, the Irish Comedy Tour, and Etta May at CityStage.
Cooper’s Gifts & Curtains
161 Main St., Agawam, MA 01001
(413) 786-7760
www.coopersgifts.com
• Bangle bracelet: $98 – $216
• Collectible clasps: $50 – $75
A gift that has the ability to look different with add-on pieces is in vogue, and the made-in-Massachusetts LeStage Convertible Collection of sized sterling silver bangles, some with 14-carat gold accents, is the perfect idea, because the removable and collectible clasps are the eye candy. There are so many clasp choices, and all are gift-wrapped, compliments of Cooper’s Gifts & Curtains.
Dave DiRico’s Golf & Racquet
1050 Riverdale St., West Springfield, MA 01089
(413) 734-4444
www.davediricogolf.com
• TaylorMade SLDR driver: $399
The avid golfer will probably already know that the latest TaylorMade SLDR driver is out, and it can be found at Dave DiRico’s Golf & Racquet. The club’s low, forward center of gravity promotes high-launch, fast ball speed, and low spin for phenomenal distance, and the loft can be increased or reduced up to 1.5 degrees with a 12-position loft sleeve for optimal trajectory. Made of titanium with a flexible graphite shaft, it’s perfect for men, women, and senior golfers.
Denise Smith Photography
(413) 224-1636
www.denisesmithphotography.com
Call for appointment
• Family portrait package gift certificate: $425
Create memories and keep them forever with a personalized family portrait session taken by regional portrait specialist Denise Smith. Using her expertise for a clothing and design consultation, your gift of timeless photography will become a family treasure. Gift certificate includes consultation, on-site photography session, and 16 x 20 classic mounted print.
It’s All About Me
2 Somers Road, Hampden, MA 01036
(413) 566-2285
www.allaboutmeshoppe.com
• Shimmer party dress: $53
A boutique and gift shop where you can find fashionable, fun, unique, and affordable apparel and gifts is always a sure bet. Consider a party dress in her size from It’s All About Me in Hampden for New Year’s Eve. Beautiful soft shimmer fabric is absolutely adorable, with colors of charcoal, gold, and silver by YA Los Angeles. Available in small, medium, and large, this dress is glamorous enough for any special event.
Kaleidoscope Pottery
1 Cottage St, # 11
Easthampton, MA 01027
(413) 527-6390
(Call for appointment or for gallery locations where pottery is sold)
www.kscopepottery.com
• 5” diameter soap dish: $28
Artist Evelyn Snyder collects different leaves to create designs and patterns on stoneware slabs that she then forms into various shapes of platters, bowls, and vessels. Kaleidoscope Pottery appeals to gardeners, nature enthusiasts, and those who appreciate beautiful and functional pottery. A great gift item for everyday use is her handmade stoneware soap dishes — the soap happens to be from Sage Meadow Farm in Easthampton — and all pieces are dishwasher- and microwave-safe.
Kate Gray Boutique
749 Maple Road, Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 567-7500
www.kate-gray.com
• Wellensteyn jacket: $399
The holidays are a perfect time to update the wardrobe of a special woman in your life, but need help choosing? Consider a boutique like Kate Gray in Longmeadow for that personal attention and help in finding unique clothing made with fitted cuts and fine quality fabrics. She’ll always have something one-of-a-kind … like a burgundy metallic winter sports jacket by Wellensteyn.
Kiddly Winks
801 Williams St.
Longmeadow, MA 01106
(413) 567-0688
www.kiddlywinks.com
• Squigz Fun Little Suckers! $50
Joy Leavitt at Kiddly Winks says one of the hottest toys this season is Squigz Fun Little Suckers!, a collection of colorful silicone-rubber shapes that flex, stick, and suck people into creativity they may not have been aware of. The shapes connect to each other and any solid, non-porous surface, leaving no residue or marks on surfaces. All ages can connect a masterpiece, providing hours of individual or family fun.
The Delaney House
3 Country Club Road, Holyoke, MA 01040
(413) 532-1800
www.logcabin-delaney.com
www.stayatthed.com
• ‘Have A Bite. Stay The Night’: $179
The eclectic menu at the Delaney House blends American, Asian, and European tastes — certain to please even the pickiest partner — but consider merging that experience with a night in the new D. Hotel & Suites for a romantic couples package. Gift package includes $75 toward dinner at Delaney’s Grill or the Mick, in-room champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, and full breakfast.
Lorilil Jewelers
1500 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 731-5400
www.lorililjewelers.com
• Rolex watches: 26 mm, $10,650; 31 mm, $11,650; 36 mm, $12,850
Known for the elegant Rolex and David Yurman brands, Lorilil Jewelers in downtown Springfield offers a showroom of sparkle and shine all year long. But if tastes run on the high side, consider one of three sizes of Rolex Datejust watches. It’s been proven, time and time again, that one of these ‘timeless’ trinkets is sure to please.
Pioneer Valley Indoor Karting
10 West St., West Hatfield, MA 01088
(413) 446-7845
www.pioneervalleykarting.com
• Annual PVIK $50 membership and one race: $70
A 23,000-square-foot track offers an area where karts can reach speeds up to 40 mph. The 1,000-foot road course challenges the most experienced drivers through seven left turns and four rights. Every race is timed down to .001 of a second, and each driver will receive a time sheet after their race to compare. Kids 8 and older, over 48 inches, and weighing under 180 pounds can ride as well as adults.
Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club
121 West St. (formerly Bassett Boat Co.)
Springfield, MA 01104
(413) 736-1322
www.pvriverfront.org
• Annual Membership and access to all programs, indoor and outdoor: $500
(BusinessWest readers receive 25% off)
Looking for something unique for an active family member or friend? Consider a rowing class, indoor in cold weather, or on the Connecticut River the rest of the year. Offering programs for youth and adults, ages 12 to 99, the Pioneer Valley Riverfront Club is a rowing facility in the North End of Springfield with a mission to promote river-based sporting activities, develop river access, and encourage recreation in the Greater Springfield metropolitan area.
SkinCatering Massage & Skincare
Tower Square, 1500 Main St., Suite 220
Springfield, MA 01115
(413) 282-8-SPA
www.skincatering.com
• Massage and facial combo: $125
• Couples massage: 60 min., $115; 90 min., $165;
2 hours, $215
Pamper someone special with a two-hour massage and facial combo, or, better yet, book a one-hour couples massage and enjoy a true spa experience together. SkinCatering offers a release from the hectic holidays, and after all the stress and strain, an extra-special, very personal gift is just what the doctor ordered.
Springfield Falcons Hockey
45 Falcons Way, Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 739-GOAL
www.falconsahl.com
• Holiday Hat Trick: $45 (for a limited time only)
Have a hockey fan in the family? Help them take in a hockey game and support Falcons Hockey in downtown Springfield with a special package from the Falcons. The Holiday Hat Trick offers two Falcons ticket vouchers, a $10 Dunkin’ Donuts gift card, and a special Falcons holiday puck.
Springfield Symphony Orchestra
Springfield Symphony Hall
34 Court St., Springfield, MA 01103
Box Office: 1350 Main St., Springfield, MA 01103
(413) 733-2291
www.springfieldsymphony.org
• BOGO Choose 3: various prices
Give the gift of classical and pops music from the Springfield Symphony Orchestra (SSO). Buy one, get one (BOGO) offers a ‘Choose 3’ SSO subscription that allows you to select any three Springfield Symphony Orchestra performances during the 2013-14 season and save up to 20% versus the cost of single tickets. BusinessWest readers get a second comparable Choose 3 subscription free with the purchase of one Choose 3 at the regular price, for a 50% savings. (Reference code BWBOGO for 50% off second package.)
— Elizabeth Taras
