Dec 3, 2009

Shopping local for your holiday giftsBy Rodika TollefsonKPBJ.com

It may be more difficult this year to be feeling jolly in December, as consumers continue to keep their wallets close. One approach to holiday spending is to look at it as a way to make a contribution to the local economy by doing all your shopping on the Kitsap Peninsula — not only does this make you feel good by supporting local merchants, but the money is also invested in the community. Plus, the dozens and dozens of local businesses offer gift ideas to satisfy everyone from Aunt Edna to cousin Ed — and even those tough-to-shop for relatives who seem to have everything.

Festive is a word that describes many local shops this time of the year, and there are several little gems up and down the peninsula. In Poulsbo, Les Saisons Boutique on Front Street is like a miniature Santa shop — with a little bit of everything including children’s toys, baby gifts, fashion jewelry, seaside décor, stylish scarves, table ware, the list goes on.

“It’s an adventure in shopping,” says store owner Erin Whitson. “There’s lots of mini-departments… What I enjoy is that people come in and spend an hour or an hour and a half when they only planned to spend five minutes here. We have a lot of things that make people feel happy.”

Les Saisons’ selections include a variety of holiday décor including the fun Woof & Poof pillows, all sorts of snowmen and ornaments. The store also carries several high-end brands such as Baggallinni and Vera Bradley handbags and bath/body products from Thymes and Crabtree & Evelynn (including some men’s selections), but shoppers will also find various inexpensive stocking stuffers for as little as under $2. “Some people are looking for certain lines but at the same time people are loving the holiday stuff,” Whitson says.

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