Published November 30, 2011 at 11:46 a.m.
Welcome to the holiday season — and to the Seven Days holiday guide to gifts. Every Wednesday through December 21, we’re offering ideas for just about everyone on your list. For greater variety, a different writer weighs in each week: same set of recipients, unique presents of mind. (Note: Some of these recipients may be figments of our imaginations.)
And what do we want this year? Just for you to shop local, please and thank you.
Mother: Mom spends Christmas Eve in the kitchen, cooking up as many dishes as she can in an attempt at the traditional — and insanely large — 12-course Ukrainian supper. (We’re always stuffed by course 3.) This year, we’ll celebrate her sweet efforts with a bottle of Snow Farm Vineyard’s 2008 Estate Vidal Blanc Ice Wine at dessert. With subtle notes of mango, pineapple and honey, the vintage lives up to its reputation as a special-occasion wine.
$45 for 375 mL. bottle. Snow Farm Vineyard, South Hero, 372-WINE. snowfarm.com
Teen Sis: “Fashion Police” is her guilty pleasure, and — let’s admit it — it’s mine, too. There’s no better opportunity to bond with my trendy teen sister than Joan Rivers’ solo show at the Flynn on April 26. We’ll go for the saucy comedian’s hilarious point of view, and bone up on all the latest Hollywood gossip while we’re at it.
$25-64 per ticket. Flynn Center for the Performing Arts, Burlington, 863-5966. flynntix.org
Kid Brother: This little man has been on the move since learning to walk; we can barely keep up with him. To satisfy his need for speed, and maybe tire him out a little, I’m signing him up for an hourlong skateboarding lesson. All gear is provided, so it’s no big deal if it turns out that wheels aren’t his thing. But if they are, this leaves plenty of gift opportunities — skateboard, helmet, pads — for next year.
$25. Talent Skatepark, South Burlington, 864-2069. talentskatepark.com
Grandparent(s): Granny’s apple-pie bars are amazing, and her cheesecake recipe is no slouch, either. She doesn’t get out much these days, but she’s always interested to hear what new restaurants I’ve been eating at. With Tracey Medeiros’ cookbook Dishing Up Vermont: 145 Authentic Recipes From the Green Mountain State, she can whip up recipes from local restaurants, B&Bs and more in the comfort of her own kitchen. Yum.
$19.95. The Flying Pig Bookstore, Shelburne, 985-3999. flyingpigbooks.com
Best Friend: I’ve been to Greece and back with this long-distance bestie, and much more globe-trotting is in the works — when our budgets can handle it. For now, pink earrings stamped with the postmark of Paris will do. Stylishly symbolic of our next jaunt through Europe, they’re handmade by regional artist Nancy Wallace.
$26. Artful Eye, St. Johnsbury, 424-1414. theartfuleye.com
Pet: While rolling around in wrapping-paper scraps is probably enough to delight any dog, the pampered pooch deserves so much more. Our discerning pup will flip over locally made treats in drool-worthy flavors such as maple walnut ... and the “breath busters” made with mint will be a little gift to ourselves, too.
$1.50 each. The Quirky Pet, Montpelier, 229-1211.
Father: Our family has a fairly well-established roster of “dad gifts” for the man who doesn’t need anything — as he makes sure to announce early every December. Normal go-to gifts include puzzles, sweaters and power tools. Snooze. I’m switching it up this year with a bright print on wood by Morrisville artist Jess Graham. Even he can’t disagree that “Hibernating Tree” will look great in his office.
$35. Jess Graham Studio, Morrisville, [email protected]. jessgrahamstudio.com
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