Some of us get a jump start on the holiday season as soon as summer comes to a close, meticulously mapping out every detail and checking items off of holiday shopping lists with plenty of time to spare. Others take a more last minute approach, waiting until the week of to finish (or even start) the gift buying process. If you are in the latter category, fear not, because we’ve rounded up a list of our ten favorite last-minute local gift ideas, from supporting your local non-profit to supporting your favorite local brewery.
Plak That: We clued our readers into gifts from Plak That earlier in the fall season, so if you missed the boat on the unique gift idea, don’t worry because Plak That offers gift cards right up until Christmas. It may be too late to squeeze in a Plak That print before Santa drops down the chimney but a gift card works just as well and allows the recipient to pick out their own photo of design.
Burley Oak Marketplace: For the past few Wednesdays, the crew at Burley Oak in Berlin has been hosting a holiday marketplace that allows shoppers to sip and shop…and entirely local too! A variety of local vendors set up shop in the brewery each Wednesday, offering a unique selections of goods that make perfect gifts, from jewelry to clothing to skin care. This Wednesday, December 23 is your last chance!
Growler of Local Craft Beer: Speaking of Burley Oak, a great gift for the beer-enthusiast in your life is a growler of beer from a local brewery, be it Burley Oak, Backshore, 3rd Wave, Evo, Dogfish Head, Rubber Soul…there sure are plenty to choose from thanks to the rising craft brewing scene here on Delmarva.
Gift card to a Local Restaurant: As foodies, one of our favorite gifts to give is the gift of good food. A gift card to a local restaurant may seem like an impersonal gift, but not if it’s to their favorite place, or better yet, a place that your loved one has been dying to try. With so many fantastic culinary hot spots on Delmarva, the options are seemingly endless.
Classes at Urban Nectar: Urban Nectar opened in Berlin just a few months ago and already their class schedule has been a huge hit for locals. Classes have ranged from crash courses in essential oils to string art workshops to barre Pilates classes. Sign you and a friend up for a class for a Christmas gift or nab a gift certificate for your loved on to use either in the store or towards an upcoming class.
George’s Mix: Nothing says Christmas quite like a spicy Bloody Mary….well, maybe no one has ever said that before but they should! We love George’s Mix, partly because it is really, really delicious but also because it got its start right here on the Eastern Shore. Nab a bottle to bring to Christmas Eve and Christmas Day festivities as a host gift or as a last minute Christmas gift. Trust us, it’s a crowd favorite.
Weekend Getaway to the Combsberry Inn: We’ve waxed poetic about our favorite bed & breakfast before so it should come as no surprise that we would suggest a gift certificate to the Oxford B&B. A weekend getaway is loved by all, so giving someone an excuse to schedule one for themselves is always a generous move.
Local Cooking Class: Signing up for a local cooking class is another perfect gift for the foodie in your life. In West Ocean City, Culture Authentic Eatery hosts a variety of cooking demos and classes throughout the year, typically led by Shark on the Harbor Chef Travis Wright. Or opt for one of the classes hosted at any of the Touch of Italy locations (Rehoboth, Lewes or Ocean City), which range from Charcuterie 101 to Cheese & Beer Pairing classes.
Donations to Local Non-Profits: For the friend that has it all, we suggest making a donation to their favorite non-profit. The Eastern Shore has so many fantastic non-profit organizations that survive primarily on local donations, so why not give the gift of giving this holiday season.
Explore the Shore Together: One of our favorite parts about ShoreBread is the adventures we get to take across Delmarva. The Eastern Shore is full of charming towns, beautiful scenery, historic haunts…we could go on and on. Pick a place you and a friend, family member, or significant other have been talking about visiting and make it happen. After all, there is no greater gift than quality time spent together.
Well friends, there you have it, our 2015 last minute holiday gift guide. We hope everyone finds that perfect gift for that very deserving someone. Merry Christmas!!
