Last Minute Local Gift Ideas

We're in the home stretch now for gift buying season, and if you're like many, you've waited until the absolute last minute to purchase gifts for friends, neighbors and family.

With only a few days left until Christmas, it is definitely too late to order something on-line and have it shipped to arrive in time.

Thankfully, there are many opportunities to purchase unique gifts and support the businesses right here in the Peachtree Corners area.

Ideas include:

• A gym membership for the family at the .  If you've never toured the facility, it is a beautifully renovated Green LEED building with updated equipment, workout facilities, children's care area and swimming pool. They have classes for all ages.
• A gift card to a local independently owned and operated restaurant.  My favorite options include  (recently voted the best new restaurant in 2011 by Inside Gwinnett magazine), the eclectic little blue house in downtown Norcross- appropriately named the  or the always elegant  at the Forum.
• The gift of massage:  Healing Touch of Norcross is a new operation (actually located in Peachtree Corners on 141) running hour-long $49 massage specials there is a new business in the strip mall on 141 (next to Ten Bistro).  And, of course, there's at the Forum.
• Car Wash- I highly recommend Avril's Carwash  (Holcomb Bridge and Spalding).  Cars are gently hand-washed and water is reused and properly recycled.
• Who wouldn't want a gift certificate to have their house cleaned?  Contact the professionals at Eco-Maids of North Atlanta and they'll send a team to your house.  They use all non-toxic products and have a reputation for being meticulous.
• Speaking of supporting earth-friendly businesses, why not give the gift of a green lawn service?  Locally run Earth Balance Organics lawn service uses all-natural products to fertilize and treat your lawn.
• Kids love receiving gift certificates to classes, and a few local options include:  Just Sew You Know (sewing classes for ages seven and up), Piano Lessons from Miss Wendy (the most amazing teacher-770.722.5983) or karate lessons at a local studio, Taido Karate.

And, if you think you can survive the crowds at The Forum, here are a few suggestions, starting with how to get there:

• Parking at the Forum this time of year is nearly impossible.  Why not ride your bike or walk there if possible?
• I recently bought a squirrel-proof bird-feeder from the .  The feeder dangles right outside our breakfast room window, and we enjoy identifying each bird by using the "Birds of the Southeast" guide (also purchased at the store). My kids are learning quite a bit about birding and enjoying this activity so much that I'm considering a feeder as a gift for my nephew and nieces.
• The chocolate covered popcorn at  is simply heavenly.  If I am on your gift list and you are still wondering what to get me, feel free to start there.
• boasts a wide selection of hard-to-find toys for all age groups.  You're bound to find something there.Everyone needs to eat. 
• I can't imagine anyone who wouldn't appreciate a gift card from . 

And lastly, when in doubt, go with one of my very favorite holiday gifts.  Write down or type your favoite memories that you have with someone and/or what you love/appreciate about that person on a piece of paper.  Cut each statement into an individual piece, fold it and place it in a decorative box for them to read at their leisure.

Merry Christmas and happy holidays to all!