Seasonal Gift Baskets

Venice preparing for July Christmas

"It's probably the biggest event held in downtown Venice all summer," said event organizer Sandy McGowan, a member of the Venice Merchants Association.

About 60 merchants are participating, some claiming to offer the best sales of the year. Several businesses are staying open a few hours later for the event.

Along with a variety of markdowns, Christmas in July will also feature the historic trolley operating downtown.

Santa will ride the trolley from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

"His wife made him a summer outfit," McGowan said, laughing. "He's an authentic Santa with a real beard."

Last year, McGowan said a young boy was so enamored with Santa, he refused to get off the trolley.

The trolley will travel along the three main downtown streets and stop at the Venice Art Center. Along with its Summer Fun art exhibit, the center will feature Christmas-themed arts and crafts for sale. The Java at the Art Center cafe will sell seasonal sweets, such as cranberry scones, Christmas cookies and spiced tea.

Businesses are planning to add Christmas lights and decorations in storefront windows. Christmas music will be playing on the streets.

Venice MainStreet also is participating in the event.

"It has been a real grassroots community effort," McGowan said, adding that nearly all the businesses contributed gift certificates, coffee, handbags, books or candy for three gift baskets.

It took Karen Norton of Venice Wine and Coffee a day to assemble them.

Raffle tickets for the gift baskets are free and available at partickpating downtown businesses.

Library program takes youths on a trip to China

One World, Many Stories, a youth library program adopted this summer by public libraries in 48 out 50 states across the nation, has children at the Frances T. Bourne Jacaranda Public Library, Venice, traveling to faraway lands without leaving the youth room at the library.

On alternate Fridays this summer, an adventure to a different part of the world has been planned.

On July 1, Senior Youth Librarian Shela Kaufer and adult volunteers Denise Sweeney, Marian Vergona and Pat Weber took a group of 7- and 8-year-olds on a magic carpet ride to "Celebrate China" with stories, arts and crafts and other activities.

Locating China and its capital, Beijing, on a map was first on the agenda. The children also learned that China is the fourth largest country and has the most people.

Seasonal Gift Baskets - News

Venice preparing for July Christmas

"It has been a real grassroots community effort," McGowan said, adding that nearly all the businesses contributed gift certificates, coffee, handbags, books or candy for three gift baskets. It took Karen Norton of Venice Wine and Coffee a day to

Long Acre Farms hosting annual sampling soiree

The Farm Market, which features gifts and local products available for purchase, will also sell seasonal gift baskets. The JD Wine Cellars Tasting Room will be open, as well as the Grill, which will offer dinner selections, including hot dogs and

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Stensland helps to create the perfect day

Gift baskets, chocolates, stuffed animals and greeting cards- co-designed by Stensland's daughter- will be available soon. Customers can also purchase off-season flowers, which are force bloomed. An array of seasonal flowers is available,

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Ho-Ho-Holiday Gift Baskets - Shopping Product live

With Christmas gift baskets, there is no need to brave the mall at the last minute. They are sure to stand out under the tree, and to be a unique and memorable gift. When we think of gift giving, Christmas is probably the holiday that comes to mind first for most people. Thanks to the Internet, it.s possible to do most (or even all) your shopping online. Not only can you shop in your pajamas from the comfort of your living room, but you don.t need to brave the weather or try to find a parking spot within walking distance of a mall.

Christmas gift baskets come in a variety of sizes and shapes and with a variety of contents. Often, instead of a regular basket, Christmas baskets are in the shape of a sleigh, a stocking, a Christmas tree, or other seasonal icons. Some have themes such as .The Twelve Days of Christmas,. and contain twelve varieties of chocolates or coffees. Others have seasonal contents like gingerbread or peppermint candies.

In addition to a variety of contents, Christmas gift baskets come in a variety of price ranges, which can be important if you have a long list of people to shop for. Small baskets start for under $20 and often contain a couple food items and possibly a Christmas ornament or other seasonal gift item. Smaller, less expensive baskets are perfect for gift exchanges at the office or school. At the other end of the range are huge baskets over $100. These are often full of goodies and other items, and make great gifts to a whole family. Of course, there is a wide range in between as well.

Gift baskets are also a great seasonal gift for friends and relatives that don.t celebrate Christmas. Instead of a Christmas gift basket, consider a Hanukkah gift basket. Make sure to take into account any special dietary requirements. There are kosher gift baskets, too!

With such a wide variety, it is nearly impossible not to find a Christmas gift basket for everyone. Most online retailers can ship to other locations, so getting gifts to your friends and loved ones in time for the holiday is easy, too. Happy Holidays!

About the author: Bob Bassett is the owner of Unique Gift Baskets Online which offers a wide selection of gift baskets for any occasion including baby gift baskets, food gift baskets, wine and corporate gift baskets. http://www.uniquegiftbasketsonline.