Shop Locally This Holiday Season
It’s been a difficult time for our local businesses as they struggled through COVID and now an uncertain economy. Things are looking up, however, with vaccines and boosters giving people more confidence to venture out and, hopefully, to shop locally!
Not only do you help local businesses when you shop in Orinda, you also keep tax dollars in town. And there are no parking meters, at least not yet!
This year, show your town spirit with a handsome trucker hat sporting the name Orinda with proceeds going to The Orinda Association’s many community programs. Or learn more about your town from Alison Burns’ new book, aptly titled Images of America Orinda with proceeds benefiting the Orinda Historical Society.
Both are available at The Orinda Association office with the book also available at Orinda Books. Speaking of which, Orinda Books has a plethora of wonderful holiday items, from a wide assortment of books and accessories to Nicole Collins’ ceramic pieces, Holly Eckwall’s knit hats and paintings by Paul, Joel and Tia Kratter. Known for her unique ceramic items, Gerry Wallace will once again have a festive holiday display at the bookstore.
Most people think of McDonnell’s Nursery when it’s time to start spring planting, but this delightful place offers so much more, including a fun assortment of one-of-a-kind gifts as well as holiday decorations and fresh trees.
If you’re looking for clothing and accessories, try McCaulou’s Department Store or consignment boutiques Maven Coco and ReChic 101, all located in the Village District. At Theatre Square, Hello Tiara features customized bracelets, keychains, necklaces and elegant hair clips – the hair accessories even come with a complimentary styling!
On the Village side, shop Hilton House for beautiful furniture and vintage items (including jewelry) with lovely tableware at Village Antiques. Monogrammed totes, handbags and so much more awaits at Parker Thatch.
In the Theatre District, holiday party arrangements can be found at Orinda Florist, with Orinda Hardware offering a large assortment of useful and fun items.
For a truly elegant gift, Morrison’s Jewelers (which has been in business for 100 years!) offers high quality selections of custom jewelry designs.
And don’t forget Orinda’s restaurants. A gift card is always a welcome holiday surprise. If you’re giving a restaurant gift card, you might also consider a gift card for Corekinetics, Jeanne Dowell Yoga, Anytime Fitness and Axon Fitness 24/7 to work off those extra holiday pounds or Entourage Spa for a little post-season pampering.
I suggest a walk around Orinda to check out the businesses listed above and to find ones I’ve inadvertently left out!
The Orinda Association Board wishes you all a healthy and happy holiday season!
Sally Hogarty can be reached at sally@theorindanews.com.
The Seniors Around Town (SAT) staff held a Volunteer Appreciation Open House Nov. 10 to thank SAT drivers for donating their time to provide Orinda seniors with transportation to doctors’ appointments, errands and social events. Pictured above (L-R) Don Monaco (driver), Cathy Goshorn (SAT coordinator), Kate Wiley (SAT director), Laurie Hall (SAT driver), Lauren White (SAT driver) and Liza Chooi (The Orinda Association staff member). For more information about SAT or to donate to the program, visit http://www.orindaassociation.org or call 925.402.4506.
