Sometimes last-minute shopping is just about the last thing you want to do this time of year, mainly because of the crowds, the travel time and the chaos.

 

Even if the crowds don’t bother you, finding parking or negotiating your way through traffic snarls and avoiding pedestrians can be a challenge. 

 

Not to mention trying to  find the perfect gift can cause you to reach for the Tylenol.

 

What many sometimes forget is that America’s hometowns are ripe with great gifts, and all it takes to find them is relaxing strolls up and down the city streets – coffee cup in hand optional. Navigate the clean, shoveled sidewalks instead of the traffic-gnarled streets.  

 

Enjoy casual chats and getting to know your merchants instead of watching them brush product after product across the bar code scanners, racing to get the next customer up to the till before they show their exasperation one more time with a loud “sigh”.

 

This week, take a friend or a loved one along for the expedition in your hometown and, believe me, holiday shopping can be fun and (believe it or not) affordable.

 

 

Becker True Value is a great place to shop this holiday season as one can find just about anything there! Pet treats and toys start at just one dollar on up. Kids’ toys and sleds start at $2.79 and up. Lots of ice fishing gear is on hand as well as tons of Christmas decor. And don’t forget about out feathery friends...Bird feeders and food are on sale at 10% off the regular price.

 

 

Looking good is important during the holidays and your friends at Studio 5 Salon and Spa in Becker have great items for sale! How about Urban Halo headbands — made right here in Minnesota — for just $10 or two for $18?

 

Studio 5 also has hand-made mittens, headbands and boot warmers for just $8 to $20. Buy your Bulldog and costume jewelry here too in prices from $5 to $11. Gift certificates also available!

 

 

Do your grocery shopping for your party at Food Pride then pick up beautiful poinsettias for just $9.99, nine-inch meat and cheese trays for just $9.99, fruit baskets starting at $9.99 and holiday cookies starting at $3.49.

 

Don’t forget to pick up some gift certificates for those stockings!

 

 

The holidays can be stressful so why not stop by Pace Fitness and Wellness to relieve that tension?

 

Pace has Stress Remedy-Bach Flowers for just $14.99. They also have tons of essential oils products starting at $9.99. Get some support for your immune system starting at just $26.99. Pace has lots of gift certificate ideas including relaxation sessions with HTE machine and an Ionic footbath starting at $24.99. Exercise certificates are also available for a starting price of just $24.59 or pick up some FREE passes to try the relaxation therapy or exercise programs.

 

 

The Weekend Cottage has unique vintage cookie cutters, antique holiday jewelry, hand-made wool mittens and antique furniture and home decor at very affordable prices.

 

The Weekend Cottage is open Fri., Sat. and Sun. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

 

 

Another great stopover for lunch or supper is the Brickyard Bar & Grill in Clear Lake where you can enjoy food, drinks and even pick up some much-appreciated gift certificates in any amount at the restaurant. Need some alcohol for your party? Pick up some off-sale liquor at the Brickyard and maybe even pick up a t-shirt for $17.99 for a great stocking stuffer or present.

 

 

Beck’s Pub in Becker offers a wide selection in their off-sale liquor starting at $5.49 and up. They also sell t-shirts for $10, sweatshirts for $45 and gift certificates in any amount. Stop in and check them out!

 

 

When you are out and about doing your Christmas shopping, why not stop in at a local restaurant for lunch or supper or even a libation? Plus, you can pick up gift certificates in any monetary amount so you’ll have super stocking stuffers.