The holiday shopping season is a big deal for any merchant, but it is especially important to smaller-sized, locally-owned shops who have been around  for years or just getting their feet wet.

 

Many boast unique shopping experiences as well as unique gifts that can be part of big gifts for family and friends or as simple as stocking stuffers.

 

There are so many benefits to buying from locally owned vendors. It makes a big impact on the local economy, supporting jobs and creating local tax revenue.

 

Why bother with the big box stores and the crowds and difficult parking when you can take a relaxing stroll through the city streets or a quick jaunt in the car from store-to-store? 

 

Many local businesses also spend countless hours decorating their stores and shops and the best way to acknowledge their seasonal diligence is to stop by, say “hi”.

 

Scheideman Chiropractic & Body may not be the typical place to do your Christmas shopping but if you don’t stop on in, you just may miss out on that one-of-a-kind gift.

 

Scheidemans is offering 20% off their Congaplex immune system booster. Or schedule a massage between the dates of Dec. 11-12 and get 25% off. Scheidemans also has a huge selection of Essential Oils and also feature custom orthotics and supplements. Or, grab a few gift certificates for stuffing those stockings!

 

Yummy Pizza Depot in Becker has a plethora of gift-giving ideas for that pizza lover in your family. Plus, the giver can be a receiver, too! 

 

If one buys a $25 gift certificate, Pizza Depot will reward the buyer with a $5 gift certificate for free as well! Buy a $50 gift certificate and receive a $10 certificate for free. Buy a $100 gift certificate and get a $25 free certificate!

 

Pizza Depot (both St. Cloud and Becker) offers gift certificates as low as $5. Great stocking stuffers!

 

As long as you are stopping for gas, why not pick up a Minnesota Raffle ticket for $10? Or, pick up some McDonald’s Meats beef sticks for $5.99 (seven count).

 

Deli Plus also has gift cards in the amounts of $25 to $100 and scratch-offs from $1 to $50. Plus, they have a wide assortment of stylish sunglasses from $12.99 to $19.99.

 

Why not kick off your New Year’s resolution early at Anytime Fitness?

 

Anytime Fitness is offering a three-month single membership with tanning for $150 plus tax. You can also sign up for a personal training experience for just $79 plus tax. How about a one-month membership with a free t-shirt and tanning for just $65 plus tax?

 

They also have a protein jug, shaker and two protein bars for $50 plus tax or other protein stocking stuffers (any 10 items) for just $30.

 

Becker True Value has long been a great Christmas gift-giving destination because of their fantastic variety of items from toys, to hardware to clothes.

 

Becker True Value has electric shop heaters ranging from $24.99 to $49.99. Don’t forget your pets this time of year — why not pick them up a plush and self-warming pet bed for $16.99 to $19.99?

 

They also have a five-piece cast iron skillet set (Lodge Brand) for $79.97 and a Milwaukee two-tool combo (drill & impact), two batteries, a charger and a case! They also have puzzles from $2.79 to $19.99!

 

Two Brothers Offroad in Clear Lake has unique gift ideas for the active youths in your life. Does your son, daughter, brother,  sister , niece or nephew need offroad and ATV gear? Two Brothers is your one-stop shop then. They have two 125cc youth ATVs with accessories for $899 to $999. Both the CX3 Sport and the XR8U Utility come with a free helmet & goggles.

 

Stop in and check them out!

 

While visiting or utilizing the facilities at the community center, why not grad some punch cards, gift certificates or sign someone up for a membership?

 

The punch cards can be used for fitness classes, daily fees, beverages and Teddy bear Junction while the gift certificates can be used for memberships, daily fees and fitness classes. The BCC also has great apparel such as sweatshirts and t-shirts and while you are there, sign up for a personal; training package or grab some swim accessories for stuffing stockings!

 

What better way to show your support for one of the area’s newest businesses by stopping by Los Ortizes Restaurant for a meal and great gifts?

 

With any purchase of $25 or more in gift certificates (perfect for stocking stuffers), Los Ortizes will give the purchaser a $5 gift certificate to enjoy for themselves. It’s a win-win situation!

 

Check back in next week’s Citizen-Tribune for more Holiday Happenings from numerous other businesses in the area!