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.
Coffee Cup — 13788 1st St., Becker — 763-261-5807.
Stop in soon to enjoy a delightful breakfast, lunch or dinner and stockpile an array of terrific handmade greeting cards for $2.50 on up.
Gift certificates are also available in any amount needed and make terrific stocking stuffers!
Big D’s Pizza — 14087 Bank Street Suite 3, Becker, — 763-261-2443.
Big D’s Pizza has a holiday special going on right now that includes $25 worth of Big D’s bucks for just $20.
They are also asking people to stop by their store to register for a New Year’s Eve party package!
Check out the coupon specials in this week’s issue of the Citizen.
Hours are Mon.-Thurs., 3 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m. to midnight and Sun., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Becker Veterinary Clinic — 12904 1st St., Becker — 763-262-5595.
Don’t forget your “other” children this Christmas!
The Becker Vet Clinic has pet collars and leashes from $3.50 to $19.95, dog and cat treats for 75¢ to $16.75, Dog and cat toys from $3.99 to $17.50 and pet shampoo from $11.99 to $16.75.
Gift certificates make great stocking and card stuffers and can be purchased for any amount for all your animal lovers on your list!
Beck’s Pub — 13934 1st St., Becker — 763-261-9921.
Beck’s Pub is a great stopover for those long days of shopping but did you know they have great Christmas gift giving ideas right in store?
Becks has sweatshirts in many colors, styles and sizes for $45 to $50. They also have long-sleeved t-shirts for $17 to $20.
Becks has liquor gift boxes for $20 to $30 and their shelves are full of varieties of wine for $5 to $10.
They also have gift certificates available in any amount!
Pizza Depot — 14281 Bank St, Becker, — 763-262-2700.
The Becker Pizza Depot has great pizza and great offers for Christmas gift ideas.
Gift certificates for any amount are available and when you buy $25 worth, you get $10 free. Or, if you buy $100, you get $25 free!
They also have great hoodies in various looks for just $30.
Hours are Sun.-Thurs., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri. and Sat., 11 a.m. to 12 a.m.
Becker Food Pride — 13400 1st St., Becker, — 763-262-2500.
Becker Food Pride can be your one-stop shop for just about anything you might need to decorate your holiday table and home.
Poinsettias are available for an incredibly low price of just $9.99. Nine-inch meat or cheese trays make a nice appetizer dish for just $9.99. Fruit baskets in countless numbers of sizes and arrangements start at just $9.99 and holiday cookies are in abundance and are great gift ideas starting at just $3.49.
Gift certificates are always a great remedy for those hard-to-shop-for family members and friends and are available in any amount!
Stop in, check out the goodies and make all of your holiday shopping a breeze here at Becker Food Pride.
