Gift Cards Can Be A Creative And Personal Gift This Holiday

If you're torn on what to get your loved ones, friends or even co-workers this holiday season, think small and plastic gift cards are a great option. And there is no shortage of local retailers who sell them.

Local businesses provide such a wide variety of goods and services, you don't have to brave the mall crowds to come up with something creative. It's all in the presentation and can still be very personal.

"We have a lot of people coming in and buying the gift certificates," said Irma Cruz of Exclusive Salon and Spa in Fanwood, noting that they make the perfect gift to give to someone who wouldn't ordinarily treat themselves to something special. The full service spa opened earlier this year in the new development across from the Fanwood Train Station.

At Just4Pooches in Cranford, the gift certificate comes just as nicely wrapped as the gifts. "We have cute packaging for gift certificates," said owner Lynn Suga-Rafanelli. She said it's placed in a little pillow pack and wrapped up very pretty. "It's really very cute."

Suga-Rafanelli said while many people come into the store knowing what they want, "a gift certificate would be a great alternative."

Owner of The Town Book Store in Westfield, Ann Laird, said she sells a lot of gift certificates as the panic sets in closer to Christmas. She said it's a great option for last-minute shoppers.

Another  reason to use gift certificates: they often don't expire. Adam Gartenberg, the owner of Boogie's Tickets in Westfield, said his gift cards have no time limit and it lets "the person who's receiving the gift  choose something they would really like to attend."

And if you're looking for another way for the family to bond, get a gift certificate for an activity you can do together. Owner of Color Me Mine in Summit, Ann Mills, said "we see an increase in everything and we do sell a lot of gift cards at this time."

The store is filled with unfinished pottery pieces for customers to paint. Mills said the  gift-giver needs to decide whether they want to paint the piece for the recipient themselves or let them experience it themselves.

She said since there are Color Me Mine stores across the country, "people purchase gift cards and send them to people."

If you're still worried about it seeming impersonal, go to their site, and you can order a photo gift card. Include the recipients photo, or one of your own, and it will add a unique and personal touch. There's nothing more personal than a picture!

So if you're sold on the idea of gift certificates, here are some great local stores, along with some pairing ideas, to purchase from.

Fine Wine: Who doesn't love a good glass of wine? Local Liquor Stores, like the  offer a wide variety so spend as much or as little as you want. Or pair it with a gift certificate from a local BYO eatery and the recipient can enjoy a night out on the town.  Speaking of local eateries, there are a slew of restaurants to choose from. So pick your new favorite, or the gift-recipient's favorite, and you won't go wrong.

Out of the Box (Office)

Meet Me at the Movies: Whether The Rialto in Westfield, Cranford Theater in Cranford, Clearview's Beacon Hill Cinema 5 in Summit or AMC Theaters in Mountainside, movie tickets are something everyone will use and enjoy. Wrap up a gift card with some popcorn bags and candy from Target in Springfield or even a book related to a current movie, and you have a stellar gift.

For His/Her Best Friend 

Pets, a sure bet: The Pet Shanty in Scotch Plains, Urban Paws in Summit, and Just4Pooches in Cranford are just a few of the pet specialty stores that will help you win your way into the owner's heart. People love to gussy up their animals during the holidays, and a gift certificate to one of these stores is sure to put a smile on the owner's face. Make a card with the pet's picture, or have one framed, for a pet-perfect presentation. Or pair the gift card with a small, fun item.

At-Home Entertainment

Games Galore: Gamestop in Springfield, Westfield  or Garwood is the safe bet for kids 5 and up. Nintendo WII and DS are popular video games for kids, but the games are pricey. So parents will appreciate taking some of the pressure off.

Born to Read: Books are a great gift for any age or gender. So if you're torn about what to buy, a gift certificate to Barnes and Noble. Wrap it together with a small book light or a fancy bookmark.

Quality Time

Color Me Mine: The Summit "paint your own pottery" store is a fun place for kids especially during the cold and long winter months. You can always make something yourself ahead of time, and place the gift certificate inside as a surprise.  It's a great opportunity for parents to do a project with their little ones too.

Creating Memories 

Photo Op: Sittings for family photo shoots can be pricey and stressful, so many families won't attempt it. But if you hand your loved ones a gift certificate to one of the many photo studios in the area, they're sure to follow through with a smile (literally).

Favorite Past-time 

Yoga Time: If your friend or loved one is a Yogi, and spends a lot of $$ taking classes, why not get them a gift certificate for something they already love. Tying it to a new yoga mat or pairing it with some special, healthy snacks would make for a very peaceful and positive present. Many studios also offer additional services like personal training and massage, to which the gift card can be applied. Be sure to get the gift certificate to their studio of choice: Yoga & Healing Center in Scotch Plains, Birkram and Satsang in Westfield, and Summit Yoga Studio in Summit.

 YMCA: If your gift recipient enjoys activities at the YMCA, you can also purchase a gift card there.  All of the local Y's participate.