City Solutions: Gift Guide for the Locrastinator
“Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s the deadline.”
Coronavirus ornaments by Sarah Jane Bellamy at High Street: Photo City Ombuds
Are you a locrastinator, i.e., someone who buys gifts at the last minute and likes to buy local? If so, there is no need to apologize or feel sheepish. To me, last-minute is when the holiday spirit takes hold, and my brain shifts into high gear thinking of good gifts. Maybe it’s the season, maybe it’s the deadline. Regardless, if you are a locrastinator, you need guaranteed sources for great gifts – you do not have time to waste.
The best part of being a locrastinator is that you end up buying local gifts (no time for shipping). This year, supporting local businesses is more important than ever. So, here is a short guide to some locrastinator favorites.
The Personalized Keepsakes:
A personalized gift never seems last minute. ByJeneene ornaments makes personalized “ornaments that celebrate.” This year, owner Jeneene Brengelman is making appointments at her Westside workshop to shop and personalize gifts up through Christmas Eve. You will shop her stock of ornaments and she will personalize your purchase while you are there.
Jeneene is very flexible and will make appointments from 10 a.m. through 9 p.m. So, she is truly there for locrastinators. To make an appointment, text Jeneene at 513-266-4706. She accepts cash or PayPal.
Preview more of her work on her Etsy page here. Jeneene has been in business since 1972 and her ornaments are truly a local tradition and keepsakes.
The One-Stop Wonders:
These stores are dedicated to gathering and curating a unique blend of beautiful and clever gifts. In other words, they have done the hard part. You simply have to show up and decide what to buy. Both stores require a commitment to browsing because they are so packed, but the payoff will be many gifts checked off your list.
High Street
1401 Reading Road, 45202
Open: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The High Street website says it is a “shopping destination offering unexpected gifts, extensive book titles, decorative pillows, lush plants, furniture, and one-of-a-kind treasures.” All true! High Street has beautiful gifts at a range of price points. It also offers variety for a range of individuals on your list. The store has beautiful home items (big and small), clever kitchenware, and products specifically geared for men, women, and kids. The book section is perfect for gifting. Every book in the selection would make a great discovery for someone on your list. I always end up with a stack of books and items from the kids’ section (pictured above, the pinhole camera was in my High Street haul from this year).
High Street has some serious square footage, so there is plenty of room to distance from other shoppers.
Toko Baru
325 Ludlow Avenue, 45220
Open: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday)
Christmas Eve: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Toko Baru boutique in Clifton has a more bohemian spirit and is packed full of gifts for people on your list. There is a sweet baby section, home and barware, games/puzzles, clever gift items, and jewelry. The store also has a selection of essential oils, zodiac-themed gifts, and sage smudge sticks. Come to think of it, a sage smudge stick may be the best present to give anyone at the end of 2020, right?
Consumable gifts
Mr. City Ombuds is partial to consumable gifts. It is a good way to give an experience and support a local business. Why not buy a loved one something they will use in the last months of quarantine while thinking of how thoughtful you are? These last months may be the hardest.
Restaurant gift cards are a great way to say, “I want to hang out with you again when it is safe.” It could be a gift card to your favorite local restaurant or a new restaurant you want to try. It is a good way to ensure your favorite local restaurant is there in the future.
Besides restaurants, local coffee and wine shops are perfect for gift certificates. They usually have other gift items, such as mugs and sweets that you can couple with the gift card for a whole package.
Here is a list of black-owned restaurants and eateries to support this year.
These are the highlights of businesses that come through for me each year. Please share if you know fellow locrastinators, who might need help. Comment below with your favorite local businesses for locrastinators!
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Be the next Friday Ombudsman by clicking the Be the Friday Ombudsman button on the home page and send your answers. Surprise me!