Wishing you a very local holiday season

December 18, 2009
St. Charles, MO

Banging your head to determine what to holiday gifts to give? Well, damage your cranium no more, dear neighbor.

Our area’s establishments offer a shopping experience reminiscent of times gone by. As you open a shop’s door, you may hear a nostalgic jingle from hanging bells. Take off your coat and gloves and settle inside. Ask the staff for gift suggestions. They’ll be glad to help.

Let’s see…who’s on that gift list?

Music aficionado? T-shirts, tunes and kitsch are loaded into Music Reunion located at 21 O’Fallon Square, O’Fallon, MO (636-978-2239/themusicreunion.com).

Someone who’s a little bit country? Charlie’s Farm & Home Center at 1583 West Pearce in Wentzville (636-327-6267/charliesfarmandhome.net); and Greene’s Country Store, 8621 Highway N in Lake Saint Louis (636-561-6637/greenescountrystore.com) each have what’s needed to make a guy or gal grin.

Book worm? How about heading to Rose’s Bookhouse located at 8935 Veterans Memorial Parkway in O’Fallon (636-272-5857); or Main Street Books at 307 South Main in St. Charles (636-949-0105/mainstreetbooks.net)

Coffee connoisseur? Oh, boy--you’re in caffeinated luck! Grab a gift or gift certificate at one of the area’s fine coffee shops, such as: St. Charles Coffee House, 3821 McClay Road in St. Peters (636-922-1566/saintcharlescoffeehouse.com); Picasso’s Coffee, 101 North Main Street in St. Charles (636-925-2577/picassoscoffeehouse.com); Cappuccino’s Coffee Café, 840 Bryan Road, O’Fallon (636-980-2236/cappuccinoscoffee.com); or Rendezvous Café and Wine Bar, 217 South Main Street, O’Fallon (636-281-CAFÉ/rendezvouscafeandwinebar.com).

Children (or child at heart)? A Pocketful of Toys in WingHaven has it all wound up at 9987 WingHaven Boulevard in O’Fallon (636-561-3222).

Budding Musician? Mozingo Music located at 4689 Highway K in O’Fallon (636-300-9553/mozingomusic.com); as well as Mid Rivers Music Instruments at 355-A Mid Rivers Mall Drive in St. Peters (636-970-3385/midriversmusic.com)--both offer instruments and lessons!

Jewelry Lover? Bauble over to Lake St. Louis Jewelers, located at 1315 Lake Saint Louis Boulevard in Lake Saint Louis (636-561-6273); or Sullivan Jewelry Studio at 1921 Wentzville Parkway in Wentzville (636-332-2331); or String Along with Me on South Main Street in St. Charles (636-947-7740).

Art Appreciator? The Foundry Art Centre is home to many artists’ studios at 520 North Main Center in St. Charles (636- 255-0270/foundryartcentre.org). From potters to painters, most of these talented individuals offer works for sale.

Something for everybody? Cat In A Basket offers unique gift baskets, especially perfect for those so difficult to buy for (you know who). Find them online at catinabasket.net.

Carrying bundles of cheer works up quite an appetite. You’ll deserve a lunch break and need nourishment! Try t’s Eatzeria at 1325 Lake Saint Louis Boulevard in Lake Saint Louis (636-625-8646) or Main Street Diner at 315 Main Street in St. Peters (636-397-6260).

Yes, St. Charles County offers something unique for everyone. Visit locally-owned shops whenever possible to give special one-of-a-kind gifts.

Now go warm some hearts.

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