Department stores offer unique holiday giftsDepartment stores offer unique holiday giftsNovember 26, 2004
The mad rush has begun. You have exactly 28 shopping days left until Christmas and no time to shop, because let's face it, by the time one takes the kids to school and then runs them to sports and dance practice, not to mention commuting to work and taking care of the laundry, the dog, the cat, the cleaners -- well, you get the idea. Before you know it, it's Christmas Eve and Aunt Ida and Uncle Phil are coming and you have no idea what to get them.
That's the best time to think of shopping right here in your hometown of Oakley. Sure, one wouldn't find the most conventional places to shop such as department stores, but there are a good number of unique shops that can fill the bill for the best presents for your loved ones.
Let's face it, most of us haven't been downtown or even in the local shopping centers to check out what's new and what's gone in a while. Some might not ever have noticed some of the great shops available. There have been some changes in the past year or so.
If your favorite purchases run to the collectible, check out By Yvonne's. She has everything from Boyd's Bears to Italian Charms. She's moved a few times over the past few months. Her new location is next door to Centromart right on the corner. On the other side of downtown there is also Robin's Nest, which sells not only some great knicknacks, but also some nice holiday themed pieces.
For those looking around the antique theme, try out Lena's Antiques. Owner Sue Lena is retiring and will probably have some great sales this season. Another longtime antique dealer in town is County Courthouse, which has a wonderful selection of oldtime memorabilia.
Looking for something for the home? Try the Collier Country, Too. They have a wide selection of handmade Amish furniture as well as some great outside lawn lighthouses that seem to be a local favorite. Just across the way, Oakley Buck Stoves and Spas is under new management and has a great selection of wood stoves and accessories. I did say unique gifts, didn't I?
Don't forget that shopping in Oakley isn't just downtown, but also as far down as past Gehringer School. That's where you'll see Rancho Furniture. They also have some nice pieces that would make a great gift. For instance, how about a new bedroom set for your wife?
Looking for a gift that will make the day for your teenager? Check out Motorcycle Warehouse in the Shurgaard Storage building. They have a great selection of the little motor bikes the kids love. While you're there you might as well check out Melody TV and see what's new in the world of big screen and platinum televisions.
Keep exploring the little shops at the same site and find Extreme Angler for the fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, and for those who love to decorate their backyard try Delta Patio and Barbecue. They carry some nice patio sets. It's never too early to prepare for summer and the outdoors in California.
There's a new business downtown called Miss Teen. They carry clothes with the teen in mind. Keep in mind, too, that teen girls also like gift certificates to have their hair and nails done. There are several locations downtown and even at Cypress Square and Oakley Town Centre to choose from.
Keep in mind there is always Radio Shack for electronic needs and even Raley's has a nice selection of gifts. Raley's is pushing their gift certificates this year, as well. There's something everyone will always need -- some extra dollars for groceries after spending their life savings on gifts for Christmas.
So when you're headed out shopping this year, keep in mind that you don't have to go to far to find something for everyone. Happy shopping!
Roni Gehlke's column on life in Oakley appears each week in the Brentwood News.
Distributed by the Contra Costa Times