Shop local gift guide 2017

Shop local HOLIDAY 2016

Win! o t r Ente ing away a giv ess We’re local busin e 0 e r 0 $5 ing sp shopp

The Southern Illinoisan : Xxxxxxx 2016 1

Win 250 $

How It Works:

toward your Holiday Wishes!

1. Read the advertisements throughout this gift guide.

2. Select the participating businesses you would like to receive gift certificates from (minimum 3 businesses). The maximum gift certificate awarded per business will be $150. You may choose up to 4 different businesses.

3. Enter online at thesouthern.com/contests and click on the “Holiday Wishes” link. Or fill out the Holiday Wishes Entry Form by listing your selections including the store name and dollar amount for the gift certificate. Dollar amount should not exceed $150 per store. You may use the form on this page, a copy of this form, or a 4x6 card including your name, address, phone, email address, store names and gift certificate dollar amounts.

4. Mail “Wish List” to: Holiday Wishes, c/o The Southern Illinoisan, 710 N. Illinois Ave., P.O. Box 2108, Carbondale, IL 62901. Entries must be received by 4pm on Dec. 2nd, 2016.

5. One name will be drawn at random from eligible entries. The winner will be contacted by phone or email by Friday, Dec. 9th, 2016. The winner can pick up their gift certificates at The Southern Illinoisan’s office between 8am and 4pm Monday – Friday.

6. You must be at least 18 years old to enter. No purchase necessary. One entry per person.

7. The Southern Illinoisan employees and their families are not eligible to win.

Holiday Wishes Entry Form Store Name 1.* 2.* 3.* 4.

Gift Certificate Dollar Amount

_______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ _______________________________________________ Total $ _________

(not to exceed $250)

Name ____________________________________________ Address __________________________________________ __________________________________________________ Phone: _____________ Email: _______________________ *Must list a minimum of three participating stores. Maximum gift certificate per store not to exceed $150. Mail to: Holiday Wishes, c/o The Southern Illinoisan, 710 N. Illinois Ave, P.O. Box 2108 Carbondale, IL 62901

Enter online at thesouthern.com/contests

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | COMMUNITY IMPACT

Why Shopping Local Matters It’s easy to forget that shopping local helps your community and state in many, many ways.

From tax dollars to supporting mom-and-pop businesses, the benefits are myriad.

SPEND LOCAL AND MORE STAYS LOCAL Numerous studies have analyzed the way money

recirculates, and most agree that money spent locally has a much higher chance of staying in the community.

A study commissioned by the British Columbia division of the Canadian Union of Public Employees found that for every $1 million in sales, independent retail stores generate $450,000 in local economic activity, compared to just $170,000 for chains.

4 Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

Among restaurants, the figures are $650,000 for independents and $300,000 for chains.

Across both sectors, this translates into about 2.6 times as many local jobs created when spending is directed to independent businesses instead of chains. The study concludes that a shift of just 10 percent of the market from chains to independents would produce

31,000 jobs paying $940 million in annual wages to workers.

MORE STABLE JOBS Economists at Yale University and the University of Bristol found that in times of high unemployment, small businesses both retain and create more jobs than large firms. During the recession of March 2008 to March 2009, the employment growth rate

of large employers fell 1.65 percent more than the growth rate of small employers, compared with the previous year.

In every other recession and recovery period in the study’s sample, large firms took years to recover relative to small firms.

IT’S BETTER FOR THE COMMUNITY A study by a professor at Baylor University found strong positive relationships between local ownership, firm size and employee loyalty, which they refer to as organizational commitment.

Using data from a nationally representative public opinion survey, the study found that 57.2 percent of small firm workers scored in the highest commitment category, compared to 40.5 percent of large firm workers. They found a similar relationship for ownership, with 56 percent of workers at locally owned firms having high commitment scores, compared with just 38.7 percent of workers at non-locally owned firms.

When the researchers plotted the scores on a 16-point commitment scale, the authors found that, together, the two civic measures accounted for as much as a 1.7 point increase in organizational commitment, effects.

Shopfor Locally the holidays We have great gifts the active person on your list!

(618) 529-2313 222 W Freeman Campus Shopping Center Downtown Carbondale, IL

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | SUPPORTING YOUR NEIGHBORS

Local Shopping Challenge Let’s cut to the chase. By now you’ve heard the statistics.

Almost $75 of every $100 you spend locally stays in your community.

Local businesses employ millions of people across the country.

Local entrepreneurs spend exponentially more money on community programs their their larger counterparts.

All impressive, indeed. So then why are millions of Americans driving away or logging on to their computers for their Christmas shopping this holiday season? Some cite convenience or busy schedules without realizing just how much impact they can have on their local community by spending a few dollars locally.

BUY EVERY OTHER PRODUCT LOCALLY Breaking the habit can be tough, so start small. Challenge yourself to buy one locally sold product for every other gift you purchase. And try to make the prices comparable so about half of your total holiday budget is spent locally.

Encourage your friends to do the same and you could be making a monumental difference in your community. If 10 of you spend $300 on local gifts this year, about $2,250 of that $3,000 would be pumped right back into your local community.

Comparably, your community will see $0 of your online spending at retail giants.

BUY ALL GIFTS CARDS LOCALLY Gift cards are becoming an increasingly massive portion of holiday spending. More than 80 percent of holiday shoppers will buy at least one. More than $28 billion will be shelled out on gift cards this year, according to the National Retail Federation.

Many people will spend their gift cards on food or everyday items if you buy them for traditional retailers. Don’t you want your present to be more meaningful? A gift card to a local specialty shop or boutique will ensue that your gift card is spent on exactly what it is intended to – a gift.

Try to personalize each gift card by choosing a local business that has special meaning to the recipient, or maybe one that you have shopped at before with that person.

6 Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

TOP TEN TOYS LIST! WEE BABY STELLA

New this year and cute as a button, she’s the baby sister of the popular “big” Stella doll. Ages 12 mos +. From $19.95.

SOLAR ECLIPSE GLASSES

Get ready for the largest sky event in the history of time!

Ages 7+. $2.00. Eclipse guidebook also available.

WHISTLE ROCKET

Flies up to 50 feet with just a pump by hand.

Emits fun whistling sound.Ages 6+. $8.95.

CALICO CRITTERS PIZZA DELIVERY SET Now Cloverleaf Corners residents can enjoy pizza!

One of nine new Critter sets! Ages 3+. $24.95.

MAGIC ROCKS

Introduce the family to these classic, instant crystal growing kits!

Ages 10+. From $4.95.

STAR TREK MUG

Fifty years of starships….right in the palm of your our hand! Ages 8+. $12.95.

UNDERWATER ZOO

A fanciful, educational, multi-activity cube topped by a classic bead maze. Even better than the one at the doctor’s office! Ages 12 mos.+. $49.95.

DESKTOP DERBY

The original Family Horse Race Game is back!

Mechanical winning posts and flags. Ages 7+. $12.95.

TAKE-A-PART VEHICLE SERIES

Choose a crane, airplane or 4 X 4 truck complete with a working plastic drill and bits. Ages 3+. $27.95.

POKE-A-DOT BOOKS

Raised buttons pop on each page, building tactile, fun, counting skills.

Six different books in series. Ages 3+. $14.95 each.

University Mall, Carbondale (around the corner from Macy’s) 618.529.TOYS (8697) Hours: 10-9, Mon-Sat; Sun. Noon-5:30

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | GIFTS WITH LOCAL FLAIR

A Chance to Get Quirky If you’re looking for something quintessential about your hometown or area, hitting a local shop is probably your best bet. The nearest big box retailer probably won’t be carrying jewelry from a local artist, or T-shirts for the local football team. Shopping local for the holiday opens up a whole new arena for gift-buying, outside the usual hustle and bustle of cookie-cutter catalog options.

in your community have to offer.

From mixed media art to paintings, buying from local artists helps support their work, while also offering a gift that is one of a kind and truly unique to the area. Some can even do work on commission, if you’re looking for something extra personal.

CHECK OUT THE ART

With the rise of platforms such as Etsy and Pinterest, there are more small-town artists than ever just trying to make a living and offer up something unique.

If you’re shopping for jewelry, check around for local jewelry makers, and

If you look close enough, many towns have local art shops — or at least an artist or craft guild — that organizes things locally. Track down the nearest one and see what the creative minds

THE SAME THING GOES FOR JEWELRY

8 Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

you could find the perfect, quirky gift for your loved ones. If you’re looking for something with a local tie, too, this also could be your best bet.

DON’T FORGET THE TOYS Locally made toys are a bit harder to pull off, but many local shops stock toys — and the offerings can be very different from what you’ll find in the toy aisle at a big box retailer. From toy train sets to vintage toys that have been around since the 1950s (but may not be in easy circulation these days), local shops often carry a much more diverse set of toy options. Take a risk and go for something old school this year.

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | GET INTO THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

© FOTOLIA

Connect Locally It might seem like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting, but hitting downtown to do some shopping really can help put you in the Christmas spirit and provide a deeper connection with your local surroundings.

Most towns decorate the downtown streets, and many shops do holidaythemed window displays to attract shoppers. Yes, you should spend some money while you’re out (it helps the local economy, after all), but just hitting the streets to do some window shopping is a great way to bond with your family and friends during Christmas.

HIT THE STREETS When you’re ramping up your

Christmas shopping strategy, set aside a Saturday, or afternoon, to park (or walk, if you’re close enough) into your closest shopping district and start exploring.

You might find a store you’ve never seen, or at least make an effort to visit a store you don’t frequent very often. It’s a great chance to look for unique gifts, while also getting to know your own town a little bit better.

MAKE IT A FAMILY BONDING EXPERIENCE Even if you don’t actually pick up any gifts while the kids (or spouse) are with you, hitting the local stores to scout out gift options is a great way to just spend some time with your family. Tell your

kids stories about unique finds in the antique store, or let them make a list of gift options while perusing the aisles at a downtown general store.

If you’re shopping for adults, it can also give you a chance to glance into local downtown boutiques.

IT JUST FEELS LIKE CHRISTMAS Walking the streets in downtown, with a chill in the air in November or December, as the Christmas lights twinkle around the street lights and in the windows, just feels quintessentially Christmas. It evokes the visuals and emotions from classic holiday films like Miracle on 34th Street, and is just a great tradition to add to the Christmas season.

Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016 9

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | LOCAL FLAVORS

Don’t forget the treats With the focus so much on gift-giving, it’s easy to forget that you also can get a little creative with the types of gifts you buy, especially with food.

Most towns have local restaurants and bakeries, and all it takes is a bit of effort to work up a Christmas gift that can warm a heart — and a stomach.

10

THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX Local bakeries are the obvious mainstays for most towns, and those are great. But, if you’re looking to get a bit more creative, check around for something a bit quirkier.

From gourmet popcorn shops to vintage candy stores, many small towns hold some interesting surprises, if you look close enough.

Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

These gifts can be both delicious and one-of-a-kind, since it’s something only available locally. If you want to take it a step further, include a gift box with a local recipe.

CHECK OUT THE HOLIDAY DEALS Along with being delicious, a box of

cookies or gourmet treats also can take the edge off of wrapping and delivery.

Many bakeries and candy shops offer holiday-themed packages, complete with bows and cards that can be personalized with different treats and messages. Some even offer delivery. If you’re giving to a sports fan, some even offer team-themed packages.

Just be sure to ask what types of gift packaging they offer. It might cost a couple of extra bucks but could save a whole lot of hassle.

DON’T FORGET THE RESTAURANTS

If you want to go with something a bit easier, you can always pick up an item (or gift card) from a local restaurant.

The local barbecue joint might have its own special sauce, or a local bakery might sell its own cookie dough for baking at your leisure. If you have a loved one who likes to cook (or grill), this could make for a unique option to keep on the gift list.

Pavers + Weekend = Fire Pit Poly Lawn Furniture • Patio Pavers • Outdoor Kitchens Fireplaces • Pergolas • Fire Pits unilock.com

Flowers, Fine Gifts & Gourmet

Marion’s Finest for OVER 35 YEARS Waterford Crystal Gourmet Coffee Luxurious Truffles Fine Gourmet Foods Something for Everyone

Worldwide Floral Delivery Free Gift Wrapping

Rt. 13 at 1200 N. Market, Marion

618.997.9411

www.etceteraflowersandgifts.com

Aromatique Nambe’ Home Accessories

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Vietri Lamps & Decore

WE DELIVER

Carbondale • 618-549-2211 Benton • 618-435-3069 Mt. Vernon • 618-242-0900 The /Southern Illinoisan : Xxxxxxx 2016 11

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | GIFT IDEAS

Local gift cards If you’re totally stumped for a gift selection, there’s nothing wrong with snagging a gift card and tossing it in a greeting card. There’s no rule, however, that says you have to buy a card from a chain restaurant or big box store. Think local for an easy gift solution.

CHECK LOCAL SHOPS Most local stores have started offering gift card options for customers, be it a rechargeable card or just a gift certificate signed by the manager. Regardless, it can make for a more personal gift than just a generic gift card. If you find store you think your loved one would really like but can’t find the perfect gift, just get a gift card and let them enjoy shopping and picking out their favorite items on your dime. A gift card to a local store can be a much more personal gift, and it also takes some of the guesswork out of gift-buying.

Plus, it supports a local business.

DON’T FORGET RESTAURANTS Most local restaurants also offer gift cards, and a free lunch is a great gift. Aim high on this one; pick out a place you really think they’ll like, and let the indulge with a nice meal as a gift from you.

Be it a great, highly rated local restaurant or a beloved hole in the wall that has the best burgers in town, get creative and choose something that complements the taste of the recipient.

COFFEE SHOPS, BAKERIES If you want to offer a bit more of a snack, pick up a gift certificate to a local coffee shop or bakery, Just make sure the place is good (maybe test out a few pastries before you pick up the card). A $20 or $30 gift card can stretch a good distance at a coffee house or bakery.

Try to think of a place that might be on your friend’s commute, as well, so they’ll have a chance to use it and take full advantage of your clever gift.

12

Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

© FOTOLIA

‌K NOW YOUR RECIPIENT

If you’re considering buying gift cards as Christmas presents this year, it’s important to know the tastes of who you’re buying for.

Does the recipient have a favorite local music shop or furniture store? Then this will be easy. If you’re not sure where he likes to shop locally, consider his hobbies

and interests.

Golf shops, restaurants, pet stores, gunsmiths — there are numerous locally owned businesses to help you find the perfect gift card for anyone on your list.

PERFECT FOR DECORATIONS

Maybe you’re considering buying some

UniforMmosr e Workwear at Affordable Price!

&

decorative pieces for your friend’s home or office, but you’re not quite sure if they’ll like what you have in mind. Buy a gift card.

You can find local boutiques, florists and specialty shops with a plethora of decorative options for the home — and ones your friend can pick out herself.

Decorative & Utilitarian Garden Art

• Copper roofed bird feeders & bluebird house • Brass Armillary Sundial with cast iron base base sold separately

• Wall art - hand chiseled recycled sculptures from steel oil drums Sun faces, trees & birds

Brand Names

&

More

Stethoscopes & Accessories Great Selection of Scrubs

Shoes by: KSwiss • Rockers • Nurse Mates & Quark

• Bronze finish metal bench for creating a resting spot in your garden 54” long • Glow-in-the-Dark gazing globes 6” & 10” • Indoor plants to improve air quality & to create a natural atmosphere • Vibrant Art Poles & Art Planters

Gift Certificates Available Visit us at www.plantscapenursery.com

2355 Sweets Drive • Carbondale Hwy 13 Across from Golden Corral

618-457-1603

Hours: Mon-Fri 10-6 • Sat 10-5 • Sun Closed

Mon.-Sat. 8-5 p.m.

Sun. 12-5 p.m.

NURSERY & LANDSCAPE SERVICE

One mile west of Rt. 148 in Herrin on the Herrin-Colp Hwy.

942-4865

The Southern Illinoisan : Xxxxxxx 2016 13

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | GO THE EXTRA MILE

© FOTOLIA

Remember to use cash There’s one important step before heading into town and hitting up all those lovely, local shops to buy Christmas gifts: Hit up the ATM first. Shopping with cash has myriad benefits, but it can really be a huge help for small businesses around the holidays.

STICK TO YOUR BUDGET It’s so much easier to know what you’re spending when you can literally look at the cash in your wallet or purse.

Pull out what you’ve budgeted for gift-buying and get to shopping. By settting your limit and not bringing any extra cash with you, it can help you stay focused while shopping and help

14

you stay on budget. Of course, just be cautious of carrying too much cash around with you. Make sure you have it secure and safe when strolling around.

each day of the holiday season, those fees can really add up for a small business with tight profit margins.

SCORE A BETTER DEAL SAVE BUSINESS PROCESSING FEES Those little credit and debit card machines aren’t free for local businesses to use and most businesses have to pay a fee with every swipe. That means you can actually help support your local businesses, and keep a few extra dollras in the local economy, just by shopping with green backs. It might not seem like much to you, but with potentially hundreds of purchases flying through

Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

It doesn’t just work on car dealers.

Most vendors prefer cash, and a bird in the hand is worth two in the bushel, as they say. It’s not a guarrantee by any means, but especially when you’re talking about bigger ticket items, shopping with cash can also help shave a few dollars off the sticker price. Since it saves vendors money and is easier to deal with, some are willing to have a bit of wiggle room on a price when dealing with cash.

Expanded Inventory.... We are more than just your Lumber Store!

1300 S. Park Ave. • Herrin, IL • 942-3111 Visit Us At: www.sslumbr.com

Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm • Sat 8am-3pm

Great Gifts for

everyone on your list 18V Cordless Lithium-Ion Drill/Impact Combo

• 1/4” Impact driver, 1/2” drill • Includes two 18V Lithium-Ion battery packs, charger, and carrying case 315303

360610

19970

360068

12V Impact Driver

348376

33570

12970

$

DeWalt 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Circular Saw Kit

27499

$

364908

20499

$

Milwaukee TILT-LOK 7-1/4” Circular Saw

344753

321206

• Drill features 550-1,700 RPM, 525 in/lb of torque • Driver features 2,200 RPM, 1,400 in/lb of torque 301724

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Kit

20499

$

$

Milwaukee M12 Lithium-Ion Cordless Drill Kit

13070

$

301215

16970

$

29970

$

DeWalt 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Impact Driver Kit

M18 Lithium-Ion Hammer Drill/Impact Driver Cordless Combo Kit

331037

14370

$

• Delivers 0-2 200 RPM with 850 in/lb of torque • Includes two 1.4Ah batteries, 30 minute charger and case

Milwaukee 1/2” Impact Wrench

392197

10870

$

Milwaukee M12 M-Spector AV Multimedia Lithium-Ion Cordless Camera Kit

Milwaukee 1/2” Dual Torque Electric Hammer Drill

391395

9070

$

364956

Milwaukee Sawzall 12A Variable Speed Reciprocating Saw Kit

Milwaukee M12 Cordless Jobsite Radio

DeWalt 20V MAX Lithium-Ion Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit

364947

14270

$

27499

$

DeWalt 1/2” VSR Drill

393525

10499

$

$

DeWalt 7.2V-18V Cordless Job Site Radio/Charger

300383

Gift CarD sPeCial $25 for 20 limit 5 Per family

16799

$

DeWalt 4 Gallon Twin Stack Air Compressor

364134

$

25999

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | GETTING INTO THE SPIRIT

Check for special events

Christmas festivals: There may not be one in your town, but if not, it stands to reason there’s probably one nearby. In November and December, small and mid-size towns across the country host downtown Christmas festivals, with local stores and organizations participating to encourage folks to shop and spend some time outside the big box stores.

LOOK FOR DEALS Most shops offer deals or coupons as part of a Christmas festival event, and it’s a great time to get some shopping done while taking advantage of the sales. With so much foot traffic hitting the area at one time, shops are usually fighting it out for attention — which is good news for shoppers. Also check with the local Chamber of Commerce to see if there might be a local coupon book for an event.

MAKE MEMORIES Along with getting some shopping done, these festivals often also feature caroling,Christmas tree decorating contests, and sometimes even

16 Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016f

horse-drawn carriage rides. If the weather cooperates, it can be a great way to get into the Christmas spirit and have a fun and affordable night out. Be sure to see if there’s a schedule available for live music and events, so you can plan accordingly.

DON’T FORGET DINNER With shops trying to lure in customers around holiday events, local restaurants often get in on the festivities, as well. Some will have special meals and promotions around the holiday season, so you might even be able to change things up with a Christmas-themed dinner to go along with all the shopping.

REMEMBER TO EXPLORE Having everyone out around downtown means local shops are often putting their best foots forward, so it’s a great opportunity to try out some stores or restaurants you’ve never visited — or perhaps even noticed — before. Make it a point to visit at least one place you’ve never been, just to see what you might be missing.

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | CHARITIES

Don’t Forget NonProfits Some local organizations are focused not on selling products, but on improving the lives of disadvantaged community members. Non-profit groups, soup kitchens and children advocacy organizations are all seeking help this holiday season. And what they’re asking for is simply a hand. They need more manpower to achieve their goals and spread the word on their efforts.

LENDING YOUR SKILL SET Can you spare a few hours every weekend in December? You may be asked to run errands or visit with people. Maybe deliver food or products to clients across town. Professionals in the creative services field can offer their skills free of charge as a holiday contribution.

Developing a website, creating brochures or writing a mission statement for free can help your local group promote its missions.

An accounting firm could offer to waive their preparation fees for the organization’s upcoming tax needs. A local radio station could provide a free advertising spot to a nonprofit.

Locals helping locals will strengthen the community this holiday season.

FOOD DONATIONS Why not spend your Christmas spreading some holiday cheer – and delicious food?

You can spend Christmas Eve cooking your favorite dish or baking some special cookies, then bring them to your local shelter on Christmas morning.

Your gesture will surely be appreciated by the hungry, as well as by the shelter staff. And it is a simple act of kindness that can be turned into a tradition, passed on to children or replicated by your friends and family members.

CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS You may find yourself short on time this holiday season, but maybe you have a few dollars to donate to a local organization.

Your contribution could go a long way toward furthering the cause of a group near and dear to your heart.

Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016 17

SHOP LOCAL FOR THE HOLIDAYS | LAST MINUTE

Great for Procrastinators Ever get to the morning of Dec. 23 empty-handed?

No gifts for your friends and family members and less than 48 hours to cross them off your list?

Instead of paying an exorbitant price to have your gifts shipped overnight, consider taking a stroll down to your friendly local establishment for some at-the-buzzer shopping.

FIND FRIENDLY SERVICE Small-business owners are ready to welcome you with open arms and help you through the challenge of finding that perfect gift under not-soperfect time constraints.

Even in the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, you are likely to find friendly service on your local business scene.

If you have a positive experience, then owners know they increase their chances of you returning as a customer throughout the year or for next Christmas.

Additionally, they depend on your referrals to friends and family members to help grow their business.

18 Shop Local Gift Guide : The Southern Illinoisan : Holiday 2016

FIND BETTER DEALS Some local retailers will offer marked-down items as Christmas approaches, especially holiday-related decorations or foods they will be unlikely to sell afterward. Check the discount walls to add a little thriftiness to your shopping strategy.

Many local shops also offer loyalty programs for both long-time and firsttime customers. Ask if there are any such opportunities, and you may walk out of the store with both time and a few dollars to spare.

A BETTER SHOPPING EXPERIENCE If you haven’t experienced the holiday shopping rush at a large retailer, then consider yourself lucky. Crowded aisles and long lines are just a couple of guaranteed sights during the waning days of the shopping season.

Procrastinators are better off opting for the local shopping experience instead. Because while busy, local shops will be exponentially less crowded than their larger counterparts.

This will allow you to leisurely shop for the last few remaining items on your wish list without the hassle.

Make gift giving

simple

and take out the guesswork

Visa Gift Cards ds ÂŽ

$2 fee per card with SIU CU checking $3 fee without SIU CU checking

Learn more at siucu.org