Stocking Stuffers

Bringing Smiles and Helping Ease Strained Holiday Budgets

No one seems exactly certain when the tradition of hanging stockings at the holidays actually began. But by 1822, Clement Clark Moore’s famous poem “A Visit from St. Nicholas” (better known as “The Night Before Christmas”) had been published. Today there are few children who don’t recognize the words, “The stockings were hung by the chimney with care in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.”

Despite its popularity, the Christmas stocking is often overlooked during the hustle and bustle of holiday shopping. Hence, stocking stuffers are usually purchased last. Fortunately, there are many gift ideas that are sure to please without draining an already strained budget. Some of the more popular stuffers to consider include:

Traditional goodies.

All kids love sweets. So why not include their favorite treats! Clothes/accessories. Colorful and fun, still useful, items such as gloves, slippers, scarves, socks and belts make great stocking stuffers. School supplies. Whether learning from home or learning from school, Christmas is a great time to stock up on fun supplies for school, such as gel pens in cool neon colors, markers and even homework helpers. Mini games or card games. Sized just right, these gifts are great for amusing the kids and interacting with family during the Holidays. Hobby and Arts and Crafts. Gifts can also enhance a child’s existing interest in something such as sports, art or music. Gift cards or certificates. Kids today like the freedom to choose their own gifts. A gift card to the movies, favorite retail store, or favorite restaurant allows kids to feel all grown-up. Traditional toys. Regardless of their age, few kids can resist the fun of some of some of the old standbys, like Silly Putty, Jacks or a Slinky.

All ages love stocking stuffers, there are many mini-gifts out there for the teenager and above. Make up, silly socks, hair products, etc.

To enhance the excitement, wrap the stocking stuffers. Pack the stocking full, and don’t forget to let one or two items stick out from the top to tempt curious eyes, and enjoy your holidays with friends and family! %

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

APTOS VILLAGE SQUARE

7960 Soquel Drive, Aptos • www.aptosvillagesquare.com

Aptos Village Square is a host to several Aptos Favorites – all of which are family owned. The Shopping Center is a place where everyone can find something, practical, healthy, fun, and interesting! Businesses include Jansen Music, The UPS Store, Showtime Pizza, Uncle Kwok’s, Workspace, Quality Water, Fleet Feet, Hot Source Yoga, Crossfit Aptos, Studio E Dance, Five Streams Kitchen, Caledonia Salon, Coastal Oak Interiors, and Shanne Carvallho. Conveniently located in the heart of Aptos – take the State Park Drive exit off Hwy 1 heading south. Come visit us!

BAY PHOTO LAB

920 Disc Drive, Scotts Valley • 800.435.6686 • www.bayphoto.com

Bay Photo Lab has a long history of innovative photographic printing and photo finishing services. Located in the coastal redwoods outside of Santa Cruz, California, we have been providing Professional Photographers with the highest quality printing and customer service for over 40 years. We are committed to providing personal attention and a wide range of products. We pride ourselves on our quality printing and fast delivery. Bring your images to Bay Photo and join the many professional photographers who depend on us for outstanding quality, excellent value, and exceptional customer service.

BUBBLE LOUNGE

30 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos • 831.708.4100 • www.bubbleloungesc.com

Bubble Lounge Boutique is every woman’s dream store located in Aptos! Our mermaid tribe takes great pride in excellent customer service. We have been in business since 2006 serving our local community with the best of the best curated just for you. We specialize in activewear, yogawear, lounge wear, and custom cut couture fitness as well as natural beauty and cosmetics products. Our brand menu includes Goddesswear, Beyond Yoga, Mika, Free People, Spiritual Gangster, Glyder Apparel, and many more. Come in and check it out!

CAROLINE’S NON-PROFIT THRIFT SHOP

8047 Soquel Drive, Aptos • 831.662.0327 • christina@carolinesnonprofit.org

Christy Licker opened Caroline’s Non Profit Thrift Shop in June of 2010, just three years after the death of her daughter, Caroline, who passed away at the age of 16. Her hope was to honor the life of Caroline by donating money to local nonprofits with programs/services for children and their families with the goal of easing the fundraising burden for these non-profits. Our volunteers commit to regularly scheduled shifts, with some even creating handmade items for Caroline’s. Caroline’s is 100% volunteer powered!

CORRALITOS FEED

2895 B Freedom Blvd, Corralitos • 831.722.7884 • www.corralitosfeed.com 1486 Freedom Blvd, Watsonville • 831.728.2244 • www.corralitosfeed.com

At Corralitos Feed and Pet Supplies we specialize in pet and livestock nutrition. We carry everything you need to keep your pet healthy and happy. Visit our Country Store in Corralitos for boots as well as horse supplies including straw, hay, and alfalfa. We also carry a full line of pet foods and products. Visit our city store in Watsonville for all your pet needs. We carry live animals including birds, reptiles, rabbits, chickens, and fish, along with the full line of products and food for these pets.

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

FATIMA’S FINE JEWELRY

307 Main St. Ste. 1011, Watsonville • 831.768.1887 • www.fatimasfinejewelry.com

Since our family owned and operated jewelry store first opened in 1995, our mission has always been to provide exceptional service as we help you find jewelry that you will fall in love with each time you put it on. From engagement rings to our custom jewelry, every piece in our showroom is handpicked for its timeless beauty and artful design. We also offer jewelry repair, as well as in-house financing and layaway options so there’s nothing keeping you from completing your collection with that perfect piece.

INTERIOR VISION FLOORING & DESIGN

2800 Daubenbiss Ave, Soquel • 831.219.4484 • www.interiorvision.biz

We can help you with everything from the simple problem to complex installations including products for radiant heat, patterns, and borders. I carry both pre-finished and sand and finish hardwoods including bamboo and exotic woods, laminates such as Mannington, Natural Linoleum, all major brands of carpet, wool, sisal, cork, custom and ready made area rugs, porcelain tile and Hunter Douglas Allustra and running line window shades and shutters. Let me help with some of the most confusing decisions you will ever have to make. Merry Christmas!

LENZ ARTS

142 River St., Santa Cruz • 831.423.1935 • www.lenzarts.com

Serving you for over 50 years, Lenz Arts offers the largest selection of fine art supplies and the oldest custom frame shop on the Central Coast. Described as “one of the last real art stores on the West Coast,” people drive for hours to take advantage of our comprehensive stock and knowledge. From the finger-painting toddler to the professional gallery artist, we’ve got you covered! We are open for in-store shopping! Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm. Curbside service is still available.

MR. Z’S CREPES & TEAS

7518 Soquel Dr., Aptos • 831.661.5167 45 Aviation Way #2, Watsonville • 831.228.1588 • www.mrzsteas.com

Mr. Z’s Crêpes & Teas is a local, family-owned casual cafe offering Boba Teas, Crêpes, and Açaí bowls. We source premium ingredients from our local partners to bring you quality, flavorful menu options. Our teas are brewed daily, berries and Art Materials (831)423-1935 produce are supplied by local Watsonville farms, and crepes are made fresh to order! Whether you’re stopping by for your Custom Picture Framing (831)425-7111 lunch, mid-afternoon snack, or dinner, we’ve got you covered! Gluten and dairy-free options are available. Monday - Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

142 River Street

Santa Cruz, CA 95060 LenzArts.com

@lenzarts O’NEILL SURF SHOPS

105 Post Office Dr., Aptos 831.708.2220 • 1115 41st Ave, Capitola 831.475.4151

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz 831.459.9230 • 110 Cooper St #100d, Santa Cruz 831.469.4377 • us.oneill.com O’Neill Surf Shop is fully stocked with all your holiday goodies. We have a huge selection of O’Neill Wetsuits for the whole family. Skateboards, boogie boards, leashes, backpacks, and all your favorite surf accessories. Surfboards for the beginner to the advanced, that perfect holiday gift will bring hours of joy! Stop by all our locations this Holiday Season for all your surfing needs and let our friendly staff stoke you out. Hours may vary at each location.

OUTSIDE IN

7568 Soquel Dr, Aptos • 831.684.0178 • www.oihome.com

Outside In is the premier Aptos destination for gifts, home decor, jewelry, and luxury clothing. We strive to support local artisans, businesses, and most importantly, we take enormous pride in supporting our customers and the local community. Our children’s store, Imagitorium, is located right next door to the main store, specializing in educational toys, books, and clothes. Come in and meet our friendly staff and they can help you find that special something you are looking for. Gift registries, corporate gifting and gift certificates are available.

Holiday Gift Giving Ideas

PET PALS DISCOUNT PET FOOD AND SUPPLIES

3660 Soquel Dr, Soquel • 831.464.8775 • www.petpals.com

Pet Pals has been family owned since 1987. We provide brand name pet food and supplies at the lowest discount prices at our 17,000 square foot warehouse store. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff is ready to help you and your pet find exactly what you need. We take pride in our local roots and give back to the Santa Cruz County pet community whenever possible. Please reach out if your nonprofit or pet organization would like to connect with the Pet Pals team.

ROOSTERS

28 Rancho Del Mar • Aptos, CA 95003 • 831.612.6938 • www.roostersmgc.com

At Roosters Men’s Grooming Center, we provide authentic barbering services designed with men in mind. Whether you come in for the Roosters Club Cut or Signature 7-Step Facial Shave, you can be confident you will leave looking and feeling your best. Give the gift of Roosters to the gentlemen in your life so they can experience the comforts of an old-school barber shop with grooming techniques for the modern man. Our distinctive services come with a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

SOLEMATE

7542 Soquel Drive, Aptos • 831.688.6500 • sales@solemateaptos.com

Solemate is located in the heart of Aptos in Aptos Center. We offer a great selection of European shoes, clothing, and accessories. Whatever your need we can dress you from head to toe. From casual everyday wear to dressy events, we have what you are looking for! Open Tuesday – Sunday 11-5. Come see us!

SUPER SILVER

1301 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831.460.9696 • 1855 41st Ave., Capitola Mall 831.477.1932

214 Capitola Ave., Capitola Village 831.462.9696 • 1100 Second St., Old Town Sacramento 916.443.2801 • www.supersilver.com Citrine is a beautiful fall color stone and is full of high positivity and optimism energy, and projects a sense of balance. Visit Super Silver to see our huge selection of Citrine jewelry. We have multiple locations, and an ever-expanding selection of .925 silver. Give the gift of choice with a Super Silver gift card. Follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram!

WONDERLAND TOYS

19 Rancho Del Mar, Aptos • 831.316.7261 • www.wonderlandsantacruz.com

We are a local, women-owned and family-owned small business serving our community. Come in and check out our quality specialty and educational toys, classroom resources, books, games, puzzles, and more. We have a wide selection of gifts for the holidays. Advent Calendars of all types are going fast! Shop early for best selection! We also offer complimentary gift wrap of up to three items.

REJUVENATE MEDI-SPA AND WELLNESS

1595 38TH Ave., Capitola • 831.226.2108 • www.rejuvenatemedi-spa.com

Rejuvenate is a medical spa offering the best-in-class service for Botox, Filler, Facials, and RF Micro-Needling to get you looking your best this holiday season and throughout the year! We offer gift certificates in multiple denominations so that you can give the gift of beauty and wellness to your friends and family this holiday season.