NanaHood's Christmas Gift Guide -

Christmas Gift Guide

I used to love watching Oprah give away her favorite things on her show. I mean, how cool would it be to be able to give so many people great gifts? I’m not Oprah and I can’t give you gifts, but I can help you with your holiday shopping by sharing NanaHood’s Christmas Gift Guide.

I believe in supporting local businesses whenever possible so I decided to start by sharing photos of my favorite finds in my hometown, Edmonton, Kentucky. Before you say, “I live too far away! I can’t shop in Edmonton, Kentucky, remember the purpose of this post is to offer suggestions for gifts. All the items on this page can be purchased in other places, they are national products (except for the goat products and I bet Eric would ship to you if you asked him and included money for shipping and handling). Even if you don’t buy his products (which I hope you will) there are lots of great craftsmen out there and I bet you have some in your neighborhood.

Small Town

Edmonton is a small town. We didn’t have a stop light until my children were about grown and we still only have one. We may not be big in size but the folks who live here have really big hearts. If friends and neighbors are in need there is always someone willing to help.

I’ve lived here most of my life and even though I’m now a nana, many people I still occasionally run into folks who refer to me as John and Shirley Bell’s daughter, and that suits me just fine. Like John Cougar Mellencamp sings, I love my small town.

Well I was born in a small town
And I live in a small town
Probably die in a small town
Oh, those small communities

This is the courthouse where students ring the literacy bell when they learn to read. During my teen years I was with a group who decided it would be fun to sneak out at night and ring the court house bell. It’s above the front doors pictured here even though you can’t see it. I wasn’t brave enough to ring it myself but I confess I was in the get away car. My poor parents.

We have a new courthouse just this year but since this is a gift giving guide I’m going to focus on gifts and not buildings, but I do have to show you just one more.

This is Wall Works on the corner of the square in Edmonton. The owner, Anne Devore Birge, has it decorated so pretty I wanted to share it with you. And speaking of Wall Works, that’s where you can find some great gifts for your female friends and relatives. I loved the Mama Bear cap and the clothes. Picture frames are always a great choice, especially if you put a favorite photo inside. And if you know some U K fans there is plenty of bling to choose from.

Gentlemen Shoppers

Wall Works has tops, vests, scarves and jewelry that are sure to make the woman in your life happy.

And Eric Brown’s great East Fork goat products will delight shoppers. Soaps, lotions and bath bombs are easy to wrap and ship to friends and family near or far!

Last year I gave these house shoes to just about every female in my family and they all loved them. They sell for $14.99 and I liked them so much I bought myself two pairs! She has plenty in stock so go get yourself some and a couple for your friends and family. Be sure and tell her I sent you!

Metcalfe Drugs

I went across the square and found lots of delightful items at Metcalfe Drugs. I loved the cookie cutter/spatula for dog lovers! The baby blankets were so soft and perfect for anyone with a baby. The little sock booties with firetrucks on them were so cute I wanted to buy them but all the guys in my family have really BIG feet. I doubt these would fit on their toe. There were tons of other baby items and lots of cute baby outfits. Of course I loved the Simply Southern Nana shirt (I had to have one) and there were others there for Gigi and other grandmother names. Thank you, Martha, for being willing to display the shirt! I also included the Fajita seasoning because everyone I know uses it and raves about how good it is.

Rite-Aid

Rite-Aid had men’s house shoes with memory foam and lots of makeup goodies that my 13 year old granddaughter would love. Then I found a Marvel toy display that I know would thrill my grandsons. Two of my favorite books were there…How to Babysit a Grandma and How to Babysit a Grandpa. And finally for all the dog lovers in my family, doggie toys and treats.

Ace Hardware

Sing with me now, “Ace is the place with the helpful hardware folks.” They are actually replacing that slogan with “Ace-The Helpful Place,” which doesn’t sound nearly as catchy to me but regardless….they had some great gifts.

My husband loves BIG toys so I stopped by Ace and found some items I know he would like in his stocking; a weed eater and a chain saw. There were toys and bike helmets that would make great gifts for children.

Dollar General

The Dollar Store had a toy display right as I walked in the door that is sure to attract a lot of attention from every child who enters their doors.

For DIY folks there are tons of great ideas for making gifts with items you purchase at the Dollar Store. Check out Savyhoney.com and The Prudent Penny Pincher

Sweet Treats

I like to make home made goodies for people but when I don’t have the time I know where to go. And who doesn’t love to eat? There are lots of sweet treats to gift from The Bakery. I had to stand way back from the coconut cake to keep from drooling on it and those darling little berry pies….they are only 2 bucks each!

If you don’t have time for baking find someone in your area and surprise someone (maybe your child or grandchild’s teacher) with something edible.

Another local baker who I have come to know and love is Tammy Quinn. She’s the chief baker at Kreative Memories Cakes

She is also one of the best blueberry pickers I’ve ever met! The last two years she’s helped us during the month of June when the blueberries on our farm are ripe. She’s fast and efficient and she can take the Kentucky heat in the summer and the heat in her kitchen. I’ve been by her house when she’s baking and she can cook up a storm!

This is a sample of just one of the beautiful cakes I’ve seen Tammy make.

McMurtrey Chiropractic

This little cutie is not for sale. She belongs to the local chiropractor and she was nice enough to hold up this gift certificate for me. They have a wonderful masseuse who works there and I can’t think of anyone who would turn down a massage. Why not give a friend a gift certificate for a massage or some chiropractic treatments?