By Joseph Domelowicz Jr.
The holiday shopping season is here and at best, if you’re reading this on Wednesday, December 2, you have 23 shopping days left to buy your gifts before Christmas, or Channukah or the Winter Solstice, or whatever you celebrate has passed you by.
In addition to shopping for gifts for loved ones, you may have shopping to do that is related to holiday parties or get-togethers or the celebration of your holiday itself.
Everyone knows that Everett is home to several big box and chain retail stores and restaurants and if you want to take the easy way out, by all means head over to the Gateway Plaza or Route 16 or Route 1 or some area mall and shop ‘til you drop.
On the other hand, if you want your shopping dollars to actually mean something to the local economy, stop for a few seconds and think about the people on your list who may prefer a gift from one of these owned and operated small businesses.
The list below includes retailers, restaurants and small or specialty grocers. This list is not the be-all, end-all list of local businesses that can help you prepare for your holiday, just a start. Happy bargain hunting
Bouvier Jeweller on Norwood St. or Art Gold Jewelery on Broadway
Look nothing grabs the attention of someone you love like a big gift in a small box, and when you shop at local jewelry stores you have a better chance of getting something unique or at least hard to find, at a reasonable price.
It could be argued that nothing beats the little blue box, but really personal experience tells me that if it is purchased with the recipient in mind and given from the heart, jewelry is always a winner.
Night Shift Brewing Co. on Santilli Highway
This spot is near and dear to my heart, and most likely there is someone on your shopping list that feels the same way about craft beer as I do.
The brewery and tap room are a great place to visit and you may be able to bring a friend there for a visit, or you can visit the tap room, buy them a growler or even get them some shwag. Whatever you choose, folks who love good beer will love Night Shift Brewing.
Cancun Bar & Restaurant on Broadway or Abbondanza on Main Street
Whether you are looking for someplace to dine out during the holidays, or you want to give someone a gift certificate for a good meal you can’t beat these two authentic, ethnic restaurants in Everett.
SckyArt on Broadway
This locally operated art and framing store is the perfect way to surprise someone you care about with a personalized gift. Maybe you have a great photograph or painting that needs to be professionally framed or maybe you are looking for something that is more one of a kind that a close friend or family member would enjoy. Stop in to SckyArt and see what they can do to help.
Chelsea Street Bakery on Chelsea St. or Santana’s Plaza Café on Main St. or Bread & o on Norwood St. or Elm Street Bakery on Elm St. or Bucci Deli & Pizzeria for all holiday catering. Just call Tanya
Getting together with family or visiting with friends during the holidays always involves food and a party favorite is always delicious baked desserts and breads.
Depending on what kinds of baked goods you prefer we offer these four local options in Everett, if you are looking for something to bring to a party.
Whichever way you choose, all of these shops offer good things to eat.
McKinnon’s Market on Broadway or Regina’s Market on Main St. or Alba’s Fish Market on Norwood St.
Sticking loosely with the theme we started in the last section, whether you are organizing and preparing the holiday meal or just contributing a dish, each of these markets has holiday favorites and specialty items that can help you deliver a truly memorable holiday dinner. And., their prices are better.
Central Hardware on Ferry Street
Lastly, I give you the last hold out from the big box home improvement stores. Central Hardware is not just a place to buy a hammer or a trash barrel, it’s like stepping back in time to an era when everyone knew their local hardware guy by name.
Guys like tools, even those guys who can’t use them very well, and Central Hardware is a place where you can look to buy the perfect gift for that manly man in your life.