The BigView
By Chris Murphy
One of the most true things ever said or written is, “You get what you give”. This variation of the golden rule is guiding principle that would really benefit everyone in this world. What is it that you get when you give? That feeling of love, pride, caring, understanding, satisfaction? What ever it is, it means a lot. ModestoView readers, you all know what it means to give back to our community and make a difference. What will put a smile on a child’s face, or a grin from a friend? It is all about the thought and what it means. We are to help make that difference this holiday season. ModShop was a great way to get a hand made start on your holiday gift giving. Here are just a few local ideas that will make someone smile. Eat, drink, live and shop local this season. You can find a list of the vendors at www.modshop209.com if you forgot something.
Stewart and Jasper
Can you say, tasty fruit and nut treats AND wine tasting? Yes, you need to make a stop at Stewart and Jasper in McHenry Village. They have the most amazing gift baskets, and their fruit preserves and sauces are super tasty. We love their chocolate covered fruits, baking supplies like Almond flour and even glazed almonds for salads. While you shop, why not wine taste. Stewart and Jasper Company Store, McHenry Village Suite 58 209-577-6887 www.stewartandjasper.com
Classic Modesto Gifts
The McHenry Mansion is home base for all things vintage Modesto. Find yourself if the spirit of Victorian-era Modesto when you tour the McHenry Mansion and then head over to the visitor center and gift store next door in Downtown Modesto. You can get a really cool rockin’ Santa ornament, special Mansion ornament and even McHenry Mansion tea. Great gifts for your Modesto loving friends.
McHenry Mansion Gift Store
924 15th St Modesto 209-549-0428
Open Noon-4 Sunday – Friday
Local Music
Friends encourage friends to listen to local music. Local bands record local music. They sell these amazing disks full of original songs that you will love. Deva Café has local music CDs for sale and you can explore the local music at www.modestoareamusic.com and browse the hundreds of local bands with links to their music. Listen to MAMA (Modesto Area Music Association) music today. Deva Café 1202 J St www.devadowntown.com/
Local Food
Friends, this is as good as it gets. A gift certificate to a local restaurant is the most amazing thing. All of them sell them so you can go to your favorite place, you can have dinner and you can share that experience with your friends and family. Order up and share the gift of tasty living.
Graffiti Gifts
Don’t you wish there were really fun Modesto themed gifts? There are! Send your classic car loving friends and family a Graffiti mug, some fuzzy dice, Cruisin’ shot glass, Race For Pinks T-Shirt or even a onesie for a baby. Let’s share and spread the message that Modesto USA is the home of American Graffiti and give one of the rockinest and coolest gifts of the season. All profits go to support local charities.
Modesto Graffiti USA – Shop online at www.modestograffitiusa.com
Selective Antiques
Want to give something unique that has history? Head to Hughson and check out Selective Antiques, who offers over 10,000 sq ft of vintage treasures. Thousands of gift ideas under $20. There is a kid section, man cave section, vintage toys, rustic décor and everything from A to Z. There are sales every day of 50% off. There are new items daily and you will find “down home” pricing and friendly owners. So step out of the ordinary, and head to Hughson. If you haven’t been there, you are missing out. Mention that you read about them in ModestoView to enter a $50 gift cert drawing. Selective Antiques, 2300 Tully Rd Hughson, Wed-Sun 10- 6 pm
Marcy’s Hallmark Shop
Marcy’s Hallmark Shop is your holiday shopping destination for great stocking stuffers and games the whole family will enjoy! Marcy’s has had the same owners for 30 years and Julie Plumb, formerly of Keller’s is the new manager. You can find gifts, Christmas cards and more for baby showers, baptisms, First Communions, confirmations, wedding showers and beyond as well as a selection of thinking-of-you, get well and sympathy cards. You can always find a gift of home decor, aroma therapy candles, puzzles, picture frames, photo albums, apparel, accessories, jewelry, stationery, collectibles, Christmas ornaments, candles, candy, books and more.
Located in McHenry Village 1700 McHenery, Suite 28 209-522-3095
Intrinsic Elements
Sometimes both your body and your spirit need to be refreshed and energized. There are amazing gifts for your head and your heart, featuring essential oils, gems and crystals, aroma candles and incense as well as jewelry and apparel. What’s super cool is you can give the gift of meditation and begin to make your mind relax and utilize the energy of the universe. There is something for everyone at Intrinsic. Yes, they gift wrap and have great recommendations if you stuck. Intrinsic Elements, 1214 J St. Modesto 209-409-8510 www.intrinsicelements.com
Crow Trading Company.
Crow Trading we specializes in one-of-a-kind antique and reclaimed wood furniture, a thoughtfully chosen selection of antique and contemporary accessories for your home, as well as gifts and jewelry in a range of styles and prices. Crow Trading in downtown Modesto has a wonderful and ever changing selection of truly unique and one-of-a-kind furniture, home décor and gifts. With a mix of old and new, you’ll enjoy our eclectic blend of treasures from around the world. Crow Trading has been doing business in downtown Modesto since 1996. We don’t have sales people. When you come in the store you will be talking to the owners Jennifer and Skip Williams. There is always something interesting at Crow Trading.
1208 J Street in downtown Modesto.
10am-6pm Tues to Sat.
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Gifts of the Heart
By Tasha Williams
The holidays are such a wonderful time to celebrate the lives of the ones who are near and dear to your heart. Hugs and kisses are shared among friends, family, and loved ones. Gifts are exchanged and we tell each other how much we care. We spend so much time and effort trying to find the perfect gift and more often than not, the gifts can get really expensive.
But imagine with me, (if you will), how fantastic it would be to actually make a plan on NOT spending a dime on gifts this year? Imagine if you actually called a family meeting and told everyone, “This year, we are not going to buy gifts with money, we are simply going to exchange gifts that didn’t cost us anything this year. Instead, we are going to give gifts that are from the heart”!
Obviously, this news may not go over well with the children, but you can make it really fun! Suggest making a little book with hand written promise notes inside that can be torn out. Some of the notes could say things like, “I promise to do the dishes at your request” OR “I promise to give you a hug at your request” OR “I promise to wash the outside of the car and detail the inside, at your request”. Or maybe you could simply use Mod Podge to create a gift. My family makes photo coasters and we use square ceramic tiles for the pictures to go over.
The holidays are a time of giving, but that doesn’t mean we need to spend a ton of cash in to show that we care. We must also remember that the holidays are a time where we should exemplify pure love and sincere affection towards the people we truly care about. This may even be the time to finally tell your crush that you have secretly loved them for many years and remember, mistletoe is everywhere! 😊
The Holidays are a time for smiles and laughter. It’s a time to say hello to strangers on the street, wave at the mailman, and go to church, temple, mosque, or synagogue, in order to give praise and honor for the many Blessings you have received throughout your year. As always: Let’s love our Modesto! Let’s embrace our Modesto! C’mon Positive Holiday Peeps, it’s where we live!
