This is Part 2 of a 2-part series posted on The Columbus Experience. Part 1 is by Amy Gatto Klein, who features her last-minute shopping gameplan. Part 2 is by Brian Cheek, who features some of his already-completed shopping stops made this holiday season.

With all of the talk about the economy, I tried to make a conscious effort to shop locally for Christmas this year. I wanted to support our Columbus merchants - those who would feel the effects of the economy first, those we can not afford to lose, and those who make Columbus what it is.

I’m typically a last-minute shopper like Amy, but this year I planned ahead and gave myself time to hit a few Columbus neighborhoods to find gifts.

• I started with Collier West in the Short North , a gorgeous store with a variety of wares including tabletop items by Michael Aram and decoupage pieces by John Derian . I received personal assistance, didn’t have to deal with a stressed-out sales person out to make a commission, and my purchase was packaged uniquely and ready to give.

• I still send good old-fashioned greeting cards (and actually, not just at Christmas but year round). For unique cards, I headed to my usual stop, Peabody Papers in Grandview. I love walking into a place that carries a variety of styles created by artists or companies with a specific style. You’re warmly greeted at Peabody Papers and given personalized individual attention - whether you’re there for a single card or a set of customized invitations.

• Since I work for Experience Columbus, it might seem cheesy to say I like to give a local "experience" as a gift. Well pass the Gouda, because the truth is that’s exactly what I like to do. I purchased tickets for a friend and me to take a Chef Series Cooking Class at the North Market . You can’t get more local then taking a cooking class from a Columbus area chef; ours will be taught by Paul Yow from Barcelona Restaurant & Bar . What I really love about this gift is that my friend would have never bought it for herself.

• I have nine nieces and nephews, so for their gifts I headed to Larson’s Toys and Games in Upper Arlington, a great alternative to big box toy stores. Larson’s carries a variety of classic wooden toys along with lines of toys from around the world. I never worry that I’ve bought the little ones in my life something they already have. Larson’s also offers free gift wrapping, all year round. Enough said.

• Finally, for my friend that has everything, I turned to food. Weiland’s Gourmet Market in Clintonville has a wide variety of seafood, meat, cheese and specialty international items. I chose an assortment of goodies specific to my friend’s tastes, and was able to do it all during one stop at this busy but friendly market.  Weiland’s also offers a wide selection of beer, wine and liquor. Their knowledgeable staff will help you find just the right drink to go with whatever you might be serving (and for some of you out there, they can help figure out which libation will get you through holiday get-togethers with the relatives).

This is Part 1 of a 2-part series posted on The Columbus Experience. Part 1 is by Amy Gatto Klein, who features her last-minute shopping gameplan. Part 2 is by Brian Cheek, features some of his already-completed shopping stops made this holiday season.

It’s just a week before Christmas and my shopping list is sadly devoid of checked-off items.  This is one of those times I especially love living in my Clintonville neighborhood because I can just stroll up the street and find a perfect gift for almost everyone on the list.

By the time I actually shop it might be too late to share my recommendations with you, so I’ll tell you where I’m headed on my last-minute Christmas shopping stroll in advance. My gameplan:

• First stop will be Cup O’ Joe . I’m nothing if not realistic, and my mission will clearly need to be fueled by something stronger than good cheer. In addition to my coffee, I’ll buy a pound of fresh roasted coffee beans and travel mugs as good stocking stuffers for my husband and brother. The warmth of the fireplace will, like always, be inviting and the tables will be packed with neighbors chatting, studying and tapping away on laptops. But I won’t be able to stay this trip.

• Energized by my coffee, I’ll make my way north on High Street to stop by Wholly Craft for fun and funky handmade gifts. This store is a treasure-trove of unique items from a variety of individual crafters . This is where I’ll find cute earrings for my mom and a few friends, and I’ll also grab a package of hand-stamped note cards as a general all-purpose gift. If anyone needs gift hints for me, I’m also not-so-secretly hoping someone thinks of signing me up for one of their upcoming crocheting classes.

Oilcloth totes at SoBo Style

• Next I’ll cross the street and continue north to SoBo Style , home of shabby chic gift options.  The vintage furniture covered in bright fabrics always make me smile, but I’ll be looking for smaller items this time – purses and totes made with oilcloth, perfect to send to my sisters-and-mother-in-laws. They’re fun and functional in a whimsical retro way, plus the totes are a great alternative to plastic bags at grocery stores. I’ll also pick up some adorable all-purpose holiday decorations which will be good for my grandmother and aunts.

• Across the street, I’ll stop by Skreened for clever designs made on American Apparel tees I have pre-ordered online.  Here I’ll check my husband and brothers off the list, admire all the quirky shirts and bright colors, and know the ones I picked out will be hits on Christmas morning.

• Finally, I’ll swing by Mozart’s Bakery & Piano Cafe for some buttery and delicious hostess goodies to serve to my holiday guests.

The beauty of my last-minute gameplan? I’ll do pretty well in a small amount of time, then head for home reminded about how much I love living in this part of Columbus.

Photo by Thomas Alexander
(see more on Flickr )

If you’re looking for an alternative to happy hour at a local bar, consider Cocktails @ the Conservatory .

It’s held at the Franklin Park Conservatory every Thursday evening from 5:30 p.m.-10 p.m. (except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day). There’s no cover and parking is free.

The holiday season is a great time to go since the Conservatory is decked out with beautiful holiday lights and decorations, including a 15-foot tall poinsettia tree. I attended with a friend and we enjoyed music by Encore Entertainment and delicious hors d’oeuvres (let’s just say I can never turn down food from Cameron Mitchell ).

The best part was seeing Light Ramient II , the Palm House light installation by award-winning artist James Turrell . It was chilly outside, but well worth stepping outdoors for a few minutes to take a look at the color-changing lights. Seeing the Palm House illuminated against the night sky was breathtaking.

I’ll definitely be back the next time I’m looking to kick off the weekend early.

I’m not the first to mention that it’s the season for gift giving . I set out to find a Christmas gift for my mom a few weeks back and decided to turn to Columbus’ arts and entertainment scene for unique ideas.

The task was easier than expected. I searched the Columbus Events Calendar and found plenty of gift options, ranging from tickets to a Duran Duran concert to a Radio City Rockettes performance. I landed on an obvious winner - tickets to the musical Grease . What could be more perfect? After all, "Grease is the word" for my mom’s generation.

Broadway Across America-Columbus is bringing this popular musical to the Palace Theatre , Dec. 16-21. Named Time Magazine’s 2007 pick for “#1 musical of the year,” this is a show worth seeing. Tickets range from $22.50-$64.50 and are available online or at the Experience Columbus Visitor Center .

Wildlights

I’m typically a person who staunchly waits until after Thanksgiving to do any type of holiday of activity. I avoid gift buying, just say no to caroling and partake in no general merrymaking. All of this grinchiness changed last Thursday as I sat in the beautiful and ornate Ohio Theatre and watched Harry Connick Jr. perform his Christmas concert . The show was fantastic and a lot of fun. The regal setting in the Ohio Theatre couldn’t be beat for a night of jazz and the snow falling outside was an added bonus.

Smiling as Harry made his way through familiar tunes, I couldn’t help but to think of the other not-to-be missed activities around Columbus this season.

• I’ll definitely be making it to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium for Wildlights (photo shown is by Rod Berry Photography ). Bundling up and sipping hot chocolate as you stroll through the light display is half the fun, so no fair picking a warm day to visit (besides it’s more crowded on the warmer days and way more crowded as you get closer to December 25).

• Although I usually avoid the malls this time of the year, I am really excited to visit Easton Town Center . They’ve gone out of their way to make shopping an experience. Beautiful decorations, carriage rides, pedicabs and photos with Santa are all featured. Also take note of 24 Days of Giving - if you’re caught feeding a meter, you might be rewarded with a gift card.

• The Holiday Hop in the Short North Arts District is always on my holiday must-do list. Not only is the Short North a great destination for one-of-a-kind gifts, it’s also a wonderful urban holiday experience complete with fantastic window displays and unbeatable people watching.

• For me the holiday season wouldn’t be complete without letting some of that inner snarkiness escape. For this purpose there is nothing better than a trip to CATCO’s Santaland Diaries . You can’t beat the works of David Sedaris for bringing out the levity in any situation and this one-man show leaves me in tears of laughter.

So I’ll be joining in the holiday spirit a little earlier than normal this year and I can’t wait to get started! What are your not-to-be-missed holiday outings or traditions?

It’s not much of a secret that Columbus has no shortage of shopping options . But there’s a side of the Columbus shopping scene that you might not be quite as aware of, and discovering that side is incredibly cool.

I’m talking about the locally owned shops and boutiques that abound in this city. The places that offer up unique products, amazing service and gifts to be remembered.

Columbus blogger Walker Evans is talking about this, too. If you’re looking for gift ideas this season, check out Walker’s current series, 15 Local Holiday Gift Ideas . Over 15 days, 15 Columbus-based gifts will be spotlighted.

Want to give a shout out to your favorite Columbus shop or gift idea? I’d love that. Post your comment and along with Walker, help inspire great gift giving.