The holiday season is once again upon us. It is easy to get caught up planning long trips into the metro areas for the latest deals at big box retailers. But right here in our own communities of the Copper Corridor you can find an assortment of gifts, services and experiences for just about everyone on your gift list. When we shop local, more of our dollars stay in the local economy, which helps to fund important community needs. For every $100 dollars you spend at a locally owned business, $68 stays in the local economy.
There is a growing trend to avoid traditional gifts and give the gift of experiences or services. Why not purchase tickets or memberships to one of our local attractions like the Arizona Zipline Adventures, Boyce Thompson Arboretum, Biosphere II or Oracle State Park? Each of these attractions have gift shops with unique jewelry, art and sundries as well.
From authentic Mexican food, Italian, Barbecue and American style food, there are choices for every palate. For the foodie in your life, how about a customized gift basket featuring local honey, local wines, lavender products combined with fresh fruits and vegetables from our local grocery stores!
The downtown shopping districts in Superior, Oracle and Kearny have a variety of unique shops, art galleries and restaurants. Unique art, foods and crafts can be found at the Superior Farm to Fantastic Market or any of the local holiday bazaars in the area. Local popup markets are also a source for unique gifts. On Dec. 7, there will be three markets in the Oracle, San Manuel and Mammoth area.
- San Manuel Street Market at the Community Presbyterian Church, 801 S. McNab Pkwy., San Manuel; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Parradise Ranch Holiday Market at Sue & Jerry’s Ranch Store, 1015 W. American Ave., Oracle; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church Christmas Market, 122 Church Dr., Mammoth; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The gift of wellness and relaxation is another creative gift. There are multiple massage therapists and day spas in the Copper Corridor that offer gift cards for new and existing clients.
The gift of time is also something that can be a gift from the heart: make a date for hike, a picnic at the Gila River park in Winkelman or any of the local parks in the area. Volunteering at a local organization or making a financial contribution in honor of someone on your gift list is another way to give a gift that will have long lasting impact.
Share the gift of news, and purchase an annual subscription to your favorite weekly paper: Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner or the Superior Sun!
From our family to yours, everyone at Copper Area News wishes you and your family a Happy Holiday Season!