‘Tis the season to be thinking of gift ideas! Yep, that season already. While you may be under a pile of leaflets, catalogues, websites, and Christmas lists, with your arm poking out to trying to find that freshly poured glass of wine as you figure out where to start, there are options to make life a little easier.
The list is endless. There is not only your child/ren (from you and from Santa of course), there is your husband (plus a daddy gift), in-laws, your own family and everyone in between from teachers to dog groomers, to your child’s friend down the road… are we on the right track?
For some gifts, you maybe running to the store getting in line for the latest Emma Wiggle doll (high-fives to anyone who got one of those!), or the ever popular Fingerlings that parents are ripping their hair out trying to get their hands on to complete their child’s list to Santa.
However, think outside of the box and look at what people are interested in. Has your child been bugging you for dance classes, or your mother-in-law chatting about wanting to take on a new creative project such as pottery? Maybe you know someone who would love a swim pass or an excuse to join a Zumba class.
Gift certificates are a great idea and you can get them for just about anything! The City of Ottawa offers gift certificates that can be redeemed at recreation facilities across the city. There are hundreds of programs to choose from for all ages from pre-schooler to senior. Just check out the online guide and pop along to one of the recreation facilities or client service centres to pick up your gift certificate.
Have someone in your life that loves theatre? Then guess what? The City of Ottawa has you covered there too. Centrepointe Theatres (Nepean) and Shenkman Arts Centre (Orleans) both offer gift certificates that can be used on shows throughout the season. So if you can’t choose a show to buy, then give them a certificate. These can be purchased online through the box office, so no need to move from your couch, or you can go along to the box office at either location.
And breathe! Don’t forget to treat yourself while you are shopping – you deserve it!
