As a wife and mother it inevitably falls on my head to purchase holiday gifts. Since in our house we celebrate both Hanukkah and Christmas, it’s double duty. It’s not that I don’t love buying just the right thing for the right person and seeing the joy on their faces as they tear into their gifts. I do! It’s just the enormity of it all. The cooking, cleaning, shopping, decorating and wrapping is exhausting. Sometimes I wish there was a magic elf (a magic dreidel?) to do my preparation and I could just show up relaxed in my nice cocktail dress, freshly showered, smelling of the nice cologne that my daughter just bought me (hint-hint). So, in honor of that wish – I have found a few items for a short list to hand over to Dad, that he can purchase locally and the merchants will be happy to wrap up for the holidays.

Bracelet - Carolina Art Garden

First, for the fashionable teen girl is this great half grunge/half earth fairy bracelet that can be found at Oak Street Mill’s, Carolina Art Garden. It’s just $42. It’s very “in.” Your daughter will believe that your the “Cool Dad.”

Peter Chapman Polar Bear Puzzle, Wooden Stone

Next, from Wooden Stone for your six year old son is this unbelievable Polar Bear Puzzle. It’s handcrafted by artist Peter Chapman out of a single piece of wood. When you are able to open it, it reveals a baby polar bear cub! I know it’s pricey, at $220. But believe me, your wife will display it with her Christmas decorations, long after your son tires of playing with it. It’s almost like buying both of them a present!

Gingerbread house classes coming at Sanctuary.

Now, for your wife. I’ve been reading a lot lately about how experiences make us ultimately more happy. When I stroll into The Sanctuary on Main Street, I keep looking at the list of art classes offered. There are lots! Both day and evening classes. A perfect one for the holiday season is the Gingerbread House class. It’s $35 and is on December 11th from 10-12noon. By the way, they also offer a children’s version of this class on Saturday, December 18th from 10-11:30a.m. for just $25. No supplies needed for either class. (See more in our Dec. 8 food notes item.)

Happy Holidays from Art Around Town!

Art Around Town,” by Lisa Jewel, appears Fridays on DavidsonNews.net’s Guide page. Lisa is keeping a sort of “visual journal” of interesting objects she finds in the area. Some are items for sale at local galleries, others prized possessions in our homes. Have an object to share? Email Lisa, lskjewel@aol.com. See her previous columns in the Art Around Town category