The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

WAITSBURG -- Last Saturday, Daytonites ushered in the holiday season with the Christmas Kickoff.

This weekend, Waitsburgers will do the same with the celebration of Hometown Christmas. Wherever you live, this means it's about time to start planning your family's Christmas celebration, stringing the lights, and buying gifts.

I'm no better at baking a ham than you are, and my lighthanging skills leave a lot to be desired. But I'm happy to offer these tips for selecting, purchasing and giving that perfect present:

Buy local as much as possible. Not only will you support Valley businesses, but you'll save a bundle on gas or shipping.

If you must go into the "big city" to find that perfect gift and you want to save big, either go now (some places still have Black Friday discounts running) or just before the holiday (most stores are desperate to increase sales in this normally slack period).

If your kids want to pick out presents for their loved ones on their own allowance (or if you're footing their bill and don't want to spend too much), send them to Kids Shop Night at Ye Towne Hall in Waitsburg. This event runs from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 3. All items at this bazaar are under $10. If you'd like, a member of the Waitsburg High School's Leo's Club will escort your child around and help them select gifts. Otherwise, your children can do their own shopping as you kick back and enjoy complementary cookies and coffee in the same building.

If you're shopping for the person who has everything, consider a nontraditional present. Gift them an edible, local item, such as chocolate from Alexander's or cookies from the Cottage Bakery. Better yet, give something homemade, be it a fruitcake or a scarf. Another fun (but fairly pricey) idea: Buy the recipient and their significant other tickets to Bluewood and a gift certificate to the Weinhard Hotel. Offer to babysit their kids during their trip if you can't afford accommodations for the whole family. Or give a donation to charity in their name.

If you buy a present before Christmas for someone in your house, hide it well. Have the store wrap it if that service is offered in case the recipient should accidentally glimpse the item before the big day. Stash presents for young children well off the floor. For older kids who actively hunt for purchased goodies, you'll need to get a bit more creative. Stick it in the attic behind other boxes, or wrap small items in socks that you know you'll never wear. Buy fragile, valuable, and live presents as short a time before Dec. 25 as possible, and store those in secure areas.

Finally (and this is the last item because it is very, very important), pick a gift they'll like. Don't assume that your niece in Colorado wants a jelly watch just because that's what every girl in Dayton is drooling over, or that your little nephew is still into the same superhero he loved last year. Whatever you do, make sure that you give a gift that will really be appreciated.