The holidays are here! You might not be as ready for the holiday season as you’d hoped, but there’s still plenty of time to get your affairs in order and also plenty of fun to be had in the details. November is a great time to kick things into high gear and get as much of the details handled as possible so that you have plenty of time to enjoy yourself and the company of others!
Finding Unique Holiday Gifts For Everyone On Your List
Whether your list is short enough to cover immediate family and a few friends or extends on to everyone you know; all you need to know is the “who” and the rest is easier than you may think. Lincoln is full of wonderful local businesses that offer a wide variety of unique gifts, and not only that, offer excellent customer service and go above and beyond to make your experience easy, enjoyable and hassle-free.
Here’s a run-down of some unique gift ideas that might be the perfect fit for someone on your list:
Health & Fitness
Basically, Healthier=Happier. It is wise to be somewhat health conscious these days, and with so many options with respect to staying healthy and fit, there are just as many great gift ideas for sports and fitness enthusiasts as well as for those who are committed to making a few changes for the better. With all of the new technology, innovation and flare being incorporated into what is now available in this area, it makes gift giving even more fun as well as more individualized. Lincoln is one of the healthiest cities in the United States, so it’s a pretty safe bet that gifts in this area will be well received.
Especially for kids, anything that keeps them active will get used. With a variety of sports to play, activities to participate in, and just the stuff of busy daily life—kids have plenty of energy naturally, and it is good to encourage them to be aware of the options and active in making healthy decisions for themselves. So, what better way to encourage this than some fantastic holiday gifts—apparel, shoes, and sporting equipment are all at the top of the wish list.
For everyone else, the same pretty much applies with the exception of having a better idea of what to focus on. There are tons of great gifts in every price range for the golfer, the runner, the gym rat, the coach, the outdoors enthusiast—even just for the person who’s always on-the-go. Furthermore, consider the fact that you could save a lot of money getting these items gently used. Check out Play It Again Sports first—their inventory is always changing and you can even trade in your gently used items for more money to spend on gifts! Diane Hesson, owner of Play It Again Sports, adds, “We offer both new and gently used items at a fraction of the retail price. We’ve also bulked up on our inventory specifically for the holiday rush, which means you have an even better chance of getting a great deal on exactly what you are looking for! Gift cards are also available, and are particularly useful for the spring sports that are right around the corner. We welcome trades all year long, which will allow you to get rid of items you don’t need any longer while stretching your holiday budget. In addition to our extensive selection of sporting goods, we also carry a full line of fitness equipment, apparel and accessories. Our goal is to make your holiday shopping experience painless, and we look forward to assisting holiday shoppers in finding exactly what they’re looking for over the next couple of months!”
Looking and feeling great isn’t all about fitness though, it requires a holistic approach that takes other health aspects into consideration. Body Nouveaux Spa offers a complete line-up of services that are a great way for both men and women to relax and renew. Gift cards are available for purchase in any denomination, either at Body Nouveaux—5600 S. 48th Street, Suite 118—or online at www.bodynouveauxspa.com. This gives the recipient the freedom to choose exactly what he/she likes so you won’t have to worry about making that decision yourself. Additionally, Body Nouveaux offers great discounts during the holiday season for those who do know exactly what they are looking for! With a full line-up of spa services, you can give the gift of an experience as well as some much needed relaxation after the craziness of the holiday season has passed.
We all have bad habits we are trying to kick, especially with New Year’s resolutions right around the corner. If smoking is one of those for someone on your gift list, consider giving them the chance to try out an electronic cigarette device, or E-cig. While they may not be for everyone, E-cigs are an increasingly popular method for getting away from the nasty effects of smoking cigarettes and are well worth giving a shot. As with most things, trying it out for free because someone gave it to you as a gift is even better! GNS Vapor is a locally owned and operated retailer of E-cigs and E-juices, and offer Starter Kits that make the perfect holiday gift. All are welcome to stop in at any of the three convenient locations this holiday season to find out more about the products or to check them out in person.
Travel & Transport
As many of us really take pride in our vehicles, and are interested in taking care of them because they are one of our major investments, there are plenty of gift ideas in this area that are sure to please. The best part about this type of gift is that it is appreciated on a daily basis. They enhance aspects such as the vehicle’s comfort, appearance, safety, and/or convenience and generally add to the overall enjoyment for the owner. Here are a few examples:
–Give the gift of warmth to your loved ones with a remote car starter. The current technology offered in remote car starters is truly amazing. These systems can be started remotely from long distances—you don’t even have to be in the same city! Remote car starters are perfect for those who have to walk a distance from work, especially in the inclement weather we are very familiar with in Nebraska, and you can also unlock your vehicle remotely if someone else needs entry. With the advances in phone apps, you can even use your phone to do all of this!
–Upgrades to a car’s audio and stereo are popular gifts for anyone, young or old. Hands-free elements are particularly useful and also much safer to use while driving, and DVD systems are great for anyone with kids.
–There’s no doubt that installing window film is one of the best ways to improve the look of a vehicle, which makes it a great gift idea! The sleek, custom look as soon as installation is complete is a noticeable improvement—but that’s just one of the many benefits you’ll get from high quality, high performance tinting film. It will also make the vehicle cooler and more comfortable, adds privacy, and protects the interior of the vehicle from fading.
— It is crucial to always make the safety of yourself and others your first priority, which includes never getting behind the wheel if you are impaired. While many of us consider giving the gift of alcoholic beverages in some form or another, very few consider giving a tool that will save a person from worrying about whether he/she can safely and legally get behind the wheel or not. Discrete handheld devices for testing a person’s blood alcohol level (BAC) come in quite handy. This will ensure that you aren’t driving over the legal limit after leaving an event where you’ve enjoyed a couple of drinks.
All of these gift ideas and more can be found locally at GP Customs. Robert Peinado, owner of GP Customs, explains, “We take pride in staying on the cutting edge of technology and new products on the market, so this year let us help you decide which of the hottest trends would be the best fit for the people on your gift list. At GP Customs, all of the products we offer are installed by trained professionals. With plenty of experience on our side, you can trust that an industry professional will be helping you through the entire process from advising you on the latest technology to performing the installation. Due to the progress in both design of newer vehicles and the technology incorporated, factory integration also plays a major role. For example, in a brand new Lexus we would recommend Bluetooth integration as opposed to the installation of a CD player because the way that the dash is assembled makes it the best option, both aesthetically and functionally. GP Customs goes above and beyond to give our customers top of the line product options as well as the highest quality workmanship and service. Stop into our new showroom at 16th and Cushman Drive this holiday season to see for yourself exactly what we have to offer—you won’t be disappointed!”
Marilyn Muir, AAA Nebraska Field Manager, also offers several creative ideas for great gifts that incorporate a few things we can all appreciate, including a vacation!
“For the person who has everything, you may want to consider giving a gift of adventure . . . a AAA Gift Certificate that may be applied to a dream getaway. The possibilities and travel options are virtually endless, and the memories you will help to create will last a lifetime. You may want to consider purchasing a gift certificate that can be applied to a cruise, a trip to Disney World, a golf destination, or a relaxing resort spa. Gift Certificates may be purchased in any amount you choose.
Or, since most people own an automobile, a AAA gift membership provides benefits and services that will last all year long. If purchasing a AAA gift membership, make certain you ask about the special offers. Currently, we are offering a free associate membership with a new primary membership – basically, a two for the price of one offer. In addition, we recently launched our free teen membership program. A young driver with a learner’s permit may be added to the primary membership plan at no additional cost. Of course, since many hotels, attractions, restaurants and retailers offer AAA savings, the person receiving your gift will appreciate your thoughtfulness each time they use their card
To enhance the membership plan, AAA continues to add new benefits and services. Most recently, we added identity theft protection as a membership benefit. Our new AAA Rewards program provides members with the opportunity to earn cash discounts for purchases made at AAA including the renewal of their membership.
When searching for the perfect gift, remember AAA. Our travel agents and membership representatives welcome the opportunity to serve you. Stop by our office at 2900 O Street or call our Lincoln office at (402) 441-4500 for more information.”
Arts & Crafts
Giving a handmade gift from the heart, classes that allow a person to let their creative juices flow or learn something new, or a unique gift that showcases your creative side is also something to consider when shopping for gifts this holiday season.
Whether you have artistic talent or just want to have fun, or even if you are looking for a unique gift that is handcrafted by local artists, Art Glass Unlimited has something for everyone. Their popular glass blowing classes are kicking off for the holidays, which offer the opportunity to create your own special works of art including Christmas ornaments, Santa’s Cookies plates, and so much more. Giving the gift of a class/workshop is the perfect way to get the creative juices flowing and can be very therapeutic. Moreover, you not only get the experience but the keepsake that you created yourself! Items are generally ready for pick up a week after they are made, so there is still plenty of time to create a masterpiece for that special person on your gift list. Art Glass Unlimited also carries a variety of gifts made by local artists that are available for purchase, including fused glass ornaments, decorative bowls and large hanging glass pieces, and more. As all pieces are handmade, no two are alike, and items range from $10 on up which fits within the holiday budget nicely.
If you are a lady who is looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for your significant other, consider a spicy, romantic gesture this holiday season with boudoir photos. “Boudoir photographs are a unique, and likely unexpected, sentimental yet sexy gift for your guy,” says Jaime Incontro of Purple Sky Productions. “Boudoir photographs are tasteful studio pictures taken in your lingerie. This might seem completely out of the realm of possibility for many women, but I strive to make my clients feel comfortable with both myself and their surroundings. I’ve found that women not only love giving the images to their guy, but they walk away from the experience feeling empowered and sexy. It is a great confidence boost as well as a special gift, no matter the occasion!”
The Coop, now located in College View at 4724 Prescott Avenue, is a fun small business that sells vintage décor, primitives, antiques, soy candles, and many other treasures that make great holiday gifts. They have a great selection of vintage décor and painted furniture as well as a selection of repurposed items and burlap décor. The Coop is also Lincoln’s only stockist of Chalk Paint® Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan and offers classes on many different techniques to do with Chalk Paint®, which would be a fun surprise for the crafty folks on your gift list. At The Coop, you’re sure to find the perfect festive touch for holiday decorating as well as plenty of great gift ideas!
Sweets & Treats
Holiday treats are great as gifts or to provide for your guests at parties, events and gatherings. The variety of products that can be found in Lincoln, as well as the ability to customize these items, is what makes it twice as nice! From ready-made treats to ordering a unique assembly of items for a party tray or dessert buffet; there’s too much available to go wrong!
Cupcakes & more… offers a wide variety of sweet treats that are baked with care and decorated especially for the holidays. “Our party trays can incorporate any combination of the sweet treats we have to offer—cupcakes, cake balls, cake pops, cookies, brownie shots, and even chocolate covered strawberries!” says Regina Henson, owner of Cupcakes & more… “If cupcakes are what you have your heart set on, we can customize the packaging for holiday gifts which may even include your logo or a special message. The best part is that we can mix and match flavors and decorations to satisfy every sweet palate! And for those who are not sure what they want, a Cupcakes & more… gift card is a great alternative. Who doesn’t want to come in and pick out their favorite sweet treat at their convenience? Holiday gifts are also a nice gesture for clients, and we would be happy to create your packages of sweets and even deliver them for you to any location in the Lincoln area. Nothing says ‘thank you’ around the holidays better than a customized package of treats!”
She adds, “For those who will be hosting holiday parties in the near future, we would be happy to help you plan the desserts. We have consultants available every day of the week to help make your ideas a reality for the dessert spread, and you can sample our flavors for free upon request. Don’t forget the presentation–we can create a holiday themed display with an array of sweets in a variety of sizes and flavors that will impress your guests while satisfying their sweet tooth at the same time! On the planning side, don’t wait until it’s too late—stop into our store, try our samples, and place your holiday orders as soon as possible. To see pictures of our sweet treats for the holidays, check out our Facebook page at facebook.com/cupcakesandmorelincoln.”
Together, Colby Ridge Popcorn & Gifts and Colby’s Candy cover the sweet and salty bases and offer delicious holiday treats in a rainbow of colors and a wide variety of presentation options.
Colby Ridge’s signature popcorn flavors can be purchased ready-made or customized for family, friends, clients, or employees. Color labels can be printed for individual bags of popcorn and you have the option to include your logo, graphics, text, and colors of choice in order to create a one-of-a-kind gift—or just a really cool party favor! Colby Ridge places a major emphasis on being extremely flexible, and the staff works directly with each client to customize products in just about any way you can think of—the possibilities are endless.
Why try just one flavor when there are so many to choose from? Colby Ridge offers plenty of bag sizes for their popcorn, but as an extra bonus they have a wide selection of themed tins that are excellent for gift giving. Among the favorites are the classic holiday tins and sports team tins. You can choose from a huge assortment of unique flavors you won’t find anywhere else—pick one or mix several! Along with their classic white, caramel, cheese and kettle corn varieties, some great choices are cheesy jalapeno, tutti frutti, cinnamon, toffee nut, rainbow, and caramel apple. When a Colby Ridge popcorn canister shows up, you can be sure nobody will leave disappointed!
Not a fan of popcorn? Colby Ridge also offers individually hand-dipped chocolate covered potato chip tins, chocolate caramel corn cluster tins, or a five compartment mixture of their chocolate covered delicacies. You could also consider a candy bar filled with a variety of Colby’s Candy for your upcoming office or holiday party! With over 200 bins of colorful candy, you can match your party décor perfectly, and custom orders are affordable, unique and festive!
Everyone who knows at least one person from Nebraska is well aware of how much we love our great state. If you are looking for a gift for a fellow Nebraskan, whether they are near or far, the place to find everything Nebraska is located in the Haymarket at From Nebraska. From familiar foods and treats to a wide variety of art and handcrafted items and of course, exclusive Nebraska wines straight from James Arthur Vineyards, From Nebraska not only offers these items separately but also in creative assortments which can be picked up ready-made or created especially for you. All of the products offered at From Nebraska are literally just that—made and manufactured in Nebraska by local artists, craftsmen, bakers, farmers, and so on. The gift baskets available in the holiday catalogue are even shaped in an “N” or in the shape of the state of Nebraska—how fun is that?! There’s an assortment of wine and cheese or wine and chocolate pairings, plenty of other assortments of items, and the Taste of Lincoln gift basket that has it all. These are things that everyone would love as a gift, but that are especially treasured by Nebraskans as a familiar piece of home.
Creating Your Own Unique Holiday Event
Holiday parties are a special treat, whether you are hosting your friends and family or employees and clients. Especially in the corporate world, all business owners know that attracting new talent and keeping experienced workers is significant to their overall success. Some of the best businesses to work for are recognized by the perks they give their employees; and in turn these perks create loyal and happy workers. The holidays are a great time of the year to show your employees your appreciation for their hard work.
“Hosting a holiday party is a great opportunity for your team to get together outside the office, says Magdalena Axtell of Noodles & Company. “It is a chance to focus on overall team building and give your employees recognition for achievements over the year.
Working in the food industry for the past 10 years, I have noticed that people will judge the event by the food. They like a variety, they want something different than last year, and they want something they know they’re going to like. I have also noticed that event planning can be stressful and the host is under pressure to make the event perfect.
At Noodles & Company we try to take some of the stress away by offering catering and making it as easy as possible. It’s simple, you contact us, tell us the number of people you need to feed, pick the food you want to serve and we take care of the rest! Noodles and Company offers a buffet style catering bar making it easy to serve anywhere from 20 to 200+ guests. We offer salads, pastas, sides and even dessert for one flat price. Delivery is available; we do the set up and provide everything from plates to serving utensils. We bring a world of flavors to your special event–that’s a delicious variety of food, stress free.
In the overall planning of a holiday party or event, it is important to know that after the event is done people will talk about the good time they had and the memorable food. Make sure your guests are well entertained; and, they are served lots of delicious food. If you need food suggesting, contact any Noodles & Company, we will be happy to help.
Additionally, a gift is a wonderful way to thank someone; receiving a gift means that someone thought of you and they went out of their way to get you something. Not sure what to get your employees this holiday season? How about a gift card to Noodles & Company! Everyone loves the gift of food. Noodles & Company offers the world’s favorite noodle dishes, sandwiches, salads and soups, all in one restaurant. Each dish is carefully handmade to our guests’ specifications, using only the freshest ingredients. Ask about our corporate discount program and special holiday gift card offers.
Never overlook rewarding your employees during holiday time, a simple gift card can go a long way, and everyone loves the gift of food!”
Annette Marquez, President/Owner of The Perfect Occasion LLC, offers advice for those who will be planning their own unique holiday events this year:
“Most of us enjoy attending parties with co-workers or clients, but with our busy holiday schedules, it can feel like adding one more obligation on our long to-do lists. Knowing that the event will be unique in some way gives it the potential to create excitement for the guests. The feeling becomes one of anticipation rather than obligation.
Planning a unique holiday party can require extra thought and time to plan, but can make your event memorable for the guests. Brainstorming themes and activities with others in your organization is a great way to start when looking for unique holiday party ideas. During the brainstorming process, consider who your guests will be and if your ideas will be right for them.
If you select a theme, carry it through the entire event from invitations to food and beverage to entertainment. For starters, imagine holiday movies as a possible theme. Holiday movies offer a wide variety of ideas anywhere from The Nightmare Before Christmas to White Christmas. If you are considering a movie theme, I suggest renting the movie and watching it to get ideas for the décor, music to play, and the food and beverage menu.
Guests can also be encouraged to dress to match the theme. For example, they could wear period clothes or masks for a movie like Phantom of the Opera. On a cautionary note, think through the dress part carefully and whether it will work with your intended guests. Some people don’t like to dress in costume or don’t want to spend money to buy or rent costumes. If that is the case, consider hiring actors who are dressed the part to greet guests and circulate during the party. Another option may be to work with the caterer to see if their wait staff can dress appropriately for the theme.
Themes around this time of year also offer great starting points. Winter Wonderland, Sleigh Bells, Snow Flakes and so much more. You are limited only by your imagination.
In addition to the overall theme, there are other ways that can make the event feel and look special. Lighting is great for setting the mood, whether energetic, romantic, or whimsical. Working with a lighting company can help you set the mood that is just right for your event. Perhaps you can change the lighting color as the event progresses.
DJ’s or musical groups are popular at corporate holiday events. Hiring a magician or comedian willing to design his or her act around the holiday season would add a fun element. Photo booths can be fun, or think about hiring a caricaturist to capture the moment.
Another possible event idea is to select a project that ties into the giving spirit of the holiday season. This might include collecting food, toys or clothing for one or more of the local nonprofits. Consider calling a nonprofit and asking what their needs are, and then make sure that your efforts are specifically tailored to the needs of that organization.
Any event takes careful planning and usually more time than we think it will. Planning for events that are larger and more complicated will be less stressful if the planning begins six or so months in advance. This helps ensure you will be able to book the venue, entertainer and other supplies at the top of your list. It will also allow you time to move to Plan B if complications arise. With that being said, there is still time to plan a great holiday party if you start right away and are flexible. Keep in mind that even smaller events can take more time than expected. For example a staff lunch out of the office for a dozen or so people seems easy. It only requires figuring out when everyone is available and calling a restaurant to make reservations. However, it can be time consuming if guests don’t respond in a timely manner and your first choice of restaurant is not available, requiring several phone calls to find a suitable one that is available.
Whether you have a simple or elegant event, the most important measure of its success is if everyone who attended enjoyed the party and was glad they came. My advice to you for a successful holiday party is to plan early and have fun.”
Click this link to see all of The Perfect Occasion LLC News & Info on Strictly Business
Kyle Rein, Catering Manager for Greta’s Gourmet Catering, adds, “Perhaps the biggest benefit from hosting a holiday event is an opportunity to see friends, family, and loved ones one more time before the turn of the New Year. The Holidays can be stressful and exhausting with all the shopping, travel, and planning. A great way to alleviate stress during this busy season is to have the cooking and baking done for you. At Greta’s Gourmet, we are able to provide a unique and special dining experience for both you and your guests. You can get that warm home cooked experience (comes complete with smells) without even turning on the oven or having to get up from the table. Our service allows our guests to sit back to enjoy those warm moments and make new memories.
Most recently with almost any type of event, customization has become the trend. Ever been to a holiday party with three different green bean casseroles? We have noticed a big push towards getting away from the ‘norm’. Instead of boxed stuffing, how about our cranberry-pancetta stuffing, or apple-sage? Taking a classic and putting a delicious and unique twist can liven up any dinner table, and will win your guests affections in no time. Another trending idea this Holiday season is theming your party. We have had several requests for Oktoberfest menus, as well as Thanksgiving style dinners for holiday work parties. Even pairing your menu with wine or beer is becoming increasingly popular. We can create a custom menu for you and pair it with the beverage of choice to add that extra touch of class to your party this season.”
He further explains, “Planning a party can include many details and often it is the small things left for last that get overlooked. Does anyone coming to the party have a food allergy? Although our forte is in our hand crafted meats, we provide many options for those with dietary restrictions like vegans and vegetarians. We have seen a noted increase in other allergens as well, such as gluten, lactose, soy, and even corn. All of these allergies have surfaced in past events, and if we didn’t already have an accommodating option we created one. It is our belief that food is love and everyone should have a bounty of both. Other commonly forgotten details are rentals, decorations, and event space. There are many services in town that will rent china, flatware, and linen napkins to add that extra flare and bring home the theme of your event. Same goes for decorations and event space. It’s the little things that get forgotten and also that get remembered forever. Having a party at another location can alleviate the stress of clean up as well as set the ambiance for the entire evening.
Every year at Greta’s Gourmet we assemble a collection of Thanksgiving and Holiday themed sides and entrées to aid in inspiring your menu for the holidays. This helps to give our diners a chance to customize their own dinner ideas and create new ones. Each event is as unique and individual as the persons planning and attending them, and we aim to keep that personal touch all the way.”
Bill Stephan, Executive Director of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, also offers some advice for those who are considering adding a unique twist to their holiday events. “We’ve noticed that companies are really getting creative with their holiday parties and customizing them to reflect their unique corporate cultures,” says Stephan. “The Lied Center allows visitors to order food from the caterer of their choice, and if unsure, will gladly suggest caterers with whom we work with on a frequent basis. Allowing our guests to choose their own food preferences ensures that they will have a menu that is perfectly suited to their needs, budget, and event atmosphere.”
He continues, “Live entertainment will take a holiday party to the next level, though it is often overlooked. Companies that host holiday parties at the Lied Center can coordinate with our live main stage shows, making for an unforgettable evening for your organization. There are also countless talented artists right here in Nebraska. The Lied Center is well connected to local artists and can provide an excellent entertainment recommendation that is perfectly suited to your staff.
Few venues in Lincoln share the distinctive culture, prime location and picturesque views that the Lied Center can provide for a special event. Best of all, party planners can arrange to hold their corporate parties in one of the Lied Center’s many versatile spaces and attend a show later in the evening. Consider the many ways that you can give your staff not only a great party, but an experience that they will remember forever this holiday season.
In line with enjoying live entertainment around the holidays, tickets to a live show at the Lied Center are the perfect holiday gift because they afford employees the opportunity to see a world-class show that they will remember forever. The Lied Center is presenting a wide variety of holiday performances this season including Elf The Musical (Nov. 10-11) based on the beloved film, and Christmas with the King’s Singers (Dec. 18), England’s most famous a cappella ensemble. Organizations that purchase group tickets will enjoy great seats at a discounted rate. Call (402) 472-8570 for more information.”
When it comes to party planning, a little creativity goes a long way. “Being unique is a great way to make a lasting impression and creates wonderful holiday memories that guests will be talking about for months,” says Merri Jo O’Dell of Venue Restaurant and Lounge. “It’s fun to give your guests something they are not expecting or create a new twist to the holiday festivities. However, make sure to take into consideration the different personalities on the guest list. People enjoy feeling included and appreciated. Holiday gatherings can cause anxiety, so incorporating smaller social activities and games can help your guests feel comfortable.
As for trends to consider incorporating into your holiday event, casual and flexible is in this year and connecting with others and the community is a must. Whatever you choose, try to design your event in a way that allows for organic mingling and conversation sets. Also, consider incorporating a local charity into your event this year. #Hashtag your event and share it with your guests through social media allowing them to add pictures, comment and really have fun with your event. Make it unique, fun, and #memorable! At Venue, we take pride in creating the perfect event based upon the vision that guests desire, complete with great decor, food and accents.”
She adds, “It’s always good to be prepared and organized. It gets a little dicey trying to do last minute events and something is usually overlooked in the holiday rush. Take your time planning and make a checklist of everything you want to do. For those that are hosting parties in their own homes, our holiday trays can be ordered online or by phone and picked up at a scheduled time. These Chef-inspired trays are sure to impress with high elegance at an affordable price.”
For a party that people are sure to remember, planning will require thinking outside of the box a little bit—or even a lot! “Your party doesn’t have to be the same old, same old with a dinner, some music and a gift exchange,” says John Losito, owner of Sun Valley Lanes. “Change it up this year and think unique, different and interesting! Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest impact, so get creative and incorporate a theme into your event. From fully themed events to the offering of an entertainment venue which encourages your staff to have a great time, Sun Valley Lanes is the entertainment destination and FUN haven for all ages!
Bowling is America’s largest participation sport, with more than 70 million people bowling at least once a year. Bowling appeals to a large variety of people and can be played by anyone. We are a state-of-the-art bowling facility and have recently completed a major modernization project, which includes all new bowling center furniture, carpet and décor. We also have flattened our bowling center, by removing the step up to the lane, we are very wheelchair friendly.
We also offer gift cards that can be purchased in any denomination, which can be used for open bowling, food and drink, as well as pro shop purchases. Since bowling is a great family activity that can be done by all ages, our gift certificate makes a great gift idea for everyone. When it comes to party planning, there are plenty of ways to celebrate; however, when it comes to fun, there’s only one place where everyone can kick back and have a great time, all while avoiding that awkward silence at the dinner table.
Losito adds, “As we move into the holiday season, many people have multiple events to attend, both family and business oriented, so schedules tend to fill up quickly. As it’s nearly impossible to find a date that works for everyone, stay open to the idea of hosting your group party on a weeknight. In doing so, your attendance will most likely be higher, the staff gets a small break from work and most importantly, you can reward them all for their hard work. Sun Valley Lanes also offers discounts to groups booking during the week, as opposed to the weekend.” He also cautions, “The single biggest mistake a party planner can make is waiting until the last minute to book a venue. The holiday season is now in full swing, so planners should start looking for dates that make sense for the staff and check availability. When it comes to planning, the staff at Sun Valley Lanes will handle all of the details and our ability to customize an event to your needs is our greatest offering.”
One thing’s for sure–the holidays are a time when we are constantly in motion. With adding all of the parties, gatherings, events and shopping into the mix, it’s also a time when our furry family members may get lost in all of the hustle and bustle and aren’t getting as much attention as they normally would in the rush of things. If your pets need a little extra TLC, consider taking them to daycare at KENL INN. Not only will they get out of the house and an extra dose of fresh air, but they will get to socialize and play with other friends—both staff and other daycare buddies included!
As most things in life, the holidays are only as complicated and stressful as you make them. This year, try a smoother approach and utilize all of the wonderful local resources available for your party and gift needs—we guarantee you’ll be pleasantly surprised with the results! As for those who already frequent our local businesses, carry on…but try out a few new ones in addition to your usual favorites while you’re at it. We wish you all a wonderful month filled with successful holiday preparations and fun times at all of those early holiday events! And for those of you out there who like to live life on the wild side, make sure to check out our last-minute holiday ideas in the December issue!