Patch's Guide to Affordable Holiday Gifts

Christmas, Hannukah and their holiday brethren are almost upon us. The time has come to polish the plastic and do some gift shopping. However, not everyone is in a position to buy Xboxes for all the people on their lists. Luckily, our hometown is filled with budget-conscious (and local) gifts that are thoughtful but won’t break the bank. Below is a list of ten gift items (in no particular order) available for $10 or under in the San Anselmo/Fairfax area.

1. A used book from ($5 - $10)

Some time ago, it became established that giving a used book as a present was taboo (if it wasn’t rare or collectible). Why this notion exists baffles me. Certainly people may be less than thrilled to receive a banged-up copy of a book they have no interest in, but what if you spent twenty minutes searching the shelves of Booksmith for a title they’d always wanted? Perhaps you’d find a book on Houdini’s magic tricks, a subject your nephew has always been fascinated by. The best bookstore experiences often begin with no agenda, so pay Booksmith a visit and remember: a used book is a perfectly fine present with a little thought behind it.

2. The “local landmark” picnic gift certificate (~ $9 )

One of the best features of Marin is the striking natural beauty we are constantly surrounded by. It’s easy in our day-to-day lives to forget how many amazing trails, hikes, hidden waterfalls and open fields are in our immediate vicinity. If a gift is supposed to signify your appreciation of someone, how better to show it than by making a gift certificate good for the two of you to have a picnic at Samuel P. Taylor Park or somewhere along the Cataract Falls Trail? You’re in the red for a couple of sandwiches and a bottle of water, and your gift offers the most valuable assets we all have: our time.

3. A painted tile from ($4)

Who says only kids can make art for presents? Head over to Doodlebug and pick out one of the smaller items available, paint it and give the gift of a piece of pottery decorated to your recipient’s tastes. Have an inside joke? Paint it on there! Does your aunt secretly love Twilight? Paint her a weird effigy of Edward’s face! The possibilities are endless. Bonus points if you do have kids: not only can you keep them occupied for a couple hours, but you’ll come away with an armful of hand-decorated gifts ready to give to family and friends

4. Stuffed hedgehog from ($8.99)

What do you get for the person who has everything? Well, if they have a dog, you’re in luck. Dogville has an amazing assortment of treats, plush chew toys and more -- many of which are under $10! Getting a gift for someone’s pet is a sure-fire win; not only does it show a level of thought on your part, but no one would ever question if you spent enough on their pet! Highlights include a hedgehog with a Santa hat ($8.99), a Hanukah dog bone ($9.99), and a wide variety of healthy snacks to be mixed and matched.

5. Buy a pal a drink on the chalkboard ($4 & up)

A gift need not be wrapped to be enjoyed. Sometimes giving a buddy the surprise of a free drink will top anything wrapped in candy-cane paper. At Peri’s Bar, a chalkboard behind the counter lists recipients’ name, the person who bought the drink and, of course, what drink is up for grabs. Buy a couple of beers or something more serious (the ever-popular “Shirt Lifter” is a local favorite) and bring your friend by for a pre-Christmas round.

6. Customize a gift basket at (~ $10)

Most of us love a nice, relaxing soak in the tub. While some body care and bathtime products can be ludicrously expensive, the fine folks at Bodytime have a variety of affordable products. For the best gift, pair a couple items together to give the feel of a package present. One possibility is a Mt. Shasta Pumice Stone ($3.50) together with two Glycerin Soap Bars ($3 each), available in over a dozen scents. This gift works great if you’re traveling abroad for the holidays and are giving a present to someone from our area. Tell them you brought them “a little piece of home” and then give the Mt. Shasta Pumice Stone. It also won’t hog space in your luggage.

7. Chinese Chicken Salad Dressing at ($5.95)

Sometimes the gift you need isn't for under the tree, but rather as a hostess present for one of the myraid holiday parties of the seaon. Comforts to the rescue! The popular take-out/cafe has you covered with their line of salad dressings, made in house. Each dressing bottle sports a dapper label. If the Chinese Chicken Salad dressing won't do the trick, other options include the Chicken Taco dressing and Apricot Balsmic dressing.

8. Half-hour Hot Tub at ($10)

As the air turns brisk, we search for warmth. There is no better warmth to found than the luxurious outdoor hot tubs at Shibui Gardens. Give a voucher good for one half-hour of soaking and jets. Each tub is secluded on a small wooden patio, spacious and private. Not only is this gift classy, but if your recipient finishes their soak and can’t resist a message, you can take partial credit without footing the bill!

9. Something special from (~$10)

Few stores deserve to be as thoroughly browsed as Great Acorn. With a changing inventory focused on local designers, jewelry makers and artists, the gifts that come from the Acorn are a great investment in our community. Not everything there is inexpensive, but, with a little bit of time and dedication, the right present is always a shelf or bin away.

10. A real toy from ($1 - $10)

Choosing one item to showcase from Fairfax Variety would do this store a disservice. One of the last remaining real five-and-dime stores around, Fairfax Variety’s shelves are teeming with trinkets and toys for the child on your shopping list. From games made with real pieces as opposed to pixels on a screen to trucks to pirate gear to magic tricks, there is literally something for everyone within the confines of this local treasure. Buy something you can’t get anywhere else, or, if you dare, bring the kid with you and let them choose from amongst many inexpensive wonders. 

What are your favorite gifts on a budget?