V21 N43

The Activity Column
Catherine Dugan’s guide to getting out there... this week, plan your holiday shopping list!
Some people are gold-medal shoppers.
They know how to use the expertise
of store staff; they keep their receipts
organized for returns; and they can
carry almost as much as Santa. For the
rest of us, I’ve collected some tips.
First, have a plan. Dress for success with
comfortable shoes and clothes that make it
easy to try things on. Organize your coupons
and customer loyalty cards, whether paper
or digital. Think about the layout of your
shopping destination. If you’re headed to the
Washington Street Mall, for example, note the
locations of the restrooms and the benches at
Rotary Park — a good place to take a break and
evaluate your haul mid-shop. Consider where
to park — this is one time not to take your bike.
Treat yourself to a small coffee from Coffee
Tyme before you start and finish it before you
enter any stores. Schedule a food break, but
time things to avoid the crowds. Have a late
breakfast and skip lunch so you don’t spend
time waiting for a table. Bring home a charcuterie
board from The Cheese Shop and a
loaf of bread from A Ca Mia and call it dinner
if you’re too tired to cook. You don’t have to
reinvent the wheel; you just want to give people
a little something to let them know you’re
thinking of them. Themed gifts make shopping
easier — buy them all beach toys for next
summer, or get everyone a rune necklace from
Swede Things or a Christmas tree ornament
from Winterwood. Cape Mayniac hats for all
the nieces and nephews were a hit for me one
year. For the person who has everything, get
something they’ll use up, like fancy soap from
A Place On Earth or Bath Time, or something
from the Beef Jerky Experience. Or a gift for
their dog from Collar and Bone.
The Cape May lovers in the crowd might
like beach decor — Art Block has unusual
items from local artists — or tee shirts from
Beachlove. For the person who puts everyone
else first, consider jewelry inspired by Cape
May’s victorian vibe. Gift cards will make it
easier for giftees to visit their favorite eateries.
If you’re giving cash — the perpetual favorite
of teenagers as well as young adults with student
loans — consider wrapping it creatively
— around a treat from Louisa’s Chocolate Bar
or The Original Fudge Kitchen, or include a
clever card from Whale’s Tale.
Rekindle your holiday spirit with some
actual celebrating — pick your spot for
the West Cape May Christmas Parade on
December 2. Pause to enjoy the music from
local musicians. Treat yourself to a doughnut
from Madison’s Bakery.
Hats Tees Tanks Sweatshirts Hoodies Zip-Ups Jewelry
BINGO BALL MANIA
EVERYONE IS A WINNER!
Shop and
Spin to Win
a 12%-33%
Discount on
your entire
purchase*!
*Not Available on Serigraphs
Celebrating 33
years in business!
Sweatshirts
Tees
Hats
Bags - Towels
Socks
Merry Fishmas
Collection
Much More!
130 Park Boulevard • 609-884-2760 • theflyingfishstudio.com
November 30, 2023 EXIT ZERO Page 43