Thanksgiving is Coming - Your ADN Gift Guide

Editor's Comment:

The following is a press release that the Alameda Daily Noose and I found wrapped up in pretty foil paper and cranberry-red ribbon on the doorstep of the Alameda Daily Noose World Headquarters.

Oh Thank Heavens, Thanksgiving is almost here!

The Park Street Business Association, The West Alameda Business Association, the Alameda Point Heavy Industrial Business Association, the Greater Alameda Business Association, and the Alternative Alameda Business Association have teamed up to wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving season, and to remind you that there are only seven more shopping days until Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving: a time to gather with friends and family, reflect on all that you have to be thankful for, and exchange holiday-themed presents. Yes, Thanksgiving isn't quite as big of a gift-giving holiday as Christmas, nor Hanukkah or Kwanzaa, but it is one of the holidays, and that means just one thing: Presents!

For the kids, why not a kit for them to create Pilgrim-themed artwork? You remember the hats, belt buckles, hand-traced turkeys, and cornucopias of your childhood. Now you can pass on the tradition to the next generation with a package of colorful construction paper and crayons from SVN/Pharmacy. Better yet, stop in at one of our many gift boutiques like Lamplight Emporium, Party Wherehouse, or Urban Renewal Forest for a package of pre-made pilgrim memorabilia — all of the joy, but none of the hassle of cutting and drawing.

For the gourmet in your life, how about a cornucopia gift basket from either of Alameda's grocery stores, Safeway or Nob Hill Foods? Now your friend will know what a cornucopia is really shaped like, as he or she empties out the jars of pickled herrings, avocado puree, fresh canned peaches, dried orange slices, and chocolate kisses!

If you're looking for something for that special someone who has been both naughty AND nice, how about a Sexy Pilgrim outfit from Jiminy's outfitters on Santa Clara Avenue? One size fits all. Or if you are looking for something a bit "native" you can even pick up a "Squanto" costume, on sale this week only.

No Thanksgiving is complete without a bundle of tiny presents wrapped up at each person's place at the dinner table. And nothing says "I love you, aunt Claire" better than a pearl necklace or 18 carat anklet from Daisy Zale's Jewelery. Act quickly while supplies last!

And for the cook who puts your meal together, why not an apron or chef's hat from Patricia's Pastry Pantry? Even if you are getting your meal catered as is becoming more and more popular, this makes a great tip for the person delivering the food.

We hope this has given you some ideas for how to make this sacred American institution even more special.