by Anthonette Klinkerman

Practical gifts are the hot item this year, and the Castle Pines community has every shopper covered. From pet services to fine dining, the merchants of Castle Pines North and Castle Pines Village have gifts cards and certificates ready to treat everyone on your list. Best of all, shoppers can give a gift that recipients will really use. Not that there isn’t a place for a dancing Santa figurine or a mounted singing trout, but do you really want to get it back at your next White Elephant Exchange?

Ideas abound right here in the local business district. Several neighborhood dry cleaners can get your holiday finery in tip-top shape, and send you home with a certificate for a friend. A color or cut at Salon 188 would make anyone feel special, and certificates from Aspen Falls Spa and Wellness or Sanctuary Day Spa are sure to be a hit.

Dining at La Dolce Vita, The Ridge, The Barking Goat, The Country Club at Castle Pines, A Taste of Mexico, Rodney’s, MiYo, The Red Umbrella, or Little Italy is always a welcome gift, and who would refuse a grocery gift card from Safeway, King Soopers, or Tony’s Market?

Get your loved ones in fine form at Village Fitness, or with an adjustment at one of the two local chiropractic offices. Keep them warm on the outside with a pashmina scarf from C.S. Pashminas, or warm them from the inside out with a certificate from Daz Bog, Starbucks, Castle Pines Wine and Spirits or Village Wines of Castle Pines.

Your local Arbonne representative can make your skin look and feel beautiful, as well as provide health and nutrition suggestions. There is no shortage of nail salons in the community, and the gift of a summer tan is certainly a departure from the ordinary. How about the gift of beautiful teeth? Consider orthodontic treatment as a gift that will really make them smile.

What about a giving a special trip to Cherokee Ranch and Castle for “High Tea”, or an evening concert while looking out over the Front Range? Make sure the car is running right first with an oil change certificate from Big O Tires, Discount Tires, or a car wash from Happy Canyon car wash.

And don’t forget the kids…My Gym, My Art Skool, and My Music Skool offer a variety of activities for the younger audience, and what about gift wrapping a library card for that special child or grandchild in your life? Castle Pines Athletics is preparing for spring soccer and is currently accepting “gift registrations” – now that’s a gift any kid can gear up for!

This is the year to show your loved ones and friends that you truly care about them with a gift of service. Shopping locally is so easy, and sure trumps a harried trip to the mall, fighting parking and crowds. Visit the Castle Pines Chamber website at www.castlepineschamber.com for a list of some local businesses, as well as www.thevillageatcastlepines.com and SHOP LOCAL this holiday season.