Local alternatives to how we gift, gather, and give back!

The holiday season is here, which means it’s time eat too many cookies, and start panicking about what to get that hard-to-shop-for friend who swears they “just don’t need anything.” (We all know one.) This year, in the spirit of Zero Waste and celebrating all the fabulous businesses right here in the West End, I’d like to offer some local alternatives to how we gift, gather, and give back.

Step 1: Give Experiences, Not Landfill Fodder.

Instead of plastic doohickeys that somehow multiply under the tree, give the gift of local flavor, relaxation, and adventure! Check out these easy-peasy alternatives:

Food & Drink Gift Cards: Treat your loved ones to a mouth-watering meal  at one of our West End restaurants. Bonus points if you curate a  progressive dinner along Webster Street—appetizers at one spot, entrees  at another, dessert at your final stop. Who needs a gift basket when you can  create a gift experience? Find local foodie favorites here.

  • Shopping Sprees: From unique finds to stylish gems, a gift card to our local shops lets them pick exactly what they want. Less stress for you, more joy for them! Shop the West End here.

  • Health & Wellness: Know someone who could use a little self-care? (Spoiler alert: that’s everyone.) Gift a massage, a yoga class, or even a spa day—it’s the ultimate way to say, “I care about your relaxation.” See our Health & Body options here.

Step 2: Plan a Pub Crawl or Experience Night.

Why settle for one stop when you can turn a gift into an adventure? Organize a pub crawl with friends and family, or mix it up with an evening of drinks, small bites, and even a little live music along Webster Street. Memories > Stuff. Trust us.

Step 3: The Post-Holiday Purge (No Judgment Zone).

We all end up with a little too much during the holidays. Maybe you suddenly own three extra ladles. Or perhaps you can’t open your coat closet without starting an avalanche. Don’t despair—donate!

  • Drop gently used items at local spots like The Thrifty Kitty or Savers, where they’ll find new homes instead of a landfill.

  • Shelters in Alameda also gladly accept coats, warm clothing, and household essentials to help those in need this season. Contact them to see if what you have, is something their people can use.

Step 4: Turn Trash into Treasure.

Leftover wrapping paper? Don’t toss it! Get crafty and turn scraps into art projects for kids, decorations, or even DIY gift tags. Or reach out to local arts organizations and schools to see if they could use the materials for their projects—because one person’s trash really can be another’s treasure.

So let’s make this holiday season merry, bright, and zero waste. Give local, think thoughtful, and remember—a good pub crawl counts as cardio.

Happy Holidays, West Alameda! See you on Webster. e

Jody Colley Designs