Gifts from the Heart
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Gifts from the Heart

From ‘things’ to to experiences, gifts come in all kinds of packaging.

By Donna Manz

Monday, November 14, 2016

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Photo by Donna Manz

There is the spirit of the season and then there are the spirits of the season --- not Dickens’ spirits but those sold by Virginia ABCs. Think of friends or family when perusing through the shelves of Vienna-area liquor stores. There are gift packs with elegant glasses to collections of mini-bottles, as well as seasonal flavors of pumpkin and gingerbread.

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Photo by Donna Manz

Know someone who has moved away yet misses Vienna? Vienna logo pottery, made in Pennsylvania and sold at Freeman Store on Church Street, comes in many sizes and designs and calls upon the ceramic-styling of an earlier time.

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Photo by Donna Manz

Freeman Store sells an eclectic mix of vintage-style goods and contemporary products made in Virginia and the U.S. Treasure boxes and toys to handcrafted ornaments line the shelves. There is a penny-candy counter although the candy does not sell for a penny each, but, it’s fun choosing from the selection.

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Photo by Donna Manz

Yes, you can … and Culinaria Cooking School, staffed by professional chefs will show you how to make orange-spiced shrimp and culinary masterpieces from around the world. Class fees start off at approximately $75 per person. Don’t miss the kids’ classes building future chefs of America; these fill up quickly.

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Photo by Donna Manz

Cocoa Vienna, at 120 Church Street, NE, creates chocolate masterpieces by hand, using a highest-quality blend of Central American and Western Africa cacao. Their seasonal pieces, from holiday trees to turkey interpretations, are works of art. The chocolate is tempered in the shop and all centers are made in-house, as well.

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Photo by Donna Manz

Chocolate magician Carolina Petit moulds filled chocolate bonbons. Individual pieces start at about $1.05 each. For custom selections of bonbons, the price per pound is $46.

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Photo by Donna Manz

In honor of a special person in your life recovering from a stroke, buy a “star” on the Caring Tree created at the Stroke Comeback Center on Park Street.  For a $20 donation, a “star” sparkles on the wall of the center, noted with the name of your recipient. The star is hung on the Caring Tree at the Stroke Comeback Center, and an acknowledgment card is sent to recipient. Each star supports the mission of the Stroke Comeback Center, to provide resources and support to stroke survivors, combat wounded veterans, and others with traumatic brain injuries. Joyce Simmons had a stroke in 2008, and has been coming to the Stroke Comeback Center member since she began her recovery. Until she got her driver’s license back after the stroke, it took Joyce two hours getting to the center from Woodbridge. Joyce’s mother, Khadijah Aquil, purchased a “star” in her daughter’s name.

Vienna — The Vienna-Oakton Connection offers its readers “part 1” of gift ideas, from small community businesses with personalized service to gifts that benefit the spirit of the heart.

Local elementary schools host their annual book fairs in November and December; children get to pick out their own favorite books while the schools benefit from the sales.

Don’t forget … both Patrick Henry and Oakton libraries, as well as the Freeman Store, sell used-books throughout the year. For out-of-print books, these used-book sales offer a cheaper alternative than used-book stores. Plus, you are helping out financially these non-profits that give back to the community.

Not all gifts are material “things.” You can give a pet a forever home and know you saved a life. You can donate to a charity in the name of someone you have lost. You can make a dream trip come true for someone who has been longing to travel. You can gift yourself with a visit to a nursing home, coming away more enriched.

Keep in mind the spirit of the holiday season while buying for family and friends.

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