36 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY DECEMBER 18-24, 2025 www.montereycountynow.com LOCAL SHOPPING The good cheer of Christmas turns into horror the moment you spot that gift from Aunt Helen or your cousin John, newly placed under the tree. You overlooked them when making out the holiday gift list, and now the clock is ticking—fast. There is good reason for trepidation. A present purchased at the last minute often appears the part. A touristy T-shirt or a—gulp—Walmart gift card reveals just how little thought you put into the giving spirit. Yet there is an easy way to save yourself from such peril. Hitting an antique store for last-minute gifting needs offers two benefits. First, the item is bound to be unique and unexpected. More importantly, get the choice right and Aunt Helen or cousin John will believe you spent weeks considering their interests. “That’s exactly right,” says Fran Hinckley, general manager of Cannery Row Antique Mall and its 21,000 square feet of vintage clothing, vinyl records, decorative mugs and more. She notes that many people are in on the last-minute virtues of antiques, as the number of shoppers picks up dramatically toward Christmas. “There were people in here this morning,” observes Kristin Blackwood, owner of The Grove Emporium in Pacific Grove. “It gets real crazy.” Despite the last-minute desperation, Blackwood suggests you come to the antique mall or shop with a few ideas of gift themes. “Come in and ask—we can guide you to something fun,” she says. “If you can tell us about the person, we can give you tons of ideas.” One approach is to consider whether you want to give a practical gift, a decorative gift or one that has sentimental appeal. Both Hinckley and Blackwood suggest that the latter approach is certain to brighten Christmas morning. Blackwood observes people searching for magazines dated to the year, month or even day of someone’s birth. But there are also books, jewelry, toys, tea sets or whatever suits a person. “If you’re buying for a Boomer, you could get a rock ‘n’ roll T-shirt,” Hinckley says. Options are not limited to antique malls, of course. But the format provides great range. Although smaller than Cannery Row Antique Mall, The Grove Emporium still offers 25 dealers spread out over 8,000 square feet. “You can always find something,” Blackwood says. “It’s better than a gift card.” DANIEL DREIFUSS Running Late Forgot someone? Antique malls and stores are there to save desperate last-minute shoppers. By Dave Faries Cannery Row Antique Mall has last-minute shoppers covered by staying open until 3pm on Christmas Eve. One bonus is that browsing antiques is fun for the gift-giver. ’25 VOTED BEST PLACE FOR SKIN CARE 201 ALVARADO ST. DOWNTOWN MONTEREY • 831-647-9000 • SPAONTHEPLAZA.COM MASSAGE • WAXING • FACIALS • GIFT CERTIFICATES • FREE PARKING MOCHA MINT MOMENT 80 minutes for $200 ($270 value) A luxurious bath with a Peppermint Fizz, followed by a soothing fruit-peel facial paired with our Sundae Best Chocolate Mask to promote deep skin renewal. The treatment is completed with an antioxidant-rich Chocolate Fig Serum to strengthen and revitalize the skin. WINTER WELLNESS MASSAGE 50 minutes for $185 ($195 value) 80 minutes for $200 ($220 value) This treatment begins with a restorative foot mask designed to restore softness and hydration. A blend of seasonal oils enhance the experience, leaving your feet revitalized. Followed by a gentle yet targeted massage that focuses on the neck and shoulders to ease winter stiffness, and promote calmness. Monterey 23 Soledad Drive 831-717-3141 Carmel Valley 201 Mid Valley Center 831-250-7511 Pacific Grove 709 Lighthouse Avenue 831-324-4920 Open 9AM-8PM (Winter Hours)daily • SudzCyberLaundry.com ’14-’25 BEST LAUNDRY ▶ Helpful & Friendly Attendants Always ▶ Free WIFI and Large HD TV ▶ Free Magazine and Book Exchange ▶ Speedy Fluff & Fold Service ▶ Debit & Credit Cards Accepted ▶ 21st Century “quarter-less” Cybercard Technology ▶ Visitor Specials, Commercial Accounts, Military Discount CYBER LAUNDRY Holiday Special for Self Service customers Buy $100 card & receive $30 bonus = $130 Buy $50 card & receive $15 bonus = $65 See the office counter at each location for specific details ANNOUNCING OUR NEWEST LOCATION AT 23 SOLEDAD DRIVE, MONTEREY
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