December 3, 2009 | 12:00 a.m. CST
The holiday season means different things to different people. For some, it’s a time to reconnect with friends and family and reminisce on the past year; for others it’s marked by an exchange of high-price electronics, deep-discounted DVDs and other oh-so-thoughtful gifts; others use it as an excuse to bust out holiday classics such as Miracle on 34th Street and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (or among my circle of friends, the less-appreciated Christmas favorite Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad).
I fall somewhere in the middle. The idea of family gatherings warm up even the coldest of days, and I love giving (and getting) gifts. But actually purchasing said gifts? What a hassle.
To take the stress out of this year’s holiday shopping, we’ve culled together some of the best and most interesting gifts in Columbia for our holiday gift guide. From chocolate-covered potato chips to fair-trade scarves, there’s something for everyone here. But choose wisely. An unwanted present this year might turn up re-gifted next year.