Nine Toledo gifts for $50 or less
 
 
Originally published in The Blade on Sunday, December 7, 2008
 
 
 
 
Cheer up, holiday shoppers. Forget for a moment all of the economic gloom and doom out there and focus on something a bit happier, like perusing your favorite local shop in search of the perfect, smile-inducing gift. That’s truly priceless, isn’t it? Here are some products with northwest Ohio’s unique stamp on it — and a price tag between $25 and $50 — that might get you going in the right direction. Another gift guide for those who want to spend a little more will appear next Sunday.
 
1. Painted aluminum star. This colorful art is the holiday spirit incarnate. Made by differently abled adults at Kan Du studio at Blanchard Valley Industries in Findlay, it is available at MMK Gallery in downtown Toledo and in Findlay at Blanchard Valley Industries, Rieck’s Gallery, Day Breaks, and Bread Kneads. $40.
 
2. Plush rhinoceros or giraffe, which comes with a sponsorship of either animal through the Toledo Zoo’s Zoo PAL program. Other perks include a certificate, pin, and key chain. $40.00 at toledozoo.org or 419-385-5721 ext. 2068. Orders must be received by Dec. 15 to be in time for the holidays.
 
3. The Perfect Hostess Basket from Hickory Farms. Eat up the holiday season with beef summer sausage, cheese, crackers, and more thanks to this company headquartered in Maumee. $40.
 
4. Hurricane globe with tumbler candle and fragrant sea salts. This set from Swan Creek Candle includes a candle made in Swanton. $40 at area outlets, including downtown Toledo, Swanton, and Dundee.
 
5. Toledo Walleye hoodie. The city’s new minor league hockey franchise won’t take the ice until next year, but there’s no penalty for showing your support now. $32.95 from the Swamp Shop at Fifth Third Field.
 
6. Garden Smile plaque. This hand-cast stone design from Carruth Studio in Waterville can’t help but bring a smile to your face. Don’t fight it. $39.90 from the studio store, Garden Smiles, in Waterville. Also available at other area stores.
 
7. Tony Packo’s 6+1 Pack-o. This spicy gift pack is full of hot stuff, from the famous local restaurant’s pickles to its chili and hot dog sauce. $30.95 from restaurant gift shops and other area stores.
 
8. “Sunny Balcony” watercolor painting. This piece by Beverly Westrick, of Bowling Green, offers a bright reminder of the warm days that eventually will replace the cold of winter. $30 from D’Vine Designs in downtown Perrysburg.
 
9. Camp Rock: Extended Rock Star Edition DVD. Some kids dream of a white Christmas. Others want the dreamy Jonas Brothers. For the latter, there’s this Disney Channel original movie also featuring Toledo-native Alyson Stoner. $29.99.