Here is something I believe down to my core: a beautifully wrapped gift is as important as the gift itself. Every year, I coordinate all my wrapping to make the perfect Christmas statement under the tree. I spend as much time pouring over the perfect paper and ribbon combos as I do the gift. It’s a bit of an issue, but one that I will never give up because it’s a personal point of pride and it gives me such joy.Here is another truth about me. I do all my gift wrapping on Christmas Eve. Every year I say that I’m going to do it earlier and every year I’m in the basement wrapping until midnight. To make sure that you don’t end up like me – with dark under-eye circles and beautifully wrapped packages – we have enlisted several partners to make sure your wrapping is easier this year.Starting Saturday, local businesses will partner with our favorite non-profits to offer fun activities and a gift-wrapping station on the corner of King and Fayette in Totem Park (yes, the wide sidewalk has a name!) every Saturday from Small Business Saturday to December 21. Your charitable donations not only give you a beautifully wrapped gift but they do good for the community.First up on Small Business Saturday from 11am-1pm is Penny Post with our second annual Postcard Pop Up. Join us to write seasonal greetings to friends near and far, as well as letters to Santa, and we will post them for you. We are thrilled to be partnering with the Animal Welfare League of Alexandria to bring you some howliday cheer! After that, from 2-4 pm Salon deZEN will be braiding hair and A Space of Her Own will be wrapping gifts.Other Saturdays will bring you bracelet making with Today’s Cargo, kids crafts with Imagine Artwear, personalized stamped pendants with WearEver Jewelry, cookie decorating with Lori’s Table, chair massages with The Wellness Cooperative, and fun and games with Red Barn Mercantile.So, you can see, Saturdays at Totem Park are going to be fun!

photo Nole Garey

If that’s not enough gift-wrapping help, we are so excited to co-host with Nole Garey of Oh So Beautiful Paper and Common Room Studio our first ever Wrap, Paper, Scissors party on December 8 from 4-7pm! We will teach you how to wrap and ribbon like a pro. Nole will then guide you through some special DIY embellishments you won't believe you hadn't thought of before. There will be pom-poms, ribbons, washi tape, jingle bells, and holiday paper galore! We'll have snacks and a holiday punch mixed up by Andy (of Liquorary). If all of that isn't enough, everyone in attendance will receive a $10 Penny Post gift card to spend on additional wrap, cards, ribbons, gift tags, or whatever else strikes your fancy. Tickets are on sale now!Finally, all the beautiful gift wrap that you need can be found at Penny Post. From abstract prints to traditional holly paper and grosgrain to glittery ribbon, we have what you need to coordinate the perfect package theme under your tree this year! 

Don't forget about our Plaid Friday specials!

At Penny Post & Red Barn Mercantile, all in-stock and special order merchandise will be:30 percent off from 6-8am | 20 percent off from 8-10am | 10 percent off from 10am-7pm

And Small Business Saturday activities...

At Red Barn Mercantile: Bloody Mary tasting, gift with purchaseCatstudio trunk show with free mini pillow when you spend $50 or more in Catstudio

At Penny Post: Poppy Handcrafted Popcorn tasting, gift with purchase, photo booth

Including the Shop Small, Win Big Shop Around

Win $700! Click here to get your passport and learn more!