The final installment of the series on local, independent shopping options in Downtown Monroe.

If you have guy's guy on your list, swing into Martin's Sporting Goods.  Archery, gun sports, fishing and more are covered in Martin's.  He also has a selection of sports themed collectibles and baseball cards.  Consider a membership to the SCWA  for any archery enthusiasts on your list.  Members can shoot at the range during any off time, and they save on the regular range fees as well.

Bibliophiles will appreciate books or gift certificates from Old Friends on the Square (north side) or Fireside Books.  Fireside changed location this year, and they are now just slightly further off the square on 15th Ave, around the corner from Dr Patterson's orthodontist office. If you do not catch the bookstores open, Cafe Claudeen keeps a selection on hand from Fireside and Old Friends has a booth in the Monroe Antique Mall.

Consider the gift of the arts.  Primitive Soul Art Studio is just west of the Square.  Jennifer offer a wide range of classes for all ages.  How about a membership to Monroe Theater Guild or Monroe Arts Center or tickets to any of the performances? 

Any family would appreciate the gift of a portrait package from Portraits by Dawn, Creative Photography or Dalton's Photography.  Or photograph the kids and present the grandparents with a stunning professional portrait by any of these talented photographers.

Perhaps the gift of pampering and salon services is on your shopping list this year.  Pick up certificates for manicures or pedicures from Renee's Nails on the southwest corner of the Square or Star Nails on the same corner.  Laura Lea's Nails is on the south side.  Salons abound as well, and treat your recipient to hair care from Haircrafters (just northwest of the Square), Hair on the Square (southwest corner) or Just a Hair Better (northeast of the Square).  If a full service salon and day spa in order, you must stop by Studio 906 slightly off the Square to the northeast.  Haircare, nails, facials, body treatments and more are on the menu of services.  Men are welcome at any of these establishments, but if he is more comfortable at a barbershop, pick up a gift card for Barber Shop or Barbers II (just south of the Square).

Culinary enthusiasts would appreciate anything from Kookaburra's on the north side of the Square.  Le Creuset, spices, Bob's Red Mill, Stoneware kitchen and much more are on the shelves and Laura will help you pick out just the right gift.  Also check out Bauman Kitchens and Gifts.  Sure you can design an entirely new kitchen for someone if you are feeling exceptionally generous, but there are also many culinary accessories there:  bow knives for bread, sea salts, pepper mills, wine racks, Silpat mats and much, much more.

Consider a floral arrangement from Monroe Floral on the south side of the Square for hostess gifts this holiday season or surprise someone with a delivery of fresh flowers. 

If you are going for the big gift, consider furniture, area rugs or the refurbished appliances at Genthe's just one block north of the Square. 

Monroe Medical Equipment does not sound like a normal place to pick up a gift, but they carry a variety of lift chairs or mobility scooters that could be the perfect thing for someone who needs a little help getting around theses days.

And while you are downtown, stop in at the Re/Max Towne Square Realty office to say hi. There is always something yummy in the candy bowl. Just tell the receptionist that Brenda and Luis told you to stop in for a treat, and give us a wave to let us know you are taking the local shopping challenge too.

Whichever Downtown businesses you support, I can make you one guarantee:  your business will be appreciated.  Just yesterday I heard mention of someone doing holiday shopping in multiple downtown stores.  She was sincerely thanked by most of the store owners for supporting Monroe this year.  Buying local always counts, and this year more so than ever.  Keep alive the business that make our quality of life wonderful here in the Monroe area!