Last Minute Coronado Holiday Shopping Ideas

Last minute shopping? Want to shop local and support community businesses? Here are some of my favorite Coronado ideas for finding last-minute gifts right at home on Coronado.

Seaside Papery is my go-to for great gifts for girlfriends, sister or mom. Something a little outside the box -- that will be appreciated for months to come -- is to put together a collection of cards for all season and occasions. How many times do you realize at the last moment you still need to get a card? Prepare her with cards for birthdays, babies, moving, congratulations and more with an assortment of Seaside's glam cards. Or, opt for a great leather journal for note-taking or address-keeping. In the age of the blackberry, sometimes it's extra nice to put pen to paper, especially pretty paper. 

Browse Bay Books  to find something for the bibliophile on your list. The armchair travel section offers great books for someone who feels comfortable close to home, while you can't go wrong with a Lonely Planet Guide for the adventure-seeker, wherever their travels may take them next.

Find a bike - maybe a cruiser, a mountain bike, a tandem, or a kid's bike with training wheels at Holland's. They also carry a huge amount of bike-related paraphernalia: baskets, locks, and a great selection of cycling jerseys. The Canary Crown City jersey is a personal favorite.

Pop over to Hotel Del Coronado's Babcock & Story to find an assortment of offerings. From cookbooks and kitchen accoutrements to scented candles and velvety lotions, there's an array of options. The "Seaside Signature" spa products offer a scent of the ocean to recall Coronado memories. 

Want to give an experience rather than a gift? Coronado's got those too.  SUP Coronado offers paddleboard lessons and tours. A membership to the Coronado Historical Society includes free admission to the museum, two tickets to the Promenade Throgh the Past Tour, invitations to exhibit openings and special events and more.  Or, splurge and give a night at the Glorietta Bay Inn. A stay in one of the 11 mansion rooms and suites it a journey back through time to experience the old-world charm and unique stamp Mr. Spreckels left on Coronado. Best yet, treat a non-local to your own personalized and guided tour of all of you favorite Coronado spots.

This is just a glimpse of the many wonderful gifts you can find from businesses on Coronado. What are some of your favorite authentically Coronado gifts to give during the holiday season?

Erin blogs about entertaining, travel and life in San Diego at ZangariStudio.com. Find her tweeting the latest @CiaoErin on Twitter.