As we turn the corner toward Christmas and shopping kicks into an even higher holiday gear, the importance of shopping local and supporting homegrown merchants can’t be overstressed.
And nowhere is giving that local support more vital than in the Peninsula.
“Ocean Beach has so many great local shops and restaurants,” said Denny Knox, executive director of Ocean Beach MainStreet Association, the community’s business improvement district. “We’re really excited to create exposure for the variety of retail, dining and services offered in our community to entice people to come to OB to shop small.”
To promote small business-centric OB and shopping local, OBMA this year held a nearly month-long Passport contest between Small Business Saturday Nov. 25 and Dec. 20 – so there’s still time to get your passport card in Shoppers collected hole punches (no purchase necessary) in cards from participating merchants. Once finished collecting card punches, participants qualified for a chance to win fabulous prizes from OB merchants.
While you’re making your list and checking it twice, here are a few gift suggestions to consider from OB small businesses:
OBMA: Give the gift of OB this season and enjoy family game night with Ocean Beach-opoly featuring real OB merchants ($40), as well as the Ocean Beach Pier 1,000-piece puzzle ($25). “Adorn your holiday tree with the commemorative 2017 OB Ornament featuring the 25th anniversary of the OB Farmers Market,” said Isabel Clark of OBMA. “Drink up in style with OB coffee mugs, pint glasses, and shot glasses ($5 each). OB hats ($26) and tote bags ($15) are available, too. Check out the full array of merchandise at OceanBeachSanDiego.com or stop by the OBMA office at 1868 Bacon St. to take care of your holiday gifts.
Inn at Sunset Cliffs: Out-of-town guests arriving this year for the holidays? No worries. The Inn at Sunset Cliffs will make everyone feel special during their holiday stay at one of the best view locations in San Diego. And you’ll enjoy the views even more from the Inn’s newly remodeled Terrace Patio. Plus, new recent room upgrades only add to the experience.
San Diego Humane Society, 5500 Gaines St.: Has hundreds of homeless animals in need of homes and is waiving adoption fees for all animals from Dec. 15 through 24 at all campuses and satellite adoption centers. Every animal adopted from SDHS is spayed/neutered, current on all vaccinations, microchipped and is sent home with a certificate for a free veterinary exam, 30 days of worry-free pet insurance from Trupanion and his/her first bag of food from Purina. Animals that are awaiting adoption can be found on the organization’s website: sdhumane.org/how-you-can-help/adopt/available-pets. San Diego Humane Society adoption hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., seven days a week.
Newport Avenue Optometry at 4822 Newport Ave.: They have a wide selection of the most popular sunglasses, including Oakley, Ray Ban and Maui Jim, available in both prescription and non-prescription. What could be better than premium, stylish eye protection? Call 619-222-0559, fax 619-222-0231. Beach Sweets at 5022 Newport Ave.: Celebrate this holiday season with delicious holiday-themed chocolates and confections from Beach Sweets. “Christmas celebrations always include a little decadence that make it a special time of year for everyone,” said owner Laura Lee Smith. “We have festive chocolates and treats for hostess gifts, Christmas stockings, and ideal gifts for everyone on your list. Beach Sweets is dedicated to quality, and making that special occasion both unique and simply delicious in every way.” 619-222-3322, OceanBeachSweets.com. Lighthouse Ice Cream, at 5059 Newport Ave.: claims to be the warmest and coziest place on the street. Serving hot Julian apple pie, hot fudge sundaes and their famous hot waffle ice cream sandwich. Not only will it warm your hands, but also, your heart. Celebrate the holidays with them. The parlor will be closed Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Dreamgirls fashions at 5054 Newport Ave.: has a wonderful selection of seasonal clothing and accessories – all at 20 percent off. That makes it easy to give the gift of fashion. Gift cards are available too! The Black at 5017 Newport Ave.: Looking for a more iconic OB vibe selection? Check out The Black! It is actually a department store/gift shop/smoke shop. To say it is iconic is an understatement. The Black has a jewelry department, clothing, candles, incense, housewares and a music department with cards and books, not to mention a fine selection of tobacco and smoking pipes and accessories. It will blow your mind. The Black is OB. See what’s new and old. Coastal Sage Gardening & Botany for Kids at 3685 Voltaire St.: has a wonderful selection of plants, as well as classes for kids to introduce them to the wonderful world of botany. John Noble and his team have been providing Ocean Beach with earth-friendly ideas for years! See their ad for 25 percent off everything with coupon.
Lucy’s Tavern at 4906 Voltaire St.: You’ll never be at a loss for holiday cheer at this local pub and restaurant. Enjoy live bands, and pool tournaments, and watching your favorite football team at Lucy’s Tavern. Sunshine Company Saloon at 5028 Newport Ave.: Enjoy meeting friends at the always-friendly Sunshine Company of Ocean Beach. Newport Pizza & Ale House at 5050 Newport Ave.: Craving a beer and a slice of pie after all the holiday indulging? Newport Pizza has 24 craft beers on tap and pizza by the slice. Arizona Cafe at 1925 Bacon St.: Catch all your favorite sports at the Arizona Cafe. The place has several big-screen TVs, pool tables and tasty food and brew. OB Kabob at 4994 Newport Ave.: Having a holiday party? OB Kabob can cater groups up to 300. See their ad for a 20 percent off coupon. They also feature whole lambs for your holiday party for pick-up on Christmas. Place your order three days in advance for just $299.
Raglan Public House at 1851 Bacon St.: Is running a gift card special again this year. When a guest buys a gift card, they receive a free gift voucher (GV), as well that can be used at any time after the first of the year. It works as follows: Buy $100 gift card, receive a $50 drink GV; Buy a $50 GV, get a $25 drink GV; Buy a $25 GC get a $10 drink GV. “Its a great deal,” said Raglan GM Kyle Jaworski. Dog Beach Dog Wash at 4933 Voltaire St.: Christmas wouldn’t be the same without special holiday deals at Dog Beach Dog Wash. Owner Jane Donley said the holidays are big for customers purchasing dog washes, nail trims and pet stocking stuffers. “We have a full array of gift-wrapped items, small and large,” Donley said, adding coupon books with discounts on washes, gifts and other goodies are available. Guests are also treated to free hot spiced cider. “This year we have gift cards for any amount for merchandise,” she said. The Venetian Restaurant at 3663 Voltaire St.: If you’re in the mood for Italian, The Venetian is the perfect place to dine this holiday season. A consistent award winner, make reservations for your holiday get-together today!
Sunset Garage at 1946 Bacon St.: Woody and his staff at Sunset Garage want to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas! They will keep you rollin’ through the holidays. And get 10% off with the coupon in this issue.
Creations Boutique is Arizona-based boutique inspired by a global lifestyle and deeply rooted in bohemian influences that is excited to be a part of the Ocean Beach community. The shop is located at 4958 Newport Ave. and specializes in modern apparel for juniors and women. Their creative one-of-a-kind environment features Angie Brand clothing, as well as a special selection from local designers. They have a wide variety for gift giving, and also offer gift cards. To help you meet your gifting goals, the shop is running a special through Dec. 24, buy two items and get the third half off.