With another Black Friday that has come and gone, holiday shopping is in full swing. But, this year is a little different. With the unemployment rate sky high and economic conditions well, less than desirable, shopping for gifts can turn from a joyful experience to a dreadful one.

This year, why not make it easy on yourself?

Why not stay in Barrow County and shop at local stores. There are many gift options available right around the corner, all you have to do is look.

This year, think outside of the box. Skip the long lines at the mall, the pushing and shoving at the gas pumps and the bumper-to-bumper traffic.

Here are a few gift ideas that friends and family are sure to love, and a few you may want to buy for yourself.

Kids are usually the easiest to please when it comes to gifts. Have you ever noticed that when you give a toddler an elaborate gift, often the gift is thrown aside and the child opts to play with the box that it came in? That’s because it does not take a lot of expensive, electronic toys to please most children. Why not try shopping smart this year for the children in your life.

Fred’s, in the Holly Hills Shopping Center in Winder, is running several holiday specials. Your little prince or princess can cook up a storm on My Very Own Kitchen.For toddlers Fred’s has the Fisher-Price Laugh and Learn Musical Table and the battery-operated Brilliant Basics Stroll-Along Walker.

A few other Barrow County stores that carry children’s gift items for a reasonable price include:

Wal-Mart

Dollar Store

Peebles

Goody’s

Corner Bookstore

HomePort

Teenagers can be a little more difficult to shop for than children, but there are a lot of local options when it comes to gift ideas.

Vintage clothing is back and that means cool clothes for less money.

Ham and Jam in Winder carries a variety of vintage, non traditional and alternative clothing. There are vintage handbags, T-shirts, hats, swim wear, accessories, lingerie, denim, jewelry and even camo. For more information or to shop online visit http://www.shop.hamandjamcreations.com/main.sc.

Here are a few other shopping locations that carry teen clothing, gifts and penny-pinching vintage threads:

Empire Skate Shop

Wal-Mart

Peebles

Goody’s

Corner Bookstore

Clothes Closet

Potter’s House Thrift Store

Goodwill

What better way to tell the women in your life that you love them, than to pamper them. There are many spa-related gifts that you can purchase for your mother, sister, daughter or bride. Here are a few ideas that she is sure to love.

Serenity Day Spa in Winder has a variety of spa treatments available that offer gift certificates. How about a one hour and 15 minute hot stone therapy treatment that uses hot stones and aromatherapy to soothe away aches and pains. Other treatments available include Swedish massage therapy, Deep tissue massage, Aromatherapy wraps and hand and foot massages. Serenity Day Spa also offers Yoga classes at a reasonable price.

For more information visit: http://www.serenityspaandmassage.com/index.html.

Here are some more spa-related ideas:

A Touch of Eden Day Spa: http://atouchofedendayspa.com/

Illusions Hair and Nail Salon: (770) 867-6232

Chateau Élan: http://www.chateauelanatlanta.com/?gclid=CLDx1-mUk5cCFQa6sgodTEDNJA

Signature Escentuals: (770) 725-1292

Salon Bella: (770) 868-1246

Here are a few more ideas that should offer something for everyone on your list.

Fort Yargo State Park Gift Shop: Christmas ornaments, stuffed animals, State Park passes, Friends and Family Pass, rounds of golf and Georgia history books

Publix: Plants, fruit baskets, food items, make-up, gluten-free products, organic items, sweets, chocolates, cookie supplies and kitchen gadgets

Ingles: Various food items, organic foods, gluten-free products, vitamins, coffee, tea, flowers, gift baskets and holiday plants

The Georgia Club: Golf passes, golf accessories and gift certificates

Larry’s Easy Pay: Landscaping equipment and supplies

HomePort: Pet supplies, landscaping supplies, outdoor or yard items, sports supplies

Corner Bookstore: Best-selling books, used books, puzzles, book marks, holiday books, audio books, music and various other gift items.