When shopping local for Christmas presents, it is a win-win situation.

You are most likely to find unique items that you aren’t going to see in chain stores or online, and when the recipient unwraps their gift and sees the unique gift, they will feel special because it was not purchased on line or at big box store.

You will also be helping the small businesses spread their names throughout the community and maybe help to bring more shoppers into the stores. Plus, if they shop local they are helping the local economy.

Here are a few businesses that are worth checking out.

Annette’s Handmade Wreaths

Annette Lasko started making wreaths for friends, relatives and neighbors and she was so successful, six years ago she started her business, Annette’s Handmade Wreaths in her home. Her wreaths have been requested for wedding, parties, holidays, and fundraising events.

She tries to do as many fundraisers as possible, and said, “I like doing fundraisers for nonprofits the best, because I know the money is going for a good cause.”

It has been difficult lately for Lasko to get the supplies she needs to create the wreaths and sometimes she has to wait for particular seasonal materials to use in making her unique wreaths.

“I should always be a season ahead with the wreaths, and the lack of supplies makes it difficult. When you see the stores putting Christmas, decorations up, I should be working on Easter and Spring wreaths, but it is almost impossible,” she said.

When asked what is her favorite wreath to make, Lasko replied that she likes the sunflower wreath. She has made just about every kind of wreath you can image and will customize wreaths for clients. She has created wreaths for weddings, seasonal wreaths and this year, “Hocus Pocus wreaths are popular,” she said.

It takes about two hours for Lasko to make a 18-inch wreath. Special requests sometime take a little longer. The 18-inch wreaths start at $55 and specially designed ones vary in price depending on what materials are used in the wreaths.

Her wreaths will be featured for sale in February when More Pickles Please on 1370/1380 Summer Mountain Road, Palmerton reopens, so check back on Annette’s Facebook page for details.

Renewed Life Furniture

Barry Cruver started his woodworking business at his home and it wasn’t long before he and his wife, Jodi realized they needed more room to show case the many fine hard wood crafted items he created.

They decided to open Renewed Life Furniture at 366 First St. in Lehighton, because a mall would help to showcase not only Barry’s talents, but other artists.

This time of year is exceptionally busy for them because they have so many handmade wood crafted items to choose from and the customer can shop local.

One of my favorite items, that is also popular is our wooden wagons. You can decorate the wagon for every holiday or you can make it seasonal,” Jodie said, adding that everything you need to decorate the wagon you will find in Renewed Life Furniture.

You can find their business on Facebook.com/CruversWorkshop or cruversworkshop@gmail.com

TrailMade Trading Company

Kristi Collins, of Trail made Trading Company works with stained glass and is self taught in the art of stained glass. Her favorite work is creating stained glass earrings.

“My favorite is making stained glass feathers into earrings ,” she said. “I make stained glass earrings, most are from upcycled vintage stained glass lights.”

She just got finished creating earrings from glass salvaged from a vintage stained glass chandelier. The stained glass earrings are made in Tiffany style with copper foil and lead free solder.

Besides earrings she creates stained glass stars, all types of jewelry.

“I have always been a person that comes home at the end of the day with pockets full of treasures. Rocks, flowers, feathers, bones, and little pieces of shiny trash occupy much of the once empty spaces in my house and car. Stained glass has always brought me peace.

“I began making stained glass art a couple of years ago and then started to combine it with the jewelry I was making with my trail finds,” she said.

Check out her Facebook Trailmade Trading Company or www.trailmadetradingco.com to view her unique creations.

Palmerton Paws Canine Bakery

Owner Matt Schollenberger creates mouthwatering doggy treats all year around for your furry companions, everything from a celebration cake to Palmerton Power Balls.

They also have cage free doggy day care starting at $25 for eight hours.

“The day care is in our home, and your dog will be treated like one of the family while staying with us for the day,” said Schollenberger.

Palmerton Paws also offers in house dog boarding for your four legged kids. Your pet will have full access to a home environment with a fenced in yard. You won’t cages but they do have 24/7 supervision.

Palmerton Paws offers a wide choice of packages, such as rain or shine dog walks as well as a pet check-in and visit your pets while you are away, and provide them with 15 minutes of in-home/in-yard play; fill food and water bowls; and, offer a potty break (including yard clean up).

Palmerton paws also offers litter box and cage clean up while you are away. The cost varies, $10 and under.

The do have gift certificates for their packages and can tailor packages to what the customer needs.

What a perfect gift for pet owners that take vacations.

You can find out more information on and lots of photos on Schollenberger’s Facebook page Palmerton Paws Canine Bakery or noslogt@yahoo.com.