by Amy Kennard
Copywriter/Marketing Strategist
With Thanksgiving so late in the month this year, Christmas
has crept up on all of us like a sneaky Santa. If you’ve suddenly realized you
haven’t shopped for that special someone, here are a few great last-minute
ideas from some of our favorite local clients! Some of these businesses are
already sporting custom-designed Xapsis websites; some are still a work in
progress. Regardless, these businesses are wonderful establishments and a great
way to add some variety to your gift list.
The elves have been busy in the kitchen at Julie’s Corner Store, preparing more than 100 delicious
flavors of gourmet fudge, including pumpkin, malted milk-ball, and watermelon. Pair
your favorite with one of her selections of wines from local Illinois wineries
and you have yourself a gift basket that’s hard to beat! 
Be the first to give the gift of Peoria-made craft whiskey
and bourbon! J.K. Williams Distilling, LLC debuted their grandfather’s recipe to East Peoria just this
year. Choose from J.K.’s Original Corn or Lemon Whiskey or check out the smooth
and spicy Smitty’s Apple Pie for a truly unique gift idea for your favorite
whiskey or bourbon lover.
You’ll be the life of the holiday party with the kettle-fresh
flavor of Kitchen Cooked Potato Chips.
Order online from a variety of snacks, from Classic Potato Chips to Barbeque
Pork Rinds to Jalapeno Kettle Curls! Many can be found in local stores around
the area.
How about a romantic getaway? Cornerstone Inn in
Washington, IL takes you back to a relaxing time in one of seven spacious rooms
filled with period antiques and beautifully restored woodwork. Regardless of
whether you stay at the Inn, enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner at Denhart Baking Company, located
on site.
Stuff stockings with gift cards for great food from Qdoba Mexican Grille or Double A’s Pizza. Give them a shopping
spree for festive New Year’s Eve wear from Wannabe’s Upscale Resale, or offer
up a cabin fever-busting game of bowling from Sunset Lanes in Pekin. You’re sure to
please the outdoorsman or woman in your life with a gift card from Presleys Outdoors, or surprise your favorite
decorator with an accent piece from Lippman’s Furniture and Interiors.
It’s great to give this season; it’s even greater to buy
LOCAL! We at Xapsis support local establishments year round and we hope you
will, too. The merriest of holidays to you all from us at Xapsis!
