Shopping with a purpose
By Marcy Horwitz CONTRIBUTING WRITER

It's that time of year again where there are so many gifts to buy for so many different people!

What to get for your child's favorite teacher? Or that wonderful neighbor who keeps an eye on your place when you're gone? Or the cheerful teen who cuts your grass all summer?

Consider "doing well by doing good" and shop for some of your holiday gifts at Chesterfield's nonprofit organizations. You'll help support some of the area's most hard-working charities while delighting your gift recipients with your taste and thoughtfulness.

For history lovers

The Citie of Henricus is Jamestown's "younger sibling." Established in 1611 at Dutch Gap, the Citie's story is told at Henricus Historical Park. The park's gift shop offers a wide range of children's games, books and toys, and historical reproductions from the era.

At the Chesterfield County Historical Society's gift shop at Magnolia Grange (10020 Ironbridge Road, Chesterfield Courthouse), you'll find gifts for all the history lovers on your list.

Reproductions of 18th century tavern ware, reprint maps, a fine selection of local history books, t-shirts and jewelry are among the shop's offerings. Prices range from the extraordinarily reasonable - a family tree chart retails for just $6 - to what you'd expect to pay for a handsome Delft reproduction bowl.

Bling with a purpose

Speaking of jewelry, you can purchase a "Woman" pin from the Daughters of Zelophehad. They come in a variety of cheerful colors and styles. They're just $15, and your purchase helps the faith-based organization provide transitional housing services for women and their children at the Daughter's flagship home, St. Barnabas House, in Chesterfield.

For ordering information, call the Daughters' administrative office at 714-0007.

No such thing as too many books

For your favorite bookworms, check out the ongoing book sales at the Chesterfield County Library. You'll find fantastic bargains as you browse through donated and discarded books, magazines, records, and even CDs, software and videotapes.

Send an angel

The Angel Bell is a four-inch tall bell created by a Chester artist. Convalescents of all ages will find comfort in her sweet ring. You can get your own angel at the gift shop at Bon Secours' St. Francis Medical Center, 13710 St. Francis Boulevard.

While you're there, browse for baby gifts, Christmas ornaments, notepads, candles, confetti, religious items and more at the volunteer-run gift shop. Proceeds support Chesterfield's newest hospital.

Call 594-7425 for hours and information.

The best gift of all

Don't forget! The very best gift of all is you, your presence and your time. Make time for the people in your life this holiday season.

And if you find there's more time to go around than you'd thought, consider volunteering at one of the area's nonprofits. Start by visiting www.connectrichmond.org, click on the link for "volunteers" and follow your bliss!