It's terrible to have to lie during the holidays. Like, for instance, when you "love" yet another TGI Friday's gift card from the relatives you only see once a year. However, from the buyer's perspective, gift cards are the ultimate in holiday ease. It's better to have someone get something they really like than take a stab in the dark about their preferences - and it's easier to pick a place than a particular thing. So, this holiday season get creative with your gift cards and leave the big box certificates on the shelf. Here are some of our favorite local places offering gift cards that are sure to please:
Restaurants
Where?
Kona Bistro - 3012 Madison Road, Oakley (www.konabistro.com)
Melt - 4165 Hamilton Ave., Northside (www.meltnorthside.com)
Habanero - 358 Ludlow Ave., Clifton
Jean Robert's Greenup Cafe - 308 Greenup St., Covington (www.jeanrobertgroup.com/greenup)
Why?
Creative menus, high quality foods, cool atmospheres
Instead of?
TGI Ruby Tuesdaybees
Music
Where?
Shake-It Records - 4156 Hamilton Ave., Northside (www.shakeitrecords.com)
Everybody's Records - 6106 Montgomery Rd., Pleasant Ridge (www.everybodysrecords.net)
Why?
The ability to get music that's not played on the radio.
Instead of?
Best Buy, Circuit City, annoying mall stores
Tea, Coffee and Wine
Where?
Essencha (Tea) - 3212a Madison Rd., Oakley (www.essencha.com)
City Cellars (Wine) - 908 Race St., Downtown - (citycellars.biz)
Lookout Joe (Coffee) - 3181 Linwood Rd, Mt. Lookout (www.lookoutjoe.com), 15 W. 7th St., Downtown (www.lookoutjoe.com)
Coffee Emporium (Coffee) - 3316 Erie Ave, Hyde Park (www.coffee-emporium.com), 110 E. Central Parkway, Downtown (www.coffee-emporium.com)
Why?
Beverage experts at your disposal.
Instead of?
Staryucks
Have a favorite local gift card spot? Give us a shout in the comments.
How about the downtown cincinnati gift card?
http://www.downtowncincinnati.com/