TAHLEQUAH — Lovers all over the world are wracking their brains trying to think of the perfect way to demonstrate their affection for their significant others via trinket or treasure.

This holiday season, several local business owners are offering unique ideas to those looking to show their lovers they care, including massage therapist. Cherae Stone, owner of Starr House Therapies, is offering a unique option.

“The cool thing [about giving gift certificates for massages] is, rather than have a ‘thing’ you have to dust or put away or regift, it’s a thing for you and you alone for an hour, and you have my undivided attention,” said Stone. “Massages are great gift ideas, particularly for this time of year, when tensions often run high. This is a great way to get away from that.”

Stone has 18 years’ experience in therapeutic massage, and received her training at the Oklahoma School of Natural Healing in Tulsa. She has also accumulated over 1,000 hours of continuing education.

She operates her business from her home at 405 W. Shawnee, in the historic 1878 territorial-era Starr House. Since she has no staff and only one room dedicated to massage, she doesn’t provide couples’ massages, but offers several packages for gift-giving.

“[I think I provide] a different setting, since I do it at home,” said Stone. “It’s a very calm atmosphere, designed specifically to be comforting and warm, and the pace is slow. Each treatment is individually designed to suit the specific needs of the client.”

Starr House Therapies is offering a holiday special: Individuals who purchase three sessions get a fourth for free.

“The sessions can be used as a package by one person, or individually by different people,” said Stone.

Appointments can be scheduled by contacting Stone by phone at  (918) 658-5260, or email at cstarrtherapies@yahoo.com. She also has a Facebook page: Starr House.

While many families opt to have  Christmas photos made to send as holiday greetings, local photographer Erin Short offers gift certificates.

“[A photo session gift certificate] isn’t a bad gift,” said Short. “People don’t always think about photography gift certificates, but so many people would love [to receive one] as a gift. They don’t ever think of getting new pictures of themselves or their families, but a gift certificate is something they can use to have new pictures that will last.”

Short offers a variety of standard session settings, including couples, individual and even tasteful boudoir packages, as well as special sessions for engagements, weddings and receptions. Most sessions run one to two hours, and she also offers special editing features as well as extra CDs and flash drive copies for a minimal fee.

Sessions can also be made outside Tahlequah, with locations including downtown Tulsa, Broken Arrow, Woodward Park, and Centennial Park. She charges a small fee for mileage for travel over 25 miles outside Tahlequah.

Short, like Stone, has a Facebook page – Erin Short Photography – and can be reached at (918) 260-9100 to purchase gift certificates or set up a photo session.

For some couples, the holiday season just wouldn’t be complete without a new piece of “bling,” and Meigs Jewelry’s staff are prepared to help find that special piece for a loved one.

“As always, Pandora [charm bracelets] are huge this season,” said Meigs Jewelry consultant Chelsea Buttress. “We have a special set this year for Christmas, and sales are going well.”

Meigs also offers a diamond “trade-up” program for repeat customers.

“We’re selling lots of diamond studs this time of year, thanks to the trade-up program,” said Buttress. “They bring in their old studs and trade for larger stones, so things always get bigger at Christmas.”

For men, Buttress recommends the William Henry pocketknife collection.

“These are made in the United States, and have a variety of finishes and styles, as well as pricing to fit most budgets,” said Buttress. “Luminox watches are also very popular for men. The line was commissioned for U.S. Navy SEALS and is great for those men who are athletic and active.”

 

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