A Little Christmas Shopping Guide

By Jade Arroyo

The most important holiday of the year is around the corner, which often loses its original meaning among the massive consumerism. There’s an air of anticipation in every store and shopping center. But shopping at malls is boring and monotonous, while buying from independent creators is a unique and special experience.

Here are some creative suggestions for where to get your Christmas gifts while being a responsible consumer and supporting the local economy.

Fashion, clothes, and other cool stuff

Bendita Showroom

This store showcases young Mexican designers only. You can find fashion, footwear, jewelry, leather goods, and homewares by several different designers and brands. Hernández Macias 56, 152 0714

Jade Diseño Mexicano

This is the atelier/showroom of fashion designer Graciela Arroyo featuring her clothing collection. The collection expresses the mix of past and present of Mexican culture, using hand-loomed fabrics with a contemporary silhouette for modern women. Cuadrante 22, Centro, 154 7881

YAM Gallery

This contemporary art gallery showcases young silversmith jewelers whose work is for sale. It also features a side bookstore with interesting art books.

Inside Instituto Allende, Ancha de San Antonio 22

Pampering the loved ones (and yourself too)

Sense Spa

Inspired by San Miguel de Allende’s recognized positive energy, this spa offers signature treatments that integrate Mexican healing traditions with indigenous ingredients. It presents a full range of therapies, treatments, massage, and facials and offers some of the most extensive facilities among San Miguel de Allende spas. Sense Spa offers separate facilities for men and women, featuring saunas and steam rooms. Gift certificates available. Inside Rosewood Hotel, Nemesio Diez 10

Esencia Yoga

This is a piece of heaven for yoga aficionados in San Miguel. The center/school is registered in Alliance Yoga, and it offers hot yoga practice along with reflexology, massages, and facials. Potrero 13, esenciayogaspa.com

Temazcal at El Charco del Ingenio

The indigenous tradition of the temazcal (from temazcalli, house of steam) is a hot sweat-lodge with hot stones and medicinal herbs. Its health benefits are many and it’s the perfect detox for both body and mind It activates the circulation, boosts the immune system, eases pain, and it’s a great way to lose weight. Temazcales happen two Sundays a month. Visit elcharco.org to reserve.

Experiences: Tours and Adventures

Coyote Canyon Adventures

Horseback riding, hot air balloon rides, trips to Cañada de la Virgen pyramids

www.coyotecanyonadventures.com

El Charco del Ingenio memberships

Bird watching tour, full-moon ceremonies, rock-hiking.