The Learning Community still has gift cards and bundled merchandise wrapped and ready to go! During the recession, we’ve all learned to cut back and get by with less. Frankly a little tempering of our American consumerism has probably been a good thing. So, as you approach the season of hope, think about giving experiences instead of things to the people on your list. Find a class you know your special person will like, or give Learning Community gift cards to friends, colleagues or family.

We will be at our building at 626 South 8th Street (at the intersection of S. 8th and Gum Streets) in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island, selling gift cards and bundled merchandise* 10AM -1 PM through to Christmas Eve, and we will have extended hours on the 23rd and 24th for those forgotten or last-minute gifts. We will even wrap your Learning Community gifts while you relax and enjoy a cup of coffee… what could be better than that?

If you’d like to add a homemade touch to your gifts this year, we are offering a special class that is a combination of classes from our very popular Holiday Entertaining Series: “Easy, Elegant Handmade Gifts”. This class will include our now Fernandina-Famous Gourmet Dipped Apples (Thanks to the Chamber of Commerce!); the pear tart from our pies and cakes class; as well as amaretto truffles and nut brittles from our edible holiday gifts class. You can register for this class online at http://bit.ly/5HeTgg or by phone at 430-0120.

• Our bundled merchandise packages consist of gifts for the chef, gardener, artist, or exerciser in your life. For example, our exerciser gift includes a yoga mat, fleece blanket, tote bag, and lavender eye pillow Рperfect when put together with one of our yoga or meditation classes. Prices vary from $10 up, depending on the value of the gift card included. Pictures of some of these items are at http://bit.ly/86ceD5.

Happy Holidays from all of us here at the Learning Community!