Find last minute gifts at Tea Tree shop in Batavia

Looking for great last minute gift ideas?

Batavia has some great offerings beginning with the Tea Tree at 29 N. River Street.

I hadn't shopped here because I am not really a tea drinker. An organization I belong to held an event at the store and I couldn't believe how much more this store has to offer. Besides an amazing array of teas and tea accessories, the store has a room with oils, vinegars and spices for cooks. The store sells dip mixes, seasoning packets and other items for the foodie lover.

There is another room filled with essential oils to calm the spirit in this hectic season.

"I chose the name "Tea Tree" because tea comes from a tree and there is an essential oil called tea tree oil and olive oil comes from a tree branch," said Missi Harmann.

Beautifully scented handmade soaps make a lovely gift. The shop even sells Dolfin Chocolate, a natural dark chocolate.

"We have one of our staff members who has a lot of food allergies and she enjoys this chocolate," added Hartmann.

I walked out of the store with quite a few greeting cards that I hadn't seen anywhere else.

"They are done by Teenie Beanie Designs, a local independent business," said Hartmann.

Hartmann is great about promoting Batavia and other Batavia businesses. She sells quite a few items in the store that are created by local entrepreneurs.

The store does a big gift basket business this time of year.

We have ready-made baskets from $20 to $80," she said. But we will customize any basket for you for an additional $4 for the basket."

Tea Tree also supports local authors with book signings, and holds events that feature local artists or artisans. Check out www.theteatreeshop.com to see all the upcoming events for those who like the gift of sharing an experience.

Ballroom dancing:

Speaking of experiences, do you know someone who enjoys ballroom dancing?

Head down to the Yorkville American Legion Hall to hear the Yorkville Dance Band directed by former Batavian and North Aurora resident, Vic Anderson.

The band puts on a dance on the third Sunday of the month from September through May. For just $10, you get a dance lesson and an evening of dance music, with swingin' tunes from the 1930s and '40s.

Dance lessons are given by veteran dancer Patricia Ray from 6 to 7 p.m. The Yorkville Big Band performs from 7 to 9 p.m. More information is available at www.yorkvillebigband.com.

Dinner to go:

The holiday season can be so busy with shopping, kids events, decorating and baking - why not give the gift of dinner?

For $22.50, Jason Stoffele of Enticing Cuisine offers a Wednesday night carryout dinner for four. The food is excellent. Entrees like lasagna, shepherd's pie and chicken enchiladas are among the offering that change weekly.

"We have been doing the Wednesday dinner since 2009," said chef and owner Jason Stoffels. "It started as way to get people to come in and see what we had to offer for catering."

Check the website for what the weekly offering is. Order on Tuesday and Jason and his wife Diocelina will have your order ready late Wednesday afternoon. Just let them know the time you are picking up. Details are at www.enticingcuisine.com.

Have a happy holiday and enjoy the season with those you love.