More Holiday Shopping That Supports Local Charities

One of my favorite shopping destinations during the holidays is the gift shop at the Crocker Art Museum. So many cool things to buy -- jewelry, objets d'art, books, cards, calendars, toys -- I never come away empty-handed, although sometimes I discover that the only presents I've bought are for me!

If you decide to have lunch in the Crocker Cafe while you're there, you'll be glad to know that their menu includes options for vegans. I wish I'd had time to stop there for lunch today -- the Vegan Roasted Brussels Sprout Salad they're serving this week sounds really good: roasted brussels sprouts with portobello mushroom "bacon," blue "cheese," rosemary walnuts, and porcini-crusted tofu in a Dijon dressing.

If you've got a train enthusiast on your holiday shopping list, check out the gift shop at the California State Railroad Museum in Old Sacramento. They have books, posters, tee shirts, and railroad-themed gifts, as well as a nice collection of Thomas the Tank Engine toys for the little engineers on your list.

Toys, stuffed animals, tee shirts, animal masks, and hats are just some of the things you'll find at the Sacramento Zoo's gift shop. There must be someone on your holiday shopping list who's hoping to receive a giant stuffed frog or a giraffe mask, isn't there?