‘Thinking of You’ packages for the holidays

Do you want to give family and friends something different, creative, and useful during the pandemic, yet something that also speaks from the heart? In one package? It’s possible with locally available products! They are easily available, will help keep the our local economy dynamic, and, hey, they won’t make a hefty dent on your pocket.

Give the gift of cleanliness: HAND SANITIZER

Aside from merely sanitizing, hand sanitizers’ biggest benefits is that you can bring it with you everywhere—to the office, school, meetings, restaurants, at the beach, and more. This will ensure that your family and friends keep clean, which is important during the pandemic. Find Carlotta Instant Hand Sanitizer and Spray in the shelves of I Love Saipan on Middle Road and Garapan.

Express how you feel through HANDMADE CARDS BY JILL ARENOVSKI

Communication is so fast and instant these days that they are nearly throwaway stuff. Yet when you receive a handmade card in the mail, you know that someone has taken their time to create it for you, according to Jill Arenoveski. “That’s the beauty of making your own cards. You can use nearly any design and make a beautiful card for any occasion. A card can complete your package, sending a message of hope or support, of love or sympathy, or of cheer and happiness. Especially during this pandemic, we miss actually spending time with others and a handwritten card can bring others closer in our hearts,” she said. Arenovski’s handcrafted greeting cards are available at the Saipan Shell gasoline stations in Susupe, Dandan, Shell Highway, San Roque, and Puerto Rico, which has the largest card display with the best selection and locations are refilled monthly with new designs and seasonal cards.

Give the gift of protection: FACE MASKS

With the ongoing pandemic, we cannot over-emphasize the importance of wearing a mask. It protects you and other from contracting any form of virus. But masks don’t have to be boring; they can be stylish and decorative. Marjorie Librada makes unique masks using quality cloth so it won’t fray easily even after constant use and washing. “I make masks that are fun, colorful, and maybe will show what the personality of the wearer is. I started making my own a few months ago and it is nice to see people wearing my masks but nicer to know that everyone is keeping safe and healthy.” For more information, email Librada at librada95masks@gmail.com.

Strengthen your immune system with Vitamin C

Vitamin C that is easy to ingest is one practical gift that you can give, especially during the pandemic. It keeps your loved ones strong and boosts their immune system. Emergen C packets are available at Brabu Pharmacy on Middle Road and Kagman and at PHI Pharmacy in Dandan.

Make a tummy happy with homemade baked goods from Isla Panadera by Jimaela Ham. “It’s just really a small business. It’s my passion to bake!” said Ham. “I have cookie bags with usually six or eight pieces, cream puffs (6 pieces) and assorted Aloha macarons come in eight pieces. Our macarons are currently available at Payless Superstore and Truckload Store. I am also on FaceBook: Isla Panadera and Instagram: Isla_Panadera.”