🎶 Good Vibes Gram
Never been brave enough to order a singing telegram? How about a virtual one from one of the most talented musicians touring today? Good Vibes Gram offers this fun way to support working musicians whose tours were derailed by the coronavirus, while providing your loved one with a memorable experience!
Jen Giuliano, a Brooklyn music promoter, came up with the idea for this virtual telegram service, which allows anyone to commission a personalized video message via email. The "BDAY VIBES" gram includes a performance of "Happy Birthday" by the artist of their choice; "XTRA LOVE VIBES" features a song of the artist's choosing and a well-wishing message; or "ULTIMATE VIBES" includes a song of the sender's choice with a custom message from the artist.
One of the participating artists, Nashville musician Jennifer Hartswick, had performed in Dayton on March 10, right before the shut down. The rest of her tour was put on hold, and she’s since been at home performing these Good Vibes Grams.
“I’ve done so many of them! I love it. They’re just little nuggets of happiness that get dropped in somebody’s inbox. I think it’s such a nice thing to gift someone with. I’ve sung everything from Happy Birthday to lullabies for little kids and everything in between,” Hartswick said of her telegram experience.
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💿 Hire a DJ for Virtual Party
Many of us are getting the hang of using teleconferencing tools like Zoom, Skype, Google Hangout, and Facetime. My own family has started Saturday evening calls on the account I typically use for work purposes. Why not take it up a notch and make it a real party?
Nick Testa, a local musician and DJ, is offering to DJ virtual happy hours or birthday parties. For an hour or two, and a fee, you can have a curated, live streaming dance party in your own living room!
"I understand everyone has streaming things and YouTube so you don't need a DJ, but I love doing my job so if you want me to do it for you let me know," Testa stated online. Take it from me, he's one of the coolest people in Dayton, and is also very worthy of your support. Email GiantPartyDJ@gmail.com to set up your virtual dance party!
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🎨 Purchase a DIY Art Project
Got an artist in your life? Whether you’re looking for a gift for a kid or adult, the DIY paint class from home is a fun birthday gift for creatives of all ages. Raise Your Brush, located at 169 N. Main St. in Centerville, is offering "no contact" kits available for pick up daily between 2-4 p.m.
The kits are surprisingly affordable (starting at $8) and include Wood Pallet Sign Kits for kids, Wine Bottle Painting, Wine Glass Painting, Paint Pour, Wood Pallet Signs and Henna kits for adults. They've also got "to go" bottles of wine of wine for sale, too. A simple pick up and drop off to your loved one, and you're all set!
Raise Your Brush is located at 169 N. Main St. in Centerville. Find out more information at raiseyourbrush.com (navigate to the far right for the "DIY Kits" menu).
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🎁 Support Local from Home
There are many small businesses that are going to struggle to stay afloat while their doors are closed. Buying gift cards or merch, and sending to your special someone, is another great way to show you care while also supporting the local shops that give personality to our city.
Almost every small business, from bars, breweries, coffee shops, gift shops, music venues, restaurants and salons, are selling some sort of merchandise or gift certificate. Think about small businesses your gift recipient would enjoy and reach out to see what they are offering. I find the business' Facebook pages to be the most up to date.
To keep it simple, check out TeamWork Ohio's T-shirt project. From their website you can order a special T-shirt to support local businesses in the Miami Valley. $10 of every $22 T-shirt goes straight to the business of your choice (from list of participating companies). Plus your recipient gets a super soft shirt that shows off their city pride.
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🧀 For the Foodies
Trying to impress someone with discerning taste? Or perhaps you’re celebrating an anniversary and want to take the at-home date night up a notch? Either way, indulging in a divine dinner or craft beverages is still possible, even when restaurants are closed.
Crafted and Cured at 531 Wayne Ave, is well known for its excellent stock of growlers, ciders, meads, wines, champagnes and delicious charcuterie boards. Those are available for online purchase or by calling 937-723-7129 to place an order for pickup.
Branch & Bone Artisan Ales at 905 Wayne Ave was just selected as one of 10 Best New Breweries in America. They are continuing to sell their award-winning brews via an online store and a quick and no-contact pickup experience.
The newly opened Tender Mercy is also offering curbside pickup of a variety of items, including a lovely selection of beer, wine and craft cocktails, along with fresh pastas, soups and desserts from fellow downtown small business, Grist Provisions. They'll also throw in the most coveted gift of them all: toilet paper!
>> Branch & Bone Artisan Ales makes list of '10 Best New Breweries in America'
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