All Over Albany

Holiday gifts: Lauren Hittinger Hodgson

Gifts and giving are on most everyone's mind this month. So we thought we'd ask a few people to share some thoughts on presents, past and present.

Next up in the series is Lauren Hittinger Hodgson, a local freelance writer and regular contributor to All Over Albany. She also maintains her own blog, The Thrifty Ginger.

What gifts would you like to get this year?

It always takes me a while to think about what I'd like for Christmas, but after I start making a list it can be really hard to stop. This year I asked for a couple items to get photos off devices and into my hands: a nice home photo printer, and an instant camera. I also requested a passport cover, but I'm still not sure if an awesome vacation comes with it. Keep your fingers crossed for me!

What gifts would you like to give this year?

Thankfully, I did my holiday shopping early this year. I try really hard to shop locally, and spent most of my holiday money in downtown Troy, Stuyvesant Plaza, and at a few other boutiques. The gift that I'm most proud of is an apron that I sewed myself. It came out way better than expected, and I feel like a superstar.

What charity or cause do you want to support?

My husband George and I semi-regularly volunteer at the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, which is an amazing place. Spending time there always makes me feel more centered and humble, even if I just spent two hours sorting frozen foods. The past couple of years, we have also donated a little bit of money to Unity House's Adopt-a-Family program. I like the idea that I'm helping, even if just a little bit, to make someone else's December a wonderful time of year.

What is your most memorable holiday gift from childhood?

Thinking about it logically, this probably isn't the case, but I remember receiving both an American Girl doll (Samantha), and a My Twinn doll on the same year. Regardless of the timing, I really loved to get dolls, and have fond memories of a Cabbage Patch dentist set, a doll that pooped out the mush you fed it, and another that read stories along with you (that's Pamela, pictured here).

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More holiday gifts:
+Sean Desiree from South End Pallet Works
+ Rachel Person from Northshire Bookstore
+ Musical theater teacher and performer Brandon Jones
+ Katie O'Malley Maloney from Katie O' Weddings & Events
+ Illustrator Elizabeth Zunon
+ Musician Sean Rowe
+ Heather LaVine from The Confectionery
+ Lecco Morris from the Chefs Consortium