Unique buys for ‘Museum Store Sunday’ in Sonoma

We’ve all heard of Black Friday (Nov. 26), the celebration of sales that comes the day after Thanksgiving, and is largely associated with big box shopping. Then came its digital kid sister, Cyber Monday (Nov. 29), when Amazon makes more sales than any other day of the year.

To combat the exodus of dollars out of local economies, Small Business Saturday (Nov. 27) has become a growing trend, encouraging shoppers to patronize their mom-and-pop shops instead of hitting the mall or the “buy now” button. Adding to that growing movement is Museum Store Sunday (Nov. 28), a celebration not just of our cultural sites, but the neat wares they sell inside.

“By shopping at SVMA on Museum Store Sunday, you will not only give back to your community and support independent artisans — but you will also find unique, creative gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list,” said a news release from the Sonoma Valley Museum of Art.

Those who visit the art museum this Sunday will be entered to win prizes like a basket of signed Kara Maria and Enrique Chagoya merchandise. Museum members get 20% of purchases, while visitors get 10% off. There is no charge to enter the museum store.

Over at Jack London State Historic Park, the museum store is full of interesting items for readers and writers. Of course you can find London’s beloved books, like “Call of the Wild” and “The Sea Wolf.” You can also find documentary films about his life and adventures, and gift items such as a travel journal featuring the iconic quote, “Keep a notebook. Travel with it, eat with it, sleep with it. Slap into it every stray thought that flutters up into your brain. Cheap paper is less perishable than gray matter, and lead pencil markings endure longer than memory.” There is a $10 parking fee per vehicle (annual parking passes are available for $49).

There is a quaint gift shop of history-inspired items tucked into the Barracks, part of the Sonoma State Historic Parks. With postcards and toys, the selection is limited but lively. Paid access to the parks also allows visitors to tour the Mission San Francisco Solano, the Blue Wing Inn, Sonoma Barracks, the Toscano Hotel & Kitchen, and the Servants Quarters (the remains of La Casa Grande). Gen. Vallejo's Home, also called Lachryma Montis, is less than a mile west of the Plaza and included with same-day admission, as is the Petaluma Adobe State Historic Park.

Depot Park Museum, run by the Sonoma Valley Historical Society, has a collection of books on local history available for purchase. Many feature local authors. The museum is about to wrap up its “Baseball Part 2” exhibit, which can be toured with the visit.

The di Rosa Center for Contemporary Art is also full of unique gift items, all with an artistic bent. There are art books on the many talented artists on display, as well as prints and cards. Plus, a visit includes a walk through the extensive galleries and sculpture gardens that surround the pond.