7 . 2021 Holiday Shopping Guide

Many Americans say they are reading more, according to a survey from market research firm Statista. Amazon’s “Find a Gift” section makes shopping there even easier, but independent booksellers are working hard to keep up, offering sidewalk pickup and sometimes even free shipping, and they’re known for offering booklovers personalized, thoughtful recommendations. Find a store near you at indiebound.org.

Bikes were one of the hottest items of the past year, thanks in part to closed gyms around the country. In fact, for months, specialty shops were sold out of all but the priciest specialty rides, so if a two-wheeler tops your wish list, start shopping soon, before supplies come short again. If you’re not particularly handy, look to buy from a locally owned shop, where you can get a bike that’s already fixed together rather than a box full of parts.

Also in short supply this year: hand weights, kettlebells, and other popular workout items. They may still be hard to find or crazy expensive, so consider other health helpers such as exercise bands or jump ropes or shopping at less-obvious suppliers, such as T. J. Maxx, supermarkets, or even Home Depot, where we found such items in a variety of bright colors.

It’s always a good time to learn something new. You can get a virtual seat in a class with a top professional in a variety of fields, such as ballet with famous dancer Misty Copeland, fiction writing with children's novelist R. L. Stine, or scientific thinking with Neil deGrasse Tyson. Find them and other pros at masterclass.com, which charges $180 per series.