Splurges, Steals and Holiday Deals!

Are you looking for the perfect gift for your special Girl Scout? How about a holiday appreciation gift for your tireless co-leader or parent volunteer? It’s time to visit our Girl Scout Shop. You don’t even have to get off the couch to get there! Get cozy in your PJs, grab a mug of hot cocoa and logon to the Girl Scouts Heart of Central California website.

Are you looking to splurge on something extra special? How about a Juliette Low Limoges Box? These boxes have been treasured collectibles since 1771. Made by Artoria Limoges and measuring 2”x3”, this extra special box retails for $220.00. Do you need a classy gift to adorn your recipient? The beautiful Legacy Silk Scarf designed by former Girl Scout and New York designer Marisol Deluna may be just the right gift. Add a silver trefoil scarf slide and you have the perfect pair. The scarf retails for $75.00 and the slide retails for $14.00. Is your gift recipient a career girl? She’ll love the new Girl Scout briefcase. Made of stylish black microfiber with a striking fuchsia interior, it features a padded laptop compartment, a removable key fob and cell phone case, a side wall zip pocket, pocket organizers and more. There are additional zipper compartments on the front and back exterior. Measuring 26”x20”x16” and retailing for $60.00, this is the ultimate work tote! Still shopping? Check out the Distinctive Gifts flyer for more ideas.

How about a shopping “steal” instead? After you click the “Shop Now!” button, choose “Shop Specials” from the list of categories. You’ll find great markdowns under “Close-outs” and featured deals under “Monthly Specials”. Is there a scrap booker on your list? There are 10 sticker flip-it kits and scrapbooking sets on clearance - some for half price ($4.99-$9.99)! You’ll also find five swap pins on sale that any girl would love to receive in her holiday goodie bag. Made of enamel and 1” in size, each pin is only $1.50! A classic World Trefoil Charm for only $2.50 also makes an economical gift for any Girl Scout on your list! If you’re looking for something a little cozier, check out the fleece vest featured in the Monthly Specials. Available in red or blue, this vest will chase away the winter chills for only $19.99!

Looking for something with holiday flair? Check out the Capture the Holiday Season flyer. There are several new ornaments this year: Girl Scout Pewter Ornament, Girl Scout Traditional Logo Ornament, Girl Scout Heart Ornament, Girl Scout Daisy Tin Ornament, Brownie Elf Tin Ornament, Girl Scout Junior Tin Ornament and Snow Globe Embroidered Ornament ($3-$18.00). Select your favorite and start a new holiday tradition with your favorite Girl Scout. Need stocking stuffers? There are lots of other new items! Choose from pencils, pins, patches, pens, or the new charm bracelet ($.50-$8.00). If you want to add a cute and cuddly friend to your holiday celebration make sure you check out Snowball, Patches and Petals. They’re sure to bring a smile to any Girl Scout young or old ($20-$22.00)!

By now your basket should be full and your mug should be empty! If you need a little help, contact the shop at girlscoutshop@girlscoutshcc.org or (800) 578-0276/(916) 669-3232. Have the items shipped to your house or visit the shop in person to pick them up. Then sit back and enjoy the holiday cheer as your favorite Girl Scout enjoys her special gift.

~MM

*Shop products and prices are current as of this posting and are subject to change without notice.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I hope this day finds you and your loved ones happy & healthy! May you enjoy a wonderful day!

~MM

uniquely ME!

“What’s New” is finally new again! So is the grant that our council received from the Dove Self-Esteem Fund’s “Thank You for Making a Difference” campaign. The grant will finance the uniquely ME! program designed to encourage Girl Scouts in 4th-12th grade to become self-confident leaders.

Why do we need such a program you ask? Dove commissioned a national report on self-esteem entitled “Real Girls, Real Pressure” and the results are distressing. They discovered that 62% of girls nationwide feel insecure. This includes feeling that their appearance isn’t stylish or trendy enough, that they aren’t pretty enough, and that they’re overweight. 75% of these girls admit to participating in harmful activities such as cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking and disordered eating. The report also revealed that as they transition into the teenage years, fewer girls turn to their parents as a self-esteem resource. (You can read all of the key highlights by visiting Dove’s website and clicking the Campaign for Real Beauty link.)

In response to this need, Girl Scouts Heart of Central California has created over 130 activity boxes with all the supplies you need to complete the uniquely ME! activities with your troop or service unit. The boxes are segmented for Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors. All materials costs as well as any additional fees for a location and staff members are completely and generously covered by the grant from Dove! This is a great opportunity for you to help your girls discover their positive attributes and to encourage them to develop leadership skills that will give them greater self confidence for the future.

Did you know that several of the most successful women in our country were Girl Scouts? Can you name a few? Think Laura Bush, Hillary Clinton, Madeleine Albright, Sandra Day O’Connor and Katie Couric. Is one of your girls the next national leader? Is she destined to be a future role model for other teen girls? Empower her today with the skills that will make her successful tomorrow! To learn more or order your uniquely ME! activity box contact Liz Williams, Assistant Vice President of Program and Adult Development at 916-669-4475 or by e-mail at liz.williams@girlscoutshcc.org.

"Girl Scouts Today - Leaders Tomorrow" (1937)

~MM