Inspiration for Playing Small Biz Bingo with Windermere Abode

Windermere Abode’s Small Biz Bingo has officially started! For the kickoff, we’re showing ways the Abodies and you can participate in filling out the Bingo card and supporting small businesses this December. For more information on what Small Biz Bingo is and how to get a bingo card, click here to see the previous blog post on it.

Small Biz Bingo is filled with activities that you can do to celebrate the season and also support local businesses in the area. Here are examples on what you can do for each square on the bingo card!

Warm someone’s day with a thoughtful gesture. Head to a local café and surprise a friend or stranger with their favorite drink. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to spread joy and connect with your community over a cozy beverage.

If you’re looking for a local coffee shop, the Abodies love Bluebeard Coffee Roasters, Valhalla Coffee Co., Olympia Coffee, Lander Coffee Roasters, Lamppost Coffee Roasters, Manifesto Coffee Roasters, and Topside Coffee Cabin. Go to your favorite local coffee shop and buy someone a drink!

Immerse yourself in the festive spirit by exploring a local holiday market. From handcrafted gifts to seasonal treats, these markets offer a charming atmosphere to discover unique finds and support local artisans. It’s a delightful way to embrace the holiday season and find one-of-a-kind treasures.

Be sure to check out the Tacoma Sunday Market, Puyallup Night Market, Pierce County Holiday Markets, and Holiday Magic at the Washington State fairgrounds.

Dive into the world of art and culture by visiting a local museum or gallery. Consider giving a membership for a year of inspiration. It’s a perfect way to support the arts, provide ongoing enjoyment, and create lasting memories with friends or family.

Some favs in the office are the Tacoma Art Museum, Museum of Glass, Fort Steilacoom Museum, and the Children’s Museum.

Showcase your winter style by taking a selfie with your favorite cozy hat. Whether it’s a classic beanie or a stylish beret, share your unique winter fashion and spread the warmth of the season through a fun and lighthearted photo!

Bring back the joy of receiving handwritten notes. Take a moment to send a thoughtful letter or card to a friend or family member. In our digital age, a personal touch through snail mail can brighten someone’s day and create a lasting connection.

If you’re looking for a place that has cute letters or cards, the Abodies suggest Compass Rose, Stocklist Goods, and Pine & Moss

Embark on a festive adventure by cruising through neighborhoods adorned with holiday lights. Whether by car or on foot, enjoy the enchanting displays that illuminate the night. It’s a magical way to soak in the holiday spirit and create lasting memories with loved ones.

Some community favorites are Fantasy Lights, the festive displays at Holiday magic, Zoolights, and the Lakewold Garden’s Winter Solstice Lights.

Strengthen connections by sharing a meal with friends or family. Whether it’s a homemade dinner or a visit to a local restaurant, breaking bread together fosters warmth and camaraderie. It’s a timeless way to create meaningful bonds and savor the joy of good company.

This year we shared some of our favorite chili recipes and spaghetti + baked chicken with our Abodies, fun times that are truly cherished in the office!

Take a stroll through your favorite park and share the beauty of nature. Whether it’s a serene lake, vibrant foliage, or a cozy bench with a view, showcase the elements that make your local park special. It’s a wonderful way to inspire others to appreciate the outdoors.

Embrace the spirit of giving by choosing or creating a handmade gift. Whether it’s a piece of art, a knitted scarf, or a batch of homemade cookies, the thought and effort behind a handmade gift add a personal touch that makes the gesture even more meaningful.

Brave the chill and invigorate your senses with a cold plunge. Whether it’s in the ocean, a local body of water, or even a cold shower in your backyard, the experience can be refreshing and energizing. It’s a unique way to embrace the winter season and revitalize your spirit.

Support local businesses by taking a selfie at your favorite small shop. Share the love on social media, encouraging others to explore and appreciate the unique offerings of local entrepreneurs. It’s a small action with a big impact on the community.

Spread the joy of reading by sharing a book recommendation. Whether it’s a gripping novel, an insightful non-fiction work, or a beloved classic, pass on the gift of a good story. Encourage others to discover new worlds and perspectives through the magic of literature.

There are plenty of musical performances going on for the holidays, have some fun and attend them! Listen to a winter concert or Christmas caroling or just sing yourself with karaoke!

Be sure to look out for the Winter Music Series and Cocoa and Carols at W.W. Seymour Conservatory, the Holiday Blast at Center at Norpoint, the Christmas Concerts at PLU, and the Christmas Jubilee at the Chapel on Echo Bay.

Give back this season by supporting a local nonprofit. Our local nonprofits tirelessly strive to support those in need. Be a part of this heartwarming initiative by contributing through donations or dedicating your time to volunteer. Together, let’s create a season filled with compassion, connection, and giving back to the place we call home.

Abodies Kylee, Shelley, and LaTosha are partnering with local nonprofit Step By Step for their 4th annual diaper drive and Abode also has experience with Raising Girls, Rainbow Center, Habitat for Humanity, Tacoma School District, L’Arche Farms, Rebuilding Hope, Oasis Center for Youth, and Foundation For Tacoma Students. Support these and other local nonprofits during this holiday season!

Experience the holiday magic by attending a play or live performance. Each performance promises a unique and special touch, weaving a tapestry of joy and wonder. Embrace the magic of the season and make it truly memorable by attending as many of these exceptional events as you can.

We suggest the Holiday Spectacular at the Auburn Performing Arts Center, ‘An Innkeeper’s Christmas’ at Taproot Theatre, and ‘The Nutcracker’ done by Tacoma City Ballet.

Wear an apron, preheat your oven, and bring out your baking pans! Bake a pie or seasonal treat to satisfy a sweet tooth and share with your friends and family.

Spread cheer this season by volunteering in your local community. Many people could use a helping hand during the holiday season, and your efforts can make a significant impact. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, organize events, or participate in community activities, you’ll be contributing to the joy and well-being of those around you. Embrace the spirit of giving by volunteering and spreading cheer throughout your community.

Many local nonprofits have volunteer opportunities - just ask! For other volunteer opportunities, check out how you can volunteer in Pierce County.

Wrap yourself in coziness, grab your favorite mug, and prepare to indulge in a cup of hot cocoa or hot toddy. Embrace the joy of sipping on a warm drink while taking in the quiet time.

Whether it’s homemade or from a packet, share pictures of your favorite mug and some hot cocoa or hot toddy!

Embrace the winter wonder as temperatures drop! Engage in the timeless joy of playing in the snow—a perfect family activity. Capture the magic by stepping outside and snapping a selfie. If the snow decides to skip this year, fear not! Create your winter wonderland, play pretend, and capture that picture-perfect moment anyway. This winter is yours to enjoy, with or without the snowfall.

Do you have a staple recipe that gets made every year for the holidays? Share it with us! Cooking food and sharing it with others is one of the best parts about the season, and we’d love to see what the community makes each year to make the holidays special.

Whether you’re looking for new music to listen to or want to make your holiday playlist, now is a perfect time to make and share a new playlist! Everyone is getting ready for the holiday season - artists included. Listen to some new music or be on the look out for covers of your favorite holiday song and share them with us in a playlist.

Washington weather makes the perfect atmosphere for table games. Play games indoors on a rainy night with friends and family! It’s a perfect way to spend time with loved ones and have it be interactive for the entire group.

If you don’t have any games in your home, head over to Terra Crux Games, Tacoma Games, Caskcades, and Gabi’s Olympia Cards and Comics to rent their games and support their businesses.

Pause and dial that number you’ve meant to call—be it a friend, family, or someone special. A simple phone call holds immense meaning. Don’t wait any longer—reach out and share the holiday spirit through the simple act of a heartfelt conversation.

Grab your favorite book or story and share it with the people closest to you. Stories have a powerful impact on people, and storytelling is the essence of the holidays.

We hope these were helpful to you! If you’d like to pick up or turn in card, make sure to bring them in to the Abode offices (Tacoma or Lakewood) or tag us online on Facebook or Instagram with your completed Bingo card. When you turn in a completed BINGO, you’ll receive a prize from a local business!