It's the day before Christmas. You haven't checked anything off of your shopping list.

What are you going to do, Canton-Sixes? Head to some mall in Cobb or Fulton Counties?

No need for that.

There are inexpensive, locally-made gifts right in your own backyard. Thanks to three of your neighbors, you can find last-minute gifts and stocking stuffers right here in Canton.

Christmas Memories

Dr. Charles Cooley is a Canton native and published author of the children's book, Reindeer Magic. Cooley wrote the book to give his two sons a special memory of the holidays, similar to the way his own mother made him feel around Christmas. 

"I got the idea one night when I saw my youngest son lying in front of our Christmas tree just staring at it," Cooley said.

Gears turned in his head. He went upstairs. He started to write.

Reindeer Magic is about a brother and sister who are worried Santa will fly past them this Christmas because they have moved into a new home. On every page, there is a reindeer hidden in the illustrations for kids to look for while reading.

"I wrote the story in about an hour," Cooley said. "It just came to me."

Reindeer Magic is sold at Chamberhouse Fine Gifts, Home Decor and Antiques, Yawn's Books & More, 145 West Main St., and White Oak Cottage, 8946 Cumming Hwy. It is also available online.

Not Your Ordinary T-shirt

Jay Wallace and his wife noticed an untapped niche: vintage T-shirts.

Not the kind everyone is used to seeing in the catalogs and store windows.

"We thought that, by adding local flare and making the designs mean something to someone, (our shirts) could appeal to both people who have lived here all their lives as well as those who've just moved here," said Wallace, owner of Old School Apparel.

Residents will recognize old familiar names like the "Canton Greenies," "Warriors" and "Burger Chief" on shirts of all colors. All shirts are prewashed, shrunk and distressed to resemble the design and style that has made other vintage tees so popular.

They are also sold at Chamberhouse.

Bar Soap, Liquid Soap and Body Scrubs

Amber Chancey makes all-natural soaps and scrubs. She got into the soap business nearly a year ago when her family went through a few changes.

"About two years ago I got laid off," Chancey said. "Then our son was born a month later. Since I was at home more, I had the time to experiment with (soap-making)."

She made some for herself and her family, then for friends. Eventually, she said, "we decided to venture out and found a few local stores willing to let me put my soap for sale." 

Chamberhouse and Farmer's Tan, 402 Argonne Ter., were among them.

Now, she and her husband run a small company from their Canton home, p.and.a creations. She also sells her soaps online. Email orders directly to Chancey at amber@panda-creations.com to avoid shipping costs.