If you’re getting ready to make out your holiday gift list, consider doing something a little different this year. Consider giving the gift of experience. How about treating someone you know to a dinner out or an evening at a live theater performance? Give tickets, memberships, or gift certificates for "experiences," like concerts, plays, gym memberships, restaurants, massages or other services. Most people don't think about doing something special for themselves this time of year, but you can do it for them.

Thurston County is participating in the regional Waste Free Holidays program, which rewards the public for reducing waste and supports local businesses. Here's how the program works: Each participating business offers an experience or service gift at a discount of 15-50 percent. Purchases at the discounted price can be made from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2006, by contacting the partners directly. We now have over 50 local businesses and organizations participating, and more calling to sign up. Details on all the offers can be found at www.wastefreeholidays.com.