SEATTLE — The holidays are quickly approaching and Bartell Drugs has some new programs that invites customers to join in embracing the spirit of the season.

The retailer said holiday shopping will be stress free with it’s  highly anticipated Annual Gift Guide. The festive 32-page holiday shopping guide is full of unique, local and exclusive gift ideas that customers can only find at Bartells will be in stores on Sunday,  November 11.

To add to the excitement of the in-store shopping experience, on December 8 customers are invited to join in festive activities at each of Bartell’s stores. During the “Oh! What Fun!” store experience, all locations will offer an activity throughout the day. Customers can enjoy holiday treat samplings, stations for writing letters to Santa, opportunities to create holiday themed art, and even appearances from the guy in the red suit at select stores.

The holidays offer many opportunities to give back to local causes. For the past 16 years, in partnership with The Salvation Army and two local radio stations, Bartells has hosted Toy N’ Joy, a local program designed to collect new, unwrapped toys for local children and youth during the holidays. Through the Salvation Army’s Toy Warehouses, volunteers gather to sort the toys collected during the Toy N’ Joy drive. On December 21st, families supported by Salvation Army are invited to the warehouses to “shop” for the holidays at no cost to them.