Happy Anniversary Mike & wife!!
My hubby & I are going on the day after Thanksgiving for our anniversary too...26yrs.
We are planning on Christmas shopping too. I am bringing an extra bag to bring all my purchases home so I don't have to cram in into my luggage!
I am getting to know quiet a lot pf people from this board that is gonna be there all at the same time as us!!
Just keep reading this board & you'll pick up alot of very useful information to use while there. (that's what I've been doing)
A couple things I've learned so far are...bring bug spray....a collaspable cooler for the beach....DON"T overpack (give that message to your wife!!)....don't leave food out in your room....lock all your personal things in the trunk of your car when at the beaches....DON"T wander off on back streets at nite (use comman sense).....

Hello,

Not sure what your $$ is for cheap but you could pick up rum balls, rum cakes as gifts. Perhaps some silver jewerly... coconut candles or ones wth seashells... What did you have in mind? St. John has lots of neat stores in Cruz Bay.

You could do a private dinner sunset cruise for a special anniversary celebration. Lots of great restaurants also.

Things to do on island; some hiking, beach time, charter sail, fishing, diving, snorkeling, check out some of the historical sites like Annaberg and Cinnamon Bay.

--Islander

Stop in at St. John Spice at Wharfside for some wonderful gifts. Mongoose Junction has shops for some very nice gifts. There's always Sparky's right across from the dock.
Head over to Coral Bay for lunch at Skinny Legs and observe some great "flavor". There are a couple of shops right there that have some cute items. Near Shipwreck Landing in Coral Bay there are a couple of little shops and a great tee-shirt place.
If you are into hiking there's the Reef Bay trail. Stop by the National Park Office and pick up some info, although, I'm sure that the Westin has a lot of info available. Think about going into town for your meals, the Westin is pricey. There's always the old standbys like Uncle Joe's BBQ and Cafe Roma (both have very reasonable prices). If you want a really romantic $$$$ restaurant I would suggest Chateau Bordeaux. For drinks at sunset you can go to Pastory Gardens on Centerline Rd. They also have a very impressive minature golf course. Food's pretty good. I agree with Islander. Head out to Annaberg ruins and check out the beaches on the North Shore. Sorry to be so "long winded" but hope that this answers some of your questions.

Whatever you do, save one night for dinner at Chloe & Bernard's...at the resort. It's beautiful up there in the evening for dinner - very romantic & pretty. Yes, it's expensive.....but worth one night! The Westin is awesome. We were there in Nov. last year for a family wedding.
Asolare is also pricey, but the food is to die for. We had a blast at the Lime Inn also - a bit more laid back, but the staff was great.
Be sure to take the time to hit all of the recommended snorkeling spots since the beach at the Westin is not the best. The pool makes up for it, though. Trust me!Shopping? Mongoose Junction has it all.
Also, don't bother to rent a car!! The Westin shuttle will transport you very cheaply to & from Cruz Bay anytime you please.

Sitter; Thanks! and Happy Anniversary to you, too! Maybe we will see you at some point. Thanks for the tips, also

Islander, et al;

Thanks to all of you for the wonderful advice and recommendations! We are very much looking forward to our first visit to St. John. So much to see & do and so little time............

Mike