Shop local has been a tag line for many small businesses over the past several years at Christmastime. It’s always been a great practice, but with the lockdowns and ups and downs of the past year, it’s more important than ever to shop local for Christmas. Here is a list of some of our favorite local shops for Christmas shopping.
Spokane Area
Local shops for Outdoor Gear
Ramble Raven Gear Trader (Formerly NW Outdoors) – Ramble Raven is the perfect place to find something for the outdoorsy person in your life. They are an upscale consignment store for outdoor gear from skiing and boarding to rock climbing and cycling. Located at the corner of North Division and Bridgeport. Ramble Raven even offers options for shopping online and picking up items in store. Check out their website here.
Alpine Haus – Another great place to get something for the outdoor enthusiast in your life is Alpine Haus. Find all you need for skiing, snowboarding, and more.
The General Store – You might have thought the general store was just another hardware store. It’s much more than that. If you haven’t been inside yourself, you’ll definitely want to check it out. You can find gifts for anyone in your life no matter what you’re looking for. The General store is a Cornucopia of goodies from children’s toys to clothes, to hunting, fishing, and archery accessories, to tools, games, and camping gear. Their toy section upstairs is reminiscent of Spokane’s former favorite: White Elephant.
Game Stores to Shop local for Christmas
B Side Games – Located on the South Hill, B-Side games is the perfect spot to find something for the fun lover in your life. Here you’ll find numerous high-quality board games and puzzles popular with the gaming community. The staff is very knowledgeable about all of the games and can help you find just the right one. You might even be able to try some of the games out.
Whiz Kids – Whiz Kids is located upstairs in Riverpark Square. It’s a great place to find gadgets, gizmos, and brain teasers for the kids in your life.
Uncle’s Games – Uncle’s is right next store to Auntie’s in downtown Spokane. Inside, you can find tons of popular games, mind benders, and puzzles.
Book Stores
Auntie’s Book Store – The historic Auntie’s Bookstore in downtown Spokane is a great place to shop for the reader in your life. Auntie’s sells new and used books; so you can find something no matter what your budget is.
Second Look Books – Second Look Books on the South Hill is another great place to shop for the avid reader in your life. If you’re looking for a specific book you remember from your childhood or from a few years back, they can probably find it for you. You’re also likely to find a good deal of budget-friendly options here.
Pets and More
Northwest Seed and Pet – A great local spot to get gifts for the pet lovers and gardeners in your life is NW Seed and Pet. You can find anything and everything pet-related from live animals (fish, rabbits, cats, and more) at either of their locations (N Division or Sprague). You can also find tons of gardening goodies including seeds, pots, garden accessories and more.
CDA/Post Falls Area
Black Sheep Sporting Goods – Black Sheep is a great local sporting goods store in CDA. Tons of options for the outdoor enthusiast in your life. Lots of unique and fun treasures throughout the store.
Figpickels – Figpickels is a fun shop for every child (or child at heart). They offer lots of games, gadgets and gizmos, books, puzzles, and magic and science kits. Located across from the CDA resort, it’s a great place to stop while in downtown CDA. You can walk over to the docks and enjoy the holiday lights while you’re at it.
Shop Local for Stocking Stuffers
Looking for smaller items to fill stockings? Here are some more local businesses where you are sure to find something special.
Spokandy – This local chocolatier has been a Spokane favorite for more than a century. Grab a pack of pastel mints, a crowd favorite, for your special person’s stocking. You’ll also find chocolates, truffles, huckleberry treats, and corporate gift baskets at this historic shop.
Revival Tea Co – Revival Tea Co is a newer business in Downtown Spokane offering handcrafter gourmet tea blends. Right now they’re offering buy one get one 50% off.
Gift Cards – Another great way to support local businesses this Christmas season is to pick up a gift card for a local restaurant, Coffee Shop, salon, or gym. You can find a list of great local restaurants here or coffee shops here. You could also grab gift certificates for a local gym, an Escape room game, or a ski resort.
A challenge to Shop Local
Make it a fun challenge for yourself this Christmas to primarily shop local businesses and small businesses for Christmas gifts. It’s a fun adventure and might just become a tradition.
