75 Gift Ideas From Local Spokane Shops

Spend less time shopping and more time on our local trails and mountains. Our annual list features unique and outdoors-inspired gift ideas from locally-owned shops and businesses, including gifts for fellow outdoor enthusiasts as well as less outdoorsy friends and family members on your list. Use this list beyond the holidays for birthday, wedding, and graduation gift-giving.

HOME & APPAREL

1. Put a Sasquatch on it! And it becomes a rad Northwest fashion item—like the Stickers Northwest brand camouflage cap with embroidered Bigfoot badge ($25) from Boo Radley’s.
2. PINE Sports Company makes outdoorsy-Northwest inspired graphic apparel, including Mt. Spokane and Bowl and Pitcher T-shirts ($30/each) and a Ski Northwest pullover hoodie ($43). Find them at pinesportsco.com.
3. College sports fan in your family? Sportswear, gifts, and memorabilia for Cougars, Bulldogs, and Eagles are sold at university campuses. Shop at WSU’s Bookie at Spokane’s University District or on the Pullman campus; Zag Shop on Gonzaga University’s campus; or EWU Eagle Shop on the Cheney campus.
4. A four-way stretchy, machine-washable Arcade Adventure Belt ($26, unisex/one-size-fits all), from Spokane Alpine Haus, keeps pants secure in fashionable style, whether its snow pants, jeans, or khakis for work.
5. Seattle-based Coal Headwear makes trucker-style caps featuring outdoor-inspired graphic patches ($29)—available at Spokane Alpine Haus.
6. All-natural Riverkeeper Soap ($6 each or 3/$15), made by Mountain Madness Soap Co. in Coeur d’Alene, is exclusively sold at Kizuri. Each purchase donates $2 to the Spokane Riverkeeper organization.

   

7. Support sustainability with a fashionable purse or handbag crafted from recycled tires, by Ganesh Himal Trading Company ($16-55), a fair trade business in Nepal. These bags help reduce air pollution because all those tires would otherwise be burned in Katmandu. Find them at Kizuri.
8. Another sustainability-inspired one-of-a-kind gift idea from Kizuri is jewelry made from melted-down bullet casings and crafted by women in Ethiopia ($15.50-$89).
9. Bring the outdoors inside with Cabin Incense ($6-17), made by Paine Products, featuring scents like balsam fir and red cedar. Available from Atticus Coffee & Gifts.
10. Out There readers will, of course, like books. Auntie’s Bookstore owner John Waite suggests these recently-published titles: “Campfire Stories: Tales from America’s National Parks” edited by Dave Kyu and Ilyssa Kyu ($21.99); “Epic Hikes of the World” by Lonely Planet ($35); “…And Then You Die of Dysentery: Lessons in Adulting from the Oregon Trail” by Lauren Reeves ($14.99); and “Cooking Scrappy: 100 Recipes to Help You Stop Wasting Food, Save Money, and Love What You Eat” by Joel Gamoran ($29.99). Buy from Auntie’s and support Spokane’s iconic indie bookshop.
11. Kids want toys and other cool stuff! STEM activities like Scientific Explorer Sorcery Science Kit ($11.49) and SICK Science! Snow Colors ($8.49), a DIY science experiment kit, are geared for children ages 6+ and sold at White Elephant.
12. Merlyn’s in downtown Spokane specializes in comic books and games. Here you’ll find the Basic Dungeons and Dragons Starter Kit ($20) and Scott McCloud’s acclaimed book, “Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art” ($25).
13. Climb Yeti Mountain from the comfort of your living room, winter cabin, or ski lodge with Dicey Peaks’ dice-rolling family board game ($21.59), available at White Elephant. Made by Calliope Games for ages 8+, it’s a creative way to vicariously take risks while climbing to the snowy summit.
14. Someone nostalgic for their hometown? Spokane Tea Towels ($12), made by Seattle-based Potluck Press, feature outdoorsy themes to inspire warm-fuzzy feelings for those who’ve moved away. Find them at Atticus Coffee & Gifts.

    

15. Another eco-friendly gift from Kizuri is a colorful dishtowel, pillow, or blanket made from recycled cotton sari fabrics ($5.50-$135).
16. Need a gift for a teacher or colleague? The Mason Jar Cold Brew Coffee Kit ($13), from Atticus Coffee & Gifts, is a nifty reusable, single-serving product made by Kikkerland Design. Simply seep coarse grounds overnight and bring fresh-brewed iced coffee to work the next morning.
17. Don’t forget the family dog! Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile has healthy, seasonal pet treats, like a Candy Cane Bully Stick ($9), Polka Dog Holiday Treat Tube ($13-17), and Bocce’s Bakery Holiday Biscuits ($6).
18. Charming Pet plush pet toys ($6.99 and less) are made with K9 TuffGuard fabric to withstand vigorous playtime with a puppy or young-at-heart canine. Find them at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, which has two stores in Spokane, Kendall Yards and South Hill.

WINTER SPORTS

19. Find ski-swap deals year-round at NW Outdoors—“everything from brand-new last-year’s stuff to 20-year-old gear that’s cheap but good enough to get you on the mountain,” says store owner Mark Schneider. Gear up your family for winter: alpine skis ($50-500), snowboards ($50-400), Nordic skis ($20-200) and boots ($20-70), and ski jackets ($20-200).
20. Kulkea Thermal Trekker Heated Boot Bag ($240), from Sports Creel, provides comfort and ease for slipping on boots. Powered by a 12V automobile or 120V wall plug, the contoured, insulated heated side pockets warm the plastic inner shell of ski boots. Comes with travel and padded backpack straps and includes inner pockets for stowing gear accessories, including a helmet sling in a zippered pocket. Other style of Kulkea ski boot and gear bags also available from Sports Creel ($80).
21. LINE alpine skis ($400-700) are versatile, all-mountain skis, available from Shred Sports Outlet. The Sick Day Series and Supernatural models are especially popular.
22. A ski/snowboard helmet is the #1 gear item every alpine athlete needs. Find Bollé helmets for youth and adults at The General Store ($50-120).
23. Oakley snow goggles (starting at $80) consistently rank among the top 5 in expert gear reviews. Find youth, women’s, and men’s sizes at Spokane Alpine Haus.
24. Libtech Snowboards ($450-600, adult & youth sizes) from Shred Sports Outlet are manufactured in Washington State, with all-USA made components. (Bindings sold separately.)
25. Dakine Super Tune ski/snowboard tuning kit ($125), from Alpine Haus, includes an adjustable-temp iron and all other essential DIY tools for filing edges and scraping, waxing, repairing, and polishing bases.
26. BootDoc fully-customized alpine ski boot orthotic insoles ($99-179), from Sports Creel, will “optimize the fit of a new boot or refresh the fit of old boots,” says Sports Creel manager Micah Genteman. Whether to eliminate pronation, cushion flat feet, or ease other foot-bed woes, buy a 2-D insole for wrapping and gifting, then the skier brings it back to Sports Creel to have their feet measured in a heated silicone mold for on-site 3-D customization—about a 45-minute process altogether.
27. Lenz rcB 1200 + Heat Sock 5.0 ($350), from Mountain Gear, are knee-high socks with re-chargeable battery-powered electric heating elements, whose temperature settings are controlled from the battery or via smart-phone Bluetooth.
28. Shred Sports Outlet’s ski and snowboard in-store tuning shop always aims for a 2-day turnaround. Gift a wax service ($10) or a full tune-up package ($45) to “make used skis better than new,” says assistant manager Patrick Hutchins.
29. Gear up your family for Nordic skiing with a Salomon gear package from Fitness Fanatics—includes skis, boots, and bindings. For adults, between a skate-ski ($449) or classic cross-country ($299); classic only for youth ($199.50).
30. Out There Kids need dependable waterproof footwear that withstand slushy puddles and rough play. North Face gear lasts for years and come with a lifetime guarantee, which means it can pass down to siblings and cousins and still be sold at the ski swap. Check out the Alpenglow snow boots ($60) and Jr. Hedgehog Hikers ($60). For Out There adults, the North Face Hedgehog Fastpack Gore-Tex shoes ($120) are wearable year-round for casual-dress workplaces on rainy or snowy days.
31. Rossignol XC50 R-Skin EVO cross-country skis ($349, skis and bindings), from Two Wheeler Dealer in Hayden, Idaho, come “with a new synthetic skin for the kick-zone,” according to the store’s assistant manager. Pair them with Rossignol X-5 Tour ski boots ($150).
32. Duckworth Co. merino wool ski socks ($26), beanies and hats ($35-45), and base-layers ($100)—sold at Sports Creel—are highly-rated for good reason. Not only are they exquisitely-soft, this “sheep to shelf company” based in Dillion, Montana, oversees the entire manufacturing process, from the wool supplied by the Helle Ranch and other Montana open-range ranches to the fiber spinning, knitting, and dying process.
33. The North Face Arrowood Triclimate Jacket ($199) is a 3-in-1 jacket that includes a waterproof shell and inner mid-weight fleece for versatile layering all winter long. Available in both women’s and men’s sizes; find it REI and The North Face store in Spokane.
34. Local mountain resorts and alpine ski parks offer deals and discounts for daily lift tickets—such as a 49 Degrees North 4-pack or 6-pack of passes ($179-372) or a Mt. Spokane youth 5-pack or adult 3-pack ($129) or Family Fun Pack of 21 lift tickets ($599).

CYCLING

35. An e-bike makes an epic gift. Fresh Air E-Bikes in Spirit Lake, Idaho, has the IZIP Peak Plus mountain e-bike ($2,999) and IZIP Path Plus classic step-through e-bike ($1,999)—both provide electric-power assist pedaling when needed.
36. New fat bikes are here! Gear up for winter trail riding with a Specialized Fatboy SE ($1,620) or Salsa Mukluk ($1,800+), both available at Wheel Sport.
37. 45NRTH Cobrafist Handlebar Pogies ($115), from North Division Bicycle, provide advanced protection against extreme cold, wind, and snow or rain.
38. Get the rookie bike-commuter a Specialized Starter Kit ($50-65) from Wheel Sport, which includes two bottle cages, tire pump and levers, and water-resistant saddle bag.
39. Everyone needs a dependable bike helmet. Mavic helmets ($80-200), at Mojo Cyclery, come in a range of styles for road, triathlon, and mountain biking. And the Bike Hub has Bontrager Rally MIPS mountain bike helmet ($140), among others.
40. Cyclists also need good bike lights. The Bontrager Ion 800 R front bike light ($100) features five modes; pair it with the Flare R rear bike light ($60), which is daylight-visible with 65 lumens—both available at North Division Bicycle. Or there’s the Specialized STIX Elite front and rear lights ($45/each), available at Two Wheeler Dealer.
41. Sock Guy cycling socks ($11-15) from Mojo Cyclery come in an array of colors with funky patterns and creative graphics.
42. Know someone who wishes biking was more comfortable? Gift them a Saddle Pressure Mapping & Observational Fit ($150) service from B & L Bicycles, in Pullman.
43. A Velofix mobile bike repair service is a practical and creative gift idea (com/locations/spokane) where the mechanic comes to you. Perfect for the bike commuter who needs a quick fix during a work day.
44. The Küat Transfer 2-Bike Hitch Rack ($290), available from Bike Hub, is an easy-to-use system that doesn’t come in contact with the bike frame.
45. Indoor bike trainers, such as the CycleOps 9904 Fluid 2 ($300) from Bike Hub or the CycleOps Smart Trainer, M2 or H2 models ($600, $1,200) from Wheel Sport help athletes maintain cycling fitness all- winter long.

RUNNING

46. Asics GEL-Kayano 25 ($160), available at Runners Soul, are running shoes known for their stability and cushioning, which makes them a good all-round shoe for most runners.
47. Stay safe on ice and snow with Due North Everyday G-3 ($20) over-the-sole winter traction devices, featuring Ice Diamond Spikes. Find them at Fleet Feet.
48. CEP compression calf sleeves ($45/pair), sold at Runners Soul, is a recovery tool to assist blood-circulation after long-runs.
49. Balega Hidden Comfort ($13) running socks, sold at Fleet Feet, provide cushioning and moisture-wicking power to keep feet dry on winter runs, according to Fleet Feet store manager Danielle Ramsay.
50. Nathan TrailMix Plus 2 Hydration Belt ($40), available from Runners Soul, carries two 10 oz. flasks and has a front zip-pocket big enough to hold an iPhone 7 Plus.
51. Run Fast. Cook Fast. Eat Slow. ($25), available at Fleet Feet, is the latest cookbook from 4-time Olympian and world-class marathoner Shalane Flanagan, co-written with chef and nutrition coach Elyse Kopecky.

OUTDOOR LIFESTLYE, CAMPING, & TRAVEL

52. A Lewis N. Clark Waterseals waterproof magnetic-closure phone pouch ($20-30, depending on size), from The General Store, is a must-have for the outdoor adventurer.
53. A portable, lightweight Helinox Chair Two ($130), available at Mountain Gear, provides ultimate comfort around a campfire, at the beach, or along a soccer game sideline.
54. Outdoor family needs a tent? The North Face Wawona 6 ($399) has all the best essentials to make 3-season tent-camping more comfortable and fun. It has two vestibules, and with an 80-inch peak height, parents can stand up. And like all TNF gear, it has a lifetime guarantee.
55. A YETI Hopper Two 20 leakproof, soft-sided cooler ($300) is the ultimate road-trip travel gear accessory. It’s available from The General Store, along with YETI Rambler 18-oz. and 26-oz. bottles ($30, $40).
56. ENO DoubleNest hammocks ($70) are sold locally at REI, Escape Outdoors (Coeur d’Alene), and Northwest River Supplies (Moscow). Great gift for couples and families!
57. Dodecahedron Solid Firepit ($200-300+) is a portable, 30-pound, 2-foot diameter, hanging firepit with tripod legs, handcrafted by Shumake Designs—a new business created by local artist and welder Scott Shumake. His sturdy, eye-catching firepits are perfect for the backyard or vacation property. “The benefits of a fire off the ground is the 360-degree projection of heat,” he says. The tripod legs unplug from the cap at the top, which allows it to easily fit in a small car too. Instagram.com/scottshumake or call (509) 720-3594.
58. Crazy Creek, based in Red Lodge, Montana, makes durable lightweight portable chairs for paddling (Canoe Chair III, $53.50), backpacking, or stadium seating ($28-83)—any activity requiring something cushy for your tushie. Find at Northwest River Supplies (NRS) in Moscow, Idaho; Trail Head (Missoula); Sportsman & Ski Haus (Kalispell, MT); and REI (inventory varies by store).
59. MPOWERD Luci Pro Lux + Mobile Charging inflatable solar light ($35) has four light modes and a two-way USB port for mobile charging. Waterproof and attachable for packs (or wherever needed), it’s great for winter adventures and night photography in temps as cold as 15°F (-10°C). Find it at Mountain Gear.
60. Lifeline Ultralight Survival Kit ($17), at The General Store, weighs 5.5 –oz. and has 29 items, including a quick-spark fire starter, whistle, and compass. Pair it with a LifeStraw Personal Water Filter ($20), which purifies water without pumping or chemicals.
61. NFL Seattle Seahawks Shake n’ Score Travel Dice Game ($14.29), from White Elephant, is a family “Yahtzee” game that can be easily stashed in a ski bag or carry-on pack.

FOOD/BEVERAGE & EXPERIENCES

62. Spiceologist Rub Gift Set ($35) includes six 1-oz. jars of this Spokane-based company’s most popular gourmet rubs—like Chile Margarita, Smoky Honey Habanero, and Raspberry Chipotle. Find it at The Kitchen Engine.
63. DOMA Coffee Roasting Company offers a mix-and-match 3-pack of 8-oz. bags of beans ($30). Packaged in its own special box, gift it whole or separate into single packs for stocking stuffers. Buy at domacoffee.com or from Doma’s Coffee Lab in Post Falls, Idaho.
64. Create a DIY bundle from Maryhill Winery—they provide a wine gift bag for you to then add your choice of wine ($14-45/bottle) along with chocolates, a bottle stopper, and/or festive napkins.
65. One Tree Hard Cider Cranberry and Pumpkin ciders are the latest seasonal delights—available from local grocers, such as Rosauers and Yoke’s.
66. Lyte Balance from SenseAble Supplements, in Liberty Lake, Wash., is an all-natural electrolyte supplement for hydration recovery from exercise, illness, and even holiday hangovers. The travel size, TSA-approved concentrate bundle ($16/3-pack) is great for the traveling marathoner or hiker. Buy direct from lytebalance.com or find at local stores such as Huckleberry’s, Main Market (Spokane), and Pilgrim’s Market (Coeur d’Alene).
67. Fizz-up any liquid with the DrinkMate carbonating machine ($100) from Kitchen Engine, which has an in-store CO2 tank refill program. Use it for kombucha, juice, wine, and even flat beer!
68. A gift of Grounds & Hounds Organic Coffee ($4.99-18.99), available at Prairie Dog Pet Mercantile, helps support local pet rescue and animal shelters with the coffee company’s donation (20% of profits) to Inland Northwest organizations.
69. Feed a loved one’s fly-fishing passion with a guided trip for 1-2 people through Silver Bow Fly Shop ($400-500+) in Spokane for a day-long expedition on the Spokane, North Fork of the Coeur d’Alene, St. Joe, or Grand Ronde Rivers. Or help someone take their casting skills to the next level with a class at the Orvis Fly-Fishing School through NW Outfitters in Coeur d’Alene (1-day, $279; 2-days, $489).
70. Give kids an opportunity to climb someone else’s walls. Wild Walls Climbing Gym in downtown Spokane offers a Spider Monkeys class for ages 4-10 ($20/session) and Climbing Club for ages 10-14 ($12/session). The entire family can go (adult day pass, $16, or 10-visit punch pass, $135; youth 10-punch pass, $100, for ages 14 and under). Note: Additional fee for gear rental.
71. For adults new to indoor climbing, Wild Walls offers a Vertical Introduction Package ($35) for ages 12+ that includes a 2-hour class and one-week membership. There’s also a Women’s Night class ($25, ages 12+), offered on Mondays only, 6-8 p.m., that teaches the fundamentals of indoor climbing and also includes a week-long trial membership to be use any week upon return.
72. National Geographic Live speaker events are gift-experiences that inspire and amaze ($30/single ticket; $81/series tickets)—three different experts are coming February-April 2019 to present at Spokane’s First Interstate Center for the Arts (events.nationalgeographic.com).
73. For the person who needs a winter indoor sport, Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym in Spokane hosts Bouldering 101 classes, Ladies’ Nights, and a Youth Climbing Team ($12-14/daily pass). With bouldering, the climbing features are close enough to the padded ground that you don’t need to be roped up.
74. Everyone could use more Namaste in their life. Gift a yoga class. Mellow Monkey in Spokane Valley is a yoga studio tailored to beginners and offers all sorts of class types ($15/class). Harmony Yoga, located on Spokane’s South Hill, offers a New Student Intro 5-class pass ($30) and has all sorts of classes, including “Yoga for 50+”and “Active 50+” for those beyond beginner level. Wild Walls Climbing Gym’s yoga studio offers weekday and weekend classes ($12/class). YogaJoy North, located in the Wandermere area in north Spokane, hosts a Kids After-School Yoga Club and adult classes, plus barre and barre/yoga mix. The New Client Intro offer is 2 weeks of unlimited classes ($40).
75. Inspire someone for ski season with an all-levels Ski Conditioning Class at Physical Therapy Associates’ Elevation Fitness workout studio, located on Spokane’s South Hill. Pilates, spin, yoga, and other classes also available (pricing details at ptassociates.net). //

Amy McCaffree is special section editor and Out There Kids columnist. She contributed to the Family Winter Sports Guide in the last issue. Follow her winter adventures @ Instagram.com/adventure_amy_spokane & facebook.com/AmyOutdoorsSpokane.