Our annual gift guide leans heavily towards things and experiences you can buy here locally from a real person at a real shop. We include gift ideas for the gear geeks that are inevitably on your list, as well as a wide range of cool and unique items for the less outdoorsy people you’ll no doubt be shopping for. Joy is in the giving, and it feels even better when you’re keeping dollars here in the local community. Use this guide to get your shopping done quick so that you can get back on the trail or slopes where you belong! (OTM)
WINTER SPORTS
Fog-Free Goggles
The Smith I/OX Turbo Fan Goggles ($300) will help you win the war against fogged-up goggles. The extra-large lens is rad, but it’s the unparalleled anti-fog technology and military-derived, two AAA battery-powered fan that sets these goggles apart. The ultimate gift for anyone who has struggled seeing on the mountain. The Smith I/OX is also compatible with prescription ski goggle inserts that will stay even more fog-free with the fan quietly working its magic. Find these beauties at Spokane Alpine Haus on the South Hill. (DK)
Nordic Ski Packages
Fitness Fanatics has Nordic ski packages that include Fisher Nordic Cruiser skis, bindings, boots, and poles (starting at $300) that are a great starter set for beginners. For the more-experienced, the skate ski package comes with Salomon skis, bindings, boots, and poles ($599).
Bomber Gloves
For super cold conditions, the Outdoor Research Stormtracker Heated Gloves ($265) mean business with varied levels of heat. This package includes a mini-jack, rechargeable batteries, and charger. For milder temps, lightweight glove liners can feel warm enough to wear by themselves, such as ones from Burton and The North Face ($25/each), Arc’teryx ($39), and Outdoor Research whose VersaLiner gloves ($55) include removable liners. Available at Mountain Gear and REI.
Winter Pants
For sledding, hiking, Nordic skiing, or other winter activities, water-resistant “Cold Killer” pants ($99) provide warmth without the bulk of traditional ski pants. Pair them with a base layer of “Spark tights” ($54), both available at Title 9.
Ski or Snowboard Set-up
Gear up your loved one for carving and kickers at Sports Outlet. Their huge wall of boards (starting at $250) includes Libtech, Gnu, Capita, Salomon, Ride, and K2, among other brands. Select your bindings ($150+) and boots ($100+) and you’re ready to shred. Sports Outlet also has loads of ski gear in adult and junior sizes, including top-rated Rossignol and Volkl ski and binding combos (starting at $399). Get your boots ($129) and poles ($20+) and don’t let your family miss another great winter. (ASM)
Alpine/Backcountry Ski Jacket
Give two jackets in one. Flylow freeride jackets are designed for skiers who spend time in the backcountry and at resorts (maybe with a pair of skins in the backpack). Flylow bridges the gap between technical, water-proof/breathable apparel and freeride fit and style. Find plenty of options to choose from at Spokane Alpine Haus. (DK)
Cool Hats
The Ski Shack is packed with some of the best ski and snowboard gear and apparel on the market, so there’s no doubt a gift for someone on your list is waiting there in Hayden, Idaho. And if you’re looking for a hat for a picky hat person, Ski Shack is the place to go. The shop has one of the largest and best selections of cool hats for on and off the mountain in the region. (DK)
Ski Helmets
Don’t forget a brain bucket. Sports Outlet has 70 different models to choose from for adults and juniors, including Smith and Oakley (starting at $50). (ASM)
Backcountry Ski/Snowshoe Hybrid
The innovative Hok Skis ($220-$330) made by Altai Skis, based in Curlew, Wash., are a hybrid of cross-country skis and snowshoes. The short, wide design makes these skis easy to use and maneuver, with integrated climbing skins on the base. Hoks are available in two sizes for adults (with or without bindings), as well as a kids’ Balla Hok. Find them at Mountain Gear or Altaiskis.com. (ASM)
Consignment Ski Gear & Apparel
Missed ski swap? NW Outdoors in Spokane has great deals on lightly used and new/never-used gear with inventory changing daily. Choose from a wide selection of brand-name technical outerwear, base layers, and everything else ($20-$200). All of the store’s alpine skis are 10 years or newer, and the shop carries Nordic and backcountry skis ($60-$500). Complete the set-up with boots, poles, and helmets at wholesale prices. (ASM)
Alpine Base Layers
Skiers and snowboarders need a dependable, durable baselayer, like The North Face collared half-zip men’s L1 Top ($125) made of polyester/elastine or the women’s 100% merino wool long-sleeve zip neck baselayer ($130), paired with 100% merino wool baselayer tights ($99). Find a great selection at the Spokane North Face store. (ASM)
Women’s Down Parka
Help keep the love of your life warm with The North Face’s new Women’s Transit Jacket II ($249), a parka-length water repellant 550 fill goose down insulated jacket that comes with a snap-off removable cocoon-brimmed hood. Available at the Spokane North Face store. (ASM)
HIKING/RUNNING/MULTISPORT
Traction Devices
Over-the-sole traction devices for winter boots or running shoes provide stability on slippery surfaces from city sidewalks to snowy trails, especially when deep snow covers pesky ice. Types include Petzl Spiky Plus for running or winter boots ($35), Kahtoola NanoSpikes ($50), or Microspikes for deeper snow ($70). Find them at Mountain Gear and REI (inventory varies).
Due North traction devices (formerly known as the Get-a-Grip brand) are available at Fitness Fanatics, including Everyday Pro ($25) and All Purpose ($40)—two non-bulky options “for the person who wants to make it through winter without running on a treadmill,” says Robin DeRuwe, owner of Fitness Fanatics. “These are going to give them better natural traction.” (ASM)
Running Shoes
Brooks Adrenaline GTS 18 running shoes ($120) feature a sleek new mesh upper design for this latest version available at Runners Soul. Bloomsday will be here sooner than you think. (ASM)
Multi-Sport Watch
The ultimate multi-sport watch for the athlete on your list is the Garmin Phoenix 5 or 5S (starting at $699). This waterproof, multi-function technology counts laps and arm strokes in the pool; tracks open-water swim distances and running speed, mileage, and cadence; and tracks heart rate (wrist-based), walking steps, and sleep patterns. Data uploads to a phone via Bluetooth. Looking for something less hard-core? Consider the Garmin Forerunner 935 ($500) for triathletes and runners (includes built-in altimeter and electronic compass) or Forerunner 35 ($200) GPS running watch. All available from Fitness Fanatics. (ASM)
Reflective Jacket
The Brooks Canopy Jacket ($150) for men or women, exclusively available from Fleet Feet Sports’ two Spokane locations, keeps runners seen, warm, and dry with its breathable, reflective, wind- and water-resistant fabric design. It’s lightweight and stuffs into its own left pocket, making this a great piece for on-the-go layering. Includes a storable hood that snaps into place when needed. (ASM)
Lights
Give the gift of light to the runners and fitness walkers in your life. A Nathan reflective vest ($25-$27) and Mag Strobe LED Clip light ($15), plus reflective bands for around arms or ankles (starting at $9/pair), should help them to be better seen and safe. Available at Runners Soul. (ASM)
Running Training Program
Fleet Feet Sports in Spokane and Spokane Valley offers two spring training programs for runners, one for 5Ks ($69, begins Feb. 20) and the other for the Windermere Half Marathon ($100, begins Feb. 28). Give a gift card to be redeemed for in-store registration. (ASM)
Massage Roller
Fleet Feet Sports offers a variety of tools to massage running muscles before and after runs. The Addaday “Type C” Ultra Roller+ ($42) is a small, portable handheld roller that’s easy to stash in a training bag. (ASM)
Running Belt
Stow your essentials while trail running with the Nathan TrailMix Plus 2 ($50), a bounce-free, adjustable waist belt that holds two 10-oz hydration flasks. It also includes a large zippered pocket and front stash pouch. Available at Fleet Feet Sports. (ASM)
Reflective Running Tights
For coverage and visibility during winter runs, Fleet Feet Sports has women’s Nike Power Flash Epic Lux Tight ($120), which has an eye-catching striped reflective design starting from the mid-thigh down. Stow a phone in the zippered pocket. (ASM)
CAMPING
Camp Shower
What stinks? Every backpacker or rustic camper. Patchouli and deodorant can only do so much. Which is why the Sea to Summit pocket shower makes a great gift. It holds 10L of water for a 7-minute shower ($33). Pair it with a Cascades Designs pack towel ($25), which absorbs four times its weight in water. Find them at Mountain Gear. (ASM)
Beverage Bottles
The uber-trendy Hydro Flask thermal stainless-steel water bottles and other drinkware come in a rainbow of bright colors, which means you can personalize drinkware based on style, size, color, and lid variations. Based in Bend, Oregon, Hydro Flask drinkware keeps hot drinks hot and ice cubes frozen for over 24 hours. Available at Mountain Gear, White Elephant, and REI. Similarly, YETI Rambler drinkware improves the hot or cold beverage consumption experience. The Kitchen Engine carries different colors of all sizes—such as the 14-oz. mug and 30-oz. tumbler ($20-$35). (ASM)
Camp Cookware
Spokane-based GSI makes enamel tableware and utensils for camping and cabin-living—plates, bowls, and cups—as well as coffee percolators ($12+), tea kettles ($18+), and more. Available from The General Store, White Elephant, Mountain Gear, and REI. (ASM)
Nalgene French Press
Transform any Nalgene water bottle into a French press for brewing coffee or tea with the addition of a Press-Bot ($20). Backcountry trips can only get better with this nifty gadget—find it at Mountain Gear. (ASM)
Camp Knife
Buck Knives’ Selkirk Knife ($87) is art in two parts. First, the design is smart and minimal with an intelligent sheath. Second, it’s an American-made blade with stunning features that embarrass other knives. Named after the local mountain range, this fixed-blade knife makes a great gift with a sheath. Available at local Buck Knife dealers such as White Elephant and at the Buck Knives headquarters in Post Falls. (JJ)
NORTHWEST APPAREL
Women’s Active Apparel
Title 9’s “Thermalite” fleece-lined tights ($89) work as an alpine-sport base layer or running pants, or can be worn as an everyday comfy-casual option when paired with a Title 9 dress or hooded full-zip sweater tunic ($149) or warm dress ($89-$179). For a cute and cozy après ski outfit, pick up a poly-wool skirt ($89) or “Alpha Omega” skirt ($69) from Title 9, or Skhoop brand Bun Warmer wind and water-resistant skirt ($119). Sweater skirts are also available at Mountain Gear, such as the merino wool Ibex Fresco ($120). (ASM)
Puffy Jacket
Every Inland Northwest resident should have a good “puffy,” also known as a goose-down vest or jacket, for everything from walking to the pub to winter camping. It keeps a person warm and dry as an outer-layer on dry days and under a weatherproof shell in snow or rain. Mountain Gear has a wide variety of high-quality brands available, including Patagonia, one of the world’s most socially responsible and sustainability-minded outdoor gear corporations. Patagonia has a Nano Puff vest ($149), jacket ($199), and hoody jacket ($249). All Patagonia products have an “Ironclad guarantee,” making this a puffy for life. (ASM)
Mountain Tees
Spokane-based Peak Style t-shirts ($25) feature artistic topographical mountain maps. You’ll find well-known regional peaks and mountains on soft, quality cotton tees, making them a great gift for anyone who has climbed Adams, Baker, Hood, Jefferson, or Rainier. They even feature Mount Stuart and Mount Spokane. Available at Atticus Coffee & Gifts and peak.style. (ASM)
Northwest Threads
Based in Spokane, the Great PNW company designs and produces tees and sweatshirts for women, men, and youth; billed hats and beanies; and accessories, like stickers (Spokane 6-sticker pack, $9) and now socks ($18). Available at Atticus Coffee & Gifts and online at Thegreatpnw.com. (ASM)
BIKING
Women’s Cycling Apparel
Tonik Cycling makes stylish and comfortable tanks and dresses for women of all shapes and sizes. Not only for biking or a spin class, they are great for traveling or hiking trails. Founded by two women on Whidbey Island, Tonik has three styles available locally: Mary Cycling Dress, Abbey Tank, and Maggie Tank ($79-$82). Find them at Mojo Cyclery and North Division Bicycle. (ASM)
Bike Tools
Even an occasional rider could use a Finish Line Grunge Brush ($14) that makes cleaning bike chains easier. Same goes for a portable multi-tool set ($10-$34). More hardcore wrenchers will love an adjustable torque driver—like the Park Tool ATD-1 ($65)—and a digital tire pressure gauge for mid-fat or full-fat tire riders (most pumps are not accurate down to lower PSIs). All items available at North Division Bicycle. (ASM)
Hand-Built Fat Bike Wheels
Spokane’s Matthew Larsen Wheelbuilding is the choice for surprising serious cyclists with a new set of hand-built wheels for all types of bikes. For fat bikers, order up a set of fat bike wheels made to order, with carbon and aluminum rim options in many widths and axle configurations. Choose wheels built with power-generating dynamo hubs that create power for your lights and nighttime adventures while you ride. (DK)
Bear Bells
Remember last summer’s news stories about mountain bikers surprising bears on trails? No happy endings. Which is why a Timber Mountain Bell ($20) for alerting wildlife is a must-have for backcountry riders. It snaps around and hangs from the handlebars and can be turned off when needed. Find it at North Division Bike Shop. (ASM)
Cycling Hat
Keep your helmet-head warm with Bontrager headwear, like the merino wool B3 Balaclava ($60) or beanie ($25) or a thermal cycling cap ($25) that includes ear flaps and back ponytail hole. All available from Bike Hub. (ASM)
Cyclo-Cross Bike
Is someone in your family struggling at cyclo-cross races on their 15-year-old mountain bike? Time for an upgrade. The Masi CXR Expert hits the mark of desirable CX racing technology and affordability in a lightweight and versatile package. This beauty was Mojo Cyclery’s featured bike in November. Stop by Mojo in Spokane Valley to check it out. (DK)
Soft Shell Cycling Jacket
The Bontrager Foray jacket ($130) is great for bike commuting—it’s a casual design, black with reflective piping, to transition from bike to the office in style. Or opt for Bontrager’s Rhythm Windshell ($90) with vents in the back and armpits for breathable comfort. Find them at Bike Hub. (ASM)
Fat Bike
Ride on snowy trails and through powder with a Specialized Fatboy or Hellga (starting at $999), sold by Wheel Sport, or the Trek Farley (starting at $1,700) from Bike Hub. (ASM)
Winter Cycling Gloves
Keep safe with Specialized Element 3.0 lobster-style gloves (starting at $65) for cozy warmth while still being able to use brakes and gears. Available at Wheel Sport. (ASM)
Electric Assist Fat Bike
Go farther on snow, gravel road, or trail with a fat bike set up with a geared hub electric motor for assist when you need it. Fresh Air E-Bikes in Spirit Lake, Idaho, sells Surface 604 electric-assist fat bikes that the company describes as an all-terrain sport utility bike for all seasons and trail conditions. According to many converts, this combo of a fat bike with electric assist is an “absolute game changer.” 2017 demo bikes are on sale in December for 30% off while they last. Freshairebikes.com. (DK)
Winter Pogies
Protect hands from wind and cold this winter while mountain biking or commuting with the 45Nrth Cobrafist insulated handlebar covers ($99), from Two Wheeler Dealer in Hayden, Idaho. Features include a water-resistant tear-resistant poly outer shell, zippered vents, and inner pocket stowage. Or the Wolf Tooth Singletrack Pogies ($100), from Wheel Sport, that are roomy for easy use of brakes and gears. (ASM)
LED Bike Lights
A good bike light for a reasonable cost is the Cygolite Dash Pro 600 USB ($69). It charges in 4 hours and provides over 10 hours of brightness (600 lumens) when on low mode (eight mode choices available). Find it at Two Wheeler Dealer. Or try the even more affordable Serfas E-Lume 450 lumen light ($45) at Mojo Cyclery. These light-weight bike lights are plenty bright for most nighttime riding purposes and charge in only 3.25 hours. (ASM)
Mobile Bike Repair
A great way to help encourage a friend or family member to get back into cycling is to gift them a visit from Velofix Spokane. The Velofix full-service mobile bike shop van will show up at your person’s home or office to tune and repair any type of bike that may have been sitting around for a while, saving them a trip back and forth from a brick and mortar bike shop, and hopefully providing motivation to get out and ride more. (DK)
FAMILY & KIDS
Street Hockey
Keep your kids active outside without having to drive to a mountain or ice rink. The Toysmith Street Hockey Set ($18, age 5+), available at White Elephant, comes with a puck, ball, and two sticks for playing on snow, grass, or pavement. (ASM)
Climbing
Let your kids blow off some steam by climbing someone else’s walls. Wild Walls or the Bloc Yard Bouldering Gym in Spokane have routes suitable for kids (and adults), as well as youth classes and programs. (ASM)
Snowshoes
Whether on trails or at urban parks, snowshoeing is perhaps the easiest winter sport for all ages. For children, there are Tubbs, Louis Garneau, or MSR ($50-$90) snowshoes available at REI. For adults, including styles specialized for backcountry terrain, high-quality brands include Crescent Moon and Atlas Elektra ($140-$300). Find them at Mountain Gear and REI (inventory varies). (ASM)
Sustainable, American-made Toys
Toys, the universal item on a child’s wish list. Give something that inspires imaginative play, like the non-toxic Green Toys line of tool and tea sets, trucks, boats, and more, which are USA-made from 100% recycled materials. Available from White Elephant and Whiz Kids at River Park Square. (ASM)
Disc Golf
Innova disc golf gear, available at The General Store, will equip friends and family for fun throwing discs while hiking through the woods at local disc golf courses. (ASM)
ADVENTURE DOGS
Hiking with Your Hound
Like to hike with your dog? So does Amy Barker, co-owner of Prairie Dog Mercantile, which has a new store at Kendall Yards in Spokane in addition to its South Hill location. She recommends practical, price-conscious gear to make life on the trail more comfortable for both dogs and their owners, such as the Olly Dog Mt Tam Hands-Free dog leash ($33) paired with a Ruffwear Front Range harness ($40). (ASM)
Pet Travel Gear
The H2O4K9 stainless steel water bottle (25 oz) and travel bowl ($20) from Prairie Dog Mercantile is a 2-in-1 design that allows you to pour unused water back into the bottle. Use a Messy Mutts travel towel ($15) to efficiently clean and dry off dogs before they get back into your car. (ASM)
Cold-Weather Canine Gear
Urban Canine has fleece-lined Muttlucks booties ($50-60) to keep little feet warm. Some dogs may also need a RC Pet coat, such as the fleece-lined, water-resistant soft shell Cascade Coat ($44) or Skyline puffy vest ($45). Or the USA-made Gold Paw Duluth double-fleece coat (starting at $30). Available from Prairie Dog Mercantile and Urban Canine (inventory varies). (ASM)
COOKING/CRAFT FOOD & BEVERAGES
Fair-Trade Spices
“For the chef in your life, Rumi spices are delicious,” says Kim Harmson, owner of Kizuri, in downtown Spokane. Rumi was founded by U.S. military veterans who served in Afghanistan and, as a way to give back and promote peace, started their business to employ local Afghan farmers. Products include saffron ($10) and spice blends like Afghan Curry Braise and Kabul Piquant Chicken Saffron ($12.50 each). All are hand-packaged in glass jars with cork lids. (ASM)
Cast Iron Cookware
How meals are prepared can improve flavor. Heirloom-quality Finex Cast Iron Cookware ($125-$270), based in Portland, Oregon, is polished smooth for non-stick performance and their coil handles stay cooler longer. Find it at The Kitchen Engine. (ASM)
Craft Kitchenware
Spokane-based artist Kelsey Jo Flatoff sells handcrafted ceramic “food-focused functional wares.” KJ Pottery line-up (starting at $21) includes coffee mugs, plate sets, serving bowls, and other kitchenware, all with earthy hues that are perfect for a Northwest style home, ski condo, or lake cabin. Buy online or at Pop Up Shop. (ASM)
Teak Cutting Board
Give the artisanal foodie or cook in your life an anti-microbial, sustainably-sourced TeakHaus cutting board ($15-$150), an “end-grain” board made from teak wood that maintains the sharp cutting edges of knives. Find it at The Kitchen Engine. (ASM)
Spokandy Gift Pack
Founded in 1913, Spokandy is an iconic Spokane chocolate and candy company whose original-recipe sweets are well-known and sold way beyond the Inland Northwest. At its store front on Third Avenue in downtown Spokane, get a ready-to-grab and easy-to-mail boxed, ribbon-tied gift pack. Three versions are available: Northwest Assorted, Mountain Peak (which includes the new “Bigfoot Family bars), and Spokandy’s Favorites ($31-$61). (ASM)
Re-usable Food Storage Wraps
Store artisan breads, cheeses, and other food in these re-usable Bee’s Wrap ($12-$45) plastic bag alternatives. Made from organic cotton sheets infused with beeswax, Bee’s Wraps are available in various shapes, sizes, and print patterns from The Kitchen Engine. (ASM)
Craft Cider Blends
Spokane’s One Tree Cider makes blended hard cider with pineapple and mango—making it a sweet tropical treat for a relaxing island-ambiance staycation. Other One Tree flavors include huckleberry, lemon basil, caramel cinnamon, among others ($44-$55 for half-case/6 bottles). Find bottles at Idaho Pour Authority, Tamarack Market, Huckleberry’s Natural Market, Rosauers, Super 1 Foods, Growler Guys in Spokane, and other local retailers. More cider info and online store at Onetreehardcider.com. (JJ)
Locally Roasted Coffee
A great organic gift with local flair is Roast House Coffee’s Bloomsday Blend ($16), with proceeds benefiting the Lilac Bloomsday Association. Or give a bag of the seasonally new Winter Brew ($9-$16) and Working Elf Blend ($9-$16), as well as Mocha Java ($10-$19). Find Roast House at Huckleberry’s, My Fresh Basket, and other local retailers and online.
For coffee with a healthy kick, Defiant Coffee’s Mushroom Blend ($22/1 lb.) provides anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, among other benefits, and a Collagen Blend ($16/1 lb.) that includes bovine collagen to help restore a person’s own protein supply that’s gets depleted due to processed foods, white sugar, and other impacts—recommended for osteoarthritis, gut health, and tissue repair. Buy locally at Barney’s Harvest Foods in Spokane Valley and Pinehurst, Idaho, Flour Mill Natural Foods in Hayden Lake, or online.
DOMA Coffee Roasting Company in Post Falls, Idaho, offers seasonal beans to make anyone’s holiday season bright. Try the organic Winter Wonderland ($15.85) or DEEP Coffee ($19), which was created in partnership with P.O.W.—Protect Our Winters—with $1 from every purchase donated to this climate change advocacy organization, comprised of winter sports athletes and outdoor enthusiasts. Purchase online.
Giving a bag of Sandpoint-based Evans Brothers Coffee Roasters beans is like a cozy hug—every cup of coffee will be a reminder of your friendship. Which, on a powder morning, might be a hot cup of Organic Chair 6 Breakfast Blend ($13, 12-oz.) or Fall Line Espresso Blend ($12.75). Evan Brothers has two cafe locations, in Sandpoint and Coeur d’Alene, and also sells cool swag, like Idaho State and ski-themed t-shirts, mugs, and tumblers (starting at $12). Buy at the shops or online. (ASM)
Automated Espresso Maker
Like a robot barista, the Breville Oracle Touch espresso machine ($2,500) provides café quality drinks without any fuss, through an automated 3-step process for grinding, brewing, and prepping milk. Up to eight personalized drinks are memorized and prepared with a simple press of a touch-screen button. Available from The Kitchen Engine. (ASM)
Washington Wine
Every holiday meal or party needs a good award-winning wine from Washington’s wine country. Conveniently located next to the Centennial Trail in Spokane’s Kendall Yards neighborhood, the newly-opened Maryhill Winery tasting room has the right wine for every occasion. Even better, buy a case (10% savings) so you can enjoy some at a party, and give bottles as gifts. Classic Whites (starting at $14) are very popular and a sweet treat at every festivity. And a case of wine with a Wine Club membership is a classy gift that keeps on giving. The “Taste of Maryhill Wine Club” is free to join and club case prices of three bottles per shipment start at $70, with deliveries four times a year. (JJ)
Fresh Baked Goods
Give the gift of freshly-baked bread and other treats. Great Harvest Bread Co., locally-owned on Spokane’s South Hill, offers a Sugar & Spice gift bag that includes a loaf of cinnamon burst bread and 6-pack of cookies ($15) or mix and match items to create a personalized gift basket wrapped with festive tissue paper and cellophane. Add a Frontier Hearty Meals natural soup mix, like Ski Country Chili Mix ($8), with baked goods for a quick alpine-themed gift to go. (ASM)
BOOKS/ART/GAMES
Mountain Rescue
When hell breaks loose, search and rescue is a miracle. The latest book from Bree Loewen, a wife and mother and respected leader of Seattle Mountain Rescue, is a great gift for anyone who loves playing in the mountains. “FOUND: A Life in Mountain Rescue” ($17.95, published by Mountaineers Books), is a brilliant collection of Washington stories that reveal the author’s deep thoughts about confronting danger, risk, and, often, death for a stranger. Available at Mountain Gear. (JJ)
Mount Spokane
In addition to an extensive line of regional guidebooks, Mountain Gear has the new “Mount Spokane State Park User’s Guide: History, Trails, Adventures, Information, and More,” by Cris M. Currie and The Friends of Mt. Spokane State Park ($14.95). This book is a helpful resource, especially for friends and co-workers new to town. (ASM)
Adult Coloring Books
Give the gift of art therapy with an adult coloring book. “Color the Pacific Northwest,” ($13, published by Timber Press) by Portland-based illustrator Zoe Keller, is perfect for a relaxing winter afternoon. Available at The General Store. (ASM)
Fairtrade Gifts
It’s possible to find gifts for multiple people or even everyone on your list at Kizuri Fair Trade Gifts & Clothing. Kizuri’s shop in the Community Building on Main Street downtown Spokane is packed with beautiful, handcrafted baskets, jewelry, art, clothing, furniture, soaps and personal care items, and many other unique, fair trade, earth friendly items made by craftspeople from all over the world. (DK)
Pacific Northwest Art & Crafts
Pacific Northwest themed art curated by Spokane area craftspeople is available at the new Tsuga Northwest Arts Gallery, located in Spokane’s South Perry District. For the holidays, the gallery will feature a mix of fine art and handmade goods that are geared towards those who love the outdoors, including custom-made fly rods, mountain and fly fishing paintings, handmade knives, woodwork, burl-wood and antler walking sticks, handmade whiskey flasks, growlers, and much more. (ASM)
Pop Up Shop Handmade Goods
Pop Up Shop, located in downtown Spokane’s Steam Plant Building, is a collaborative retail store dedicated to local makers popping up around the Inland Northwest. Purchase handmade goods such as jewelry, toys, housewares, leather goods, body care items, and fine art. Proceeds help support local artists. (ASM)
Spokane-Themed Art Prints
Spokaloo, founded by local artist Amy Jennings, sells Spokane-themed illustrated art prints and wall décor ($20-$45), including a yeti carrying skis at Mount Spokane and the Vista House (winter and summer versions). Jennings also transformed local neighborhood grid maps into art. Available at Boo Radley’s and online at Spokaloo.net. (ASM)
Ski-Themed Art
Staggs and Staggs, a Spokane-based husband and wife business, creates ski-themed family crests and signs for homes and cabins, mountain-themed ornaments, customized GPS coordinate signs, and much more. Buy at Staggsandstaggs.com or Pop Up Shop. (ASM)
Landscape Wall Calendars
Functional art in the form of nature and landscape photography makes a great gift: choose from a 2018 calendar from the Sierra Club ($15, wall style; $16, engagement calendar) or wall calendar featuring the black and white photography of Ansel Adams ($20). Available at Auntie’s Bookstore. (ASM)
Children’s Graphic Novel
Popular with local elementary-age readers, “Victoria Jr.” ($12, hardcover)—available at Merlyn’s—is the first in a series of full-color children’s graphic novels created by Spokane author Manny Trembley (fishtankbooks.com). Its style appeals to those who like the spooky weirdness of The Addams Family. (ASM)
Fantasy Card Games
“Iconic Masters” is the new set of 15 cards ($9/pack) for addition to the popular fantasy game “Magic: The Gathering”—which has a loyal following of fans in Spokane. Find it at Merlyn’s. (ASM)
Spokane Art T-Shirts
Is your friend who moved away missing Spokane? Boo Radley’s has t-shirts and prints featuring the Spokane-inspired artwork from local artists, Chris Bovey and Noriyan ($19-$25). (ASM)
TRAVEL & EXPERIENCES
Lodge Getaway
Give a winter resort vacation package for Silver Mountain Resort’s Morning Star Lodge, Selkirk Lodge at Schweitzer Mountain Resort, Whitefish Montana’s Lodge at Whitefish Lake, or Lochsa Lodge in Powell, Idaho. In Leavenworth, Wash., Sleeping Lady Resort offers unique all-inclusive recreation-focused vacation packages for downhill or Nordic skiing. (ASM)
The Gift of Shredding
Mt. Spokane Ski and Snowboard Park, 49° North Mountain Resort, Lookout Pass, Silver Mountain, and Schweitzer all have great lift ticket deals that make great stocking stuffers. And a sweet gift for new skiers or snowboarders is enrollment in a program like the EZ-Ski or Ride 3-day package that includes three lift tickets, lessons, and rentals. (ASM)
River Trips & Exotic Adventures
Locally known for its spring and summer raft trips down the Spokane and Clark Fork Rivers, ROW Adventures, based in Coeur d’Alene, offers broader regional and guided global adventure travel and tours including rafting the Snake River in Hells Canyon or Oregon’s Rogue River. Or go beyond North America for sea kayaking in places such as Cuba, Patagonia, the French island of Corsica, or the Galapagos Islands. Any ROW trip would make a memorable gift. (ASM)
STOCKING STUFFERS
The Spokane River Centennial Trail Map ($5) is a useful gift that helps support the Friends of the Centennial Trail Foundation. Find it at Mountain Gear and REI.
Save a life! Have a particularly hard-core adventurer friend? Give a SOL Emergency Blanket ($5) or Survival Blanket that fits up to 2 people ($7)—find them at REI.
Moe’s Pucker Paste ($4) is made by Spokane Symphony trumpeter Eric Moe, who invented an all-natural lip balm to give his own music-making lips some TLC. Find it at Etsy.com/shop/MoesPuckerPaste.
Expo ’74 Memorabilia, including vintage, original dishes, postcards, and even belt buckles ($3-7) commemorating Spokane’s 1974 World Expo can be found at Boo Radley’s. Groovy! (ASM)
// (Amy S. McCaffree, Jon Jonckers, and Derrick Knowles)
