By Amy
“Think of three locally owned, independent, brick and mortar businesses you love… Pop in. Say hello. Pick up a little something that makes you smile,” says Olympia Downtown Association Executive Director Connie Lorenz.
Olympia store owners and managers have selected their favorite gifts for the holiday season. Beyond supporting local retailers, you can find unique presents, beautiful gifts, and tasty suggestions all in downtown Olympia. Park once and finish your shopping within a few blocks. Most merchants listed below will also gift wrap your purchase at no additional charge.
Looking for something handmade by a local crafter? Visit ThurstonTalk’s Calendar of Events to find craft fairs and bazaars.
For Her
Knit Slouchy Hats – $18 at Sweet Life
As soon as Shawna Ramstad, Sweet Life’s manager, donned an animal print slouchy hat, I was sold. Grab a hat, in various prints and styles at a great price, for the favorite female on your list.
Patterned Leggings – $58 at Sweet Life
“I love these because the prints are fashionable but the fabric is so cozy – you can just throw them on,” commented Ramstad.
Long Cardigans – $168 at Sweet Life
“Knee-length cardigans are very popular this year. We have some great styles that will keep you warm,” said Ramstad while showing me a lovely gray sweater alongside a variegated print one.
For Him
Mustache Ornament – $8.95 at Archibald Sisters
“The mustache ornament is new this year,” reports Archibald Sisters owner Phil Rollins who expects it to be a big seller.
Vitamin E Aftershave Balm – $4 for 2 oz at Archibald Sisters
The light, vitamin E enriched, alcohol free aftershave balm soothes sensitive, freshly shaven skin and leaves it feeling refreshed and moisturized. Buff is the favorite scent of owner Phil Rollins.
Flasks – prices range from $45 – $75 at g.miller
“My favorite flask is from Alchemy. The stamped pewter flask is handmade in England and has a rubber o-ring seal which provides the best performance,” said Greg Miller, g.miller store owner
A Great Pair of Jeans – prices vary at g.miller
“Guys always need a great pair of jeans”, continued Greg Miller. g.miller carries a variety of brands including Agave, 7 for All Mankind, and Joe’s in sizes ranging from 32 – 42.
Slippers – prices range from $55 – $100 at g.miller
“We carry hip slippers that you can wear to pick up the paper,” reported Greg Miller. “You could even wear them out in public, but I would not recommend it,” he said with a laugh. His favorite pair is called Zen Dad ($78) because “it just sounds cool.”
For Kids
Dolphin Explorer Boat – $29.95 at Compass Rose
“Using recycled plastic and bits of wood, Sprig make really fun trucks, a neat boat, and a few other adventure based toys. I really like the dolphin explorer boat from this line,” said Compass Rose store manager Liz Van Dyck.
To Market, To Market by Nikki McClure – $17.95 at Fire Side Bookstore
Local artist, Nikki McClure, has published a beautiful book about the Olympia Farmer’s Market. Fire Side Bookstore carries signed copies.
Spooner Board – $44.99 at Wind Up Here
This balance board helps to develop stability, coordination and totally rad motor skills. The package says that it’s intended for kids 4-8 but I watched “kids at heart” (aka adults) stand and spin on the indoor board with a big smile on their faces.
Settlers of Catan – $41.99 at Wind Up Here
“This board game has been a consistent best seller”, said Wind Up Here store manager Jeni O’Connor. “It’s a strategy game that the whole family can play for years.” Add-on game components are also available.
Remote Controlled Helicopter – $44.99 at Wind Up Here
This awesome helicopter really takes off. It flies for approximately 11 minutes with a 30-foot range. With three channels, multiple people can fly simultaneously.
For Home
Whiskey Stones – $22 at Compass Rose
Add frozen Whiskey Stones to your drink without diluting it. “Whiskey Stones make a great gift alone or add tumblers and a mixology book,” says Alana at Compass Rose.
3.5 Quart Oval Oven by Le Creuset – $130 special price at Compass Rose
Compass Rose carries the complete line of Le Creuset kitchenware – from a bright yellow honey pot to a cast iron skillet. “Le Creuset has a long history of being one of the top manufactures of cast iron, and we are delighted to carry it,” said Liz Van Dyck, Compass Rose Store Manager.
Linnea Poster Calendar – $14 (small) or $28 (large) at Fire Side Bookstore
In its 26th year of publication, the Linnea poster calendar is used and admired all year long.
New Land, North of the Columbia: Historic Documents That Tell the Story of Washington State from Territory to Today – $40 at Fire Side Bookstore
“This is a beautiful, signed coffee table book that brings to life Washington’s last 150 years with fascinating archives,” reports Fire Side Bookstore proprietor Jane Laclergue.
Thymes Frasier Fir – prices range from $8.95 – $49 at The Popinjay
Thymes has created a aromatic, seasonal scent in a variety of products including candles, lotion, and even dish soap. Pick up one item or a few to make a charming gift. My favorite is the pinecone shaped diffuser ($39.50).
For Food Lovers
McEvoy Olive Oil – $22.50 at Drees
“This organic olive oil is buttery and tastes great drizzled over a baguette with goat cheese and lavender salt ($4.50),” recommends Drees owner Ruthann Goularte.
Wood Plank – $25 at Drees
Goularte also suggests a wood plank as a lovely holiday gift. “Add three cheeses and a bowl of almonds or combine the plank with a cheese handbook.”
Specialty Salts – prices vary from $4.50 – $20 at Drees
“Specialty salts are very popular right now,” says Goularte. Pick up a diamond pink salt ($16.50) or try a white truffle salt ($20). Add the book Salt to Taste to finish the gift.
Indian Spice Kit – $38 at Bucks Fifth Avenue
The spice kit, containing India’s most “go-to” spices, is beautifully packaged in individual round tins. Mexican, African, Middle Eastern, BBQ, and Curry spice kits are also available. Buck’s also prepares a sea salt and pepper kit.
Chocolate Truffles – $2.50/piece at The Popinjay
“We sell thousands of fine chocolates in December,” states The Popinjay owner Janis Dean. The chocolates are beautifully wrapped in boxes of one to twenty. Grab a sea salt caramel truffle quickly since it is the current favorite.
For Outdoor Enthusiasts
GoPro Camera – $199 – $300 at Alpine Experience
Who doesn’t want a helmet mounted, waterproof video camera? “These cameras are rugged. You can take them everywhere, even down to 180 feet underwater,” reports Assistant General Manager, Max, at Alpine Experience.
Headlamps – prices start at $19.95 at Alpine Experience
Headlamps are for the practical among us. Alpine Experience stocks a variety of headlamps at various prices. Stop in the store to learn more.
Patagonia Down Sweater – $200 at Olympic Outfitters
“This sweater is made with 800 fill down and it’s a nice, all-around sweater for men and women,” states Olympic Outfitters owner Val Hyer.
Hand-made Wool Hats – $24 – $30 at Olympic Outfitters
“These beautiful, colorful hats are made by Lost Horizons, a women’s group in Nepal. The hats have matching mittens and scarves,” says Hyer.
Give an Experience or Start a New Hobby
Like you, I have hard-to-shop-for people on my list. I find that an “experience” or a new hobby is often a good way to answer the question “what do I give to someone who has it all?” Here are some ideas for experiences and interests in the greater Olympia area.
- Gift certificate for a beginning knitting class at Canvas Works ($35)
- Family membership to the Hands On Children’s Museum ($99)
- Support local farms by giving a gift card to the Olympia Farmers Market, a subscription to a Community Supported Agriculture program, or a gift certificate to Olympia Local Foods
- Tickets to a performance at Capital Playhouse, Olympia Family Theatre, or Harlequin Productions
- Sign up for a cooking class at Bayview School of Cooking which emphasizes the fresh flavors of the Pacific Northwest as well as ethnic flavors from around the world ($35 – $50 adults or $25 – $30 for kids in the kitchen classes)
- Try a yoga class at the Yoga Loft ($7 – $12 per class at the drop-in rate)
- Register for a group climbing class for adults or youth at the Warehouse Rock Gym. Learn bouldering, top roping, leading and everything in between. (Kids 4-week classes are $75 and adult 2-week classes are $60.)
- Create a unique masterpiece at the Painted Plate Pottery Studio. Receive creative input, artistic suggestions, and all the encouragement you need to make a one-of-a-kind gift. Plan ahead since you will pick up your creation five days later.
- Locate a family recipe. Visit Bucks Fifth Avenue where the charming staff will gather all the spices you need to create the dish.
- Buy your family fish to support the building of the New Hands On Children’s Museum. Inscribe your kids, family, or business name on a colorful fish that will be a legacy in the New Museum.
- See secluded shorelines, breath taking views, and sealife from a kayak. Rentals start at $17 for two hours at Tugboat Annies.
- Make a donation, in honor of your loved one, to your favorite non-profit organization. Not sure who to support? Visit South Sound Partners for Philanthropy for a list of local non-profit groups.
American Express cardholders can take advantage of a $25 credit for buying from local merchants on Small Business Saturday (November 26, 2011).
