The shopping days are numbered. Actually, maybe we should count the hours instead. Let ThurstonTalk alleviate your anxiety of finding the *perfect* gift. Use our last-minute shopping guide below to cross all those important people off your list and produce loads of smiles when the wrapping paper is torn off.
For Her:
- Stocking stuffers galore can be found at Bon Lemon. The West Olympia shop shares space with Spruce, a skin care and waxing shop. Pick up a pair of earrings, a beautiful scarf and add a gift certificate for waxing or a facial and you are done. The prices are so reasonable you will be shocked and the complimentary gift wrapping will make you look like a hero. You can feel good about your purchases because 100% of Bon Lemon’s profits head straight back to local charities. Read more about the sister duo that runs this space here.
- Fashionistas will love a treat from Sweet Life near Capital Mall or step into Vivala across from the Olympia Farmers Market.
For Him:
- Fill up a growler at Three Magnets Brewing. The newly opened, downtown Olympia brewpub serves up tasty beer and yummy eats in both the bar and family-dining sections.
- Walk over to g.miller. The men’s clothing store in downtown Olympia is bursting with custom clothing ideas for your special guy.
For Kids:
- You can’t beat a stop at the newly opened Captain Little toy store. Started by our friends at Compass Rose (a great stop for more gift ideas for everyone on your list), Captain Little should have you checking off the little one’s wish list promptly. The hand-selected toys, art supplies, games, and baby gifts are light years ahead of the big box store. Learn more in this article.
- The Timberland Regional Library selected their best children’s picture books earlier this week. Print the list and then look for one of these titles at Orca Books, also in downtown Olympia.
For Foodies:
- Everyone knows foodies and wine go together. The Bayview and Ralph’s Thriftway Wine Manager picked a few of his favorite bottles in this article. Swing by either of the locally-owned stores and then just add a bow.
- Locally made, gourmet condiments, roasted nuts, cheeses, breads and other delights can be found at the Olympia Farmers Market. The market is open daily through Christmas Eve with special hours for the holiday shopping season. Consider giving a subscription to a farm share box. Find details from the produce vendors at the Market or read this article to learn more and select a farm.
For Home:
- Just glancing at the sparkling displays in Drees of Olympia will entice you to step inside. Find gorgeous home decorations and other delights in this downtown Olympia establishment. Read more about the shop’s 85-year history here.
- If Santa can’t fit a TV down the chimney, let the informative staff at DescoAV give you ideas on how to get the best visual on your favorite reality show or the ideal sound so you can hear Seattle Seahawks games as if you were on the sidelines.
Other Ideas:
- Our Small Business Saturday article is bursting with even more ideas. All the stores listed are Olympia-based retail shops. Find the article here and #ShopSmallOly.
- I’m a big fan of the gift of experience. If you want some ideas in this category, click on this outstanding article that serves up at least 10 waste-free gifts that will create life long memories.
- For a quick gift idea, try a gift card to a locally owned shop like Tumwater Auto Spa. It’s a fast way to bring a smile to any car owner’s face.
- Another ThurstonTalk writer pulls together some thoughts on meaningful gift giving. Click here to read that article.
- Olympia is loaded with well-managed, impactful non-profit organizations. Make a financial gift to a local organization. Find one that matches your interests in this section of our website.
- Perhaps instead of wrapping presents this year, you can wrap someone in a hug. Here are ideas on where to volunteer throughout Christmas and the New Year.
At ThurstonTalk, we believe in telling positive stories about people, businesses and organizations that do good things in our community. Shopping local is a mantra that we not only encourage but do so ourselves. If you have story ideas or comments on this article, email us at submit@thurstontalk.com.
