Holiday Gift Guide: Last minute gifts

By Zach Hagadone
and Soncirey Mitchell
Reader Staff

We’re entering the final innings of the holiday shopping season, with workplace and neighborhood parties populating the calendar even as the days are winding down to the Main Event on Dec. 25. These are the desperate times for many gift-givers, who may have procrastinated on picking something up for the office white elephant exchange or have so far avoided the challenge of their harder-to-shop-for family members.

Though it’s crunch time, this is when some people shine. Others, however, fall into the trap of buying whatever they can lay their hands on at the gas station, and come off looking like they’re as thoughtless as they are terrible with time management. Hopefully a few of these last-minute suggestions will help score a late-game win.

Unique candy from Sugar Tooth

When we say “unique,” we mean it. Located on the Cedar St. Bridge (334 N. First Ave., in downtown Sandpoint), Sugar Tooth is a treasure trove of sweets and treats that can’t be found anywhere else. The offerings range far and wide both in type and origin, with loads of products from as far afield as Japan and South Korea. Check out the drinks cooler and consider if anyone on your list would be interested in cracking open a bottle of enchilada- or grass-flavored soda. Mix and match items as you peruse the shop, or consider one of the coolest options: any of seven “mystery boxes” with themes including chocolate; international snacks; sour candy; the even more mysterious “blue,” “pink” and “red” boxes; or the TikTok Viral selection. Prices start at $24.99, and that’s killer for a gift that takes the guesswork out of giving by keeping them guessing. Go to sugar-tooth.com for more info.

Magazine subscriptions

There remain few gifts that keep on giving like a yearly subscription to a high-quality print publication. We’re talking about titles like The New Yorker (with fabulous long-form journalism, essays, interviews, cartoons and a pretty decent crossword every week); The Smithsonian (which has some of the most fascinating and cutting-edge coverage of everything from science and nature to culture and history); The Economist and Foreign Affairs (for some of the best, most politically neutral coverage of what’s happening both here and abroad); Wired (covering the economic, cultural and political impacts of tech) — you get the picture. Prices vary, but there are often low-cost intro offers, promotions and other options. Not only is off-screen appointment reading gratifying, it’s fun to get something in the mail that isn’t junk.

Mug club membership

It’s impossible to deny that Sandpoint is a beer-drinking town — our population size relative to the number of local breweries, bottle shops and pubs is proof enough. Following that, a signature gift for the beer lover(s) on your list might well be paying their way into any of the mug clubs offered at establishments around town. Just based on the power of Google and lived experience, we can point to at least Eichardt’s Pub, Idaho Pour Authority, Matchwood Brewing Co., MickDuff’s Brewing Co., Utara Brewing Co. and Barrel 33 as offering some kind of mug membership (and there may well be more). Some only accept new memberships at certain times and prices vary, but all provide discounts for the initiated. Bonus: Stopping in to get more info provides the opportunity to grab a cold one for yourself.

Cool stuff from Sandpoint Books

The internet — and digital technology writ large — has taken so much from us: writing letters with fancy paper and nice pens, consulting physical maps, looking at a calendar on the wall, you name it. But all of these things are rewarding and can even be comforting, especially when the objects themselves are attractive. Aside from its namesake product, Sandpoint Books (321 N. Second Ave.) carries a load of cool stuff including pretty calendars, spiffy and artistic maps, and, of course, lovely stationary and elegant writing implements. Also peruse the puzzle section and check out some of the little boxed-set games like Literary Charades and Mythology Trivia. Naturally, the book selection is top-tier, featuring new titles in a range of genres, including a healthy section of local authors. But sometimes the perfect last-minute gift can be found by simply browsing outside the stacks.  

Donate in their name

As we get older, most people don’t need — or want — any presents over the holidays, much to the chagrin of their loved ones. If you’re someone who shows your love through gift-giving, instead of buying another knickknack or candle, consider donating to any of Bonner County’s many nonprofits on your friends’ and family’s behalf. Then, simply write out what you did on a card. It’s elegant, easy and won’t take up space in the closet. With so many worthy organizations, the most challenging part will be choosing the nonprofit that your friend will most appreciate. If they value community and kindness, choose something like Bonner Community Food Bank, The Bonner County Human Rights Task Force, Sandpoint Alliance for Equality or the Pro Voice Project. If they’re a patron of the arts and humanities, try Pend Oreille Arts Council, Bonner County Historical Society and Museum, the Panida Theater or KRFY community radio. Finally, if they’re passionate about the environment, consider Kaniksu Land Trust, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness or Kinnikinnick Native Plant Society. No matter the choice, you can’t go wrong.