The holiday season is a busy and prosperous time for local businesses, which rely on the sales boost to carry them through the rest of the offseason. Unlike buying from online retailers or big box stores, shopping small ensures that every dollar goes back into the community, supporting friends and neighbors, and growing the local economy. This year, put down the computer and spend a few hours at local stores finding personal, meaningful gifts that give back to the community as a whole.
Used books from Bizarre Bazaar
The book section at Bizarre Bazaar. Photo by Soncirey Mitchell.
The beloved Corner Book Store closed its doors earlier this year after owner Jim Orbaugh’s retirement, leaving many wondering where to get affordable used books. Thankfully, the nonprofit resale store Bizarre Bazaar (114 S. Boyer Ave.) has taken up the cause of local bibliophiles. Gently used books sell for a couple of dollars at most, with 50% off sales every Friday. Plus, every cent of the proceeds goes to the Community Assistance League, which runs the bazaar and funds many local grants and scholarships every year. A good book is a gift that changes hearts and minds and, depending on how much thought you put into your selection, shows how well you pay attention to the little details. Plus, buying from CAL supports local students and nonprofits in a tangible way. What could be better?
Sandpoint Ceramics classes
Experiences are often the best gifts, especially when they mean spending time with the people you love. If you know someone with a crafty streak, or who wants to get out and try new things in the new year, consider purchasing a gift card to Sandpoint Ceramics. The studio, located upstairs in the Cedar Street Bridge (334 N. First Ave., Suite 206), offers beginner to advanced ceramics classes, including potter’s wheel courses, handbuilding classes and specialty workshops. Experienced artists can also skip the class and use a day pass to create whatever they want; or, for something light and easy, everyone is welcome at Sandpoint Ceramics’ regular paint-a-pot activities. Gift cards can range from $25-stocking stuffers to major $300 presents. Learn more at sandpointceramics.com.
Yarn. Lots of yarn.
Sandpoint Ceramics inside the Cedar Street Bridge. Courtesy photo.
Everyone has a fiber artist in their life, but whether they’re addicted to knitting or crochet, there’s one thing they always want more of: yarn. It doesn’t matter if the contents of their craft room are spilling into the hallways; pretty, new yarn is always welcome. Begin researching by noting their chosen medium, what they like to make, their preferred color palette and whether they have a favorite brand. Bear in mind that prices vary widely depending on the material. Then, head over to Twilight Fiber and Yarn (469000 U.S. 95, in Sagle) or The Yarn Table inside Foster’s Crossing (504 Oak St., in Sandpoint) to survey their massive selections. No matter which store you choose, be sure to ask knowledgeable staff for recommendations, giving them as much information as possible so they can help you buy something your loved one will actually use. For those new to the craft, Twilight Fiber sells individual Amigurumi kits that include a pattern, yarn and any hardware needed to complete a stuffed animal, and they cost about $20-30. Learn more at shop.twilightfiber.com.
A massage at Wildflower Spa
A massage room at Wildflower Spa. Courtesy photo.
It doesn’t matter who they are or what they do, everyone needs a massage from time to time. Sandpoint has a bounty of local spas to choose from, and it’s difficult to go wrong anywhere, but if no one you know has any recommendations, Wildflower Spa and Salon at Seasons (424 Sandpoint Ave., Suite 300) is a safe and classic choice. The spa partners with Aveda for its products, which include luxurious massage oils, moisturizers and aromatherapy. Gift cards are available online at thewildflowerdayspa.com starting at $50. Depending on the intensity and length of the session, as well as the techniques used — like acupressure or hot stones — massages can cost anywhere from $100 to $340. This includes use of the spa’s showers, steam room and balcony overlooking Lake Pend Oreille.
Want to support independent local journalism?
The Sandpoint Reader is our town's local, independent weekly newspaper. "Independent" means that the Reader is locally owned and operated by people who were born and raised in Sandpoint. The Reader is owned by Publisher Ben Olson, Editor-in-Chief Zach Hagadone and Senior Writer Soncirey Mitchell. Sandpoint Reader LLC is a completely independent business unit; no big newspaper group or corporate conglomerate or billionaire owner dictates our editorial policy. And we want the news, opinion and lifestyle stories we report to be freely available to all interested readers - so unlike many other newspapers and media websites, we have NO PAYWALL on our website. The Reader relies wholly on the support of our valued advertisers, as well as readers who voluntarily contribute. Want to ensure that local, independent journalism survives in our town? You can help support the Reader for as little as $1.
TIMBER WARS: Six-part series, February-November 2022. GO READ IT»
WHERE ARE THE WORKERS?: Five-part series, September-October 2021. GO READ IT»
THE AMERICAN REDOUBT: Seven-part series, November-December 2017. GO READ IT»
STANDOFF AT RUBY RIDGE: 25 Years Later. Five-part series, August-September 2017. GO READ IT»
Curious about what media the locals use? Check our 2018 Local Media Survey. GO SEE »
Sandpoint in Pictures
Filmmaker Jimmy Matlosz of the Idaho Film Company has made a series of mini documentaries about influential Sandpoint locals, including the late Dann Hall and Erik Daarstad as well as icons Diane Michaels and Dan Shook. He is currently working on a series of interviews connected to the history of the Panida Theater. Jimmy is a 30-year veteran filmmaker who's work can be seen at dpmatlosz.com.
Meet the Reader
Ever wonder who makes the Reader happen? Here's a behind-the-scenes look pieced together by summer 2017 intern McCalee Cain in which Ben, Cameron and Lyndsie explain what exactly about the Reader keeps them coming back to their shabby (but well-loved) office each week.
