The Chronicle’s gift guide features a host of locally made and sold gifts at a range of price points for a broad range of interests. Check the key below for the various price points to suit your budget, and follow the links to purchase online from local businesses.
Key:
$: 0-$20
$$: $20 to $50
$$$: 50$-plus
Kiddos: For the young of every category
Handmade: As cheaply as possible, but with a whole lot of love and creativity
Tip: Quick tips on how to enhance your gift and go the extra mile.
Does your loved one not seem so loveable before their first sip of hot bean water in the morning? Do they collect mugs everywhere they go? Do you know that everytime you go somewhere with them in the car, they’ll be asking to stop for coffee on the way? Instead of broken hearts, do they leave a string of empty coffee cups everywhere they go? If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, scroll down for your perfect gift guide.
$: Locally roasted beans from Black Cat Coffee Company in Toledo.
$$: A shirt, mug or assorted merch from their favorite local shop, such as Lewis County Coffee Co or Jimmie’s Espresso.
$$$: Order a copy of Coffee: From Bean to Barista from Book 'N' Brush in Chehalis to expand your loved one’s depth of knowledge on this energizing subject.
Kiddos: A mini-mug with their favorite color or animal from Dawn’s Delectables in Centralia.
Handmade: Using a blank ceramic mug and assorted sharpies, decorate a custom mug for your loved one. When finished, bake the mug at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.
Tip: Any of these great gifts can be paired with a coffee lover's favorite thing to receive: A gift card to their favorite local coffee shop.
Whether your loved one prefers to toss the pigskin around or snack on them fried while watching the Sunday Game, we’ve got you covered for all your local holiday gift-buying needs.
$: A team discount card (such as a Tiger card or Logger card) to support their team and get deals at local businesses. These are often sold at football games by players, coaches and other volunteers.
$$: A gift card to Par 4 Sports in Centralia is the perfect way for them to scratch the itch during the rainy season.
$$$: A custom jersey from their favorite team with their name inscribed on the back. Or sponsor a local kids league team in their name.
Kiddos: Tickets to their favorite team’s game. After all, they just want to spend time with you, and what better way to create some core memories?
Handmade: Set up a time for them to play or watch their favorite sport with their friends. Coordinate the details on their behalf so they have nothing to worry about. Make sure to provide snacks.
Tip: A locally-purchased item from a hometown business is never a bad way to go. If you’re struggling with ideas, stop by Chehalis Outfitters in Chehalis or Willie’s Sport Shop in Centralia.
John Muir once wrote that “the mountains are calling, and I must go.” Ignoring the thought that these so-called mountains are probably a long distance collect call, there are some out there who just can’t help but answer anyways. If that’s your loved one, this is your guide to making their Christmas morning just a little bit brighter, like that sunrise they love so much.
$: An annual membership in their name to the Friends of the Seminary Hill Natural Area group. ($20, email for details.)
$$: Gift cards or gear from Chehalis Outfitters for their next adventure, such as a LifeStraw or freeze-dried food.
$$$: Buy them an actual mountain for their own personal playground. Or a lightweight rain shell, same price.
Kiddos: A copy of “Foraging With Kids” from Book 'N' Brush in Chehalis is a great way to introduce a love of the outdoors with kids of all ages.
Handmade: Snag a great hiking photo of them and frame it, or hand draw a map of all their favorite local hiking trails.
Tip: Plan a day hike to a new trail nearby, or revisit an old favorite with them. Either way, be sure to handle the details so that all your loved one needs to do is show up and climb.
You don’t have to understand their art to understand what to get the artist in your life for any gift-giving occasions that may arise this holiday season. We’ve got you covered.
$: Is there a particular supply they always lust after? A fancy kind of paintbrush or an amazing crochet hook? Use your loved ones crafty desires to lead you in the right direction. Consider Ewe and I in Chehalis among your potential stops.
$$: A certificate to attend an art workshop at The Hive in Centralia.
$$$: You know that artist they admire so much? Buy an original or print and have it framed at Book 'N' Brush in Chehalis.
Kiddos: “I Like” creative activity book from HUBBUB in Centralia.
Handmade: Get your own creativity into the mix. Creators will appreciate anything you took the time to create specifically with them in mind.
Tip: Art is such a subjective category, so it can be tricky to get right as a gift giver. Try to pay close attention to what brands of supplies they love, or what sort of creative processes inspire them and build on that to craft the best possible gift.
If it’s always spring in the heart of your loved one, look no further than this little blossom of holiday gift giving advice. Just because it’s the dead of winter doesn’t mean there isn’t garden work to be done!
$: It’s impossible to go wrong with a variety of seed packets. Pioneer West in Centralia has a wide selection.
$$: A gift card to Dirty Thumb Nursery in Adna for all their upcoming gardening needs.
$$$: A personal garden consultation session with Centralia’s own Green Gardens Farm & Consultation to take their skills to the next level. The Farm Store and Kaija’s Garden and Pet in Chehalis are also can’t miss destinations.
Kiddos: There are plenty of kid-friendly gardening kits out there, but for year-round fun, try a flower bouquet LEGO set from Let’s Play Something in Centralia.
Handmade: Paint a plant pot in a style you know they’ll love. Bonus points if you fill it with seeds or a houseplant for them.
Tip: When shopping for your gardener, keep in mind the kids of things they already like to grow or eat, or tools that would make the tedious part of their hobby a little bit easier.
There’s something for every kitchen aficionado on this charcuterie board of gift ideas, be they butcher, baker or gluten free, vegan hot sauce maker.
$: Gifted in Chehalis offers a wide array of food- and drink-themed gifts, including mixes, syrups, snacks and tools. Choose one that would inspire your chef to create something delicious, such as this Cinnamon Bun Mix.
$$: Inspire your aspiring chef with a gift certificate to one of Lewis County’s fine dining restaurants that features a seasonal menu, such as McFiler’s Chehalis Theater in Chehalis or The Branch in Centralia.
$$$: Take their culinary skills to the next level with a course at Bayview School of Cooking in Olympia.
Kiddos: While a number of subscription cooking boxes have emerged recently geared toward kiddos, why not also engage their imaginations? A monthly pass to the Mad Hatter Play Cafe in Centralia allows kids the opportunity to engage in imaginative play in a variety of settings, including a grocery store, frozen yogurt shop and kitchen.
Handmade: Collect all their favorite recipes (or some of your signature dishes if they like to keep their secret ingredients to themselves) into one cookbook or recipe box. Be sure to include room to add to it.
Tip: As with any gift, the secret is in knowing the recipient. What sort of things do they like to make or eat? Let their taste buds be your guide when selecting something to surprise them with this holiday season.
No longer are gamers and geeks relegated to the sidelines of society. Nerd is a title worn with all the pride it deserves, so here’s a few nerdy gifts you can be proud to give. It’s dangerous to go alone into the world of gift giving: take this guide with you.
$: Pick up a special copy of their favorite comic at Diversified Games in Chehalis.
$$: Retro gaming is always in style. Get them games or memorabilia from their childhood favorites at Alltech Electronics near the Fairway Shopping Center.
$$$: A gift card to Insert Coin never fails to bring smiles to faces of gamers of all ages and styles. The more you pay, the more they play!
Kiddos: Let’s Play Something in Centralia offers games for all ages. Choose one appropriate for your kiddo’s sense of fun and ability.
Handmade: Put your artistry skills to the test by making them the main character of a comic book about them. Bonus points for references to inside jokes or their favorite games and comics.
Tip: When giving your gift, sign it with this note: “It’s dangerous to go alone. Take this.” Don’t worry if you don’t get the reference, they will.
$: Sometimes, the aspiring business professional needs a place to be productive. Give them a day pass to Chehalis Coworks to help them focus on building their business.
$$: Take their physical branding to the next level with a custom business card or stationary set from Hoban Cards in Chehalis.
$$$: Book a Personal Branding photography session with Shannon Smith Photography based in Centralia to help the professional in your life expand or update their online presence.
Kiddos: It’s never too early to build your first business empire! Order a copy of Sadie Builds a Business from Book 'N' Brush in Chehalis to inspire the kidpreneur in your life.
Handmade: Lend your skills to their business. Do you create beautiful floral arrangements, design engaging flyers, or bake some amazing muffins? Gift them a promise of your skills to use for promoting their business.
Tip: Gift giving is all about relativity. Be sure to tailor the gift to the business your loved one is building!
