Support Alaska businesses this holiday season

T&C’s 2020 gift guide

Anyone else wondering how it’s already the holiday season? If you’re looking at your calendar and realizing that the holidays are just around the corner, don’t panic! Our gift guide makes it easy to pick out the perfect gift for friends, family and everyone in between.

Shopping local this year

This year, we’re shopping small and local. Small businesses need our support more than ever, and by shopping small and local we help our community thrive. There are so many reasons to support small businesses, from strengthening our economy to a cleaner environment, but one of the best reasons is that you’re sure to find a unique and special gift that will be treasured. Gestures of giving a gift card for a local photographer, or subscription to a local newspaper go a long way.

Sweet or savory?

For those with a sweet tooth, you can never go wrong with an order of macarons from local Anchorage patisserie Sweet Caribou. These artisan macarons are as pretty as they are tasty and will not disappoint. Want to add your own personal touch? AK Sweets offers fun DIY holiday cookie kits. They do the hard work so you can have fun decorating goodies for your loved ones. For savory fans, check out AK Pure Sea Salt Co., who offer a variety of different flavored flake salts that are hand crafted from the pristine waters surrounding Sitka.

All that glitters

Jewelry is a special gift that can last a lifetime. Poppy Peak AK makes beaded earrings featuring fun colors and designs and Lisa Apangalook (@ken_yew_not) is an Indigenous jewelry maker who sells her pieces through her Instagram account. These hand-carved pieces sell fast, so be sure to keep an eye out for her next drop. For the minimalists in your life, Roaming Daughter creates elegant handcrafted jewelry with a boho flair that is sure to be a favorite. Ketchikan Visitors Bureau (#clientluv) recently posted a holiday gift guide, and it is full of ideas for supporting small businesses in Southeast Alaska, including Indigenous jewelry and art shops like the Crazy Wolf Studio.

Ski, bike and skate

Getting outside during the wintertime can be difficult but providing someone with accessories to get moving serves as a great gift for any fellow Alaskan. Support local sport shops like Alpine Fit for outdoor clothing to keep warm, or Backcountry Bike and Ski for all the outdoor gear one may need during the winter months.

Still looking for ideas?

Check out Denali Dreams Soap Co. for gift options that feature natural soaps, salves and lip balms that make the perfect self-care package gift. From shaving kits and dog grooming sets, to soap and tea combo packs, you’re sure to find something that will be an absolute hit. For plant lovers with a thirst for delicious coffee, That Feeling Co. is the place to shop. The employees can help direct you to the exact plant your green-thumb friend is looking for or show you their selection of plant books and gadgets. Grabbing a bag of locally roasted coffee beans is a must.

For more ideas, check out the Alaska Black Business Directory as well. The site provides a complete list of Black-owned businesses across the state, with all kinds of shops that gift-getters can utilize and support.

However you may choose to celebrate this year, we wish you happy holidays, and in true T&C fashion, happy shopping!

-Ceara Thompson and Madison McEnaney, Thompson & Co. PR

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