Researchers say more people planned to shop for holiday gifts early this year, largely in an effort to take advantage of sales and head off challenges associated with recent supply chain disruptions. A survey released in September by retail payment processor Klarna found that 71% of consumers planned to start their holiday gift shopping before December.
But for those who’ve put off their shopping until, well, NOW, there are plenty of great options for last-minute gift purchases that not only support local businesses but also eliminate the need to hassle with shipping–and its potential delays.
One-stop shopping
The Wyld Market Holiday Pop-up Shop is in its third year, pulling together more than 50 local artisans and makers for a one-stop shopping experience. The marketplace takes over part of Plaza Maya on South Wells Avenue Thursdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and continues through Dec. 23.
Makers at the event have a wide variety of goods including ceramics, apparel, home goods and art.
Local brands unite
Local company Hibear calls its vessels the “unicorn of a flask” and “the Swiss Army Tool of insulated bottles.” We’re not sure which label is more apt, but the brand’s products can be used to make cold brew, tea and cocktails, or just to drink water–all in the outdoors.
The brand’s designs include an artist series, one of which–the aptly named Sierra Sippin’–is inspired by the Sierra Nevada range. They’ve partnered with Home Means Nevada Co., another local brand, to make the bottles available locally and without shipping. Find them at either of the Home Means Nevada Co. locations: downtown at 135 N. Sierra Street or in south Reno at 15 Foothill Road.
Silver State swag
Travel Nevada, the state’s tourism agency, has pulled together a Nevada Pride Shopping Guide for those looking for something uniquely Nevada. The guide breaks out into a handful of lists with gift ideas ranging from locally produced food and drinks, art and jewelry, to outdoor adventures and memberships.
Local highlights on the list include books at Sundance Books & Music and Grassroots Books, hand-painted linocut prints from Meridian Press and jewelry from Electric Desert Studio.
Another place to “buy Nevada” is the Nevada Marketplace at Reno Town Mall. The store features items from 200 Nevada-based merchants, with items ranging from beads to bird houses. The marketplace has added the 60,000-square-foot Sierra Foods Market just next door with locally-grown and made food items.
More locally made items are online in the Made In Nevada online store, which is a separate organization from the above-mentioned marketplace. Keep in mind that items purchased here will need to be shipped if you buy online, although you may be able to visit the local artisans to buy in person.
Get logo’d
There are no shortage of places to get Nevada-styled logo gear in the area.
For the sports- or higher education-inclined, check out one of two places to get Wolf Pack merch. The ASUN Wolf Pack Shop inside the Joe Crowley Student Union on the university’s campus has a selection of silver and blue spirit items including apparel, vintage Wolf Pack face tattoos and foam fingers.
Silver and Blue Outfitters, just across North Virginia Street from Lawlor Events Center, is in the middle of a 12 Days of Deals promotion. It has an even larger selection of official Wolf Pack gear.
The Nevada Legislature won’t be in regular session again until 2023, but the legislative gift shop is open year round Mondays through Fridays. The shop has official state merchandise and items related to recognized state emblems, including the bighorn sheep, desert tortoise and mountain bluebird.
Good luck and happy holidays!
