The Holiday season is in full swing and it’s time to get serious about shopping strategies. This year we, the 541 team, are making the commitment to shop locally. Spending our money locally means we’re helping our community, our neighbors and our children’s school. Instead of shopping the same chain stores… whose jobs and taxes benefit other communities (but not ours) join me in making the commitment to buy local.

So here’s the challenge part: If you find a great deal, new product line, perfect gift.. you get the idea… share it with us! Post it as a comment so others can benefit from your find and support our community.

Spending locally is more important this year than ever. Here are a few local businesses in our community that deserve more than a glance this holiday shopping season.

Gifts:
Self described as Ashland’s eclectic emporium, you can find something for everyone at Paddington Station. Their departments include gifts, kitchenware, jewelry, apparel, toys, and much more! In Medford Suzanne’s Gift Garden is a must visit! Suzanne’s is a European style home store. They carry soaps & lotions, Italian stationary, European & Asian linens, candles, furniture and is one of the few places you can find the complete line of Caldrea natural cleaning supplies!

Allyson’s of Ashland is devoted to the home chef and entertainer. You can find unique kitchen gadgets like a veggie peeler, must-have kitchen basics from pans to small appliances and luxury items like the aeroponic garden and espresso makers.

Clothing:
Urban Minx is the perfect solution when you need designer apparel but can’t leave the Rogue Valley.  Shop online or in their store and find brands like Diesel, Hale Bob, 7 Jeans, True Religion and linq. I know… I was excited when I found them too!

When Elise Peters opened Heart and Hands 19 years ago, her vision was to create a small retail gallery that serves as a marketplace for local artisans. Now you can find unique clothing, jewelry and art fashioned by artists of the Rogue Valley.

Books and Music:
We are lucky to have multiple local book stores in the Rogue Valley. On the hunt for a book, music or other media gift here are a few of our favorite local book stores: 541Live Local Bookstore List

Gourmet Food:
Gourmet food is often the perfect gift at the holidays. Whether you are sending it to faraway relatives or hand delivered for a holiday party, seasonal event or unexpected guests (you know there is always a name forgotten on your list!)

Naumes is a local family owned and operated fruit grower. Visit them online to order gift baskets packed with local fresh fruit and other treats.  For the espresso drinkers, Noble Coffee Roasting is the place! Noble has an extremely loyal local following and for good reason! The Noble team carefully selects their coffee, hand-roasts in small batches, then ships the coffee twice a week. My favorite gift is the recurring delivery. Imagine your gift recipients joy when their first pound of gourmet coffee is delivered… then their second.. and third. If coffee can be thrilling… this is exciting stuff! You can also choose from a few other favorites like a simple French press and coffee mugs.

Jacksonville Mercantile is a self proclaimed food lovers paradise. This gourmet market carry’s the world’s finest selections of specialty vanilla, olive oils, vinegar, salts, honey, dipping sauces, pastas and more. Buy your favorites individually, buy mix and match products to design your own gift basket or create gourmet pairings (with wine!)

Activities:
Gift certificates for local activities and attractions are perfect for those hard to buy for members of your shopping list.  With so many to choose from, these are just simple ideas to start you thinking…and all 3 of these venues offers gift certificates that allows the recipient to choose the show, time, etc…

Hot Pots in downtown Medford is a paint your own pottery place. Perfect for crafters, visionaries and inspired… no really pottery painting is a great activity and requires no artistic skill. A very fun activity for any age! Britt Fest is the Pacific Northwest’s premier outdoor summer performing arts festival.  The 2010 Oregon Shakespeare Festival schedule has been released and features some classics (looking forward to Hamlet and Cat on a Hot tin Roof!) And one more… Ashland Independent Film Festival was rated by MovieMaker Magazine as one of the “25 Festivals Worth the Fee” in the Spring 2009 edition. The 9th annual festival is scheduled for April 8-12, 2010.You can give a gift membership and get many great benefits as a Film Fest member (like advance ordering, early entrance, discounts)or order a gift certificate from Destination Ashland, redeemable at AIFF and many local restaurants and shops.

Have other suggestions, ideas or favorites? Share, post and recommend them!

Let’s. Go. Shopping.