Holiday shopping in Ritzville

This year, we have four weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas to shop, wrap and ship Christmas gifts for family and friends. It can be daunting of you’re not one of those uber-organized individuals who shops all year long and is finished by now. It’s fun to go into Spokane to soak in the holiday excitement and joyous atmosphere of the season, however that can become a bit stressful if the list is long, time is short, weather is bad, and roads are iffy.

I’m thinking that this year, spending my money and time in Ritzville stores is a better idea and the beginning of a good tradition. We have some great stores and shops here and there’s no reason why we can’t fill most of our gift needs without fighting the weather or traffic.

Were I looking for something unique, perhaps for friends who like to cook or have sophisticated palates, I would go to Uniquely Washington (located next to the drug store). It’s a fine addition to Ritzville. Everything they carry (with the exception of the liquors and a few of the candies) is made in Washington State. You can find an assortment of flours ground from locally-grown grains (a few are gluten-free), dried beans and peas, nuts, candies, and various foodstuffs such as Bumble Bars (yummy energy bars that are gluten free and organic), excellent and nutritious oils, unusual and delicious jams, jellies, rubs, sauces. That’s a limited example; there’s so much more. It’s a fun store in which to shop. The owners have successfully provided an ambiance unique to Uniquely Washington. You could put together a fabulous gift box from items found in that store.

Uniquely Washington also carries an assortment of liquor and wines.

Ritzville Drug has improved its variety and supply of gifts every year, and 2014 is no exception. You can find fashionable clothing items, games and toys, a variety of purses and other accessories, affordable and lovely jewelry pieces, books, quaint garden and home items, many other gift ideas as well as an assortment of the usual drug store fare.

They also carry a very good selection of Bronco outerwear. Ritzville would be hurtin’ fer certain without our local drug store.

Sunny Spot Floral & Gifts has never lowered the high standards to which we’ve become accustomed. Not only can they fill every floral need, but the shopper can find lovely collectables which make great gifts. Beautiful jewelry and a selection of unique items are on display. You can grace the garden as well as the table from items available there.

A table centerpiece is a very nice gift for anyone on your list who has few needs and is hard to buy for. A colorful holiday arrangement or live plant will add cheer to any room. But order soon for delivery close to Christmas. They need to place their orders so they can fill yours.

Behind Sunny Spot, in the same building, is a small clothing store which carries a good selection of great looking, stylish clothing, mostly for Jr. High age to mid-adulthood.

You can find accessories, too.

If you haven’t shopped there yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. It’s nicely done and a good place to start for the daughters and grandkids on your list.

Cow Creek Mercantile has long been one of my favs. That gift shop carries a variety of items for all ages, unique locally-made jewelry that you won’t find elsewhere, fine clothing and accessory items, objects for the home and garden. Cow Creek also offers a variety of Christmas and other holiday pieces, toys and clothing items for the very young, stuffed animals for any age, craft kits, a selection of collectables. And when it’s time for lunch or dinner, you don’t have to search for a restaurant. You’re already there. You can also put together a delicious candy assortment that would please anyone.

Have you thought of a gift certificate to any of our local restaurants or Starbucks? How about for tanning or an appointment with the hair stylist or a mani-pedi?

The Hair Center (across from the drug store) has an excellent supply of sprays, gels, lotions, and assortments of other salon items that would delight any woman or guy who wants to look and smell great.

You could also purchase a gift certificate at the drug store or grocery stores, the Bowling Alley, or for a professional photography session (access Shelley Ann Photography – Lind on line). Check out your copy of the 2014 Neighbors’ Directory (a supplement of the Ritzville Adams County Journal) for more ideas and businesses in the area.

Our options are myriad. I’m going to support our locals this year and ask you to join me.

We would hate to lose any of them, and this is one way to display our appreciation for the hard work it takes to keep the doors open and provide a reasonable selection of gift ideas.

Mark and I wish you a most Merry Christmas!