Shop local this holiday season. Looking to find gifts that create minimal waste and are eco-friendly? See what’s available right here in the Eastern Sierra!
Knowing what to give as the perfect holiday gift is challenging, and it’s easy to turn to the Internet for answers because it’s convenient—and easy. But there are some unique treasures and experiences available right here in the Eastern Sierra. Local zero waste advocate Kristina Blum Justice compiled a list of unexpected, localized gifts and experiences. The list is not 100% zero waste, but shopping local is almost always more environmentally friendly than having something shipped. This list is for year-round events as well, such as birthdays or anniversaries.
Experience-based gifts you may not have thought of
- For the angler A guided fly fishing trip with a local fishing guide, especially if the recipient has never gone fly fishing. Boat rental gift certificates also are available from many local marinas.
- For the climber A pass to try out the new climbing gym at Sage to Summit, possibly paired with a local guidebook. Another idea is a guided trip or climbing class.
- For the adventurer A pack trip into the Sierra during the summer with any of the local pack stations. Even if it’s just a short trail ride, this is definitely near the top of the list of cool local experiences!
- For couples A cabin rental for a weekend. Tamarack Lodge in Mammoth is just one of many of our mountain resorts that have cabin rentals year-round.
- For the athlete A membership to a local gym or a Keough’s punch pass. Bishop Fitness Center has personal trainers available. A session or two with a personal trainer would be really cool for someone who’s always wanted to up their workout game.
- For the arts lover A membership to the Bishop Community Concert Association, tickets to an upcoming Playhouse 395 production, or a session at Paint it Away. Several local businesses have pieces by local artists for sale as well.
- For those looking for a nice night out A gift certificate to Bishop Twin Theatre and a restaurant nearby. Good Earth Yogurt is right next door and has delicious, locally made pies and other treats.
- For the workaholic A gift certificate for a pedicure, facial or massage from a local salon or spa.
- For the kids A punch pass to the city park pool for the summertime. Pair it with a Melissa and Doug toy from Spellbinder, or depending on age, a comic book from Bishop Art Supply if they’re into that. Another option is age-appropriate craft supplies from Ben Franklin or a summer class through Valentine Reserve in Mammoth or the City of Bishop.
- For a family A gift certificate for a night of bowling. Both the Bishop and Mammoth bowling allies do cosmic bowling.
- For the tea lover Cookies from a local bakery, a jar of local Baxter Honey, tea from a local business like Blue Lupine, Nuts ‘n’ Twigs, Manor Market or Anne Marie’s Home Boutique.
- For the dog lover A gift certificate to a local groomer and a new toy from Wye Road Feed and Supply.
- For the gardener Seeds, a plant container, and a new pair of garden gloves. Chalfant Big Trees and High Country Lumber have fantastic garden departments. It takes some planning, but cuttings from your own houseplants and gardens make a nice, very low-waste gift.
- For the man that’s hard to shop for A gift certificate for the Toggery—because just about everyone can use a new pair of high-quality jeans or a new jacket. Pair it with some homemade cookies!
- For the coffee lover Indy Coffee Roasting Co, Black Sheep Coffee and Looney Bean all sell coffee beans that any coffee addict would love to receive. Pair it with a handmade local mug from Spellbinder Books.
- For the book worm A gift certificate to Pupfish Cafe tucked inside a gently used book from Spellbinder. IMAH has a nice book selection, and the Bishop Library does have a book sale cart as well.
- For the wine lover Go talk to Kyle at Manor Market. Manor is also a treasure trove of gourmet snacks and goodies for folks with dietary restrictions.
- For the foodie A whole pie from Jacks Restaurant in Bishop. Their pies are really affordable and out of this world!
And, if you must wrap a gift, try reusing old maps and newspapers, packing material and gift bags. Wrapping a gift in a decorative dish towel or scarf is festive and adds extra value!
