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It’s the most wonderful time of the year–to buy local.
If you haven’t jumped on the “buy local” sleigh yet, what are you waiting for? Buying from local businesses supports the local economy, strengthens community and gives jobs to local people. And beyond all that do-gooder stuff, by virtue of their uniqueness, products from local stores are often cooler than what you’ll find elsewhere. Utah shop owners have their fingers on the pulse of what’s hot, hip and covet-worthy.
This guide showcases a sampling of Utah’s local shops, divided into three basic categories—universal crowd-pleasers for everyone on your list, and gifts for guys and girls. Feel free to shop outside the lines, and don’t stop here. There’s a local shop tucked somewhere on practically every city block in Utah. The business directory compiled by Local First Utah (LocalFirst.org) lists more than 700 locally owned retail stores. So, what are you waiting for? Go forth and shop!
FOR EVERYONE
| Love Lights All-Natural Massage Candle $23 After burning this candle for 15 minutes, you'll have enough warm oil for one full-body massage. With 10 massages per candle and a variety of relaxing scents, it’s the gift that keeps on giving. Bubble & Bee, 297 N. 200 West, Bountiful, 801-560-7899, BubbleAndBee.com |
Bottle Freakers $8.95 Dress up a gift bottle of wine, travel mug or PBR tallboy with these hip cozies, which insulate, stretch to fit bottles as large as 50 ounces and are washer/dryer safe. Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, 801-467-3130, HipAndHumble.com |
Nirve MP3 Bike Speakers $25 With these bike speakers, a green commute doesn’t have to be a music-free commute. The speakers plug into the headphone jack of any mp3 player and make for safer riding than headphones, which can block traffic sounds and car honks. Olde Salt Bike Shoppe, 105 25th St., Ogden, 801-334-6500, OldeSaltBikes.com |
| Vintage Candy Plagued by visions of sugary snacks dancing in your head? Give in to the craving and share the wealth of rediscovering delicious vintage candies like Appleheads, candy cigarettes and Fun Dip. Raunch Records, 1119 E. 2100 South, 801-467-6077 |
Book Stash Box
$14-$16 Help a friend keep his or her guilty pleasure—whether it’s trashy romance novels or, er, something else—hidden with an impressive-looking tome that’s actually a hollow box. War and Peace and other classic titles are available. The Library Store, 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8238 |
Table Topics $25 Steer holiday conversations away from sticky subjects like jobs and future grandchildren. Each Table Topics card has a thought-provoking question that will keep family and friends harmoniously engaged. Different card sets are geared toward specific crowds, such as Family, Girls Night Out and Not Your Mom’s Dinner Party. Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com |
| Harmonica Necklace $22.50 It really works! Give this necklace to your musically inclined friends and at your next party, the monotonous plunking of a bass guitar can be replaced by the sweet strains of a harmonica. Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, 801-532-4790, FrostyDarling.com |
Knitted and Crocheted Hats $20-$25 Put a silver lining on cold weather with a terrific hat. Made by local artists, you can find unique colorful headtopper in styles to suit everybody on your list. SLCitizen, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, 801-363-3619 |
Custom Framing $15 per linear square foot Rescue a favorite poster or photo from a life taped to the wall. Signed & Numbered uses lumber-store cutoffs to build sturdy frames in any size and color imaginable. Glass, backing and matting included. Signed & Numbered, 2105 E. 2100 South, 801-596-2093, Signed-Numbered.com |
| Keel’s Simple Diary $15 Someone without the time to scribble in a traditional diary can keep a record of the passing days with this structured journal. Quirky questions and prompts make even mundane experiences memoir-worthy. Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com |
Skull Decanter and Glass Set $150 For a lover of the unusual or extra-strong drinks, this striking 56-ounce decanter and 8-ounce glass set is hand-etched and made from a double layer of clear and black glass. Charlotte’s, 1085 E. 900 South, 801-333-3773, Charlottes.biz |
Wine & Beer Equipment Kits $84.95-$120.95 For the wine or beer lovers longing to brew their own but afraid to start, these starter kits include all the hardware needed for making wine or beer, plus instructional materials. The Beer Nut, 1200 S. State, 801-531-8182, BeerNut.com |
| Gig Poster $20 Improve a loved one’s music credibility with a limited-edition poster from when his or her favorite band played in town. (Bonus points to the giver if the band has since broken up or stopped touring.) Signed & Numbered, 2105 E. 2100 South, 801-596-2093, Signed-Numbered.com |
My Dough Girl Gourmet Cookies
Gift Box $8.50-$36 Nope, they’re not just cookies. Rock the palates of anti-cookie grinches with these locally made concoctions, which carry pinup-girl names and come in sinful varieties like mangos & dark chocolate in a citrus dough. My Dough Girl, 770 S. 300 West, 801-834-6111, DoughGirl.com |
MSR Evo Tour Snowshoes $179.95 Unless a person is gifted with the time, money and coordination to hit the slopes, winter can be a miserable season. But now you can turn someone’s winter frown upside down with snowshoes: glove-friendly pull-tabs and adjusters make getting outside and onto the snow comfortable and fun. Kirkham’s Outdoor Products, 3125 S. State, 801-486-4161, Kirkhams.com |
| Nikon D3100 DX Digital SLR Camera $699.95 Nikon’s compact DSLR is perfect for budding photographers who feel limited by point-and-shoot models. Auto- and semi-auto shooting modes allow beginners to take stunning photographs as they learn the mechanics of a manual camera. Pictureline, 305 W. 700 South, 801-364-1200; 177 W. 12300 South, 801-572-2200, Pictureline.com |
LunchSkins Sandwich/Snack Bags $8.95-$10.95 Help your recession-minded friends carry their PB&Js in style with these reusable bags. Handmade with certified food-safe fabric, the bags can be cleaned in the dishwasher, are available in assorted patterns and sizes and, best of all, save hundreds of plastic baggies. Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, 801-467-3130, HipAndHumble.com |
Recycled Motherboard Desk Accessories
$4-$14 Who knew the inner workings of a computer were so beautiful? These pens and notebooks are made from recycled motherboards and will remind office jockeys frustrated by their slow machines to stop and smell the fiberglass. The Library Store, 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8238 |
| Reclaimed Wreckage Accessories $18-$45
These sturdy cuffs, clutches and other accessories are made from blown-out bicycle tubes for an Earth-friendly, urban-chic look. SLCitizen, Salt Lake City Main Library, 210 E. 400 South, 801-363-3619, Etsy.com/shop/ReclaimedWreckage |
Red Storage-Tray Ottoman $99
This hard-working ottoman is perfect for a cramped apartment. Red leather adds a splash of color, while the footrest can serve as an extra seat, store blankets, or, thanks to a reversible lid, become a tray. $99 Furniture Outlet, 711 S. 300 West, 801-355-8000, 99FurnOutlet.com |
Everything Explained Through Flowcharts $16.99
Hilarious and informative, this book contains hundreds of illustrations, graphs and charts to help you solve life’s greatest mysteries, win any argument or figure out whether you're an evil twin. The King’s English, 1511 S. 1500 East, 801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com |
| Nirve Drink Caddy $15
Encourage responsible drinking and riding with this handlebar cup holder, which puts hydration or caffeine within easy reach. Olde Salt Bike Shoppe, 105 25th St., Ogden, 801-334-6500, OldeSaltBikes.com |
Made By Meegz Fabric Camera Strap $29.95
A seamless blend of function and form, these camera straps, available in a variety of patterns, are handmade and sturdy, using nylon webbing tested up to 600 pounds. The 52-inch strap’s quilted padding also prevents a sore neck after a long day of shooting. Pictureline, 305 W. 700 South, 801-364-1200; 177 W. 12300 South, 801-572-2200, Pictureline.com |
Hardcover Classics, $20
Rediscover the world’s favorite books with Penguin’s beautiful reissued classics, featuring stamped linen cases, colored endpapers, ribbon markers and titles from Charles Dickens, Shakespeare, Dante, Jane Austen and more. Sam Weller’s Bookstore, 254 S. Main, 801-328-2586, SamWellers.com">SamWellers.com |
| Lotion Sticks $7.95
This lotion rubs on like a glue stick to soothe and moisturize skin without creating a gloppy mess or slippery hands. Plus, it’s 100 percent organic, made with beeswax, organic cocoa butter, organic extra-virgin coconut oil, organic sunflower oil and natural extracts. Bubble & Bee, 297 N. 200 West, Bountiful, 801-560-7899, BubbleAndBee.com |
Slingshot Organizer $6-$12
This radical planner lists acts of oppression, rebellion and subversion for every day of the year (Dec. 24, 1955: Aldous Huxley’s first acid trip) and also provides contact information for radical groups, a menstrual calendar and plenty of space to chart your social life. Free Speech Zone, 411 S. 800 East, 801-487-2295, FreeSpeech-Zone.com |
Caldrea Cleaning Products $9.50-$16.75
Cleaning won’t seem like a chore with these sweet-smelling supplies made from plant-derived ingredients—not harsh chemicals. Caldrea’s Ginger Pomelo scent combines fresh citrus notes with ginger and fresh basil to create room sprays, all-purpose cleaners, soaps, dryer sheets, hand balms and more. Parcels & Papers, 1918 E. 9400 South, Sandy, 801-571-8974, ParcelsAndPapers.com |
| Animals With Attitude Mug $13.95 The best part of waking up is a Spock dog on your cup—after all, LOLcats are so last year. Cabin Fever, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, 801-363-0828 |
“Stolen From” Set of 20 Bookplates $8
Help someone with a large library send a clear message when they loan out books with these letterpress-printed bookplates by Saturn Press. The Library Store, 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8238 |
Film Slides Lamp $55
Now anyone can enjoy the bright colors of Kodachrome film. This lamp’s recycled-film shade will bring the greens of summer into any room, even during the darkest winter day. Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, 801-532-4790, FrostyDarling.com |
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| Holga Camera $29.95-$39.95 This lo-fi plastic film camera looks like a toy or an ironic hipster accessory but produces surreal images bursting with colors and unexpected shadows, softness and light. Waiting for film to be developed also restores anticipation to the picture-making process. Pictureline, 305 W. 700 South, 801-364-1200; 177 W. 12300 South, 801-572-2200, Pictureline.com |
GSI Outdoors Pinnacle Dualist cook system $59.95
For the camper who can’t live on jerky alone, this ultraportable two-person cooking set includes mugs, bowls, foons and stove bag, all of which stores in a 1.8 liter pot with strainer lid. Carry bag doubles as a sink. Kirkham’s Outdoor Products, 3125 S. State, 801-486-4161, Kirkhams.com |
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FOR GUYS
| Card/Cigarette Case $28 This classy steel case can be used to carry business cards or cigarettes. Don Draper-approved. Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com |
Dragon DX-J Goggles $84.99 These sleek goggles are helmet compatible, with 100 percent UV protection, micro-fleece lining and sweet gold accents. Decade Snow & Skate, 1695 E. Skyline Drive No. 5, Ogden, 801-475-7433, DecadeSnowAndSkate.com |
Skate, Ski & Snowboard DVDs Eye Trip, Right Brain Left Brain, Let’s Live No matter the season, adrenaline junkies can get a vicarious fix through these videos, featuring the best athletes in skiing, snowboarding and skateboarding pushing the already-extreme limits. Decade Snow & Skate, 1695 E. Skyline Drive No. 5, Ogden, 801-475-7433, DecadeSnowAndSkate.com |
| Y The Last Man
$12.99 each Blending adventure, humor, tragedy and a great leading man, this post-apocalyptic tale wrapped up in 2008 but continues to convert scores of people to graphic novels, thanks to its accessible take on the saga of the last man on Earth. Night Flight Comics, 210 E. 400 South, 801-532-1188; 6222 S. State, 801-263-1940, Night-Flight.com |
Lighthouse Cocktail Shaker $275 Inspired by the famous Boston lighthouse, this stunning shaker quickly became an exclusive, sought-after piece when it was first produced in the 1920s by the International Silver Company, and it hasn’t lost its luster—or rareness. This limited-edition reproduction is solid brass with a chrome-plated exterior. Charlotte’s, 1085 E. 900 South, 801-333-3773, Charlottes.biz |
Windstopper Foldover Mitt $49.95 Designed for fly-fishing, these wind- and water-resistant gloves/mittens are perfect for outdoor tasks requiring the dexterity traditional bulky gloves can’t provide. A heater-pack pocket is located on each cuff for added warmth. Western Rivers Flyfisher, 1071 E. 900 South, 801-521-6424, WRFlyfisher.com |
| Grenade Screwdriver Set $9 Pulling out the screwdrivers has never been so thrilling. This plastic hand grenade contains three sizes each of Phillips and flathead screwdrivers. Mary Jane’s, 613 Main, Park City, 435-645-7463, MaryJanesShoes.com |
Reading Girl Mudflap Sticker $4 Stake your claim on your significant other’s truck or car with this smart take on the sexy mudflap girl. The Library Store, 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8238 |
Balance Longboard $199-$299 Drawn and created by hand, these longboards are the top of the line for racing, tricks or commuting from campus. Balance Skate Shop, 736 S. 400 West, 801-750-6054, BalanceSkateShop.com |
| Traveler Hip Flask $38 Whether someone you know has traveled the world or just sampled from the world’s liquor selections, add a touch of class to his on-the-go drinking with this stainless-steel flask with leather-effect finish. Charlotte’s, 1085 E. 900 South, 801-333-3773, Charlottes.biz |
Compass $54 Remind the business executive in your life to steer straight with this working compass that doubles as an impressive desk accessory. Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com |
Rocker T-Shirts $10 Reclaim the rocker T-shirt look from suburban chain stores by celebrating a genuine punk or underground band, or even Raunch Records itself. Raunch Records, 1119 E. 2100 South, 801-467-6077 |
| Sandalwood Shave Soap $16 Make shaving sexy with this scented shave soap. Its wooden container keeps the soap from drying out while classing up the bathroom counter. Tabula Rasa, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, 801-575-5043, TabulaRasaStationers.com |
The Walking Dead: Compendium One $59.99 Fans of AMC’s dark, snark-free zombie television show will want to get their hands on the graphic novel for even more gore. This 1,000-page tome contains the first 48 issues of the ongoing series. Night Flight Comics, 210 E. 400 South, 801-532-1188; 6222 S. State, 801-263-1940, Night-Flight.com |
MLB Baseball Cufflinks $189 Made from a baseball actually used in an MLB game, these cufflinks include an authentication card to verify the game during which the ball saw action. Balls used by any of the 30 MLB teams are available. Mary Jane’s, 613 Main, Park City, 435-645-7463, MaryJanesShoes.com |
| Spiewak Puffer Coat $179 He can feel like a (warm) kid again in this bright Robinson down coat, featuring a contrasting yoke and removable hood. Mary Jane’s, 613 Main, Park City, 435-645-7463, MaryJanesShoes.com |
Discrete Headwear Discrete’s accessories are inspired by mathematical principles, but you don’t have to be a genius to appreciate the bold styles and colors of this local headwear company that’s gained national recognition. Milosport Snow & Skate, 3119 E. 3300 South, 801-487-8600, DiscreteHeadwear.com, Milosport.com |
Nixon Time Teller Watch $59.95 This vibrant, minimalist watch is made from polycarbonate and finished with a polyurethane strap, so it’s shiny, durable and lightweight. Did we mention it’s shiny? Decade Snow & Skate, 1695 E. Skyline Drive No. 5, Ogden, 801-475-7433, DecadeSnowAndSkate.com |
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| Hand-Painted Skate Decks $26 Skaters can set themselves apart when they ride the streets of Salt Lake City on a deck designed and hand-painted by its own local artist, Greg Overton. Raunch Records, 1119 E. 2100 South, 801-467-6077 |
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FOR GIRLS
| Animal Rings $16-$18 Add some bling to the jewelry collection of your favorite animal-lover. Silver owl and elephant rings feature stretch bands and jewel accents. Casa Bella, Trolley Square, 602 E. 500 South, 801-363-0256 |
Dorothy Parker Martini Glass $12 For the drinker with a dry wit, lines of Dorothy Parker’s reveal themselves as the glass’s alcohol level diminishes: “I like to have a martini/ Two at the very most/ Three, I’m under the table/ Four, I’m under my host.” Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com |
George Gina & Lucy “Double B” Bag $218 The stylish versatility of this German brand has made its bags a hit for celebrities and Salt Lakers alike. The nylon Double B features silver hardware, contrasting handles and enough pockets to fit a woman’s many on-the-road necessities. Hip & Humble, 1043 E. 900 South, 801-467-3130, HipAndHumble.com |
| Pop-out Brush/Mirror Compact $5 This tiny round compact pops out to reveal a mini brush—a huge help for a quick hair fix in the bar’s bathroom mirror. Great for tucking into a stocking and, later, a purse. Got Beauty, 900 E. 2100 South, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com |
I Read Banned Books Bracelet, $18-$22 Help a bookworm wear her “controversial” tastes on her sleeve with this colorful bracelet featuring covers of classic titles—including Huckleberry Finn and To Kill A Mockingbird—that people still attempt to ban from schools and libraries. The Library Store, 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8238 |
PJ Salvage Flannel Pajamas $54 Give the gift of warmth with these fashionable flannel pajama sets that come in a variety of quirky prints. Chameleon Artwear, 1065 E. 900 South, 801-363-6463, ChameleonArtwear.com |
| Shame On You Kit $30 For the friend who has it all ... except good late-night decision-making skills. With this small kit to stow in her purse, glove compartment or desk drawer, she can at least be prepared. Includes toothbrush, three condoms, a phone card, pain reliever, one-size-fits-all thong and a “leave-behind” note. Mary Jane’s, 613 Main, Park City, 435-645-7463, MaryJanesShoes.com |
Pinup Girl Bottlecap Accessories $3-$8 Give some retro flair to the bombshell in your life with these colorful key chains and necklaces featuring images of sexy pinup girls from yesteryear. My Dough Girl, 770 S. 300 West, 801-834-6111, DoughGirl.com |
Bracelet Watch $10 A watch can still make a stylish accessory for someone who checks the time on her cell phone, especially when the cases have been repurposed to house colorful beads and baubles. Accentuate, AccentuateYourLook.com |
| Vintage Board Game Box $28-$32 It was Miss Scarlett in the library with the sentimental keepsake! These clever boxes, made entirely from vintage game boards and pieces, are the perfect place to store jewelry and other small treasures. Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, 801-532-4790 FrostyDarling.com |
Bath Salts $6.25 With their pretty packaging and sweet (or saucy) sentiments, these fragrant bath salts can stand alone as a gift or double as the card on a larger present. Two Dancing Cats, 1790 S. 1100 East, 801-485-0554 |
Scrabble Earrings $10 Celebrate someone’s initials or their domination on the game board with these tile earrings. The Library Store, 210 E. 400 South, 801-524-8238 |
| Cranky Owl Bag $70 With its watchful owl eyes, this eye-catching floral bag is the perfect blend of sweetness and spice. Frosty Darling, 177 E. Broadway, 801-532-4790, FrostyDarling.com |
Betsy-Tacy Reissues $12.99-$14.99 Finally back in print, the charming but overlooked Betsy Ray is a more progressive heroine than the farm girls or dreamy orphans of other vintage fiction. Though set at the turn of the 20th century, Betsy’s troubles and triumphs (boys! flunking! frenemies!) are fresh and relatable today. The King’s English, 1511 S. 1500 East, 801-484-9100, KingsEnglish.com |
Ci Sono Wool Coat $95 Add some color to a gray winter with this striking coat. Stretchy sewn-in cuffs and high button collar keep the cold out and the warmth in. Olive & Tweed, 608 Main, Park City, 435-649-9392, OliveAndTweed.com |
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| Moulin Roty Sewing and Knitting Kit $66 Beginning crafters of any age will feel inspired by this vintage-style kit, complete with French knitting mushroom, knitting needles, crochet hook, sewing needles, thimble, scissors, tape measure, buttons, thread, tapestry thread and wool. The Children’s Hour, 898 S. 900 East, 801-359-4150, ChildrensHourBookstore.com |
Amika Styling Trio $150 Amika’s hot-pink hairstyling set puts the “fun” in functional. Tourmaline and ceramic materials help eliminate frizz to create smooth, silky styles even when she’s on the go. Got Beauty, 900 E 2100 South, 801-474-2090, GotBeauty.com |
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