The best gifts for her (or him) are those handmade by artisans and crafters right in her own backyard. Not literally, of course, although many of these goods are indeed produced in the backyards, garages and offices of their respective makers. Whether you're shopping for a cheerleader of all things made in the Inland Northwest, or you're one of those "shop small" folks looking to spread the local love, the following ideas fit both criteria. — Chey Scott
08 LEFT AIRPORT PRINT
World explorers, military servicemembers, frequent fliers and lifelong residents of the Northwest can all appreciate the creative offerings of designer Ryan Miller, a Spokane native who founded 08 Left to share his love of travel and pay homage to a lifelong obsession with the wonders of aviation. Miller's repertoire of 350-plus airport-themed designs can be printed on posters, throw pillows, coasters, T-shirts and sleek sheet-metal wall hangings. The sheer number of design and print options on 08 Left's website may be overwhelming unless you know exactly what you're looking for, so try starting with the classic Spokane International Airport (that's GEG for short) runway/terminal map print, or, for the military folks on your list, a print of Fairchild Air Force Base. (For the uninitiated, Fairchild's call letters are SKA; don't ask us why.) $23-$160 • Order online at 08left.com; colors on prints also are customizable.
CRAFT & LORE WALLET
Working with hides from some of the finest tanneries in the U.S., Chad Von Lind creates heritage-quality leather goods — pieces your frugal great-grandpa would be proud to own — at his Coeur d'Alene workbench. This year marks Craft & Lore's second holiday season, and already orders for Von Lind's hand-tooled wallets, belts, bags, folios and more are stacking up. Anyone on your list should be flattered to upgrade to one of Craft & Lore's simple, sturdy Port Wallets; it'll last for ages. $55-$65 • Order online at craftandlore.com (check the brand's Facebook page for coupon codes), or find at Bulldog Pipe & Cigar in the Silverlake Mall, 200 W. Hanley Ave., CdA
LOCAL KNITS BEANIE
Snowboarder Ethan Rollins' handmade winter accessories brand was, like many things, born out of necessity. After his favorite hand-knit beanie wore out, Rollins did what not many others would do: He learned how to knit and crochet so he could make a new one. That project eventually grew into Local Knits, and Rollins still personally handmakes each one of the beanies, scarves, hoodies and caps in Local Knits' inventory. All are staple pieces during cold Northwest winters, filled with opportunities for seasonal outdoor recreation. Rollins, who relocated to the Spokane area this fall, says he'll continue to accept custom orders through Dec. 18, but his pre-made color combos and patterns are just as rad. Beanies, $25 • Order online at localknits.com (not currently sold in local stores)
VINTAGE SPOKANE MAP CUFF
The only item on this list that's not made locally (but should be) was discovered during a curiosity-induced search on Etsy for the keyword "Spokane." (Pro tip: If the ideas here are already old news, or you're simply interested in discovering the weird, vintage Spokane ephemera scattered across the Internet, get on the site and do the same.) Created by a vintage map enthusiast from Long Island, New York, this aluminum cuff-style bracelet for guys or gals showcases a snapshot of old downtown Spokane, circa the 1950s. Handmade, unique, vintage-esque and certain to be a conversation starter, your giftee can wear their love for Spokane on their, uh, wrist. $31 • Order online from the Etsy shop decembermoondesign
THE GREAT PNW TEES
The most ardent locals actively seek out opportunities to debate anyone who'd dare to challenge the benefits of living in a part of the country as geographically diverse as the Pacific Northwest. Chances are high that this Mr. Spokane or Miss Inland Empire character we all know would also gladly fill their wardrobe with tastefully designed T-shirts from the minds of Joel and Tori Barbour, owners of the Spokane-based brand The Great PNW. With an abundance of designs, colors and snappy sayings — "Northwest is Best," "Upper Left USA" — the biggest challenge will be resisting picking up a tee or hoodie for yourself. T-shirts, $28 • Order online at thegreatpnw.com or find at Atticus Coffee & Gifts, 222 N. Howard
TIFFANY PATTERSON COLORING BOOK
One of the region's most prolific young artists, Tiffany Patterson's signature pastel-hued, whimsical creations are seen across the region on billboards, posters, buses, murals and even the occasional Inlander cover. Gift anyone on your list, no matter their age, with the joyful pages of Patterson's annual coloring book, this year called Animal Groups and their Collective Nouns. (Coloring books for adults to de-stress are kind of a thing these days.) If you or the recipient are inclined to doodle on Patterson's adorable artwork with the artist in person, she also organizes the monthly Spokane Social Sketch events that are open to all. Find more about that at Facebook.com/socialsketching. $8 • Order online from the Etsy shop CurseWordsAndBirds or find at Boo Radley's, 232 N. Howard Street ♦
