Eleven months of the year, it's easy to admire the self-sufficiency of your thriftiest friends and family members. If they need something, they can make it themselves, grow it themselves or find it for cheap. But when the holidays roll around and you've yet to cross that person off your list, it can be frustrating. These suggested gifts can be altered to fit the interests of your thrifty friend, but think of experiences, not physical gifts, or gifts that help the recipient create or maintain the sustainable, Earth-friendly lifestyle of their dreams.
COVERED WITH ART WORKSHOP
Attending a creative workshop with your thrifty friend is like two gifts in one — the gift of quality time and the gift of a fun DIY project. For a last-minute gift for someone else, you two can check out the holiday ornament painting workshops (Dec. 12 and 14) or the watercolor workshop (Dec. 14) at Covered with Art. After the busy holiday season, spend time learning the fiber art of punch needle (Jan. 10), enjoy a cup of coffee and a watercolor workshop (Jan. 11), or learn some technical skills during the palette knife painting workshop (Jan. 24). $25-$46 • Covered With Art • 12510 E. Sprague Ave., Spokane Valley • coveredwithart.com
THRIFT STORE SHOPPING SPREEIf you don't have a specific gift in mind, why not let them find their own present by funding their next thrift shopping spree? Set a budget and let them do what they do best: find deals. From Global Neighborhood Thrift and Vintage in Spokane's Logan neighborhood and the Arc of Spokane Thrift Store in Spokane Valley to the Beau Monde outlets in Coeur d'Alene, Post Falls and Athol, there are previously loved gems waiting to be discovered across the Inland Northwest. If they're more interested in antiques and furniture, take your pal to Paris Vintage Market in Coeur d'Alene or Pine Street Market and Boutique in Spokane Valley. Prices and locations vary
LOCALLY MADE KITCHEN SET
If your giftee wants to become more eco-friendly at home but doesn't know where to start, consider gifting them some sustainable kitchen swaps from From Here. Grab a bar of soap from Orange Thyme ($7), Brave ($10), Wild June Co. ($10) or Beauchamp & Chase ($12), which all look as good as they smell. Pair it with a ceramic soap dish ($15) from Katie and Kin or a wooden soap holder ($12-$14) from Brave. Finally, wrap the gifts in a handwoven tea towel from Bucket of Moonbeams ($42) or place them in a ceramic basket bowl from Goblin Pottery ($45-$120) for a truly no-waste present. Prices vary • From Here • 808 W. Main Ave. • fromherespokane.com
HOUSEPLANT STARTER BOX
For the green thumb in training, getting a start on a home garden, or even just a houseplant or two, can seem like a daunting task. Receiving a houseplant starter box from the Plant Farm is a near-guaranteed boost of confidence. The starter kit includes everything your giftee needs: a watering can, a pair of gardening gloves (various sizes available), a set of mini houseplant tools, a container of rooting powder, four growers pots (4-inch pots with saucers) with label stakes and a 24-ounce bag of potting soil. The Plant Farm even has an "Easy Care" section featuring plants perfect for beginning gardeners. $60 • The Plant Farm • 14208 E. Fourth Ave., Spokane Valley • spokaneplantfarm.com
DONATION TO ENVIRONMENTAL NONPROFIT
For another waste-free gift, consider a donation to a local environmental nonprofit in your giftee's name. In the Inland Northwest alone, there are plenty to choose from, including Spokane Riverkeeper, Inland Northwest Land Conservancy, The Lands Council, Kootenai Environmental Alliance, Idaho Conservation League and Inland Northwest Wildlife Council. There are also site-specific organizations like the Dishman Hills Conservancy, Friends of Scotchman Peaks Wilderness and Friends of the Bluff. If money is tight this holiday season, grab the giftee and sign up to volunteer your time. It might just become a holiday tradition. ♦
