When it comes to holiday shopping, it’s the thought that counts—the thought behind each and every gift that you carefully select for your friends and family, that is. And there’s no better way to shop thoughtfully than to shop locally-made. Here in Central Oregon, we’re surrounded by a wealth of beauty, natural resources and creativity, a dynamic combination that’s fostered a thriving community of artisans and makers. It’s a cinch to cross gift-giving off your to-do list thanks to this inspiring array of small businesses. Let’s go shopping!
Eat, drink and be merry with local sips and snacks
Got a foodie in your life? From beer and spirits to meat, honey and organic provisions, Central Oregon is awash in delicious bounty that’s sure to impress.
Badlands Artisan Distillery and Bistro: “We offer our locally made craft spirits by the bottle or in a cocktail! The cucumber gin and double-barrel rye whiskey are sure to please and make perfect gifts for the holidays.” – McKenzie Nokes, owner and manager
Cascade Lakes Brewing: “Whether you’re celebrating an epic powder day at Mt. Bachelor or a fat bike ride at Wanoga, or you just don’t want to show up empty-handed at a holiday gathering, Cascade Lakes has you covered this winter,” said Andy Rhine, General Manager of Cascade Lakes Brewing Co. “A six-pack or two of our Slippery Slope Winter Ale, a gift card, or some of our Central Oregon-inspired apparel and merchandise are great ways to show someone you truly care about them this holiday season, and as the closest brewery to the mountains, our Bend Brewpub is the perfect first stop for all of the above on your way back to town.”
Broadus Bees: Honey, it’s the holidays! We can’t think of anything sweeter than raw and infused local honey made with a commitment to the environment in mind. Pro tip from owner Jimmy Wilkie: “The whipped honey is my favorite to put on peanut butter and honey sandwiches.”
Sakari Farms: “[We’re] a local Native American-owned farm located in Tumalo, Oregon,” says Spring Alaska Schreiner, owner. “Our products are unique in that we grow and create healthy organic tribal food and spa creations. We custom make every item, and love sharing our food and beauty products with friends and family throughout Central Oregon.”
Sisters Meat and Smokehouse: “[We’re] a third-generation artisanal meat shop offering made-here deliciousness with customer service that moved the high bar…upward!” – Jeff Johnson, owner. Stop by and pick out a foodie gift from their selection of cuts at their store in Sisters.
Treat yourself and your loved ones with handmade health and beauty favorites
Self-care goes local! These top-of-the-line products are all designed with a commitment to both health and the earth in mind, and will look just as pretty on the bathroom counter as they will be wrapped up under the tree.
AOS Skincare: Local is synonymous with luxury at this boutique, where quality and modern aesthetics reign supreme. Surprise the beauty in your life with a revamped routine rich in organic ingredients.
Lotus Naturals: Essential oils are all the rage. Here’s a local option. Inspired by both nature and spirituality, Lotus’s products are packed with surprising everyday benefits. Says Amber, the owner: “Not only do [the products] smell amazing, they help to keep me grounded, focused and in a positive state of mind.”
Broken Top Candle: Committed to wellness, Broken Top believes first and foremost that quality, sustainable products should be affordable without compromising on ingredients. “Women-owned and locally grown by family, Broken Top Brands is a lifestyle company of affordable luxury,” says content marketing director Kristen Strom. “All of our candles are hand-poured and manufactured in Bend, Oregon using plant-based wax and minimal, yet sustainable ingredients. Our home and body products follow suit using organic, good-for-you elements.”
Put a bow on beautiful, one-of-a-kind homewares, accessories and more
Shopping for that friend who has everything? In Central Oregon, these artisans keep it unique—shop their craft and find that special thing you never even knew you were looking for.
Greenbird Press: Not your average Christmas card! A boutique letterpress with a keen and modern eye for design, Greenbird offers hand-printed notecards, prints, and other paper products ideal for accenting or completing your locally-sourced gifts.
Silipint: Unbreakable, colorful drinkware, Silipint’s colorful vessels go anywhere you do. They’re made with 100% food-grade silicone, and they’re BPA-free and super easy to care for. Available in patterns and solids, these uber-colorful cups and glasses make eye-catching gifts.
Outdoor Ukulele and Guitar: Talk about unique! This Bend shop specializes in creating composite polycarbonate instruments for camping, backpacking and traveling. “Central Oregon customers can pick up instruments this holiday season at the shop if they order through the website.” – Scott Seelye, owner
Show your flair with fabulous wearables
Surprise and delight the fashionista in your life with something gorgeous that will stand out—AND go with everything.
Havstad Hat Company: Gift a breathtakingly beautiful local treasure to the most elegant person in your life. Havstad’s extraordinary hats are crafted from premium beaver felts and dyed with wild plants harvested from the high desert. They go fast, though, so if you want in, join the wait list on their website.
No matter what strikes your fancy, when you shop local by Central Oregon artisans and makers, you can rest assured that you’re not only gifting a loved one with something memorable and special, but that you’re also making a real difference in the life and livelihood of the Central Oregon community.
Other stories
More inspiring stories, adventures, and tips & tricks for planning and experiencing the best Central Oregon has to offer.
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Meet the Central Oregon Makers
Central Oregonians are a collection of dreamers, doers, storytellers and innovators who have all chosen this beautiful place as home. The result is a thriving community of makers who help weave the cultural fabric of this unique area. To showcase the depth of creativity that flows here, Visit Central Oregon created the "Central Oregon Makers" campaign. The hope is that the content inspires others to seek out and support the people who bring the Central Oregon region to life. See videos of each of these Central Oregon Makers here.
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Made in Central Oregon
Whether souvenir shopping is on the agenda during a trip to Central Oregon, or the holiday gift giving season is once again creeping up, there is no shortage of shopping here in the high desert. While it has become easier than ever to shop from behind a screen, there’s a special feeling that comes with shopping local—whether it's for art, local specialty foods or experiences that showcase the best of Central Oregon.
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Best Shopping in Bend and Redmond, Oregon
Shopping in Central Oregon has evolved over time, thanks to an influx of outdoor enthusiasts, organic farmers, antique purveyors and entrepreneurs of all kinds moving in, and subsequently sharing their products with the community. This mixed bag of motivated individuals creates a marketplace full of locally sourced, handcrafted items that can’t be found anywhere else. In addition to small, local businesses, Central Oregon’s growth in population in recent years has garnered the attention of some larger retailers, who have opened up shop in Bend and Redmond. Shopping in Bend, Oregon and likewise, shopping in Redmond, Oregon, provides visitors with a look inside our local industries, while simultaneously providing opportunities to purchase from well known retailers. It’s also worth mentioning that shopping in Central Oregon and throughout the state is tax-free, offering shoppers a built-in excuse to buy whatever catches their eye.