Shopping online for the holidays may be convenient, but let’s face it, the intimacy factor is missing. Why not bundle up and head downtown to check out the lights before popping into your area’s local shops to mingle in the spirit of Kris Kringle? We’ve put together a sampler of some unique gift ideas that are worth ditching the screen and going festal.

Art

Lithia Artisans Holiday Market
December 13-15
Medford Armory
1701 S. Pacific Hwy, Medford
lithiaartisansmarket.com
(541) 776-6054

Someone who loves art will be in awe unwrapping a special one-of-a-kind piece crafted by a master artisan. Admission is free to shop over 70 exceptional art vendors and enjoy live music, food trucks, a raffle for a $100 gift certificate and free DIY gift wrapping.

Foods

Medford Food Co-op
845 S. Riverside, Medford
medfordfood.coop
(541) 779-2667

For the foodie you know, fill one of their handwoven baskets to create a gorgeous custom gift of artisanal foods, exceptional cheeses, fair-trade chocolates, luxurious body care, locally made beeswax candles, and regional beer and wine. Or purchase a $100 gift card for $90 during December!

Fashions

The Creator’s Gallery & Boutique
535 Stevens Street, Medford
115 West Main, Eagle Point
145 N. 5th Street, Jacksonville
(appointments) (541) 944-9787

Let her feminine wiles run wild with a gift certificate for a day of clothes shopping and being personally outfitted, from shoes to handbags and accessories. The popular Sonshine Designer Apparel for full-figured women is now The Creator’s Boutique, offering their designer plus-size clothing line and gently used fashion trade-ins.

Spirits

Immortal Spirits
141 S. Central Avenue, Medford
immortalspirits.com
(541) 816-4344

A cozy fire, relaxing music and glasses of distinctive, handcrafted spirits can top any wintry eve. It’s hard to choose from their line of personal, handmade liquors, and add to that the unique tasting room grill and cocktail menus and perhaps the best way to experience Immortal Spirits is with a gift card. 

Chocolates

Lillie Belle Farms Handmade Artisan Chocolates
211 N. Front Street, Central Point
lilliebellefarms.com
(541) 664-2815

Handmade, artisan-crafted chocolates make those boxed cherry cordials look like processed hockey pucks. Over 100 decadent specialties like lavender caramels, blue cheese truffle spread and red velvet almonds will have your favorite chocoholic in a daze for hours. So grab one of their popular sampler boxes or a gift certificate, perfect for stockings.

Books

Oregon Books & Games
150 N.E. E Street, Grants Pass
oregonbooks.com
(541) 476-3132

Got a reader in the family? It’s every bookworm’s fantasy perusing the hundreds of new and used books, not to mention their toys. The largest and most inclusive line of Melissa and Doug creative toys can be found here as well as Klutz educational toys and Elf-On-The-Shelf Christmas collectibles. 

Toys & Outdoor

Northwest Nature Shop
154 Oak Street, Ashland
northwestnatureshop.com
(877) 482-3241

Going for more of an ‘unplugged’ theme for the kids this year? How about a zipline or slackline of their own or (do you remember) pogo sticks and stilts? With swings, solar lights, bird feeders and shelters, and much more you can get a family-size gift certificate and please everybody.

Fishing

The Fishin Hole Fly Shop
21873 Hwy 62, Shady Cove
thefishinholeflyshop.com
(541) 878-4000

Fishing and rafting fans will appreciate a gift certificate to float the Upper Rogue with a professional guide while enjoying a gourmet picnic of exceptional deli sandwiches, soups and salads or a collection of artisan cheeses, wines and bread. Given the wide array of gear, accessories and their unique gift shop, better make that an all-inclusive amount!

Cooking

The Kitchen Company
301 SE 6th Street, Grants Pass
thekitchencompanygp.com
(541) 955-5311

If you’ve got grumbles, groans and burnt cookie smells wafting from your kitchen it’s time to surprise your favorite chef with some great kitchen ware. From cutlery, cookware and linens to cookbooks, barware and gadgets galore, they’ve got it all, plus the experts to help you pick the perfect tools for the job, not to mention complimentary gift wrapping.

Dining

Kaleidoscope Pizza
3084 Crater Lake Highway, Medford
kaleidoscopepizza.com
(541) 779-7787

It’s a sigh of relief to anyone who runs the range at home when they hear those words, “Let’s eat out!” Treat your favorite cook to a fun dining experience at this popular pizzeria and pub. With its friendly staff and funky décor, it’s sure to be a memorable night off.

Fitness

Ace Force One Complete Fitness
2382 W. Main Street Ste B, Medford
aceforceone.com
(541) 500-1714

After Christmas cookies comes New Year’s resolutions and what better gift to give someone who’s aiming to get in shape in 2020 than the gift of health. A holiday membership package special for $99 includes 28 days of personal coaching and fitness plan, workouts, education and nutritional guidance, or shop the expansive line of supplements and vitamins to help that special someone sculpt their dream body.