This message is a part of our insider's perspective series offering a sneak peek into what those of us who are lucky to call this place home do on the daily.  Authored by David who shares: "I used to have trouble shopping for the holidays and I’m pretty sure the people receiving those presents could tell. There wasn’t a lot of originality on display, particularly for those family and friends who are a bit harder to shop for. We all have them on our lists, don’t we? Then one year I made a real effort to shop at local small businesses because our chamber of commerce pointed out that it was good for the economy. But in the process, I discovered something else: Holiday shopping was fun again! What’s more, I had help from people who are better at shopping than I am, namely the business owners and staff at those small stores."

Putting the fun back in holiday shopping in Astoria & Warrenton

Now that shopping is fun again, I like to make a day of it. I fine-tune my “people to buy for” list over coffee and pastries at someplace like Coffee Girl on Pier 39 in Astoria. I might even be able to cross someone off the list with branded merchandise or a gift card while I’m there. Then, it’s just a few steps to the other shops on Pier 39 in the historic Hanthorn Cannery Building. Handmade and locally crafted gifts at Ghost Ship, wine from Vineside, custom canvas bags from Four Winds Canvas, and beer or merchandise from Rogue will check a few people off the list.
  

Leaving Uppertown Astoria, I might make a quick stop at the Columbia River Maritime Museum to tour their gift shop. I invariably find something for my hard-to-shop-for uncle here with a little help from Blue and her staff. The wonderful new “Cedar and Sea” exhibit also has its own pop-up gift shop right now with some truly remarkable Northwest gifts. A quick detour up the hill to the Astoria Column is also in order so that I can get an annual pass for the coming year and maybe check out their gift shop as well to see what Meredith recommends.


Next, I head to Downtown Astoria where I can easily walk to dozens of unique shops carrying everything from clothing to vinyl records, books, foods, art, and crafts. For moms and aunts, Saara at Finn Ware, Mark at Forsythea, Vicki at Gypsy’s Whimsy, Ari at Short Wave, Naomi at Sea Gypsy, and others are my secret shopping force. I’m not going to lie, though, if you see me at Gimre’s Shoes, I’m probably shopping for myself. For my brother, I turn to Dwayne at Bridge and Tunnel to help me create a case of assorted beers that will make him happy. For my son, Chris from Lonely Crab record shop will do the same thing with a few albums from my era that we think my son will enjoy as well. While I’m downtown, some specialty packaged Italian dishes and ingredients from Gaetano’s Italian Deli and tickets from local venues like Ten Fifteen Theater or the Liberty Theatre will make nice gifts.
 

The Uniontown district on the west end of Astoria has some great shopping opportunities, too. Whether stopping by to see Neil at M&N Workwear or Kurt at Englund Marine, they'll both have great ideas for the hot gift item this year for my outdoorsy niece and nephew. Becky and her team at Uniontown Trading Company are sure to have something interesting to take to my white elephant gift exchange.

By now, I'm ready for lunch and this time, I think I’ll go to Arnie’s Cafe in Downtown Warrenton. Warrenton is always decorated to the hilt for the holidays and some perfectly prepared comfort food will keep the mood going. That gives me the afternoon to get serious about a few people still on the list. By serious, I mean I’m going to ask Lenny at L & D Race Tech what gear to get for the motorcyclists and quad enthusiasts. I’m going to ask Jim at GB Jewelers for recommendations on locally designed and created jewelry. And, I’ll likely run out to Fort Stevens State Park to get annual park passes for a few people – they’re discounted every December.
 

It’s fun to have personalized help with my holiday shopping, and it’s even better to be able to give meaningful gifts to the people on my list.

We've got plenty of options for places to stay in Astoria and Warrenton to set the mood for a holiday season you won't forget. Look for holiday stay and play packages or great mid-week rates, and treat yourself a little this holiday season, too. Check out the cabins at KOA in Warrenton, or the Hotel Elliott, Astoria Riverwalk Inn, or book a suite at Pier 39. Our full list of Places to Stay can give you plenty of options. On the hunt for more travel ideas? Make sure to visit our See + Do and Eat + Drink pages for our other recommendations located in Astoria and Warrenton! Check the Astoria Warrenton Community Events Calendar for holiday activities to round out your shopping.

If you can’t get to Warrenton and Astoria this holiday season, I’ll bet you can find the same kind of shopping help at the independent businesses near you. Then come visit us after the holidays.