Spread Holiday Cheer by Supporting Local Reno Businesses

This holiday season, we’d like to highlight many of the amazing local businesses and artisans that have worked so hard to bring our community together and make our economy stronger during this unprecedented time. Throughout the month, we’ve spotlighted some interesting and unique local gems that you may or may not have heard of. Now we’ve compiled a list of all our favorite artisans, Etsy shops, and neighborhood businesses to make a comprehensive gift guide that will surely help you with your holiday needs!

For the Foodies in Your Family:

Great Basin Food Co-op- This natural grocer carries locally grown produce and house made goodies. A gift card to the Great Basin Food Co-op will ensure your friends and family are fueled up for their adventures. (shop online & choose curbside pickup)
Nevada Grown: A Year in Local Food- For that loved one who loves to cook, pick up this unique & one of a kind cookbook. Compiled and curated by local farmers, Nevada Grown has some interesting and tasty recipes for that aspiring Rachel Ray or Emeril in your family to try. We’ve even sampled a few recipes for you!
Half Priced Friday Deals- Local alt-rock radio station, 100.1 The- X has been running a special deal for neighborhood restaurants. For $25 you can get $50 worth of gift cards to a different restaurant every week. So, buy one for your favorite couple and keep one for yourself and plan an awesome double date for when COVID is over! Check out the deals!

For the Adventure Lover:

Gear Hut: We highlighted them for our #smallbusinesssaturday feature, but we just can’t stop raving about them! Owner, Rusty Donlan, is all about giving back to the community- through hosting volunteer events and highlighting and donating portions of their proceeds to a different non-profit organization every month. So, if you’re looking for anything specific for your adventure lover (make sure to check out their winter gear), this is THE place to shop!
Patagonia Outlet: Known for their outdoor products that last years, if you’re looking for a gift that the recipient will use time and time again, the Patagonia outlet is the place to go. They also make sure to give back to the communities they are part of! Shop online and pick up in store here.
Tahoe Timber: Using sustainably sourced materials, Tahoe Timber makes sunglasses, pocket knives and other adventure accessories with a percentage of sales going to a different foundation every quarter.
REI Co-Op: While this may not technically be a "small business", they do make a very local impact on the community by donating to and partnering with local non-profits and restoration projects. Our very own restoration days at the Nature Study Area are made possible in large part due to REI's sponsorship! So, check out the local Reno shop and find what you need for your resident adventurer.
Healthy Tails- This one is for that 4-legged adventure buddy! They have name brand dog foods, treats, and adventure accessories like doggie daypacks, booties, and harnesses. Check ‘em out!

For the Lifelong Learner:

Trails Challenge Membership: For those in your life who love the outdoors and learning about local plants and animals, what better gift than the gift of adventure! Sign up yourself and your loved ones for our year long Trails Challenge. This gift includes a trail log to keep track of your miles and meet your hiking goals, as well as specialized, monthly interpretive hikes, led by our Community Programs Educators and other Parks Foundation staff and AmeriCorps members.
Space Cadet Workshops: In addition to being a cute boutique and plant shop, the shop also hosts tons of unique craft workshops, like woodworking classes, dance classes, and other cool art classes.
Museum Memberships: Buy your science and art buffs a year-long membership to The Discovery or Nevada Art Museum. These memberships can give them access to special exhibits & events and discounts at the museum gift shops. It’s the gift that keeps giving all year long!
1 Month Membership @ Wolf Valley Performance- This crossfit style gym is owned and operated by Nevada local, Stacy Rikalo. She and her team are passionate, knowledgeable, and welcoming! Stacy also hosts a Podcast called Femstrong and monthly workshops led by female leaders in the community! Help your family kick start their 2021 goals by purchasing a one month membership!

Artisan Stocking Stuffers from Reno-based Etsy shops

Cute, handmade crafts that will fit in your stockings this year! From air plant magnet holders shaped like the state of Nevada, to fragrant soy candles, to hand knit hats and scarves, and unique, wood carved earrings! There’s sure to be something unique for everyone! Check them out:

For that One with Eclectic Tastes

The Nest- The Nest is a thrift shop with a carefully selected assortment of vintage finds. With new treasures coming in often and a weekly sale, you're bound to find something here that no one else will get them.*Bonus, they also boast a wicked record collection for $5 or less, too!
La Terre Verte- This shop carries fair trade products from all over the world as well as products from local artisans!
Burned Wood Prints - This Etsy shop has awesome wooden art prints! If the art lover in your life is bored with the typical canvas artwork, this is just the thing for them!
Natural Selection- If you’re looking for gifts for the nature lover in your life, this is the shop to visit. Filled with animal specimens, plants, and other natural gifts for the home, you’re sure to find something here.

When you shop small, you’re not only helping keep the local businesses that make Reno unique to stay in business, you’re also helping support the local economy. These small businesses provide jobs to our neighbors, support nonprofits throughout the area, and invest in our community. Plus, the customer service is way better and you’re reducing your environmental footprint. That’s a win-win. Shopping small this season not only supports these businesses, it supports our community as a whole, and as we all know, a thriving community is the gift that never stops giving!

Did we miss anything? Let us know what shops you love to support in the comments below!