Every holiday shopper knows the appeal of Amazon. With a few keystrokes, you can pick presents for everyone you know and love, and you can do it without having to put on pants or leave your house. There’s a lot going for the online shopping experience. But, it also negates any benefit the money spent could have on the local economy and residents. It prevents you from supporting small and medium businesses and, really, it lacks the joy of the season.
In Clark County, we are lucky to have access to a lot of local businesses that offer amazing products that can’t be found anywhere else. And, these retailers are staffed by knowledgeable professionals who will work with you to make sure that you are choosing the best possible gift for the loved ones on your nice list. You won’t get that online. Nor, will you have a chance to connect with the people in your community.
So take this list, your gift list and make a shopping day of it. Drink a cup of coffee or cocoa from a small shop, stop into a restaurant for a meal made with local ingredients, and get your Clark County on. ‘Tis the season.
Most Everything Vintage
If you have a guy or gal on your list who is into vintage, this is the perfect place to snap up a great present. Most Everything Vintage lifestyle boutique sells clothing and accessories, original art, midcentury furniture, records, and collectibles. You can grab locally made spiced candles, really cool Italian socks, solid cologne for a dapper gentleman, and chocolate owls, too. This is the sort of place that you end up spending hours at because everything feels like something you need to look at.
Most Everything Vintage
815 Washington St
Vancouver
info@mosteverything.us
Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Sunday-Monday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Dapper D
If someone on your list is into women’s clothing with a men’s aesthetic, you must visit Dapper D and shop their tomboy tees and hoodies. In 2014, Vanna and Rasha, owners and sole craftspeople behind the brand, launched their business thanks to Kickstarter. Since then, it has flourished because people are drawn to the quality garments and to the powerful messages the company sends to the LGBTQ community and their allies. If a “Woman Up!” tee isn’t quite right, check out the beautiful jewelry crafted by Portland designer Nicolas Stone.
Dapper D
1103 SE Rasmussen Blvd
Battle Ground
360-723-5288
Open by appointment
Dave’s Killer Magic Shop
There has never been a young person who has not delighted in learning a magic trick and showing it to every person they meet. And, a lot of people carry that whimsy into adulthood. So whether your recipient is young or young-at-heart, you can find them something magically here. Not into magic yourself? At Dave’s Killer Magic Shop you can talk with a practitioner who knows the tricks. Then, you just have to steel yourself to be excited seeing the same trick roughly 57 times.
Dave’s Killer Magic Shop
1707 Main St
Vancouver
360-448-9022
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday-Friday: 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
Navidi’s Olive Oils & Vinegars
Right now, someone near and dear to you needs chipotle olive oil. They may not even know they need it, but they do. In fact, you may not know the true depth and scope of your family’s oil and vinegar needs until you go to Navidi’s Olive Oils & Vinegars in Camas and taste all of the different seasonings. And, don’t make the mistake of thinking these products are solely for chefs. Imagine how much a friend or family member who isn’t a stellar cook will appreciate being able to easily make a delicious salad dressing.
Navidi’s Olive Oils & Vinegars
322 NE Cedar Street
Camas
360-210-5921
Monday-Friday: 12:00 p.m.-7:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.
1709 Records
Hipsters get all the credit for being into vinyl, but the reality is that a lot of people still enjoy the sound and experience provided by a turntable. Unfortunately, it’s often hard to find what you want if the album in question is from decades gone by. Thank goodness for record stores, especially one that saves you a trip into Portland. If you are looking for turn tables, cleaning supplies, inner/outer sleeves, handmade storage bins or records, 1709 Records is the place to go. They also buy them, so if you need a little extra cash for gifts, that’s an option too.
1709 Records
1709 Broadway St
Vancouver
360-993-1709
Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday-Saturday: 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
I Like Comics
Comic shops are glorious locales for gifts and community. If you fear them because you aren’t much of a graphic novel aficionado, cast your doubt aside. Chris, Amy, and Jerry, who run I Like Comics, are fervent about comics and totally down to answer questions and introduce shoppers to new story arcs and characters. Plus, you don’t have to stick to the actual graphic novels themselves, you can check out collectibles and apparel as well. If someone on your list is totally into Funko Pop! figures, you must go here, they have a large selection.
I Like Comics
1715 Broadway St
Vancouver
360-852-8890
Monday-Sunday: 10:00 a.m-7:00 p.m.
The Soap Chest
When The Soap Chest owner Gail Horn’s family was grappling with skin sensitivity and eczema, she did a lot of research, looking for ways to soothe the discomfort they were experiencing. This led her to create a natural moisturizing soap free of the harsh additives in commercial brands. She says that she makes soap the “new, old-fashioned way” by using traditional techniques with an acute modern understanding of ingredients. Customers can indulge in some amazing soap, or purchase lip balm, bath bombs, spritzers of scent, bath salts, hand cream, laundry soap, and gift sets.
The Soap Chest
521 NE Everett Street
Camas
Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
Kazoodles
If your list includes children, then Kazoodles is a must-stop. Chances are you are seeking fun, safe, high quality toys, and that’s their specialty. Customer service is their passion and they offer free gift wrap year-round, so there’s one less thing to worry about. If you talk with someone about play value, they can point you to options that will last through multiple stages of development and multiple children, meaning your holiday gift will last long after others have lost their shine.
Kazoodles
13503 SE Mill Plain Blvd. #B-3
Vancouver
360-823-0123
Monday-Saturday: 9:30 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Sunday: 12:00 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Camas Bike and Sport
Nothing makes a great holiday like a bicycle adorned with a giant red bow. And the best place to buy one isn’t at a big box retailer. Camas Bike and Sport is a full-service shop with an excellent selection. Plus, they are a one-stop shop for cyclists, offering parts, accessories, and apparel. Purchase a bike that is over $500 and you get a lifetime tune-up service agreement that entitles the bearer to two tune-ups each year for free. Need your own bike repaired but don’t have the time? They offer a pick-up service, so you can get ready for the holidays while they do the work on your bike.
Camas Bike and Sport
403 NE 5th Ave
Camas
360-210-5160
Monday-Friday: 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.
Saturday: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Sunday: 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
