With only two weeks left before the end of the first semester, it’s time for students to start thinking about gifts for the holidays. Below, The Pioneer provides a list of the top eight local shops to check out for holiday gifts: all within just a very short distance of campus.
1. Bright’s Candies: Located on Main Street, this family-owned candy shop is by far your best bet for edible gifts and treats. The shop (which is over 75 years old) contains many great gift options, including boxes of chocolate, gift cards and fudge. A variety of gift packages are also available in multiple sizes.
2. Book and Game Company: Books are always a great idea, but it’s Book and Game Co.’s large game section that makes them unique. In addition to classic and more well-known games, the store also has a fantastic selection of lesser-known games such as the award-winning German games “Settlers of Catan” and “Ticket to Ride”, as well as the strategic and hilarious card game “Killer Bunnies and the Quest for the Magic Carrot.” These and a variety of other games are a great gift for family members or siblings, and will provide a variety of entertainment for over the month long winter break.
3. Inland Octopus: Although Book and Game Co. has a fantastic selection of games, Inland Octopus is a far better choice if you are looking for toys and games for younger siblings. Located right next to Bright’s Candies and made noticeable by its colorful mural, Inland Octopus has a great selection of toys for all different ages. Although the shop contains a number of brand name toys, the best thing to check out here are the smaller and more unique items, which are also conveniently cheaper.
4. Hot Poop: Hot Poop lives up to its title as Washington’s oldest independent record store by being the most fun store in town. Of course, the store offers a great selection of CDs, but in an age when songs are available at the touch of a button, CDs aren’t the only reason to check out Hot Poop. Hot Poop also offers a great amount of gifts that can’t be downloaded, such as vinyl records and music memorabilia including posters and clothing.
5. Olive Marketplace and Café: Created by the founder of T. Maccarone’s, Olive is one of the newer restaurants in Walla Walla. Located on Main Street, Olive is more than just your regular café. In addition to selling soups, salads, sandwiches and treats, the shop also has a great selection of cheeses and wines (if you are of age), and a variety of cooking ingredients for sale. Out of all the places on this list, Olive is the best choice for gifts for parents or other adults.
6. Starbucks: Although Starbucks is not the first place that comes to mind when one thinks of holiday shopping, the store actually provides some good options of gifts including CDs, mugs and gift cards. Although a Starbucks gift card is not a particularly unique or personal gift, let’s be honest: most people would be more than happy to receive one.
7. Goodwill: A fun option for gifts for other Whitman friends who you want to get a gift for but don’t want to spend too much money on. The store has a specific section dedicated to the holidays and holiday presents all of which are fun, unique and cheap. However, the funnest products are the random items scattered throughout the store, such as fun scarves, games and various knick-knacks.
8. Whitman Bookstore: For those who don’t feel like walking a few blocks in the cold, the Whitman Bookstore is an ideal option for gifts. In addition to the selection of cards available, the store contains a nice selection of gifts for family members, including everything from Whitman clothing to mugs and other glassware.
