Hello friends and a happy December to you! The countdown is really on now, one week until Christmas! Oh my heavens to Betsy. I thought I would put together a holiday blog post and divide it into 3 categories. Giving, Gifting and Going. Below you will find several opportunities for giving to help local people or businesses in need in the “Giving” section. Then you will see the “Gifting” section in which I have listed out some local businesses where you can still do some last minute shopping. I personally love and shop/support at the places I have listed. Lastly I shared some fun, free and family friendly (just look at all that beautiful alliteration) holiday activities in the “Going” section. I hope you find this blog post helpful or valuable in some way. :)
Wishing you all a magical and memorable holiday season. I am also sending big hugs to each and every one of you!
GIVING -
Big table - This organization that carries a huge heart for our local community has a mission of “caring for the restaurant and hospitality industry by building community around shared meals and caring for those in crisis, transition or falling through the cracks.” They have some amazing and creative ways to get involved and volunteer. There are of course also opportunities for financial donations. You can donate HERE.
Spokane Quaranteam - If you want to witness and be a part of some incredible generosity and caring that is happening in our city GO check out this group on Facebook. Thousands of people are banding together to help local restaurants on the daily by raising money through donations. The Facebook group has grown to be nearly 20,000 members. You heart will be blessed and amazed to see what can happen when determined people with big hearts work together.
Second harvest - The mission and vision of Second harvest is “Fighting hunger, feeding hope: Second Harvest brings community resources together to feed people in need through empowerment, education and partnerships.” This holiday season, Bank of America will triple match every dollar donated up to $75,000 to help feed children, families and seniors facing hunger in our area. Isn’t that amazing? You can donate HERE.
GIFTING -
I LOVE any chance I get to visit the Boulevard, so many treasures to discover and a chance to go back in time as you see so many pieces from times past.
Located at 1012 N Washington Spokane, WA 99201
~ Paint in my Hair ~
This is such a fun local store that has a great variety of items curated by different vendors. You just never know what goodies you’ll find. A wonderful place to visit to look for gifts for others or for yourself.
Located at 3036 N Monroe Spokane, WA 99205
It’s always a delight to pop in to Ritters in North Spokane and it’s an extra special place to visit during the holiday season as they certainly know how to deck their halls with Christmas magic.
Located at 10120 N Division St. Spokane, WA 99218
I LOVE this store!! When visiting, you will see the incredible talents of people from our very own city on display which also means that every purchase made money goes to artists who live right here in Spokane, “and helps to keep creativity alive and well in our city.”
Located at 808 W. Main Ave. Suite 251 Spokane, WA 99201 (inside Riverpark square mall downtown)
I can wander around this store and coffee shop for hours. I consider Atticus to be a staple of Downtown Spokane and always enjoy any time I get the chance to stop in and look around.
Located at 222 N Howard St. Spokane, WA 99201
~ BeYoutiful bath bombs & more ~
This wonderful local business is fun for the senses, it’s a colorful shop and smells amazing. In addition to all the fantastic bath and body products they make, the BeYoutiful shop also has a variety of vendors who have their products available as well: hair accessories, candles, hand milled soaps, lotions, jewelry and more.
Located at 4750 N. Division ste 1144 Spokane, WA 99207 (they are inside Northtown mall)
~ Lucky vintage and pretty things ~
This adorable local shop offers a fantastic mixture of vintage finds and new items that have been beautifully curated by the various vendors.
Located 1406 S Inland Empire way Spokane, WA 99224
Quality, hand-poured soy candles from a local maker in the Spokane valley who has been making and perfecting candles for many, many years. For any last minute shopping you have they will be OPEN Friday, the 18th through Tuesday the 22nd from 10am-4pm
Located at 4918 N Evergreen Rd. Spokane Valley, WA 99216
GOING -
Here are several free & family friendly Christmas activities you can enjoy in the area::
Enchanted Garden Drive-Thru Holiday Lights at Manito Park
Presented by Friends of Manito and Spokane Parks, this is a lovely offering to enjoy through Sunday, December 20th.
“Typically held indoors at Manito’s Gaiser Conservatory, we’re moving the show outdoors to allow for physical distancing. Visitors are asked to drive through the show to ensure compliance with COVID-19 guidelines. Grab some hot cocoa from home and explore twinkling, festive lights along one-half mile inside one of our city’s most historic parks.”
4:30 – 9:30pm Fridays & Saturdays
4:30 – 8:30pm Sunday
Christmas lights scavenger hunt
Follow the guide and drive around to find and check off items on your scavenger hunt list. What a terrific holiday activity!
Holiday light show at the Pavilion
Enjoy the Pavilion this holiday season for a light show, they are taking place nightly through the beginning of January. “The dynamic lighting effects display an array of color, brightness, and patterns. Light shows will be displayed from sunset-10:00PM and free for all to attend.”
“Numerica Lights Up the Night Holiday Tree Walk will feature up to 40 adopted trees from local organizations. Experience the Singing Sculpture at the Rotary Fountain, a responsive light display the that interacts with sound, as well as a nightly holiday light show at the Pavilion and seasonal Clock Tower lighting. Riverfront will be a joyous place to visit during the holiday season!” This will be available to see and enjoy until January 3rd.
Banner image from Wallshoppe
Photo used courtesy of Ritters Garden and Gift