Shopping in Fairbanks Alaska: Go Local

Shopping in Fairbanks Alaska: Go Local

Tick, Tock. Hear that? It's the sound of time running out to get your Christmas shopping done. If you're like most people I know there are still a few names left unchecked on your Christmas list. Christmas comes at the same time every year and yet it seems I'm always rushing to get that one last gift.

Shopping in Locally Owned Fairbanks Stores. I'm very happy to have the choices the national chain stores have brought to Fairbanks. As a Fairbanks real estate broker, I understand how important they are to the community, but I also like to support our local business owners where I can. I encourage you to do the same!

Something Special has been one of my favorite stores for more than two decades. They have a fantastic selection of crystal, china, polish pottery, Alaskan gifts, chimes, music boxes, candles and Christmas items. Really, it's just a wonderful store and the owners Myrna, Kim and Stacia are fantastic folks.

If Only is a treasure tucked away in a wonderful space on Cushman next door to Arctic Travelers between Second and Third Avenue. Founded by five friends in 1998, the store carries handcrafted jewelry, fine writing implements, personal journals, sketchbooks, stationary, extraordinary gift wrap for that extra special gifts, Hansa animals for the little ones and Vera Bradley bags and luggage for mom.

Arctic Travelers Gift Shop has been a Fairbanks landmark for decades. They carry a wonderful selection of Yupik Baskets, Inupiat Carvings, Athabaskan Beadwork, Scrimshaw knives, carved antlers, Quivit, beaded jewelery and a great selection of ivory. They staff is always friendly and the'll even gift wrap your purchases!

The Fudge Pot. Do I really need to say anything here? Their fudge is fantastic, mouth watering and addictive. Stop by and try a sample... They also make a pretty mean espresso and their sandwiches are delicious. If you can tear yourself away from the fudge counter they also have some cute Alaskan gifts.

Big Rays has been outfitting Alaskans since 1947... and for a reason. They carry an incredible selection of cold weather gear; parkas, hats, gloves, thermals, boots, socks and work wear for every member of the family. The store is nothing if not packed, but it's worth squeezing your way through. Don't miss the fly-shop downstairs!

Prospector Outfitters Although not the same Prospector Outfitters long time Fairbanksans are used to, the store does carry a huge selection of cold weather gear and some great Pendleton, Woolrich, Helly Hansen and other quality name clothing. Prospector is a great place to outfit the entire family!

Gold Rush Fine Jewelery on Second Avenue has perfected the art of creating one of a kind gold, gold nugget and diamond jewelery. If you can dream it, the folks at Gold Rush can make it. They have a large selection fo unique gold nugget rings, earrings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants you won't find anywhere else and that are sure to make that someone special in your life feel pretty special on Christmas morning.

Apocalpyse Design has a great slection of very high quality handmade outdoor clothing and gear for those folks who put their gear to the ultimate test. They design and create outerwear for you and your four legged friends as well as luggage and compute bags, mushing and ski-joring gear.

Fairbanks Fast Foto Your source for digital cameras, lenses, flashes, camera bags, tripods and monopods, memory cards and quality photo processing. The staff is incredibly helpful and if they don't have what you're looking for, then can get it. I've purchased several "L" series lenses for my Canon and they have always been willing to negotiate their prices to make them competitive to any online shop (even B&H).

Beaver Sports Do you know someone on your list who likes to ski, snowshoe, hike, bike, kayak or canoe? This is Alaska... Of course you do. Well, this is your store. The friendly and very knowledgeable staff has everything needed to get out and enjoying the great outdoors. As outdoor enthusiasts themselves, they know what works and doesn't and will use that experience to properly outfit those outdoor junkies on your list.

Play It Again Sports carries a great selection of new and used exercise and athletic gear for the athletes and fitness junkies on your Christmas list. Basketball, baseball, hockey, football, skiing or snowboarding. Whatever sport they're into... they have the gear you'll need.

Great Alaska Bowl Company is a must stop if you're looking for something uniquely Alaskan. One of on a few mills that create hand carved wooden bowls using 100 year old technology. Carved from birch logs, their bowls come in several sizes and can be used for almost anything. Make a gift bowl out of Alaskan candies, syrups and chocolates in the store or bring in your own gift and have it shrink wrapped inside the bowl for a truly personalized gift.

Gullivers Books I love Gullivers! What they lack in size, they make up for with a great selection and an outstanding staff. Find everything from the latest Grisham, Koontz or Cromwell novel to the classics. Hoping to get your hands on the latest political memoir? Looking for Alaskana? You can find it all right here... and what you can't find Dave and the staff can order for you. Don't miss the Second Story Cafe and the great selection of used books upstairs.

Material Girls Do you know someone who likes to quilt or embroidery... or wants to? Material Girls has a great selection of material and offers classes to get them started.

UAF Museum of the North Store carres a great selection of baleen and grass baskets, ivory, jade and silver jewelry and carvings, handmade Native masks, toys, arts and crafts, quiviut scarves and books for all ages.

Spaulding Interiors Designer Tamara Spauling has been creating beautiful homes in Fairbanks for three decades. She carries a fabulous selection of fine heirloom furnishings and decor items you absolutely won't find anywhere else in Fairbanks... and possibly the state.

Santa Claus House What shopping list would be complete without a stop at Santa's House? A wonderful toy shop, Christmas ornaments of every kind and stripe, pottery, Dickens Village (Kathy says I can't go in this section again until I biuld a room to house our collection), ivory, dolls and more. Don't miss the Alaskan t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and gifts and the mini-museum of Alaskan memorabilia. If you're lucky Saint Nick might even let you sit on his lap.

Happy Shopping...Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas and God bless...

Did I miss your favorite locally-owned store? If so, please send us an email with the name and what makes them so special and I'll update the list!