This year, it’s even more important to shop local with small businesses for everyone on your gift list. Here are a few fabulous local companies in Yakima offering some cool gifts ideal for him, her, the kids and everyone on your holiday shopping list.
For Him
Apple City Salami
Call or text at 509.941.7384
Tracy Wauzynski, the owner of Apple City Salami, was born in Yakima and feels it is a special place. “We really are lucky to have an active artisan/ boutique business community here,” he says. “I honestly am impressed with our community. When everything started to open up from quarantine at the end of last year, people were coming out to buy local as much as they could.”
Find the mouth-watering meats during local events, including at Freehand Cellars and The Mighty Tieton Craft Bazaar, the first weekend in December. Or they do deliver within 15 miles of Yakima.
Apple City Salami offers seven flavors: Apple and Ale, Green Chile, Original, Sundried Tomato and Basil, Bourbon Cherry, Habanero, and Pasilla with Ghost Pepper. For the holidays, try the Turkey Cranberry, and on occasion, they have Italian meatballs.
“My dad taught me how to make our salami (which is more along the lines of summer sausage) over 30 years ago,” Tracy says. “I love making it because it reminds me of my father. Every time I make our original flavor, the smell of the seasonings reminds me of him.”
Using local products in their yummy salami, including McIlrath apples and cherries and Bale Breaker beer, the men on your list will love a gift this year from Apple City Salami.
“We love being part of small business here,” says Tracy. “Our customers are the best, and I think that they all know the importance of keeping as much local business in the Valley as possible.”
More Men’s Gift Ideas:
- New Yak City — Find streetwear, skateboards, sneakers and vintage clothing at this hip shop.
- Steve Goodwin the Haberdasher — Get him all dapper for the holidays with upscale casual and dress clothing.
- Little Brown Smokeshack — Offering cigars, accessories and more for the aficionado in your life.
For Her
The Little Soapmaker
302 W Yakima Ave. # 103
The Little Soapmaker’s favorite part about the Yakima Community is their loyal customers. “They are full of so much kindness and love, we are grateful! Also, our beautiful views of mountains, rivers and our hops. It’s extraordinary!”
Find the perfect lovely gift for her this holiday season with 100% soy candles, shea lotions and handmade soaps, and so much more. This adorable shop is stocked full of wonderful items ideal for all the women (or anyone really) on your list.
Don’t miss The Little Soapmakers’ upcoming Downtown Small Business Saturday on November 27, with specials on soaps, bath salts, salt scrubs and many more for Black Friday as well!
“We think supporting a small business is important because it gives back to our community that we live in right now. It makes all the small businesses stay open, especially during the pandemic. We are grateful for our customers who keep on supporting us all the way. We thank you all!”
Find More Gifts for Her:
- Gretchen — Find contemporary fashion for her at this upscale boutique.
- Ummelina — What woman wouldn’t want a gift certificate to the spa in her stocking this year?
- The Shopkeeper — Give the gift of beautiful, unique accessories from this longstanding and unique shop.
For the Kids
Inklings Bookshop
5629 Summitview Ave.
Inklings Bookshop offers children’s board books, picture books and early readers, young adults, books by local writers, and unique and educational kids’ toys and games for all the children on your list.
This longstanding Yakima bookstore’s favorite part about the Yakima community is the community, “It’s love and support. We would not have been here for over 20 years without it!”
The PNBA (Pacific Northwest Bookseller Association) produces a “Holiday Catalog” with great book recommendations for all ages, and those books quickly become Inklings Bookstore’s bestsellers for the season. This year the catalog display will be out in-store and ready to browse on November 15.
The earlier you shop, the better at this popular book shop, and they caution that this holiday season more than ever, there will be issues with supply and demand.
On December 11, Washington-based authors will be in the store signing their books for Christmas. Mystery writer Tamara Berry will be in with her cozy mystery series “An Eleanor Wilde Mystery.” Also, find romance writer Lucy Gilmore with her romantic comedy books (filled with dog love too) “I Hate You More and Ruff and Tumble,” and Kristin Vayden with her historical romance “Fortune Favors the Duke.”
“Local businesses are owned and operated by those near you, your neighbors and friends. We care about the community and its future. By supporting a local business, you are, in turn, supporting the local economy and local families! What is not to love about that?”
Want to keep an eye out on Inklings Bookstore’s new releases and more? Just give them a follow on Instagram and Facebook!
Additional Kid’s Gift Locations:
- English Country Market — Brings a carefully curated collection of baby and children’s apparel, toys and essentials to Yakima.
- 1UP Games — For the hard-to-shop-for teens on your list, don’t miss this gamer’s paradise.
- Yakima Ice Rink — Give the gift of fun with a trip to slide around the ice as a family.
For Everyone
Johnson Orchards
4906 Summitview Avenue
The family of Johnson Orchards loves the generosity of people in Yakima. “When we have had fundraisers in the past or just when other people we have known have needed help, the community really seems to come together and show their support.”
During the holidays, Johnson Orchards offers a limited amount of gorgeous gift boxes with apples, pears, and copper pot caramel sauce or chews. Show up to the party or dinner with one of their amazing and always popular from-scratch holiday pies at The Little Bake Shop. They also carry a variety of local goods that are great for holiday shopping.
With the slogan “same family, same location since 1904,” Johnson Orchards loves offering Yakima delicious fruit, baked goods, local beer, wine, cider, coffee, and other terrific local products. “Our ancestors came over from Sweden in 1904 and settled here in Yakima, planted this orchard and over the years, the business has grown into what it is today.”
Get all the farm-fresh goodies and gifts you need this holiday season with a stop by Johnson Orchards. “It is important to support small businesses and shop local because it makes the community thrive by providing jobs and growing our local economy. We love all the support of local businesses here as well and the shop local/small mentality.”
Get More Local Gifts for Everyone:
- Apple & Vine Co. — Create something unique with custom apparel printing.
- Creative Yakima — Make your gift or give someone a gift card to this fun paint-your-own-pottery place.
- Things Engraved — Find custom engraved gifts that are sure to be cherished for years to come.
Remember when shopping for gifts this year to support small businesses in Yakima. The Downtown Association of Yakima and Central Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce are great resources for shopping locally this holiday season.
