Holiday Gift Guide 2014

H liday

Gift Guide ISSUE

World’s First Alaska Native Video Game Small Business Saturday November 29

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• Fitness, Racquet Sports and Spa Memberships Available •

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Small Business Saturday Shop local across the state on November 29.

By Gretchen Fauske

When the words “Thanksgiving weekend” and “shopping” are mentioned in the same sentence, hordes of Black Friday shoppers descending upon national retailers instantly come to mind. Thankfully, those seeking a different kind of holiday shopping experience may indulge in the increasingly popular Small Business Saturday.

Created in 2010 by American Express to encourage consumers to support small businesses during the economic downturn, the concept was so successful that it was formally recognized in a resolution by the U.S. Senate in 2011. The National Federation of Independent Business notes a four percent increase in purchases on Small Business Saturday between 2012 and 2013, with 2013 spending totaling $5.7 billion by consumers who were aware of the event.

Not only does Small Business Saturday provide a fun shopping experience, it is also a great way to support the local economy, especially in Alaska,

where 69,201 small businesses employ more than half of the state’s private workforce. Nationally, studies show that locally-owned stores generate nearly four times as much economic benefit to surrounding areas than non-locally owned stores, and local retailers return an average of 52 percent of their revenue to the local economy.

Many of Alaska’s retailers feature items produced by the state’s highly skilled craftspeople and artists. From skis and snowboards to jewelry and apparel, shoppers can identify locally made gifts by the “Made in Alaska” logo; for those seeking Alaska Native artwork, the “Silver Hand” logo indicates the authenticity of the piece. Buying gifts produced locally injects additional money into Alaska’s economy and supports the state’s “makers.”

In addition to buying the local economy, shopping at small businesses has other benefits.

“It’s more than just knowing I’m supporting small business,” says Cassie Pinkel, who helped establish the Fairbanks First Think Local program. “Oppor-

tunities to interact with people who live and work where I do, who understand the Alaskan marketplace and environment, and who help me find products that fit my needs are irreplaceable.”

Seth Stetson of Skinny Raven Sports in Anchorage agrees: “The value we bring to our customers goes beyond the products we sell; successful small businesses understand that great service and the opportunity to be part of a community is what people look for when they shop, and they’ll keep coming back to the places that support them.”

This year, Small Business Saturday falls on November 29. Small businesses throughout the state plan to offer special pricing, and neighborhood champions in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Healy, Ketchikan, Palmer and Skagway are organizing special events to promote “shopping small.”

Although many retailers are looking forward to increased attention on Saturday– as Stetson says, “Make every day Small Business Saturday!”

State-wide Community Events Contact your neighborhood champion for more information about Small Business Saturday events in your community: • Anchorage Downtown Partnership • Ketchikan Small Business Development Center • Healy Totemamma Handmade Gifts • Seastar Strategies (Palmer) • Greater Fairbanks Chamber of Commerce • Skagway Development Corporation • Visit adn.com/events for information on Small Business Saturdays in your neighborhood. a l a s k a

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Tree of Life Anchorage, Alaska

Discover the unique and magical jewelry of

Dragon Weave

907-333-CELT (2358) 4240 Old Seward Hwy. #2 • Anchorage, Alaska, 99503

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Holiday Gift guide

Shop local with these

Children’s Gifts

By Katherine Rue First in a series, Carly Keene Literary Detective mixes history and adventure with the escapades of an Alaskan girl. As a young Alaskan girl finds herself transported back to 1846, she must solve a mystery surrounding the Bronte sisters.

Suggested for 4th-6th grade level readers. $11.99. www.hearthsidebooks.com 8745 Glacier Hwy, Juneau AK (907) 789-2750

WO R

The first Alaska video game ever produced, Never Alone is part of an exciting new genre of “World Games” drawing upon culture and history to create an amazing realm of adventure. The game tells the story of Nuna, a young girl who travels through the wilderness in an attempt to save her family from a never-ending snow storm. With stunning graphics and a compelling story, Never Alone intrigues children and adults alike as they join Nuna on her quest.

Created by Cook Inlet Tribal Council’s Upper One Games, established specifically to produce the game, Never Alone explores Native traditions and legends and is narrated in Inupiaq with English subtitles. CITC hopes that the game will not only provide a greater link between today’s Native youth and Alaska’s history, but also bridge cultural differences on a higher level.

The story consists of eight chapters and includes video of actual village elders discussing the ideas behind the game. Tlingit author Ishmael Hope created the storyline, incorporating a variety of different Alaska tales, and the project’s art director, Dima Veryovka, used motifs from Native art to help create the striking visuals. The game will be released on Steam for PC and then Microsoft’s Xbox One and Sony’s PS4 on their download services on November 18th. The company may release a boxed product in the future, but the first launch is box-free. Priced at $14.99 for the download. www.neveralonegame.com

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Photo Courtesy of over the moon hat design

Never Alone Video Game Upper One Games

AL A LD’S FI R ST SK VID A NATI EO G V A ME E

Photo Courtesy of alaskan wooden toys

Carly Keen, Literary Detective “Braving the Brontes”

ioned charm—along with non-toxic, safe materials—Alaska Wooden Toys offer hand-crafted cars, trucks and wheeled animals. Using recycled woods and natural oils, the toys last for years and can be passed down through generations. Available at Alaska Wooden Toys and the Great Alaska Bowl Company. Prices range from $26-$85. www.alaskawoodentoys.com www.woodbowl.com 9369 North Douglas Hwy Juneau, AK (907) 586-6652

Over the Moon Hat Design Keeping kids both warm and fashionable with her fun, whimsical designs, Alaskan artist Lina Poulson creates unique custom hats, slippers and toys for children. Each item is hand-made and one-of-a kind, and Poulson encourages custom orders.

Prices range from $15-$45 for each piece. www.etsy.com/shop/OverTheMoonHatDesign www.facebook.com/OverTheMoonHatDesign Overthemoonhatdesign@gmail.com

Alaska Wooden Toys For a gift that provides old-fashd i s pat c h

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Photo Courtesy of alaska wildlife art puzzles

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Frantic about your growing holiday shopping list? We enlisted help from local boutiques and shops to put together a guide that will get you in the holiday spirit—and hopefully excited about buying local this season. Here is a roundup of gift ideas for the children, women, men, eaters, drinkers, readers, art and pet lovers on your list—all with roots in Alaska.

Photo Courtesy of hearthside books

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Made-in-Alaska finds

Alaska Wildlife Art Puzzles Alaska Wildlife Art in Sterling, Alaska features handmade Alaska animal puzzles for kids or just for the kid in you. Each puzzle is made with a jig saw and hand-painted. Choose from a sea otter, killer whale, eagle, musk ox, salmon or state of Alaska. Avail-

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Holiday Gift guide able online or at the Great Alaskan Bowl Company in Fairbanks. Priced at $25-$35. www.goalaskawildlifeart.com www.woodbowl.com P.O. Box 669 Sterling, AK (907) 262-6130

Lifestyle

Ev Irvin Rugs and Pillows Local artist Ev Irvin creates beautiful pillows and rugs using a technique

called Primitive Rug Hooking. This art form comes from a time when women created their own rugs from fabrics they had on hand. The rugs and pillows are hand-dyed, brightly colored and the perfect addition to any home. Available at Blue Hollomon Gallery with prices starting at $85.

Blue Hollomon Gallery 3555 Arctic Blvd #C5 Anchorage, AK (907) 563-2787

This Christmas, give a gift they’ll really hold on to.

Offering monthly passes, gift certificates and logo sportswear, Alaska Rock Gym has gifts that everyone on your list will enjoy holding on to again and again and again.

Al a sk a R oc k Gym

Denali Dreams SOAP Company Give the gift of pure luxury with Denali Dreams soaps. Their Buttery Bear Lotion bar, an ultra-rich soap with shea, mango and coca butters, is perfect for those dry Alaska winters. Available at their factory gift shop, with a list of local stores that sell their products on their website. Prices range from $6-$25.

2227 Spenard Rd

9 07 5 62 7 2 6 5

Annie’s Arts & Follies Jewelry

Made by Bella Boutique owner Annie Ciszak Pazar, this jewelry line features sterling silver with genuine gemstones and pearls. Necklaces measure 1” in diameter with 18” chains, and all can be customized to say different things, such as “love, hope, etc.” Prices

Hope Studios

Gallery

Truly unique & creatively colorful gifts

Clothing

alaskarockgym.com

Photo Courtesy of anne’s arts & follies jewelry

Photo Courtesy of denali dreams soap co.

Anchorage, AK (907) 222-2644 www.denalidreams.com

Jewelry

Wall Art

Greeting Cards

Open Monday - Saturday, 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM 650 W. International Airport Rd. Innovations In Art Expression Supported by Hope Community Resources

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range from $48-$64 and Annie is always willing to do custom work for your individual needs.

Bella Boutique 2501 Spenard Rd Anchorage, AK (907) 644-4989 www.shop-bella.com

know too well during Alaska’s winter months. Sold at Halo Salon, Modern Dwellers Choclate Lounge, Midnight Sun CafÊ, Heritage Birth Center and Spirit Path Yoga, these are great stocking stuffers for anyone on your list. Priced at $10 each. www.earthgirlslove.com

Clothing

Photo Courtesy of earth girls love.com

Salmon Sisters Wild Salmon Hoodie

Earth Girls Love_Lip Balm Handcrafted, organic and locallymade, Earth Girls Love__lip balm rapidly restores rough, dry lips we all

Celebrate wild Alaska with Salmon Sisters Wild Salmon Hoodie. Printed on soft and durable American Apparel pullovers, these bright designs will bring a smile to even the biggest Scrooge this holiday season. Salmon Sisters has a variety of clothing items available at their online store, as well as select retailers in Anchorage, Homer and Sitka. $55.

59065 Meadow Lane Homer, AK (907) 299-0571 www.aksalmonsisters.com Salmon Sisters Wild Salmon Hoodie. Photo by Scott Dickerson.

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Holiday Gift guide

Recreation

Grace Pullock Seal skin Slippers

Photo Courtesy of the anchorage museum

Keep your loved one’s toes toasty with seal skin slippers. These beautiful, warm slippers by Inupiaq artist Grace Pullock feature traditional beadwork, beaver trim and sheepskin liners. Most of the skins Pullock works with are harvested, cured and tanned by her family. Proceeds from purchases at the Anchorage Museum Shop support museum exhibitions and programs. Priced at $195-$215.

Anchorage Museum Store 625 C St Anchorage, AK (907) 929-9200 www.anchoragemusuem.org

Alaska Paracord

Claim Jumper AppareL SILK Scarves Designed by local artist Joel Loosli, Claim Jumper Apparel Silk Scarves are printed with a unique pattern that creates the state of Alaska shape.

Available in two sizes and nine color combinations, these scarves are a fashionable addition to any wardrobe.

Available at their online store for $45.

(907) 744-0722 www.claimjumperak.com

For the ultimate Alaska survival gear, Alaska Paracord offers attractive, functional and quality fire starter bracelets. Created by 11 year old Grayson Davey, the bracelets are made of 17 feet of paracord, whistle buckle, firesteel and scraper, with 10 inches of waxed jute twine for tinder.

Alaska Paracord also sells their Fireto-Go cord and the Fire Bug keychain attachment. Priced at $20-35. Available online or at B&J Sporting Goods in Anchorage and Diamond D Leather in Wasilla. www.alaskaparacord.com (907) 250-0678

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Gift Certificates/Punchcards • Fun Family Outing Assisted Swims Available Unique Holiday Gifts for Your Favorite Dog and Dog Lover

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Cyrano’s Theatre Company 10-PLAY PUNCHCARD Support your local theatre!

Each punch admits one person to one performance of any CTC production of Cyrano’s. Reservations required.

Call 274-2599 or email Cyrano@ak.net.

Available at Centertix.net, the ACPA Box Office, or 263-ARTS

Dimond Center, Lower Level 349-5815

This punch card is a perfect gift for the holidays and never expires!

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Photo Courtesy of www.alaskaparacord.com

The Anchorage Museum shop offers unique silk ties with designs by Northwest Coast artists. Artist Maynard Johnny Jr., who is Salish and Kwakwaka’wakw, transforms stories he learned from his elders into contemporary art, an intimate portrayal of the history and culture of Alaska.

These artistic creations also feature the work of Tshimshian artist Phil gray and Haida artist Donnie Edenshaw. $38 each.

Anchorage Museum Store 625 C St, Anchorage, AK (907) 929-9200 www.anchoragemuseum.org

Photo Courtesy of www.claimmumperak.com

Photo Courtesy of the anchorage museum

Northwest Coast Artists Silk Ties

Hatcher Pass Pack by Apocalypse Design Photo Courtesy of apocalypse design

Named after Southcentral Alaska’s hot spot for skiing and snowmachining, this pack is great for both activities.

Each pack has a large interior main pocket with two interior flat pockets, two exterior zippered pockets and an open mesh pocket in the front. Made with padded shoulder straps and a waist buckle, all you need to do is pack and enjoy your day of riding or skiing. Priced at $165 each. www.akgear.com

Home

Photo Courtesy of david jensen photography

Brecht Studio Lupine Tile Trivet As functional as they are beautiful, Brecht Studio’s Lupine Tile Trivets are glazed by hand, then high fired.

Artist Connie Engelbrecht utilizes inspiration from Alaska’s landscapes to create her work. Available at Cabin Fever Alaska Gifts as well as the Anchorage Museum Gift Shop. Priced at $38-$110.

20640 Raven Dr. Eagle River, AK (907) 696-1015 www.brechtstudio.com www.cabinfeveralaska.com

pet cremains, artist Elise Strauss creates beautiful pieces to be worn or hung as a decoration, available in any color or style. Available through private consultation. Prices start at $80.

(907) 346-2789 www.koicreekbeads.com

Alaska Pet-ography Specializing in portraits of pets and their people since 1989, David Jensen Photography provides comfortable indoor settings and a private park designed specifically for pet photography. Jensen also offers two book featuring his animal photos, as well as calendars and note cards. Gift certificate prices start at $300.

David Jensen Photography 9130 Elim St. Anchorage, AK (907) 868-1680 www.davidjensenphotography.com

Big Ass Fish Co. Fire Bowl Sculptures Sitting around a campfire with family and friends is always fun. Now

Photo Courtesy of annie’s arts & follies

Koi Creek Beadworks Glass Memorial Beads Truly a one-ofa-kind memento, beloved pets can remain close to your heart and never forgotten with Glass Memorial Beads by Koi Creek. Using molten glass and Photo Courtesy of koicreekbeads

Photo Courtesy of bafco

Pets

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Annie’s Arts & Follies Pet Tags Keep your pets safe and identifiable with hand-made pet tags from And i s pat c h

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nie’s Arts & Follies at Bella Boutique.

Stamped in aluminum or oxidized copper with sterling accents, these adorable tags come in two sizes and will make your canine companion tail-waggingly happy! $14 each.

Bella Boutique 2501 Spenard Rd Anchorage, AK (907) 644-4989 www.shop-bella.com

Edibles Photo Courtesy of summit spice & tea co.

9: ZERO: 7 Fat Bikes Outdoor enthusiasts in Alaska know that biking isn’t just for summer months anymore. Anchorage company 9:ZERO:7 designs fat bikes that target the unique elements of Alaska.

Their 197mm bike frame will accept the widest fat bike tire and rims on the market, making it perfect for those snowy trails. Prices vary by design.

530 E Benson Blvd Anchorage, AK (907) 342-2525 www.907bikes.com

Photo Courtesy of cabin fever

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you can take that experience to your own backyard with a fire bowl from Big Ass Fish Company. Each fire bowl is unique, with no two pieces alike. All are signed and dated by the artists, Jody and Bayley Barton. The bowls are made from cold-formed spun steel that resists the effects of heat and water, so you will have a unique sculpture for many years to come. Priced at $1,300-$1,800. www.bafco.biz

Summit Spice & Tea Co. Sampler Box Summit Spice & Tea Company keeps winter at bay with their delicious, warming teas and gifts. In addition to loose teas, they have custom spices, ciders and cocoas. Check out their Spice Sampler boxes with a selection of their favorite house blends, or create your own custom gift with any combination of items. Sampler boxes are priced at $33-36.

Summit Spice & Tea Co. 303 Denali St. #2

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Holiday Gift guide

Bear Creek Winery Just in time for the holidays, Bear Creek Winery wines add a bit of cheer to any gathering. Their Christmasberry wine, available November through December, is a blend of red grape wines, cranberry wine and elderberry wine. Its full flavor pairs well with the hearty comfort foods of the season. And if cranberry isn’t your flavor, their seasonal Green Apple wine is available through December adding a pleasant tartness to those cold winter nights. Bear Creek wines can

Modern Dwellers chocolate Lounge Chocolate lovers will swoon over Modern Dwellers artisan truffles, all made in-house, along with their rich drinking chocolates and chocolate bars. Offering truffle gift boxes, truf-

fle platters, tins of drinking chocolate, chocolate bars and gift baskets, you can sweeten up the lives of all your loved ones. Prices range from $3.50$90.

530 E. Benson Blvd Anchorage, AK (907) 677-9985 www.moderndwellers.com

Alaska Artisanal Specialty Foods Expedition Box With free shipping to anywhere in the U.S., the Alaska Artisanal Specialty Foods Expedition box is filled with 100 percent Alaskan made specialty foods, including: Chugach Chocolates Himalayan Sea Salt Chocolate (from Girdwood, AK), Alaska Flour Company Cream of Barley Breakfast Cereal (from Delta Junction), Flying Squirrel Bakery and Cafe Birch Nut Granola (from Talkeetna), Flying Squirrel Barley Crackers (from Talkeetna), Heritage Coffee (from Juneau), Smoked Alaska Black Pepper Smoked Salmon Strips (from Wasilla), Alaska Heavenly Honey Honey

Photo Courtesy of alaska artisanal

be found at most local Alaska Spirits retailers, as well as through their tasting room in Homer. Prices start at $18.

60203 Bear Creek Dr. Homer, AK (907) 235-8484 www.bearcreekwinery.com

Photo Courtesy of modern dwellers chocolate lounge

Photo Courtesy of bear creek winery

Anchorage, AK (907) 375-1975 www.summitspiceandtea.com

Straws (from Willow), and Simple Pleasures Salmonberry Jam (from Sitka). All products can be purchased online at www.alaskaartisanal.com.

Alaska Artisanal products starting at $25. www.alaskaartisanal.com Gift list compiled by Jody Ellis and ADN staff.

Nature’s Head Waterless Composting Toilet - USA Made Alaska’s answer to an indoor bathroom – Perfect for Cabins, Boats, RVs & Campers

• Requires no pumpouts or holding tank • Separation of liquid and solid wastes results in odor free operation and ease of disposal • The composting section will hold

CLIENT: Laurie Butler approximately 60-80 uses before PROJECT: Logo Development

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• Easy to install, use and maintain, whether you’re on or off the grid Composition 1

• Cost - $925 plus shipping- the most affordable and most high capacity toilet on earth AND uses the least amount of power to run the fan • Stock in Anchorage. See up close at www.natureshead.net; contact your Alaska Representative at LaurieEcoSupply@gmail.com 907-267-9898

THIS IS A TOILET TO LOVE - Perfect for Christmas

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Habitat Gives Holiday Shoppers 50%-60%

The Edge

Practice the ART of giving this year!

select Wüsth

of knives

We offer original artwork from notable artists, potters, jewelers, sculptors from across Alaska, as well as exquisite ivory, baskets, dolls and artwork released from beloved collections.

6” Cooks Knife, Classic Suggested Retail $140.00 Habitat’s Price $109.99 Black Friday Price $49.99

8-Piece Stainless Steel Steak Set Suggested Retail $120.00 Habitat’s Price $79.99 Black Friday Price $49.99

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3.5” Serrated Paring Knife, Classic Suggested Retail $75.00 Habitat’s Price $39.99 Black Friday Price $29.99

• Juvederm® • Latisse • Laser Tattoo Removal • Palomar Starlux 500 IPL • Cynosure Revlite SI Laser

2-Piece Carving Set, Hollow Edge, Classic Suggested Retail $275.00 Habitat’s Price $159.99 Black Friday Price $99.99

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