Columbia River Gorge Local Holiday Shopping Guide
Our Favorite Local Spots for Holiday Gifts
The Columbia River Gorge turns into pure magic during the holidays—crisp air, snow-dusted peaks, small towns lit up, and store windows full of charm. If you're visiting Hood River, White Salmon, Underwood, Stevenson, or anywhere nearby, do yourself a favor: skip the big box stores and shop local.
We did all of our Christmas shopping right here in the Gorge this year, and these are the places that delivered the best finds, the best service, and the most joyful browsing. Whether you're buying for kids, teens, friends, partners, or someone impossible to shop for, this guide will keep your holiday list stress-free.
Where to Shop for Kids: G. Williker’s Toy Shop
If you’re shopping for kids ages 0–14, start at G. Williker’s Toy Shop. This iconic Hood River favorite has shelves packed with toys that spark imagination—not noise and batteries.
Inside you’ll find:
Creative toys and puzzles
STEM options
Crafts
Plush toys
Family board games
Our family tradition: we buy a new board game here every year. It’s become a simple, fun way to kick off the holidays together.
Tween, Teen & Adult Favorites: Hood River Hobby Shop
When you need gifts for tweens, crafty teens, or adults who like hands-on hobbies, the Hood River Hobby Shop never misses.
Browse:
Craft and art kits
Models
Collectibles
Puzzles
Creative gadgets
We love this place because it always surprises us—you walk in without a plan and walk out with the perfect gift.
Cute Winter Accessories: Pistil
For cozy hats, stylish scarves, or gloves that actually last, Pistil is the spot. Their designs are beautiful, durable, and uniquely Gorge-inspired. This shop is ideal for stocking stuffers, host gifts, or treating yourself to something warm before a winter hike.
Cozy Pajamas & Fun Finds: Laurel & Eddie
If you’re hunting for pajamas—whether festive, cozy, or just plain fun—Laurel & Eddie is your place. Their selection makes holiday morning photos even better, and it’s one of those stores where you end up grabbing “just one more thing.”
Women’s Fashion and Lifestyle: Ruddy Duck
Every year, Ruddy Duck is where we secretly spend the most money. It’s truly a one-stop shop for all things women’s fashion and lifestyle.
Inside you'll find:
Clothing
Quilts
Jewelry
Shoes
The best denim
Gifts you didn’t know you needed
The staff is incredible—warm, thoughtful, and the reason we go back year after year.
Your Holiday Caffeine Hit: Doppio or Dog River Coffee
Holiday shopping requires stamina and lots of caffeine.
Whether you're downtown or on the west side, Doppio and Dog River Coffee are your go-to spots to re-caffeinate. Grab a latte, warm up, and jump back into your shopping route.
Ornaments, Jewelry & Holiday Decor: Twiggs
If you love ornaments, this one’s for you.
Every year, we pick up our kids’ Christmas tree ornaments at Twiggs—it's become a sweet family tradition.
We also love their:
Holiday table decor
Festive mugs and candles
Jewelry ranging from $14 to $400
Gifts for every budget and style
It's the kind of store where your cart fills up faster than you planned.
Gear for the Adventurer: Shortt Supply
For the active person in your life—runners, hikers, skiers, gym lovers—Shortt Supply carries everything. It’s a hub for high-quality outdoor and athletic gear, making it the perfect stop for the “I already have everything” folks.
Books for Every Age: Waucoma Books
Skip the big retailers and head to Waucoma Books, a charming indie bookstore that has been part of Hood River for decades.
I’ve been buying books here since I could read, and I still go back every season. Their staff knows their inventory well, and if they don’t have a title, they’ll order and even ship it to you.
For a Major Holiday Surprise: Apland Jewelers
If you’re planning a proposal, want a meaningful gift, or are ready to go big this holiday, Apland Jewelers is the place. Their custom work, diamonds, settings, and service are outstanding—this is a “wow” store.
Where to Find Gag Gifts & White Elephant Favorites: Hood River Stationers
Need a white elephant gift? Something funny? Something random yet oddly perfect?
Hood River Stationers is filled with treasures—some elegant, some quirky, all fun. It’s the stop you make when you need a gift and a laugh.
Make Your Holiday Shopping a Gorge Tradition
One of the best parts of visiting the Gorge in December is wandering our small local shops with a warm drink in hand. If you're planning a winter escape, staying at one of our homes puts you minutes from every store in this guide.
When you book direct, you get:
The best rates
Local tips and personalized recommendations
Early access to peak season availability
A more seamless stay from start to finish
Ready to plan your holiday getaway? Explore our homes and make your Gorge shopping trip part of your winter tradition.
Meet Kylan
Kylan is a Columbia River Gorge local who manages boutique vacation rentals across the Gorge, with a focus on thoughtful hospitality and responsible hosting.
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