The Locals’ Shopping Guide: Find Great Holiday Gifts in the Carson Valley and surrounding areas
‘Tis the season for all things holiday in Carson Valley and some surrounding areas such as Lake Tahoe as many may enjoy a Sierra staycation. As the snowflakes fall and evergreen trees glitter in tinsel and lights, we’re reminded how lucky we are to live in this winter-wonderful area in a tight-knit, friendly community.
When you begin ticking items off your gift list, consider showing your love and do the holiday shopping right here in the Carson Valley. By shopping locally, you get double the satisfaction in finding one-of-a-kind gifts for loved ones and in giving back to the community by supporting local businesses. #TourisimMatters
Shopping in Carson Valley
Local Businesses Where You Can Shop Small and Give Big
There are many businesses in the Carson Valley where you can purchase a gift card or find unique, locally-made gifts and make your holiday shopping a breeze. Check out our curated list of local businesses for great gift ideas and make the season special for family and friends.
Chocolate Shoppe
Chocolate Shoppe
Indulge friends and family with handmade chocolates, truffles, and every sort of delectable sweet you can imagine. The Chocolate Shoppe in Gardnerville is a local business where passion and creativity shine in each cherry cordial and nut cluster. Design your own chocolate box or choose from gorgeously wrapped, premade ones.
Sierra Chef
Everyone loves Italian food and if you have someone who’s hard to shop for, make it easy with a Sierra Chef gift card. This Genoa location is family-owned and provides an Italian Bakery, Culinary Center, Cooking Classes, and Gourmet Market; made with generations of love. Their bakery features specialty treats and a menu that changes daily based on the freshest ingredients they have, so feel free to check in often and you’re certain to try something new!
DST Coffee
For the caffeine fiend, consider purchasing a gift card at DST Coffee in Gardnerville and give the gift of high-quality, sustainably-sourced coffee. DST Coffee is a great spot to take a study break, have a meeting, or just hang out. This cozy cafe also serves ice cream, and is a local favorite with children and adults alike.
Fresh Ideas
DST Coffee
Fresh Ideas has resided in Gardnerville, NV for 29 years now, in the same little restored home on main street, now retail. It’s best described as neo-classic, mixing the old with the new! The owner, Jody, has always strived to bring fresh and fabulous merchandise to the valley. Quality has always been her top priority and it shines through with the unique gifts that are handpicked for you. Complimentary gift wrapping is an added treat, so you can one-stop-shop:) There is truly something for everyone, and every price range. Stop on by and experience Fresh Ideas!
Minden Meat and Deli
A gift card to this family-owned deli is perfect for the hardworking person in your family who loves a hearty, high-quality burger or sandwich accompanied by an equally powerful brew. Minden Meat and Deli has 31 beers on tap, a mind-boggling selection of bottled microbrews, and fresh sandwiches and burgers served on brioche buns from the Truckee Sourdough Company. Don’t forget about their famous Tri-tip salad too.
Especially For You
As one of Nevada’s best fashion boutiques, Especially For You offers a vast range of exciting and unique pieces that will inspire the shopper in all of us. Whether you are looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, a new outfit for an exciting night out, or that perfect accessory, their experienced and enthusiastic team is there to make your shopping experience fun and successful.
Overland Restaurant & Pub
Craft Beer
For history buffs and foodies, a gift card to Overland Restaurant and Pub makes the perfect present. Located in downtown Gardnerville in a historic building constructed in 1902, this restaurant originally served local Basque sheepherders and not much has changed in the decades since. Savor a rustic meal, a little bit of Nevadan history, and wash it all down with a nice cocktail. A trip to this salt-of-the-earth eatery is a one-of-a-kind experience.
Prism Photographics
Diehard locals who love the rolling, sagebrush hills, empty dirt roads, and Tahoe sunsets, will cherish a painting or framed photograph from Prism Photographics. This fine art gallery features local artists with a propensity for the area’s epic landscapes. Find a unique gift here that your loved one will hang on the wall and admire for years to come.
Luminary Books
Bookworms rejoice! There is still a place in Carson Valley where the magic of storytelling is brought to life and you can browse shelf after shelf of books. Luminary Books in Gardnerville is a secondhand book boutique where you’ll find the perfect gift for loved ones of all ages.
Eddy Street Vintage Market
Gardnerville, Nevada’s only pop-up shop! Once a month, they open their doors and invite you to join them for a completely re-styled, themed shopping event. Each month they transform 2,400 square feet to reflect the current theme. Rarely will you find anything in the same place twice. Can’t find what you’re looking for, get the gift certificate to let them decide on the next theme.
Yogurt Beach
Coworkers and friends will love a gift card to Yogurt Beach – a self-serve, create-the-fudge-and-sprinkle-covered-sundae of-your-dreams, dessert shop. This Gardnerville favorite makes for an easy, last-minute Christmas present that is sure to delight. Swing by for a gift card and sample a few flavors while you’re at it.
Cottonwood Creek Gifts
Their friendly gift shop associates are available to guide you to the items you are seeking out, just that perfect gift. You will find a wide assortment of gifts or a selection of local art, honey, coffee, crafts and decorations. There is even a men’s section for the hard to shop for man in your life. Feel welcome to browse and relax in this historic location in Minden.
Get More Holiday Goodies on the Sierra Trail
Check out the full shopping guide here and discover more gift ideas from the Carson Valley area that support small businesses and locals. Many places offer holiday discounts, so be sure to check out business webpages for exclusive deals. Additionally, you can find foodie locations for those hard to shop for folks that you know warms their heart. Keep it local. Support your community. Happy shopping and happy holidays! #TourisimMatters