In honor of Small Business Saturday, I figured I would share a few of my favorite small businesses from throughout the state of Alaska! Whether you’re searching for holiday gifts, shopping for a special occasion, or just looking forward to bringing home some Alaskan souvenirs from your next trip, there are lots of great ways to support small, local businesses. Here are my suggestions, grouped based on what you may be looking for. If you’re interested in searching geographically, take a look at the map at the bottom of this page.
For the bookworms
Title Wave in Anchorage has great second-hand books, and there are many book stores in small towns throughout the state including Old Harbor Books in Sitka, Rainy Retreat Books in Juneau, and Skaguay News Depot & Books. If you’re looking for something especially Alaskan, there are lots of titles to be found that reflect Alaskan life and culture for readers of any age.
For the coffee and tea drinkers
Alaskans love their coffee! Kaladi Brothers is a staple in Anchorage, or check out Summit Spice & Tea if tea is more your style. Kodiak Tea Company and The Kobuk in downtown Anchorage are also great options. If you stop in at The Kobuk downtown or in the airport, be sure to treat yourself to a donut while you’re there!
Cocktails, anyone?
There are so many great distilleries and breweries in Alaska. This may be a little trickier if you have to figure out transport or shipping, but well worth it! Amalga Distillery, Hoarfrost Distilling, and Midnight Sun Brewing are a few of my favorites.
For the foodies
Summit Spice & Tea has all sorts of seasonings in addition to their tea selection, but my favorite Alaskan seasonings came from a vendor at the Tanana Valley Farmers Market. Another favorite is Alaska Pure Sea Salt Co. in Sitka. Edible Alaska has great resources supporting Alaska’s local food scene, along with the Salmon Sisters (they have all sorts of other goodies too, from screen-printed shirts to Xtratuf boots!). Exploring flavors and seasonings unique to an area is another of my favorite gifting strategies. Kelp pickles, anyone?
For the art lovers
There are so many amazing artists throughout Alaska, it’s hard to pick just a few. Some of my favorites include Annie Brace (Corso Graphics), Amanda Rose Warren, Gail Priday, and Brianna Reagan. If your walls are already full of good art, there are always smaller options like stickers and cards, or some artists even have wrapping paper and coloring books! Some artists, like Native Alaskan Michaela Goade, also work as illustrators. Her beautiful work can also be found in children’s books.
Supporting Native Alaskan Culture
Alaska is home to multiple indigenous cultures, all of which have vibrant aristic and cultural traditions. You can find Alaskan Native artists’ work in museums (and their gift shops!), at the Native Alaska Heritage Center, the Alaska Native Medical Center, or even at farmer’s markets. The Native Alaska Heritage Center holds events throughout the year, and there are lots of other holiday bazaars and local events where you can buy directly from Native Alaskan Artists.
For the fashionistas
Treetop Tees, Alaska Starfish Co, Salmon Sisters, and Octopus Ink all have beautiful design work on tees, leggings, sweatshirts, hats, you name it. If clothing isn’t your style, there’s all sorts of other items like stickers, mugs, and tote bags too. Tongass Threads and Clothesline Consignment are secondhand shops in Sitka and Anchorage that are worth a stop as well if you are trying to be a bit greener in your shopping.
For those with a green thumb
The Plant Studio in Juneau and Anchorage’s That Feeling Co. are both absolute gems. If you’re in the market to add a little more green to your scene, they’re well-worth the stop.
Last but not least, for those of you interested in reducing the amount of “stuff” in your life!
Annual subscriptions or passes to places like Anchorage Museum, the Sea Life Center, or a State Park parking pass are all great alternatives to physical gifts.
Feel free to take a look at the map below, and click on the links to learn more about each business. In addition to Alaskan options, you’ll find my favorite shops from around the world. Online orders are sometimes an option, too, so poke around and happy shopping!
