Gifting Montana
November is upon us, and that means that Thanksgiving is fast approaching! No doubt your mind is filled with the big questions of the season–like turkey or possum for this year’s feast?–but maybe, just maybe, there is a part of your brain that isn’t contemplating pies and stuffing and is trying to remind you that after Thanksgiving comes Christmas. Which means it might be time to start thinking about Christmas presents.
I know, it’s crazy, but that’s the way that calendars work.
The great news is that, in Montana, buying gifts doesn’t have to be a burden. Instead, Christmas shopping is the perfect excuse to wander up and down main streets, exploring all the local shops to find the perfect gift you couldn’t get anywhere else.
This year there are a number of craft fairs and Christmas strolls starting in November–giving you plenty of time to find the perfect present for everyone on your list. The Holter Museum in Helena has a flurry of events planned throughout November and December including craft nights, an online auction, and a gift shop packed with unique works from artists across the Northwest.
Downtown Helena is also planning some festive cheer, kicking off the season with the Parade of Lights at the end of November, and a holiday window decorating contest amongst all the best downtown stores.
Also in Helena, be sure to check out the handMade Montana bazaar, December 4 and 5, featuring crafts and designs from nearly 200 Montana artisans.
On November 20-21 the Butte Civic Center will also be filled with Montana crafters and artists for Butte’s annual Holiday Bazaar and, of course, you can also find local goods for sale at towns’ Christmas strolls, including the Townsend Stroll on December 5 and the Ennis Stroll on December 10.
If craft fairs aren’t your cup of coffee, no need to worry, we have some great suggestions for Made in Montana Stores you should check out. Or why not pick up a gift card to one of Southwest Montana’s many hot cocoa (and presumably coffee) dispensaries, or bakeries? And heck, while you’re there, you might as well pick up something for yourself too. You’re going to run out of Thanksgiving pie eventually.
