Anchorage
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Anchorage Gift Ideas for an Art Afficionado
Anchorage’s artistic skills run the gamut, from millennia old traditions to boundary pushing paint and photography. In a city filled with galleries and hosting its own monthly artwalk, the options can seem limitless.
- Start with time tested stops at Sevigny Studio, Alaska Art Alliance, Tiny Gallery, the Anchorage Museum Store, and ANHC’s Ch'k'iqadi Gallery.
- For even more art and artists, holidays are crammed with markets, including Crafted in Alaska, 49th State’s Holiday Market, and the Alaska Native Heritage Center bazaar, to name a few.
- Not every work hangs on a wall; the Anchorage Concert Association, the Alaska Center for the Performing Arts are all prime stops for theater, music, and more. Local troupes like Cyranos, the Anchorage Symphony Orchestra, and the Anchorage Opera have entertained Anchorage for decades.
Anchorage Gift Ideas for a Foodie
Some of the best gifts can be eaten after unwrapping. Savor treats that make the most of Anchorage’s bounty.
- Chugach Chocolates brings single origin cacao, and also pushes the envelope with chocolate bars that use sea salt from Prince William Sound, potatoes from nearby farms, birch toffee, or even kelp.
- Sourdough was essential in Alaska long before your ill-fated attempt at a lockdown hobby. The hearty yeast fared better than other strains, so Alaska old-timers are even called “Sourdoughs.” Shelf stable starter is available in many gift shops.
- 49th State is known for tasty restaurant meals, but the giant pretzel or a Yak Burger just doesn’t wrap up neatly under the tree. Smok lager and jalapeno popcorn, however, imparts a taste from the taphouse, travels well, and levels up the tried and true holiday popcorn tin.
- Fish fly and sausage ships. Pick up local meats at Alaska Sausage and Seafood. They’ve been at it for more than 50 years, bring old-world recipes, and share some of the flavors of Alaska.
- Follow the world's tallest chocolate waterfall downstream to the concoctions dreamed up at Alaska Wild Berry Products: jelly centers, nut clusters, caramels and more await in tidy pre-packaged samplers, or browse the case to mix and match.
Anchorage Gift Ideas for a Fashionista
The community’s no-frills, low-pretention vibe belies some fashion forward finds. Stay stylish with these Anchorage finds.
- Fishewear creates eye-catchingly colorful, fish-themed apparel and accessories perfect for anyone who loves Alaska waters.
- 49th Supply features clothing and gear that blends Alaska motifs with street style for bold looks. Hoodies, hats, and shirts represent the Great Land.
- Oomingmak’s artisans create hand-knit items from qiviut musk ox wool. Each scarf, hat, or smoke ring is luxuriously warm and a meaningful piece of Alaska.
Anchorage Gift Ideas for an Outdoor Adventurer
There’s no end to outdoor adventures in Anchorage, so it is packed with outdoor gear suppliers and outfitters. Some of the best items are even designed and built here.
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Ermine Backcountry Ice Skates are specialized Nordic-style ice skates designed for off-the-beaten-path Alaska adventures. Glide across frozen lakes and rivers on made-in-Alaska tech.
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AK Gear Co’s new and improved bunny boots provide extreme cold-weather protection, featuring modern updates to the classic insulated military footwear. No more cruising secondhand for warm feet during winter expeditions.
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Three Dog Knife is the house brand of Northern Knives downtown. You’ll find plenty of sharp looking designs, materials, and finishes in their work.
Anchorage Gift Ideas for a DIYer
Alaskan ingenuity meets a crafty attitude in Anchorage. For the ones who like to make it themselves and get hands on sessions Anchorage rolls up its sleeves.
- Wild Starr Creations offers workshops in a variety of artful mediums and also has a splatter room when you are ready to paint the town.
- Take a spin at clay arts through Turnagain Ceramics with kids camps, multi-day sessions, or “Clay in a Day.”
- Hands on doesn’t have to end with a work of art: learn bike repair, 3D printing, or graphic design with help from friendly locals.
- Level up their cooking chops with a class at Dirty Apron, or uncork a new passion with wine making courses at 61°N Winery.
Anchorage Gift Ideas for Anyone Who “Doesn’t Need Anything”
There’s always one: maybe they’re a minimalist, or leery of too much commercialism, or just garden variety difficult-to-shop-for. Experiential gifts in Anchorage are big on views, don’t require ribbon, and can even do good in the community.
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Fans can snag seats at local arenas: the Anchorage Wolverines, UAA Athletics, and Rage City Roller Derby are just the start of local sports.
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Where do you want to go? Flightseeing, guided hikes, bike trips or kayak excursions, even professional expertise chasing northern lights.
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Single day passes or memberships with a favorite nonprofit or attraction are a win-win. The Anchorage Museum, Alaska Zoo, Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center, and Bird TLC are worth a visit in their own right, and a ticket or membership also supports their work in the community.
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Likewise, the Eagle River Nature Center, Arctic Valley, the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage, and the Anchorage Running Club all rely on membership dues to run events, host educational programming, or maintain trails, and all of them convene community.
