Throughout Mckenzie Electric's service territory you can find special, unique gifts that are often handcrafted. This holiday season, consider shopping local for your gifts!
Unique, local ways to give this holiday season
By Jessie Veeder-Scofield
The official holiday shopping season has arrived and with that comes a shopping list and checking it twice. And while there are plenty of ways to shop online for the perfect gift, don’t forget that many local options offer unique, locally-made gifts that are sure to add a personal touch to the holiday. Below is a list of local retailers that carry handmade or handcrafted items and a list of upcoming events that feature local vendors, artists and makers!
Shop Local Artists, Makers and Pride of Dakota items at these area retailers.
These businesses carry a variety of products and gift ideas, but if you’re looking for a gift with a local flavor, one that supports the artist or maker as well as the retailer, here’s what they have in stock for those in the market for homemade!
Watford City
All Around Feed and Supply - 605 3rd Ave SW
Locally-made halters and jewelry
Beaver Creek Kids - 228 N Main St
Handmade children’s hair accessories, jewelry, blankets, toys and more
Door 204 - 204 North Main St
Local art and photography, handmade cards and gifts
Larsen Service Drug - 244 Main St N
Pride of Dakota gift items, sweet treats and handmade soaps and lotions
Long X Visitors Center - 100 2nd Ave NW
Local authors, artists, photographers, handmade soaps and lotions and Pride of Dakota food items and gifts
Mabe’s Flower Market - 309 12th ST SE
Silk and fresh flower arrangements and locally themed gifts
Meyer’s Department Store - 200 N Main St
Locally made soaps, lotions, candles and beauty products
Rhianna’s Boutique - 360 Main St. N
Handmade, laser engraved earrings
Saddle Up - 109 6th Ave SE, Ste 300
Handmade knives, Montana made brats, jerky and jams
Killdeer
Aspen Chic Designs - 42 Central Ave S
Custom leatherwork, minky blankets, locally designed graphic t-shirts, screen printing and embroidery
Leanin’ Pole Arena - 749 Highway 22
Locally made leatherwork, woodwork, home décor, wild rags, mittens, gloves and hats
Upcoming Vendor, Craft Shows and Events
Local artists, crafters and small business owners gather at these local events to make shopping an easy, one stop shop. Check them out!
December 1: Alexander Christmas Stroll 5 pm – 9 pm Alexander Main Street
Christmas Shopping, Photos with Santa, Hot Cocoa, Food & Hay Rides
December 3: Christmas Fest 10 am – 4 pm Rough Rider Center, Watford City
Visit Santa, Get creative with Christmas crafts, shop around at the vendor show and enjoy the Christmas Wreath Silent Auction.
December 3: Bakken Oil Rush Toy Mall and Pancake Breakfast, 10 am Civic Center, Watford City
Wear your PJ's and bring your whole family for pancakes at the annual free Toy Mall event! Toys will be given to children from birth through age 18 and kids can shop for gifts for their loved ones.
December 4: La Posada – 4 am - 7:30 pm Civic Center, Watford City, ND
Hosted by Hispanic Advocacy North Dakota, learn about traditional Hispanic holiday celebrations. Enjoy a live show, a DJ, Pinatas, food vendors and door prizes!
December 10: 2nd Annual Holidaze Vendor + Craft Show – 11 am – 5 pm High Plains Community Center, Killdeer, ND
Find something for everyone on your list! Food will be available for purchase and served by the Girl Scouts.
Give a gift that makes an impact with Bakken Oil Rush Thrift Store
If you and the family would like to spread the spirit of giving in different ways, there are many opportunities to do good for the community in the community, from taking an item off of the giving tree, to donating to the local food pantry.
The Bakken Oil Rush Ministry and Thrift Store in Watford City makes giving back their mission with the work they do focused on meeting the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of the people who make their homes in oil field country. If you’re looking for a volunteer opportunity they have a streamlined system to get you trained in help sort and hang clothes at the retail store, or sign up to help at their various events throughout the year. Volunteers help keep their costs down so that they can continue to offer affordable clothing and goods to the community.
This winter consider donating winter outerwear of all sizes to the Bakken Oil Rush Thrift Store, who will then GIVE the gear to people in need. Just this winter alone the thrift store has given free outerwear to over 230 families and counting. “There’s always a need,” said Melanie Smith, director “As long as we’re getting coats and outerwear donated, we will be giving it away.”
Another way to give back while preparing for the season is to shop the Bakken Oil Rush Ministry for your holiday décor. “We have a whole shed devoted to saving Christmas,” said Smith. “Any shopping you do here makes a big impact on how we can continue to support the community.”
To volunteer or for more information on the Bakken Oil Rush Thrift Store, call 701-444-2288 or stop into their shop located at 600 12th St. NE in Watford City.