Admittedly, there’s a chance I’m not on your holiday gift-buying list.

It’s okay, I’m not hurt. Much.

But I do think there are a number of items on my Christmas list that would make cool gifts for all the people you love more than me. To prove I’m not bitter, here are five awesome holiday gifts you can find for your loved ones right here in Bend.

Hydro Flask – the best water bottle you’ll ever own. Seriously.

A Hydro Flask

I probably sound like a broken record, because I know I’ve mentioned this Bend-made product on the blog before. If you’ve never had a Hydro Flask, you might be raising an eyebrow and thinking “why would I pay that much for a freakin’ water bottle?”

This is no ordinary water bottle. Through some magical form of engineering I’m convinced involves fairies, this thing will keep ice water at the right temperature for 24 hours or more. It does the same for hot beverages, according to my husband who uses one for his coffee each morning.

Since our household already has a flip-top 18-ounce one for hot drinks ($24 in the Bend Visitor Center) and the screw-top 21-ouncer I keep in my purse to help me stay hydrated ($28), I’d kinda like either the 40-ounce one for longer hikes ($36), or the 64-ounce growler for beer runs ($58). They come in tons of different colors, and I’ll go ahead and let you pick which one to give me. I like surprises.

A Bamboo robe from Oregon Body & Bath

The Bamboo Dreams nightie I already own, paired with the robe I really want for Christmas.

I discovered Yala Bamboo Dreams sleepwear a few months ago when I wandered into Oregon Body & Bath on a sweltering summer afternoon. I saw a rack of simple, lovely nighties crafted from bamboo, and I read the tag that described them as breathable, temperature-regulating, moisture wicking, and antimicrobial. Sold!

What I’ve discovered in the five months since then is that Bamboo Dreams sleepwear is the softest, comfiest, most luxurious sleepwear I’ve ever owned, putting my stash of Victoria’s Secret to shame. They’re perfect for summer or winter, since they’re breathable, beautiful, and make you feel sexy to boot. How many garments do that?

Oregon Body & Bath is the only place in Bend that carries Yala Bamboo Dreams Sleepwear, so that’s where you need to go to buy my gift (not to mention some great stocking stuffers like made-in-Bend soaps and lotions). Since I already own the Cleo Gown nightie, I’d love to own one of their shorty robes. There are two styles to choose from—one with longer sleeves and a detachable tie, and one with shorter, blousier sleeves and an attached tie. I think I’m partial to the one with longer sleeves, but I’ll be delighted with either one you want to buy for me. What do you think, blue? No, maybe the deep purple. Wait, the peachy-pink is pretty, too. Or maybe the black one?

No matter, they can have any size or color at the shop within two days, so go ahead and peruse. Oh, and they offer free gift wrapping to make life easier for you. I’d like the gold ribbon on the leopard print paper, please.

BONUS: Oregon Body & Bath is giving away a $50 gift card to one lucky blog reader. Just comment on this blog post sharing what YOU hope to see in your stocking this year. We’ll draw a winner on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at noon!

Something sparkly and pretty

Lovely Hangr earrings made from recycled skateboards. Find ’em at Rescue Moderne Consignment.

At the risk of perpetuating stereotypes, let me go ahead and put this out there: I am a girl, and I like sparkly things. I’m not saying I need ten-carat diamond earrings in my stocking, but a meaningful piece of jewelry is one of my favorite things to get for Christmas.

Assuming there’s someone in your life who feels the same, you’re in luck when it comes to finding awesome jewelry made right here in Bend. The Feather’s Edge in Downtown Bend carries a beautiful array of jewelry made by Bend artist McKenzie Mendel. Her necklaces, earrings, and rings are handmade with hammered sterling silver and a thin layer of high-carat gold on the surface, lending each piece a unique, mixed-metal feel. Prices range from about $65-$85, and The Feather’s Edge is the only shop in Bend where you can find it.

A few blocks away, Clutch: A Handbag Boutique is the only local shop carrying EML Sparklies made by Bend artist Erin Latham. Her super-unique creations use semi-precious stones and make awesome statement pieces for a woman looking for a one-of-a-kind bling. Prices range from $3 for adorable hair pins to $45 for necklaces and some of the more intricate earrings.

So many sparkly pretties made by McKenzie Mendel and sold at The Feather’s Edge.

You’ll find tons of great locally made jewelry at Rescue Moderne Consignment. My personal fave is Hangr, an array of jewelry made from recycled skateboards. As an added bonus, this is one of the best consignment shops in town, so stay awhile and browse for gently-used designer clothes and shoes.

If your tastes trend toward higher-end jewelry, hit Karen Bandy Design, John Paul Designs, or Douglas Fine Jewelry Design in Downtown Bend, or head for the Old Mill District to check out Saxons Fine Jewelers.

Speaking of the Old Mill District, you’ll encounter the Old Ironworks Art District as you head that way from Downtown. Stop and shop for a while, browsing unique jewelry from Stuarts of Bend (touted as “Bend’s least normal jewelry) and an array of other designers with pieces at The Workhouse.

Once you’re in the Old Mill District, head for Nashelle, one of Bend’s best-known creators of unique jewelry. Their designs have been featured in oodles of splashy fashion magazines, and their personalized charm necklaces make one of the most unique gifts you can give. Even better? Their Shop for a Cause program gives you a chance to support some pretty awesome charities with your purchases.

Experiences, not things

There’s been a trend in gift-giving in recent years prompting people to give “experiences,” rather than things. I’m a big fan of this movement, mostly because I don’t need more clutter in my house.

Blogger Tawna (center) enjoying a Segway tour from The Bend Tour Company.

Luckily, there’s no shortage of awesome experiences to be had in Bend. Give a gift certificate for Wanderlust Tours and let your loved one choose from caving, snowshoeing, canoeing, and tons more terrific ways to explore the Central Oregon outdoors.

For several years running, my hubby has gotten me a voucher for the two of us to enjoy a cooking class together from The Well Traveled Fork. It’s a fabulous bonding experience, not to mention a great way to pick up new culinary skills and recipes. If that doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, they also offer a variety of tours, plus their new Mountain Menu (an easy way to get fresh, locally-made food to take with you on your winter outing).

The Bend Tour Company is another terrific company offering a variety of unique tours, ranging from the Art Safari (a chance to see Bend’s art scene up close and personal) to Segway tours. If cruising around Bend on an electric bike sounds like a fun way to see the town, consider a gift certificate for Let It Ride.

To peruse a more extensive lineup of local tour offerings ranging from fly fishing to mountain biking, go here.

Can’t decide? Grab Old Mill Bucks or Downtown Dollars!

Want to let me choose my own gift, but think cash is too impersonal? Hey, thank you! I also applaud your effort to keep the spending local by giving me Downtown Dollars or Old Mill Bucks.

Just as the names imply, those are gift cards that can be used in either Old Mill District or Downtown Bend. They spend the same as cash at restaurants and boutiques in those areas, and you can purchase them right here in the Bend Visitor Center.

I’ll take a few of each, okay?

DON’T FORGET! Comment on this post for a chance to win a $50 gift card to Oregon Body & Bath. Just share what YOU hope to see in your stocking this year. We’ll draw a winner on Tuesday, December 23, 2014 at noon!