Glacier Country Holiday Gift Guide: Local Shops and Unique Gifts

It’s the most wonderful time of the year, and with the holiday season comes gift giving—a tradition we love. We’ve made it easy for you by compiling a list of some of our favorite local shops and markets in Western Montana, as well as some unique finds. A Montana-made treasure makes the perfect gift, and when you shop local in Glacier Country, you support the Montana way of life and the vibrancy of our communities and artisans. Cheers to that!

Find the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list with Glacier Country’s holiday gift guide. Photo: Conrad Mansion

MERIDIAN FARM & FORGE, BELT BUCKLES, PIZZA CUTTERS + COASTERS

Give the gift of western flair with a unique hand-forged belt buckle from Meridian Farm and Forge. These handcrafted buckles embody the rugged spirit of Montana, as do their hand-forged pizza cutters or coasters, which also make excellent gifts.

Each buckle is hand-crafted in small batches using traditional blacksmithing techniques. Photo: Meridian Farm & Forge

THE HAT EDIT, CUSTOM HATS

Make a statement this holiday season by gifting a one-of-a-kind custom hat from The Hat Edit in Stevensville, where Montana craftsmanship meets authentic style—the perfect personalized accessory for the fashion-forward people in your life.

Build your own cowboy hat at The Hat Edit. Photo: The Hat Edit

BE THUNDER CREATIONS, INDIGENOUS JEWELRY

Gift handcrafted jewelry from Be Thunder Creations and Blackfeet designer Latisha Buck Elk Thunder. Her small batch, Indigenous handcrafted jewelry features beadwork that draws inspiration from her parents’ influence in crafting pow wow regalia.

Shop beautifully designed beaded earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Photo: Be Thunder Creations

THE MONTANA SCENE, “LITTERING IS FOR LOSERS” BAG

Combine humor with a touch of eco-consciousness by gifting a Littering is for Losers canvas bag from The Montana Scene to the responsible recreators in your life. These reusable bags not only carry a statement but are thoughtful, cute and practical.

This tough tote sports an important message. Photo: The Montana Scene

PINE AND SAGE CANDLES

Illuminate the season with the warm glow and natural scents of Pine and Sage Candles. Hand-poured with love in Western Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, these candles are an excellent gift for those who appreciate all things cozy.

MONTANA WREATHS

Deck the halls with the natural beauty and fragrance of a Montana forest. Handmade from wild and sustainably harvested Grand Fir and Cedar boughs, Montana Wreaths bring a touch of the outdoors inside, making them a perfectly festive gift.

HOLIDAY MADE FAIR

Celebrate the creativity of local and regional artists by exploring the Missoula Holiday MADE Fair. From unique crafts to one-of-a-kind artworks from more than 200 local artists and nonprofits, this fair is a treasure trove of thoughtful and handmade gifts. Fair dates and locations: Missoula, December 10 and Helena, December 1 – 2.

INDIGENOUS MADE MISSOULA MARKET

Support Indigenous artisans and immerse yourself in their rich culture at an Indigenous Made Missoula event where you can find unique and meaningful gifts that showcase the talent and traditions of the Indigenous community in Western Montana. This year, attend the Indigenous Made Winter Market on November 25.

Find something for your friends and loved ones at the Indigenous market this holiday season. Photo: Rebekah McDonald.

HANDMADE MONTANA

Shop more than 65 local and regional artists at Handmade Montana in Polson. From original fine art to woodworking, wearables, jewelry, ceramics and more, discover handmade treasures for everyone on your list.

FORLOH OUTDOOR CLOTHING + GEAR

Gift the adventurer in your life some high-quality, award-wining outdoor clothing from FORLOH. 100% Made in the USA, these pieces are stylish and durable, perfect for exploring Montana’s wild and beautiful places.

FORLOH’s Insect Shield SolAir clothing will protect the outdoorsy person on your list from biting insects. Photo: FORLOH

MONTANA CHOCOLATE COMPANY CHOCOLATES

Indulge the sweet tooth with a box of chocolates from the Montana Chocolate Company. Handcrafted with love, these chocolates make for a delectable and festive treat. Choose from boxed collections, nuts, barks (including huckleberry) and more—like the Montana State Bar.

You can’t go wrong giving someone a box of chocolates. Photo: The Montana Chocolate Company

ARTHUR WAYNE HOT SAUCE

Add a kick to the holiday festivities with small-batch hot sauce from Arthur Wayne. Locally crafted and brimful of flavor, this hot sauce is an excellent gift for those who appreciate a spicy culinary experience.

THE ARTISTS’ SHOP – FINE CRAFT & ART

For the art lover in your life—explore a curated collection of local and regional fine craft and art at The Artists Shop in Missoula. From ceramics to paintings, find unique pieces that embody the talent and essence of Western Montana.

The Artists’ Shop offers beautiful local art and fine craft in all price ranges for moms, dads, kids, cousins and friends. Photo: The Artists’ Shop

HAMMER & TINE KNIVES & TOTES

Gifts from Hammer & Tine, including knives and leather totes, showcase the real artistry behind Montana craftsmanship. Practical and stylish, these are perfect for those who appreciate beauty and function.

Hammer & Tine uses Italian or American-tanned leather for all of their leather goods. Photo: Hammer & Tine

BITTERROOT BELLE CUTTING BOARDS

For your foodie friends! Elevate any kitchen with beautifully hand-crafted cutting boards, charcuterie boards and serving trays from Bitterroot Belle. These boards are both practical tools and elegant additions to any culinary space.

Please note: We ask that all our visitors and residents Recreate Responsibly by being mindful of the following: know before you go; plan ahead; play it safe; leave no trace; tread lightly, and help build an inclusive outdoors.

November 20, 2023