SPOKANE, Wash. — December is finally here, and it's about that time to finish up your Christmas shopping. KREM 2 is helping you out with a look at small businesses in the Spokane area that make great gifts for your loved ones.
Alycia Staggs from Staggs & Staggs sign company makes metal signs that celebrate Spokane and the Inland Northwest.
"We focus on doing a lot of local signs, because a lot of our support is local," Staggs said. "We try and just keep that loop going."
Staggs says one of their most popular products is their "Zag Nation" sign.
"That one is flying off the shelves," Staggs said. "Spokane loves their 'Zags and so do we."
Staggs initially got the idea to make metal signs when she was working on her jewelry company, Lexi Lou Jewelry.
Staggs was transferring photos onto bracelets and necklaces, and decided she wanted to recreate her work on a bigger scale.
Staggs started out doing graphic design and web design, but decided to move on to making tangible products.
"That's something I really enjoy," Staggs said.
Staggs and her husband, who helps her run the business, say they love taking on custom projects.
You can shop Staggs & Staggs ready made signs at From Here in River Park Square, or on their website. Also be sure to head to their website for any custom orders.
Jensen Handcrafted makes bottle openers in the shapes of Washington and Idaho.
Owner Josh Jensen began making the bottle openers after his daughter was diagnosed with cancer to help pay her medical bills. Five years later, his daughter is a cancer survivor and his small business is still going strong.
Now, Jensen is able to use some of the profits from his bottle openers to give back to the community.
"The community has really helped us move forward and get a few of those bills paid," Jensen said. "It's always a great feeling to give back. There's just so much generosity and help for us from the community during that time in our lives."
You can buy Jensen Handcrafted's goods through their website, at the gift shop at the Northwest Museum of Arts and Culture, and also at From Here, a shop at River Park Square Mall which features items from over 70 small businesses in Spokane.