A Cooperative Gift Giving Guide
Many of the co-ops in our region have reduced capacity for customers to shop for the holiday season. Keep your money local and in the cooperative community. Purchasing gifts through one of these co-ops is not just a gift for your family member or friend, it is also a gift for the cooperative. We hope that you have a wonderful and safe holiday, however you choose to celebrate!
Twisted Strait Fibers
Who doesn’t love animal fiber! Twisted Strait Fiber is a cooperative based on the Olympic Peninsula. They have yarn and fiber (and kits) for those who want to create their own products as well as apparel, blankets, and even a comforter. All the fiber is grown locally by members and includes sheep, goat, and llama fiber.
Orca Books Cooperative
Orca Books has been a mainstay in Olympia, WA for decades, but became a Solidarity Co-op in April. They cater to all types of readers at any age. If the Covid numbers are getting you down, never fear! You can still online order from us for home delivery. New titles are available at our website and our used titles can be found at our alibris shop: alibris.com/stores/orcabooks. We can also take orders over the phone for curbside! Take care of yourselves out there!
Dumpster Values
Dumpster Values is a worker collective located at 302 4th Avenue East in Olympia, WA. that sells vintage clothing and apparel. They have an Etsy shop for on-line orders and are generally open from 11-7 for in store purchases.
Artists' Gallery
We specialize in outstanding fine arts and crafts by Washington artists, especially local artists. With a variety of visionary artists in the cooperative, you will find styles to compliment anyone’s taste; from traditional to contemporary. Offered on a range of prices, you’ll find something well suited for you, for your home or business, or a gift made with hands and heart.
Splash Art Gallery
Located on the boardwalk at the scenic Olympia Marina, the gallery is a one of a kind art experience in the South Puget Sound. We offer a vibrant selection of local fine art including oils and acrylics, watercolor, jewelry, fused glass, ceramics, photography, textile art and more.
Blue Scorcher Bakery & Cafe
In Astoria, Oregon, this wonderful bakery and cafe not only offers traditional bakery products, but make chocolates as well! If you live nearby, you can pick up a catered meal, but call ahead!
Burial Grounds Coffee
If you are in Olympia or near buy, sign up for Community Support Caffeine! They also offer take out orders at their location on Capitol Avenue South. In addition to coffee, they also have teas and partner with two other businesses for mutual aid and support.
New Moon Cafe
There likely won’t be big feasts or potlucks this year, but it can still be a festive occasion in Olympia by ording brunch from this worker cooperative located at 4th and Capitol. Part of their mission statement says, “to make good food accessible to more people and to grow strong relationships with local farmers, producers, and distributors. We seek to utilize our resources and space to support the greater Olympia community.”
Patty Pan Co-op
Patty Pan operates at markets throughout the Seattle area and (depending on schedules and restrictions) will be there to provide for your food gifts and needs. You can also order home delivery through the New Day Cooperative.
Food Co-ops
Food Cooperatives not only offer everthing you need for a holiday dinner, but also have wonderful (and often local) products for gifts. Push the button to see a map of food co-ops in the Pacific Northwest and find one near your community. Photo by Kate Hliznitsova on Unsplash
Equal Exchange
Equal Exchange is a worker co-op fair trade importer and coffee roaster. You can often find their products at your local food co-op (and sometimes your congregation), but if your community doesn’t have a food co-op, you can order on-line as well.
Ace Hardware
Ace isn’t a chain, each store is locally owned and a member of a marketing and purchasing cooperative. That is why your local hardware store can compete with the Big Boxes. They offer curb side pick up and delivery and probably have a location near your!
New Day Co-op
New Day is a grocery home delivery service that services the greater Seattle area between Burien in the north and Lynwood in the south. The suppliers include co-ops such as Equal Exchange and Patty Pan, but also local food producers such as Olykraut, Sam’s Salmons, and more!
