Here’s an idea: why not pepper this year’s “gifts to buy” list with a number of fine items crafted right here in the good ol’ Chippewa Valley? It’s fun, thoughtful, and it helps contribute to the place you call home. And with the following guide, it’s also easy. There, no more excuses – buy, buy, buy, local, local, local.

For the audiophile:

Do you have a friend who refuses to listen to anything over computer speakers because it’s just “not true to the sound?” Well, you can try to tell them to just suck it up, or you can start by swinging down to Revival Records to pick up all the equipment they’ll need – a new-to-you turntable, speakers and receiver. You can pick up new and used records there of all varieties, then head down to The Local Store to grab some local favorites, including newly pressed vinyl by Amateur Love, The Daredevil Christopher Wright and, of course, Bon Iver. Then next time they want to complain about the bass in your iPod headphones, you can hold it over their head that you gave them one heck of a gift.

For the brewmaster:

Brewing your own beer is a nice mesh of the wonders of both art and science, but it’s also still beer so we can save all that flowery language. For the mad scientist in your life, head to Artisan Beverage in Menomonie or Cap N Corks in Eau Claire, where you can find everything you need to get started on making your perfect brew (or wine, if you’re into that). Of course, any good brewmaster needs some inspiration as well, so be sure to pick up some local favorites from Lazy Monk Brewing, Northwoods Brewpub or Lucette Brewing. And with any artform, presentation is key so you may want to swing by The Local Store to pick up the Eau Claire Woods & Water Pint Glasses, which will make any beer taste better. We guarantee it.

For the gamesman/gameswoman:

If you’re looking for the perfect gift for your hunter/fisher/noodler, we’ve got you covered. A family-owned company in Chippewa Falls has made quite a name for itself these past few years thanks to the success of The ShadowShield (TheShadowShield.com). Like something out of a comic book, ShadowShield camoflauges hunters by reflecting their surroundings, no matter the terrain or vegetation using a series of lightweight, portable mirrors. It may sound a bit ridiculous, but there’s a reason the company has contracts with the military – the thing works. And since the holidays fall in the dead of winter, it might be useful to pick up a Flirty Girty (FlirtyGirty.com). The ice-fishing lure that was spawned in Fall Creek will help you rack up the perch and walleyes like nobody’s business.

For the Packer fan:

Sure you could get your favorite Packer fan a jersey, but you want your gift to be special (and let’s face it, tickets are pretty dang hard to find). So you know what you have to do. You need to pick up a copy of Packer Party with Elroy and The Diehards (PackerSongs.com) – a collection of Packer inspired music by a group of long-time Chippewa Musicians. Choice cuts include “Titletown Tonight” and “Green & Gold Cups” – a play on “Red Solo Cup.” If you need something to go along with that, you could pick up a copy of After They Were Packers, a book by local author Jerry Poling (available at The Local Store). And then maybe you can cross your fingers and light a candle in hopes of getting a pair of tickets.

For the voracious reader:

There’s no shortage of great bookstores in the Chippewa Valley. And any reader likes the opportunity to browse and browse through the shelves, so why not a gift card or certificate from a place like Cogitare Books in Menomonie or Crossroads Books in Eau Claire. If you’re not one to give money, there were some great local books that are hot off the presses for the holiday season. Eau Claire poet-laureate Bruce Taylor’s new book of poetry, The Longest You’ve Lived Anywhere is a great collection of the renowned poets recent work. For the younger reader, you can pick up a copy of local children’s author W.H. Beck’s new book Malcolm At Midnight.

For the sweet tooth:

I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but the number of frozen yogurt shops in Eau Claire has exploded from zero to three (with a fourth on the way) in the last year. So if you’ve got a special someone with a hankering for sweet, delicious goodness maybe you can take them out for a nice afternoon treat at Frogiyo, by Phoenix Park, Raspberry Reign on Water Street or Cherry Berry on Golf Rd. And even though some people may complain about eating something frozen in winter, if you’re really dedicated to the sweets, you can never resist.