Last-Minute Local: Your Holiday Shopping Guide to get it done today!

Published 12:00 am Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Local merchants like Port Hopper in Astoria stock many unique gifts.

Brought to you by Dennis Company Ace Long Beach

It happens every year — December rushes by, and suddenly it’s Christmas Eve. But for North Coast shoppers, last-minute doesn’t have to mean last-resort. Local stores, grocers, floral and gift shops across Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside, Long Beach, and Ilwaco offer quick, personal, and thoughtful holiday solutions for even the busiest procrastinators.

Gift Cards: The Easiest Local Gift of All

Gift cards to local merchants keep revenue in town and give people a chance to enjoy something special after the holidays

Restaurants, bakeries, bookstores, and locally owned shops have become go-to sources for last-minute gift-giving.

Gift cards are perfect because they support our small businesses and give someone a meal or experience to enjoy later. Many shops offer festive envelopes to make gift cards feel special.

Popular options include:
• Local restaurants and cafés
• Breweries, tap rooms and wine shops
• Boutiques, art galleries and floral shops
• Local experience-based cards (museums, classes, tours)

•Hardware, drug and other “everything” stores with something for everyone

Dennis Company Ace Long Beach is open until 5 p.m. on Christmas Eve and has a special on gift cards–get a $10 Ace gift card when you buy a $50 Ace gift card.

“Dennis Company Ace is more than a hardware store —it’s where customers find great gifts for everyone on their list, including the pets,” said Jose Hernandez Ortega, General Manager of Dennis Company in Long Beach. “And when guests are on the way and something needs a quick fix, like a running toilet or a burnt out light bulb, we’re here with the solutions that help your home feel ready and welcoming this holiday season.”

Ready-to-Go Gift Baskets & Local Flavors

Coastal merchants assemble baskets that highlight the region’s unique tastes — no assembly required.

A book from an independent bookseller is a lasting and thoughtful last minute gift.

At Port Hopper, you can pick up pre-made baskets or create your own. “Let us help you find something magical,” invite Adrin and Eric, co-owners of Port Hopper. “Stop in on Christmas Eve to find the finishing touches to your gifting. We’ll have a selection of pre-made gift baskets that you can easily customize, and new arrivals in the shop throughout the weekend leading up to the holiday.”

Find seasonal bundles from Long Beach’s Beach House Teas at many local shops, including the Cranberry Museum. While you’re there, pick up a basket full of festive and tasteful cranberry treats and novelties celebrating both the season and local agriculture.

Stocking Stuffers With a Local Touch

From hand-poured candles and artisan soaps to small-batch chocolates and quirky coastal ornaments, local shops are a treasure trove for last-minute stockings.

Kids’ favorites include:
• Mini puzzles, small notebooks and stickers from local bookstores
• Hot cocoa bombs, candy and novelties
• Seashell ornaments and beach-themed trinkets

“Come see us for last minute gifts for your favorite reader!” says Lisa Reid, owner of Lucy’s Books.

Local Grocers, Wine Shops & Markets to the Rescue

Bloomin’ Crazy is open from 9am-5pm Christmas eve for beautiful last minute floral gifts.

Need something fast? Local grocers and have your back.

Sid’s Shop N’Kart features locally made sauces, treats, and beverages, as well as stocking stuffers like lip balms, lotions and more. You can pick up specialty cheeses, chocolates and Washington and Oregon wines and beers to bring to your holiday celebrations, too.

Your local market is usually open longer in the evening, making that truly last minute shopping possible.

A Last-Minute Message for the Season

Whether you’re picking up a bottle of local wine, grabbing a coffee shop gift card, or filling a stocking with handmade treats, every dollar spent locally stays in the community.

And last minute shopping locally can be fun! Chris Lamb, owner of the Lonely Crab in Astoria offers entertainment while you’re wrapping up your shopping.

Chris Lamb, owner of Lonely Crab, plans a “jolly party” for Christmas Eve shoppers.

“We will be open from 11-3 on Christmas Eve!” exclaims Chris. “I’m going to have a 10% off storewide sale that day with drinks and snacks. And I’ll be playing some of my own Christmas music. It will be a jolly party!”

Shopping locally keeps businesses thriving, events funded, and downtowns vibrant. Choosing local today helps ensure a strong and thriving North Coast in 2026 — and that’s the best gift of all.

Top 10 Local Last-Minute Gifts

Perfect for Christmas Eve shoppers — quick, meaningful, and available right in your hometown.

1. Local Restaurant Gift Cards

Good for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or a post-holiday treat. Always appreciated, never the wrong size.

2. “Everything Store” Gift Cards

Stocking-stuffers for everyone from local hardware, drug and variety stores.

3. Locally Made Food and art Items

Chocolates, jams, smoked seafood, honey, teas, or baked goods. A delicious way to support regional makers.

4. Craft Beer, Wine, or Distillery Bundles

Holiday ales, local ciders, and regional wines in ready-to-gift bags. Fast, festive, and crowd-pleasing.

5. Ready-to-Go Gift Baskets

Many local markets create pre-made baskets featuring regional foods and artisan goods like handcrafted soaps and candles using regional scents and ingredients.

6. Galleries and boutique art gifts

Small prints, pottery, ornaments, jewelry, woodcraft, or fiber items. One-of-a-kind gifts with community heart are the perfect grab-and-go personal gift.

7. Books from Local Bookstores

Local history, regional authors, children’s books, puzzles, or journals. Independent bookstores like Time Enough Books in Ilwaco always know what’s popular, and can give you personal recommendations.

According to co-owner William Ham, “There’s something personal that our customers get from us that can’t be replicated at the impersonal chains or, certainly, Amazon and their ilk.”

8. Floral arrangements and plants

“Who doesn’t want to receive a gift of flowers? Or curated gifts from artists and small businesses?”–Mia Norlander/owner Bloomin Crazy

Fresh or preserved, flowers and plants are always welcome as a holiday present.

9. Tickets or Experience Gifts

Concerts, museums, classes, tours, workshops, or community events. Experiences create memories — and support local organizations.

10. Swag from local Shops, Hotels, Restaurants

Hats, socks, scarves, mugs, locally themed shirts and hoodies. Find locally branded swag at gift shops in hotels, museums, restaurants and in local stores to put a truly local stamp on your gift.

“When Christmas sneaks up on you, we’ve got you covered with gift cards and hoodies available at our drive-thru for the perfect last minute surprise or stocking stuffer! A-Town Coffee will be open until noon on Christmas Eve” Madison Burnett/ manager at A-Town Coffee

The Last-Minute Reminder

Choosing a local gift — even at the eleventh hour — keeps your holiday dollars circulating in the community and helps ensure a vibrant 2026 for local businesses, nonprofits, and families.