Tackle Last Minute Shopping with the Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide

2020 Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide

Stressed out by last minute holiday shopping? Avoid shipping delays, and support local businesses, using the Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide.

Not only do we have gift ideas, you also won’t have to dash all over to find them because all of these businesses are within minutes of each other. Pro tip…save more time and effort by using online ordering and curbside pickup which most businesses offer. Shopping done!

One of the hardest tasks is coming up with gift ideas for so many different personalities, so we’ve broken this list down into groups to help.

Foodies & Cooks

Home cooks have upped their game during the pandemic, from baking the perfect sourdough loaf to canning and preserving. Meanwhile foodies have made takeout cool by setting elegant tables for date nights in or hosting virtual gatherings, all while supporting local restaurants. Grab a gift card to one of these delicious eateries or pick a thoughtful gift from the mind-boggling selection at Spoons n’ Spice.

BGR Burgers Grilled Right – Don’t miss the Wagyu Wellington Truffle Burger, “This is one of a kind burger! Our wagyu beef burger is infused with real black truffle, topped of with our home-made black truffle sauce and complimented by our house made mojo sauce and bleu cheese.” Hungry yet? Holiday hours: Dec 24th: 11 am – 8 pm, Dec 25th: CLOSED, Dec 31st: 11 am – 8 pm, Jan 1st: 12 pm – 8 pm

Brownies Brownies - 2020 Sugar House Holiday Gift Guide

Brownies Brownies Brownies – Great gift for sweet tooths and the community-minded. BrowniesX3 supports multiple local causes while turning out signature flavors that rotate weekly such as raspberry, fudge, German chocolate, and mint. How they are served is part of the experience, two brownies form a sandwich around a filling, and then it’s finished with a drool-worthy topping. They offer drive-through and outdoor seating into the night to satisfy cravings.

Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House – If you are looking for something fancy in the heart of Sugar House, look no further than Kimi’s Chop & Oyster House! The elegant space and gourmet menu are a sure bet.

Little Saigon – Healthy Vietnamese food with a pinch of Mexican fusion. This is a great lunch stop on your last-minute shopping run or to simplify dinner. They are fast without tasting like fast food and I especially appreciate that they don’t add MSG. Our family grabs takeout here regularly. What not to miss: The banh mi are on point, and the burritos offer a yummy twist.

SOMI Vietnamese Bistro – Both Vietnamese and some Chinese dishes served in a lovely space or take it to go. If you ever walk down Wilmington Ave. and wonder what that delicious smell is, there’s a good chance it’s SOMI Vietnamese Bistro! What not to miss: The calamari appetizer.

Spoons N’ Spice – One of the largest kitchenware stores in the nation, they also stock spices, coffee, tea, candy, cookbooks, linins, and much more. This is a good place for stocking stuffers too!

Health & Fitness Enthusiasts

While the phrase, “COVID 15” made light of the weight gained by many of us during quarantine, a few determined souls stayed active and fit. This holiday give the gift of fitness. Gift cards are the way to go with these businesses so they can be used now or later.

Arrichion Hot Yoga + Circuit Training – A new kind of workout combining yoga and strength training – plus they offer virtual classes and a supportive community!

Orange Theory Sugar House – A total-body group workout that combines science, coaching and technology to guarantee maximum results. Highly positive and supportive environment and they have an online At Home™ option too! Grab a gift card for someone who’s mourning their lost gym so they can stay active at home.

Torrent Cycle – A newcomer to the Sugar House fitness scene, Torrent Cycle offer high-intensity cycling workout with inspiring instructors, energetic music, and rhythm. The pristine facility has everything needed to work out and then transition directly to the office. Fun fact – Honest Eatery is location in the same lobby…yum!

Honest Eatery – Health-conscious, açaí bowls, toasts, smoothies and more. Located just off Monument Plaza on the west side of The Vue at 2100S and Highland, it’s also the perfect place to refuel during a shopping spree!

Delightful & Creative

Do you have a person on your list who always has creative ideas, gravitates toward the whimsical, or knows where to find things that just “feel” good? Surprise them with inspiration of your own from any of these local shops.

Native Flower Co - Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide 2020

Native Flower Company – What not to miss: Fresh arrangements. Their holiday designs are festive, chic, and the perfect way to spread joy. They deliver to the entire valley and offer curbside pickup. Also, a good place for small gifts such as candles. Native Flower Company did my wedding flowers and earned my highest recommendation.

Laurie Bray - - Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide 2020

Photography by Laurie – What not to miss: Metal Coasters with vivid Sugar House and Utah images on a 4×4 coasters. She also offers art prints and portrait sessions (currently held outdoors).

Commerce and Craft – Good design, originality, and craftsmanship do not have to be out of reach for anyone. What not to miss: Art prints and textiles. Every Commerce & Craft piece has a human tied to it, creating collectors and followers for these talented artists and vendors. This is my new go-to for gift giving!

Olio Skin & Beard - Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide 2020

Olio Skin & Beard Co. – What not to miss: Olio’s all-natural, handcrafted skin care line. This is a skin care line that is sustainable and geared towards people looking to feed and nourish their skin on the daily. This line is not for men or women, it’s for anyone who wears skin.

Lillie Bee Emporium – A unique and fun shop Lillie Bee Emporium! Full of treasures and curiosities, you won’t want to miss. Located next door to Commerce and Craft.

The Glass Hall - 2020 Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide

The Glass Hall – A delightful selection of fun and inclusive gifts from edgy to sweet. What not to miss: Their unique, sassy, cards and gifts. I dare you to visit and not buy something for yourself too!

Coffee & Tea

You know if you have a coffee or tea addict in your life, so I’ll skip this explanation. I will share that Sugar House has a fantastic collection of coffee and tea spots. If you are looking for a physical tea or coffee gift (vs a gift card), aim for Tea Zaante or Bean Whole.

Sugar House Coffee Gift Box - Sugar House Holiday Shopping Guide 2020

Sugar House Coffee – Don’t miss their gift boxes which can be customized to help you give the best gift while keeping friends and family caffeinated and supporting a local business.

Red Moose – Red Moose serves arguably the best breakfast burrito in Salt Lake, plus awesome lattes, teas, and coffee. They have a drive through plus outdoor seating. Don’t miss the Wasatch Salad is you pop in to buy a gift!

Tea Zaante – A fresh and fun hangout focused on fine teas and community. There’s more than tea here, they also offer gifts such as mugs, sweet treats, and even cocktail kits. The patio is dog friendly and widely spaced with heaters for chilly days. What not to miss: Tins of fine tea or the tea/honey combo gift.

The Bean Whole – A small coffee roastery delivering fresh roasted goodness to our neighborhood. What not to miss: Fresh roasted coffee and the nitro brew. Plan ahead since their hours are limited (it’s worth it!): Fridays 10am-1pm, Saturdays 8am-2pm.

Home & Living

This is a mixed list for people who love all things homey from home décor to gardening, with some pet and camping gifts tossed in too.

Home Again - 2020 Sugar House Holiday Gift Guide

Home Again – Home Again is more than a furniture consignment store. They offer one-of-a-kind accessories, including lamps, dishes, rugs, art, pillows and chandeliers. From local artesian hand embroidered dish towels to a supply of colorful unique pillow covers, visit to see the ever-changing decor.

Backyard Birds – This shop is SO MUCH FUN! Since 1998, Backyard Birds has been Utah’s locally owned, independent birding, nature, and garden gift shop! From statues to bird feeders, plus lots of whimsical bits and pieces, this a good place to find big gifts and stocking stuffers alike.

Barebones Living – Looking for high-quality outdoor products (I know you are because aren’t we all trying to get out more)? Check out Barebones Living and they give back to those who need it most!

Healthy Pets – An all natural pet store located on 1100E in Sugar House. They have an AMAZING selection of natural dog and cat foods, a treat bar, herbal remedies, raw food, raw bones, healthy treats, fun toys, plus accessories for dogs, cats, and small animals. They even have a self-serve dog wash!

Fashion & Style

For the folks on your list who do a great job expressing themselves through fashion, look to this list of boutiques plus a piercing studio. Don’t know what to buy? Ask for help! These shops are staffed with friendly and fashion savvy crews. Much better than navigating fake Amazon reviews, right?

Hope Ave – Founded in Salt Lake on a street of the same name, Hope Ave, “clothes are for creative, down-to-earth women.” Boho and feminine, the vibe is supportive and welcoming. No judgement or pressure. If you have a free spirit in your life, this could be the place to find them the perfect gift.

IRIS Studios – What not to miss: A curated ear piercing gift card. “The perfect way to express yourself with a piercing and jewelry that fits your ear and style!” The piercing jewelry selection is stunning and would make a great gift on their own as well. Located on Highland Drive next door to The Glass Hall, so you could knock out a few gifts with a single stop.

Urban Blues – Some of the most fashionable attire in Sugar House is hidden in this understated shop on 2100 S. And they have easy parking in back!

Spirits and Brews

Buying for someone who appreciates good microbrew or craft cocktails? Look no further!

The Ruin – Described as, “the Sugarhouse (sic) neighborhood’s foremost cocktail bar,” by Visit Salt Lake, the Ruin specializes in classic cocktails and inspired creations (their bartenders know what they’re doing!)  Grab a Buy now Drink Later card for a gifting win.

Wasatch Brew Pub – “Utah’s first and most irreverent brewery since 1986,” Wasatch Brew Bub Sugar House serves yummy pub fare, plus has a reputation for great salads. Oh, and of course there is beer, lots of it, with a variety for every taste!

Hopkins Brewing Co – Craft Brewpub with delicious food, beer, and live jazz (check the schedule). They’re passionate brewers, not web designers, so watch our video and check them out on Instagram to learn more.

To learn more about other Sugar House Businesses, visit the Business Page on the SHCC website where you can watch videos and read profiles as part of our #SugarHouseStrong series.

 

Erika Wiggins
[email protected]

Erika Wiggins is local Realtor, a Trustee for the Sugar House Community Council, and Co-Chair of the Sugar House Chamber. An avid writer, her byline has appeared in Huffington Post, Forbes, Business Insider, Liftopia and others. She was also a writer for Ski Utah for six years. Erika lives in Sugar House with her husband Steve. They own several businesses in the neighborhood and share a deep love for the community. She specializes in selling property in historic enclaves of Salt Lake City.