Trying to shop for that tech-savvy person in your life? Looking for something unique and special from a local business? Either way, we’ve got you covered! We’ve compiled a list of the best tech gadgets and local treasures recommended by trusted experts… your local Whidbey Telecom team! Who better to go to for gift advice than your local tech experts who live, work and play right here on Whidbey Island.
David, Customer Service
“The Discover Pass is a fantastic gift idea,” according to David, one of our friendly Customer Service Representatives. “It keeps on giving all year, won’t break the bank and can easily be re-gifted if not needed.”
The Discover Pass is more than just a parking pass – it gives you unlimited access to millions of state managed lands across Washington state for one year. Whether you’re an avid hiker and camper, or just want to spend your long lunch break at Deception Pass, the Discover Pass allows you to fully enjoy this wonderful place we call home.
David also had some ideas for the budding engineers in your life. “Check out CrunchLabs Build Box. This is a subscription service that allows you to build fun toys and accidentally learn engineering principles along the way!” This is a fantastic gift idea for families looking to spend more time together.
“W-KING Bluetooth Speakers are another great tech gift. Amazing value for your money and while I don’t recommend trying this, I accidentally backed my car over mine and it still works just fine.”
Sound advice, David.
Mike, Tech Support
“For me, shopping local means Clinton based stores and restaurants,” says Mike, one of the friendly voices you’ll hear when calling our 24/7 Tech Support Team. “Going to Langley and Freeland are fun, but I must show my Clinton pride. The owners and workers at these stores are all wonderful people, and make visiting these stores a joy.”
“Madrona Supply is a fabulous store with a great selection of gifts. It has developed into a perfect store representing a microcosm of Whidbey. They have SO MANY locally made products: kitchen supplies, yarn, decorations, clever Whidbey based clothing, candy, gift books, puzzles, candles, etc. They also have wood products and rough cut slabs of wood for making your own furniture/decorations in your home.”
“Clinton has several art galleries that have been popping up recently. There are a few in the 4777 Commercial St complex (next to the Clinton Food Mart). My new favorite is the Koneksi Gallery. They have a very creative space with a wide variety of art displayed, very creative local gifts, and events like poetry readings, music performances, and workshops. Their art is young and non-traditional and a refreshing departure from other local galleries. Definitely worth a visit!”
“Southern Cross Espresso has the best coffee on the island. They have wonderfully flavored coffee beans, and a ton of options. My go to drink is a Ghirardelli Mocha with a shot of raspberry and whipped cream. Hot or cold, it makes me happy just to smell it, let alone taste it.”
And if that description doesn’t have you sprinting out the door on a coffee run, we don’t know what will.
Lourdes, Community Engagement
“Mutiny Bay Antiques is a wonderful local business that always has something for everyone—new and vintage finds are beautifully displayed.”
“One thing I always shop local is shoes at Webbs,” says Lourdes, known affectionately around the water cooler as Lulu. “Everything they carry is comfortable and I love not having to drive up north or across the water to try on shoes”
“Lastly, for those who have everything, a donation/card from a local nonprofit like the Orca Network Whale Center (that’s where I volunteer these days), Habitat for Humanity, Good Cheer, and Island Senior Resources are thoughtful options.”
Wes, Product Development
The Fitbit versa comes highly recommended by our Associate Product Manager, Wes. “The Fitbit Versa makes a great gift. It motivates me to stay active every day with little goals and milestones. It congratulates you with fun little badges.”
The Fitbit Versa is a smartwatch that helps you plan your workout routine and stay active and healthy. Choose from strength training, hiking and 40+ more exercise modes to find your ideal workout. It also keeps tracks of your heart rate and sleep habits. And with a built-in GPs, it’s the perfect tool for exploring the trails on Whidbey Island.
With an endorsement from our product guru himself, it’s definitely an item worth looking into. Find pricing and more info at Fitbit.com.
April, Project Management
“If you’re looking for a day full of joy, Coupeville is the place to be, Front Street is a treasure trove of fun! The Laughing Admiral always brings a smile with its hilarious gifts, and my youngest is obsessed with picking out vintage rock ‘n’ roll concert posters there. It’s the ultimate spot for quirky stocking stuffers, hilarious mugs, funky socks, and everything guaranteed to make you laugh.
The Crow’s Roost is our go-to for all things magical and sparkly. We love browsing their gorgeous crystals, unique stones, and eye-catching jewelry and hats—they’re absolutely stunning! Strolling up the street, you’ll find Sunshine Drip, home to the BEST breakfast sandwiches (seriously, you have to try one!). Their coffee is delicious, and the smoothies? The Peach smoothie is hands down my favorite. It’s the cutest little spot to grab a coffee or enjoy a cozy lunch date.
Just off Highway 20 near OLF sits the Enchanted Beedle, where Wendy, the super-friendly owner, always makes shopping an adventure. Her shop is brimming with crystals, stones, tarot cards, candles, and an amazing selection of loose teas. Plus, she often hosts sip and paint events in the whimsical little barn attached to her shop—so much fun!”
Thomas, Tech Support
In addition to his Call Center duties, Thomas serves on the Langley City Council and has his finger on the local shopping pulse. “With the loss of the Machine Shop in Langley, it might be nice to give the gift of entertainment, such as gift cards for the Clyde Theatre, Blue Fox Drive-In, or Nerfed in Oak Harbor. Additionally, Oak Bowl in Oak Harbor for bowling, and Oak Bowl and Blue Fox are great ideas for arcade entertainment.”
“Artistic folk may enjoy Whidbey Island Art Parties. They offer a few public painting events/classes each month and private parties. They have a little studio in Freeland but are also mobile and will teach at other local venues or even in-home for private parties. I’ve heard they have plans to expand into watercolors, origami and more in the new year.”
“As for local eateries, Village Pizzeria, Prima Bistro, Saltwater Fish House & Oyster Bar and The Shrimp Shack at Cozy’s all great choices for gift cards. On the technology side storage is great, and there are Network Attached Storage devices (NAS’s) available on Amazon for about 300 bucks that I would highly recommend for anybody who wants to have a backup of their data and not want to pay for cloud storage. And the Mac mini, is still the best value computer you can buy”.
Jody, Engineering
For those who are a little more introverted, Jody shared some great gift ideas to help bring the outdoors in. “Hydroponics, like this AeroGarden available on Amazon, are a great way to bring flowers and gardens indoors. They’re easy to use, even for us black thumbs. Prices range from as little as $75 and up.”
For the book lovers, Jody recommends Moonraker Books in Langley. “You never know what delights you can find there” and the Book Rack in Oak Harbor. And finally, Sweet Mona’s is the best place for those with a sweet tooth.
Sydney, Customer Service & Sales
“We can’t forget our favorite fur babies at Christmas!” says Sydney, who recommends a gift or gift card from Critters & Co in Clinton. “The best Christmas gifts can be found at Critters and Co, ranging from dog toys to hamster toys, bird toys, and even fun fish finds. Plus the staff is always smiling and very welcoming to all ages. You can find many of the local kids running around and playing with the animals.”
“Critters and Co is a rescue location for many animals, as well! You can find a new family pet as your Christmas gift. A portion of their proceeds goes to their business’s rescue/rehoming operation.”
Gabe, Service Delivery
A gift card from any of the local restaurants is always a good deal, according to Gabe. “Geri’s Snack Shack in Langley across from the Goose has great breakfast sandwiches. During our extended power outages, they remained open to feed the crowds. Toby’s Tavern in Coupeville has an excellent seafood menu. You can’t go wrong with steamed Penn Cove Mussels with garlic bread or their fish & chips.”
And maybe after all that holiday shopping, you just want to sit back and treat yourself. On such occasions Gabe recommends the pastrami on rye at Sunshine Drip in Coupeville. “I highly recommend this sandwich not be shared because of its deliciousness.”
