Yes, there are only two real shopping days until Christmas left, and I realize there are more things in town to shop for than pets, books, toys and games, and food and drink. Here's a general roundup of more shopping options that I missed. (And I'm pretty sure I'll miss more, too.)

The Brew Shop: Homebrewing supplies for beer makers, and an excellent bottle shop for beer seekers. 2524 NE Division, 541-323-2318.

Local Joe: Downtown's locally-owned clothing store that's been around forever. 929 NW Wall, 541-385-7137.

Hot Box Betty: Women's boutique clothing. 903 NW Wall, 541-383-0050.

Bambini of Bend: Kids clothing, toys, and gear. 1052 NW Newport, Suite 102, 541-385-1806.

Folks from Desperado wrote in earlier with: "Desperado in the Old Mill carries some fun leather pillows by designer Patricia Wolf." The Old Mill, 541-749-9980.

Goody's: Can't believe I missed them the first time around. Handmade chocolates and candies, including sugar-free treats. 957 NW Wall, 541-389-5185, and 2680 NE Hwy. 20, 541-388-6965.

Ranch Records: Best local music store in town. 831 NW Wall, 541-389-6116.

Skjersaa's: They've really been around forever (since 1958). Ski and snowboard shop. 130 SW Century Drive, 541-382-2154‎.

Pine Mountain Sports: Outdoor sports and gear shop of all kinds. 255 SW Century Drive, 541-385-8080.

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

Both Newport Avenue Market and Whole Foods are great places to go for both specialty foods (gourmet cheeses, chocolates and candies, organic whatever), and have extensive beer and wine selections as well. (Particularly the beer—both have great offering perfect for any beer geek.)

Newport Market: 1121 NW Newport Avenue (west side), 541-382-3940. Open 7 days a week, 7am to 9pm.

Whole Foods: 2610 NE Highway 20 (east side), 541-389-0151. Open 7 days a week, 8am to 9pm.

Gift cards to one of our many good restaurants is always a good option: off the top of my head several good ones would be Zydeco, Ariana, the Pine Tavern, Joolz, the Victorian Café, Kebaba, and one of the many breweries.

Speaking of breweries, pick up a growler or bottles from one of our many: Deschutes Brewery, Bend Brewing, Silver Moon, 10 Barrel (at JC's), McMenamins, Cascade Lakes, or Three Creeks (in Sisters). Word to the wise about growlers though: they shouldn't sit around too long after buying them—they're full of fresh beer and don't have an airtight seal. So if you buy one a week or more in advance then you'll likely be giving flat beer as a gift.

More of a wine person? Try Maragas Winery or Volcano Vineyards. Both offer a nice variety of locally-produced wines which you can pick up (and taste!) in their tasting rooms here in town. Both also feature wine clubs that would be a fun gift to someone as well.

Maragas tasting room: 643 NW Colorado, 541-330-0919. Open Thursday through Saturday 2 to 8.

Volcano tasting room: 126 NW Minnesota, 541-617-1102. Open Tuesday through Saturday 12 to 8, Sunday 12 to 5.

Cheese goes great with wine, and Tumalo Farms produces handcrafted cheeses locally: artisan goat milk cheese, six different varieties on their website right now. You can order from them directly online, but I've also seen some of their cheeses as Whole Foods, and Newport Market probably has them as well.

Coffee lovers on your list? Check out Strictly Organic: they roast their own beans and sell a wide variety of blends and yes, they are certified organic. Stop in at their retail location/café to pick up your coffee, and stick around long enough for a cup or two and maybe lunch.

6 SW Bond, 541-330-6061. Open Monday through Saturday 8 to 8, Sunday 10 to 6.

Finally, booze might be what you're after—nothing wrong with that! My favorite liquor store is East Bend Liquor at 2220 East Highway 20, though the smaller west side liquor store inside of Ray's is pretty good also. East Bend Liquor carries a nice variety of gift packages—bottles of specialty alcohol with custom glassware, for instance—and the staff is friendly and very helpful.

And they stock the full line of Bendistillery wares as well: Crater Lake Vodka, Cascade Mountain Gin, Mazama Pepper Vodka, and the Hazelnut Espresso Vodka.

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

D's Hobbies: A full-service hobby shop, with models, radio-controlled everything, paintball, wood hobbies, trains, puzzles, rockets, and much much more. It would be pretty hard not to find something, though they don't stock "just" toys (it's all hobby oriented). They have an online store too, but I definitely encourage you to stop in and browse.

757 NE Greenwood, 541-389-1330. Open 7 days a week, 10 to 6.

Leapin' Lizards: Downtown Bend's boutique toy store, carrying many of the popular toys as well as the unusual, imaginative, and educational toys and games. Great for big gifts and stocking stuffers. They'll gift wrap orders over $15.

953 NW Wall, 541-382-8326. Open Monday through Saturday from 10 to 6, Sunday from 11 to 4 (winter hours).

Pegasus Books: Not just books and comics, Pegasus carries a large number of games and toys that are comic, video game, and/or science fiction themed, or just plain eclectic or unusual. Heard of a fun and unusual board game? Try here first.

105 NW Minnesota, 541-388-4588. Open Monday through Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4.

I don't know of any toymakers in town, other than the Qubits people: they've developed an educational construction toy that's kind of a cross between an erector set and Legos, but flexible; the pieces are uniquely geometrical and there are a couple of kinds of connectors to play around with.

There's a Junior Kit for $29.99, and a Jumbo Kit for $79.95, all ages 5 and up. Order online directly from their website.

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

If you're just browsing, there are a number of local new and used bookstores you should visit (in alphabetical order):

Between the Covers: 645 NW Delaware (the corner of Delaware and Bond), 541-385-4766. Open Monday through Saturday, 10 to 6.

The Bookmark: 228 NE Greenwood, 541-617-9271. Open 10 to 5:30, I think 7 days a week (at least Monday through Saturday).

Camalli Book Company: 1288 SW Simpson, Suite C, 541-323-6134. Open Monday through Saturday 10 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4.

Dudley's Bookshop Cafe: 135 NW Minnesota, 541-749-2010.

The Open Book: 155 NE Greenwood, 541-388-3249. Open Monday through Saturday 10 to 6.

Pegasus Books: 105 NW Minnesota, 541-388-4588. Open Monday through Saturday 11 to 6, Sunday 12 to 4.

Of course, there are specific book recommendations as well (some from user submissions, some are my own picks):

All Around Bend: Though the first printing has sold out, this newest (locally-published) guidebook to Bend looks to be accepting (pre?)orders for the new edition.

Living Local Coupon Book: Featuring 150 coupons from local businesses, including Alpenglow Cafe, Bellatazza, the Deschutes Historical Museum, Pine Mountain Sports, and many more. It's $20 and coupons are good through November 2010.

Haven Home Style in downtown Bend features a variety of "Interior Design and Specialty Books" available for purchase. If you're looking for books on architecture, interior design, or lifestyle you might give them a look.

Bend, Overall: Great guidebook released five years ago, by Scott Cook. (Read my review.) (Yes, a couple of these are Amazon.com links—despite my admonition to buy local. Sometimes those are the best-available links and I'm using my affiliate code. Click as you wish.)

Frontier Doctor: Love this book, it's the early history of Bend and the town's first doctor, Urling Coe. Fun read, a must for local history buffs.

Bend (Images of America): You can get this at the Deschutes Historical Museum, a 100-year pictorial history of Bend.

Meet Me in the Badlands: Exploring Central Oregon with Jim Witty: A collection of some of the best of the late Jim Witty's great travel adventures around Central Oregon. Proceeds from sales go to the Jim Witty Memorial Fund. Also found at the Deschutes Historical Museum, and some of the outdoor sports stores like Pine Mountain Sports.

Christmas is fast approaching (less than two weeks away!) and for any last-minute shopping you need to do, herewith are some suggestions. Organized by category, all as local as possible, with some specific suggestions and some general. Feel free to leave additional suggestions in the comments.

RuffWear: Bend is a dog town, so naturally there evolved a company like RuffWear: they produce gear for "dogs on the go", from boots to coats to packs to beds and quite a bit more. They even helpfully have a Holiday Gift Ideas section on their website, organized by price.

The folks from RuffWear wrote in to say, "Our products are available either through our website, or at Healthy Paws in Northwest crossing, Pandora's Backpack downtown, or at both locations of Bend Pet Express."

Contact/info: order directly from their website or visit one of the afore-mentioned stores in person.

Bend Pet Express: Bend's locally-owned pet superstore, with locations on both the west and east sides of town. Pet food, toys, accessories, treats, and even a grooming service, Bend Pet Express has everything you should need. You can shop online, and they'll even deliver!

Right now you can buy personalized ornaments, and like RuffWear are running some other Holiday Gift Ideas on their website's front page. Even better, they are running wishlists for local non-profits: things you can buy and donate to organizations that help animals.

East side: 420 NE Windy Knolls, 541-385-5298. Open 7 days a week, 9 to 6.

West side: 133 SW Century Drive, 541-89-4620. Same days/hours.

First full week of December is down and I'm thinking about the ol' Holiday Shopping Guide series of posts. Actually, there were two different ones: the Shopping Guide for places to shop back in 2006, and the Gift Guide for specific local products back in 2007.

(Last year I did a "12 days of Christmas" countdown.)

So if I do a 2009 all-in-one shopping/gift guide, what does everyone want to see? Perhaps I'll scroll through the old posts of 2009 and look for likely things, as well as rehashing the previous guides.

If you have something in mind, or something you want to sell, let me know either with a comment on this post or via the contact form. Or heck, use Facebook or Twitter too.

This is the category of "Everything Else" that I couldn't fit on its own, for whatever reason. Some are suggestions, some are just single-entry categories. And, I wanted to more-or-less finish this out before it got too late to shop for the holidays.

The Home Brewer

Really the only place in town that sells homebrewing and winemaking supplies. Get someone the full package with a kit, or pick up individual supplies or brewing-related items. You can also enjoy some Silver Moon Brewing beers on-premise—that's where the microbrewery is located, as well.

24 NW Greenwood Avenue
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-8331

Wild Birds Unlimited

Yes, I know this is a chain store, but I'm going with Jen's recommendation:

I know "Wild Birds Unlimited" (across from Barnes & Noble) is a chain but they seem to be very knowledgeable about the area.

Bird food, feeders, houses, accessories—everything you'd want to attract and deal with a variety of birds. It's located out at the Forum Center east of town on Highway 20.

2680 NE Hwy. 20, Ste 310
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 617-8840

Goody's

Also a bit of a franchise, although Goody's has been in downtown Bend for a long time—long enough to have become a fixture. Not only do they sell handmade chocolates and candies (including sugar-free ones), but their downtown store is also an old-fashioned ice cream store—selling cones, shakes, malts and more.

957 NW Wall Street
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 389-5185

Bend Pet Express

The local pet store alternative to the chain stores. (Quick disclaimer: my brother works for them, too.) They carry a huge variety of pet supplies—everything you could want—and even make their own dog treats. They have two locations—east and west.

East:
420 NE Windy Knolls
Bend, OR 97701
541-385-5298

West:
133 SW Century Dr
Bend, OR 97701
541-389-4620

Iron Horse

This secondhand and antique store is located in a quiet, out-of-the-way spot just south and a little west of downtown. Don't expect anything fancy—in terms of atmosphere—and that's part of its charm.

210 NW Congress St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-5175

I'm almost ashamed to say that even though I'm in the computer field, I don't know much of the offerings here in town. Part of that is intangible—I wouldn't put services and repairs only here in the shopping guide; part of that is, well, I just don't need to hit those stores much, I suppose. I'll likely be updating this particular post as I go.

Connecting Point

I like Connecting Point; they carry a variety of things, from equipment all the way to full systems, software, books, and a lot of Apple stuff—iPods especially. The times I've had to pick something up in a pinch (power supply, networking router), I've gotten a good deal and had no problems.

And right now through Christmas, their iPods are $20 off—the cheapest in town!

514 NW Franklin Avenue
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 385-6757

PHD Computers

A good wholesale computer dealer that Jake has recommended to me more than once. They have a warehouse on 2nd Street and a storefront in the Forum Center on the east side; I suspect they'd rather have walk-ins at the storefront.

2680 NW Highway 20
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-8335

DSI Computers

Another Jake recommendation. He says,

They've been here forever and while they might be more expensive than some, they've a nice bunch of guys and they'll take care of you.

I haven't been there for years, but they are one of the area's mainstays and were always fair.

145 NE Revere Ave #A
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-1536

When it comes to music, there's really only two stores in town to visit for retail. Unless, of course, you're looking for musical instruments, but I really can't help you there. So, here's the Holiday Shopping Guide for music.

Boomtown

Yes, I just recommended them for toys, but music is where they're at. New and used CDs and vinyl records covering most genres I can think of. They also have DVDs and a variety of other items (like the toys). Definitely the more metropolitan-feeling of the two.

910 NW Harriman St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-1800

Ranch Records

Bend's iconic music store that's been around for ages and ages. They offer a good selection of new and used CDs and vinyl records, as well as movies (DVDs) and posters. Pricing is similar or the same as at Boomtown, though I think they carry more used albums. Ranch Records is more "Grateful Dead" to Boomtown's metropolitan, I think.

831 NW Wall St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 389-6116

Time for more Holiday Shopping Guide. It's every kids' favorite topic: Toys and games!

Leapin' Lizards

The downtown toy store that specializes in non-mass-produced fare: all their toys and games are engaging, educational, unusual, active, goofy, and any and all combinations of those. My own kids love this place. No, they're not the cheapest, but then you don't necessarily want your toys to be cheap, either. And they gift wrap for free.

953 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-8326

D's Hobbies

Simply the best—and I think the only—full service hobby and model shop in town. Radio control, models of all kinds, rocket kits, model train gear, they carry simply everything. The paltry model section of the big stores? Forget it; D's goes way, way beyond them.

926 NW Greenwood Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 389-1330

Gambit Games

Bend's one and only gaming store; they have a huge variety of board and card games (many of which you haven't heard of), and are your source for role-playing game supplies. Plus, they hold weekly role-playing tournaments (with miniatures and everything), and even have a couple of poker tables for Texas Hold'em.

(A rumor going around has it that Gambit is actually closing its doors soon, and everything is on sale. I'll follow up on this with a separate post.)

815 NW Wall St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 330-8196

Boomtown

Although they're known primarily for music, Boomtown also has an extensive section of unusual toys and gag gifts. Punching puppets, Accoutrements action figures, metal lunchboxes, disco ball keychains... lots of fun, and a lot of good things for stocking stuffers.

910 NW Harriman St
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-1800

Pegasus Books

Yes, I mentioned Pegasus previously, but they stand out as a toy store, too—comics, sci-fi and fantasy themed toys. Which means a lot of action figures, and a good amount of McFarlane toys.

105 NW Minnesota Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-4588

More in my "Holiday Shopping Guide"! This time I'm going with alcohol (hey, write what you know, right?)—beer, wine, booze. What shopping guide would be complete without it?

Liquor store

No real recommendation here; a liquor store is a liquor store is a... well, you get the idea. I am partial to the eastside store, it's big and convenient, but I also like the one in Ray's on the westside.

Newport Avenue Market

The best selection of bottled beer that I've found around here is, by far, Newport Avenue Market. From cheap American lagers to expensive high-end Belgian ales, it's the place to go. Don't forget to check out their Thirsty Thursday beer tastings if you're in the area. And you can pick up a growler of Silver Moon Brewing beer if you want to keep it really local. (And no offense to Deschutes, but you can get theirs anywhere.)

Can't find what you're looking for? Odds are they can special order it for you—but be warned, it's by the case.

1121 NW Newport Avenue
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 382-3940

Bend Brewing Company

You can only get Bend Brewing Company beers on tap at the brewpub, but they do offer beer to go—another chance to keep it local. Keep in mind these won't last long. They're filled from the tap and aren't sealed so they'll go flat. Drink quick!

1019 NW Brooks St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 383-1599

Maragas Winery

Currently one of two wineries in Central Oregon (Volcano Vineyards is the other, see below), Maragas not only makes wine but is also starting their own vineyard to grow their own grapes locally (up north of Terrebonne). Down at their tasting room on Colorado and Bond you can buy their signature Legal Zin, as well as glassware and accessories.

And, sign up for a membership to get discounts on wine and receive their limited edition releases (three times a year).

643 NW Colorado
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 330-0919

Vino Mercato

Not just a wine bar and bistro, Vino Mercato sells wine by the bottle as well as a variety of specialty deli goods. So not only can you find the perfect bottle of wine, but you can put it together with a variety of cheese and meats, or even a custom gift basket.

916 Wall St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 385-6979

Volcano Vineyards

The other winery in Central Oregon; whereas Maragas uses grapes from both California and Oregon, Volcano only uses Oregon grapes that they personally harvest. Down at their tasting room downtown on Brooks Street, you can not only try (and buy) their own wine, but:

In addition to our own Volcano Vineyards wines, we carry wines from other small production, self-distributed Pacific Northwest producers, such as Zerba Cellars, Mystic Wines, Spindrift Cellars, Anthony Dell Cellars, Eden Vale and Medici.

930 NW Brooks St.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 617-1102

The first in my Holiday Shopping Guide posts, covering something I'm pretty familiar with: books!

Now I really like Barnes and Noble, don't get me wrong, but that's not what this gift guide is about. So here are my picks:

The Open Book

Bend's best used book store, and my favorite too. Paperbacks are half the cover price, hardbacks and large books are priced individually. They have a huge selection and cover nearly every topic—all but computer books. (They don't deal in computer books because those are too transient.) They also sell used CDs.

You can also sell books for store credit, and use your credit when buying (up to half the price of your purchase).

The only negative I can think about is that their parking lot is small, but that's expected considering their location.

155 NE Greenwood
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-3249

Pegasus Books

Yes, it's very much a comic book shop—the comic book shop in town—and it should be the first stop for any graphic novels or comics on your list. They sell used books, toys, anime, and collectible cards, too.

It's one of the longest-running businesses in Downtown Bend right now, and I blogged the other day that Duncan (the owner) has recently started a blog. He's a good guy and knows his stuff, so definitely ask for recommendations.

105 NW Minnesota Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 388-4588

The Book Barn

The Book Barn is the big bookstore alternative: they have mostly new books (and some used), so you should be able to find any of the newest books out right now—and what they don't have, they can order for you. They also have a great section devoted to local writers.

Right now on their website, they're advertising 20% off on selected calendars. It's a good time to do some shopping—though if you need to make a special order, I don't know what their turnaround time is for that.

135 NW Minnesota Ave.
Bend, OR 97701
(541) 389-4589 or 877-389-4589