5 Gifts for your Alaskan Valentine
by Melissa Norris
If you are lucky enough to be in love this Valentine’s Day then you are probably wondering “What is it my Frontiersman wants most?” or “How can I make my Kusaxán feel special?” next week. Here is a list of Alaskan gifts perfect for your Greatland Great One.
1) After learning about Robert Miller of Sea Fur Sewing last fall, I have to admit I have spent a little time perusing his website drooling over some of the gorgeous hand-crafted fur apparel and accessories that suit my style. Robert is producing some of the most modern fur artistry I have seen come from our state. Based in Sitka, I appreciate Robert’s natural way of wanting to support his community and bask in his Tlingit ancestry. A couple of my favorite pieces include the stocking-cap style hats in seal skin trimmed with sea otter or Arctic fox, as well as the seal skin wallets he creates. Get your Alaskan a gift he or she can treasure and hand down in your Frontier family for generations. Robert is extending a 10% discount to Fish Alaska readers when you provide code FA10. Call 907-738-1501 to speak with him directly.
2) For the ladies, a gift certificate or selected item from FisheWear is always going to be a well received gift. New patterns are out, lots of new products and, of course, staples like their leggings, dry bags, and neck tubes are available in store and through their website. Use code LUVFA for 10% off your purchase! Fashionistas of the fishing world love this brand and you will get lots of bear hugs and kuniks for this gift. If she is just getting into fly fishing or wants to take things to the next level then check out Womens Flyfishing for online classes and women’s group hosted fly fishing trips.
3) A new fly rod or technique-specific rod just for them as a Valentine’s Day gift shows you love spending time fishing with your love. Take it a step further and pair it with a reel, especially if your sweetheart is new to the sport of fishing. Head to your local fishing shop like Mossy’s Fly Shop in Anchorage, Soldotna Hardware on the Peninsula, or Log Cabin Sporting Goods on Prince of Wales and get the coolest new rod for expert anglers or an entry level for those starting out. Then take them out to use it!
4) Nothing brings a couple closer like spending quality time together. Consider booking an upcoming charter or guided fishing trip for your honey on a day you know you can go together. Throw in lodging for a night or two and you have a romantic getaway, Alaska style. There are plenty of opportunities right now to take advantage of current specials and plenty of Alaskan businesses who need your help to get through the Covid travel downturn. If you would like some tips on who to go with, email me, I am always happy to help.
5) Useful outdoor apparel like a new pair of XTRATUFS or some rainwear made by Grundéns. Waders like those made by Caddis is always a good idea for your loved one needs a pair. Figure out what they could use most and get them the right gear to be comfortable in the outdoors—whether it is a new pair of Korkers wading boots, a dry bag, or that qivuit smokering made by Oomingmak they have always wanted. Peruse our gear section of the magazine’s website and you’ll see some of our most recommended choices.
No matter what you choose for this Valentine’s Day gifts, be sure to support the local restaurants by ordering take out or dining in if you feel comfortable. Our community has suffered plenty in this area. And if you are like me and your 6-year-old kid is your Valentine this year you can expect plenty of snuggles and to buy yourself any of the above Valentine’s Day gifts! Until then, for those struck by cupid, I am happy for you. Enjoy your love!
Melissa Norris is the founder/Publisher of Fish Alaska and Hunt Alaska.