Looking for a perfect gift? Check the Northern San Juan Shopping Guide
by Kara Laws
Contributing writer
The holiday hustle is here, but don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. We’ve created a local gift guide packed with ideas from San Juan County businesses to make your Christmas shopping a breeze.
Why shop local? Because it’s more than just a transaction—it’s a way to give back to your community. Shopping local keeps four times more money in our local economy, funding jobs, schools, sports teams, and community events. It’s a win-win: you find unique gifts, and your dollars help make San Juan County even better.
For this guide we have highlighted businesses with storefronts, whether physical or online, to make shopping simple and enjoyable, although San Juan County is full of more businesses than are listed here. Start exploring, and let’s make this a season to remember!
HEALTH & BEAUTY:
Elk Ridge Wellness: Gift certificates from Elk Ridge Wellness are a great option for non invasive health and wellness treatments. They offer a range of services from chiropractic care to red light therapy and peptide therapy. Basically, if your loved one has pain, Elk Ridge Wellness can help. Shop online at elkridgewellness.com or stop by at 265 N Main in Monticello.
The Gym Monticello: The Gym is one of the newest businesses to hit Monticello’s Main Street. If you have a fitness enthusiast on your shopping list, a membership to The Gym is sure to hit the spot. Punch passes, tanning passes, and couple passes are all available. Stop by or shop online at thegymmonticello.com.
TREATS & FOOD
The Over Bite: Hitting its one year anniversary this summer, The Over Bite, it still a bit of a hidden gem in Monticello. This cafe hosts an array of sandwiches, smoothies, and breakfast. This is a great choice for quick meals that are on the healthier side. Stop by 133 E Center St to get gift cards.
Doug’s BBQ: Great for a fun night out, Doug’s BBQ is the local stop for everything BBQ, spicy, and mouth watering. I am positive someone on your list would love a night out they don’t have to foot the bill for. Stop by 496 N Main or check out their menu at orderdougsbbqut.com.
While I highlighted some of my standouts for food and treats this year, don’t forget the other local eateries. Nobody is sad when they get to eat out. Consider the gift of not having to cook – or clean up this holiday season. Don’t forget High Desert Cafe, Wagon Wheel, Thatzaa Pizza, Gustavo’s, and Ja-Roen Thai & Sushi for a fast and welcomed Christmas gift.
KIDS & STOCKING STUFFERS:
Hole-n-the-Rock: Trade more toys and stuff this year for a fun experience that sticks with you. Consider tickets to the Hole-in-the-Rock museum and/or petting zoo for a fun day trip that your kids will remember for ages. Shop at theholeintherock.com.
Monticello Merc: Have you seen the locals section in the Monticello Merc? This beautifully curated collection of local items is my top pick for shopping local this holiday season. Local businesses such as Custom Treasures have filled shelves with custom knives, art, apparel, home signs, and much more. Stop by to shop this collection and you will definitely cross off a few names on your list.
Monticello Visitor Center - Local’s Corner: Monticello believes in promoting their small business and shows it by hosting a large “local’s corner” in their visitor center. This “corner” takes up most of their gift shop and highlights the talent throughout San Juan County. Items include books, artwork, hats, wood work, and more.
Silver Queen Mini Golf: While part of Monticello Merc, the Silver Queen Mini Golf course, located inside the building, deserves its own shoutout. This fun black light course is sure to please any kids on your Christmas list.
SPORTSMAN & OUTDOORS:
Deeter Custom Saddlery: Located in La Sal, Deeter Custom Saddlery created more than just saddles. Their gorgeous bridles, wallets, spur straps, and belts will delight the horseman (or woman) that you are shopping for this Christmas season. Shop online at deetercustomsaddlery.com.
Gs3 Outfitters: Give your loved one the gift of a San Juan County jeeping adventure. CS3 Outfitters hosts jeeping tours throughout La Sal, Monticello, & Moab. Get out and explore the parts of San Juan County you haven’t seen before. Shop online at GS3outfitters.com.
Mountain Joe’s Trail Rides: While Mountain Joe’s offers horseback train rides in the La Sal Mountains my favorite service is their wagon rides. Wagons can be rented for special occasions, can fit up to 16 passengers, and are pulled by beautiful Belgian draft horses. Book your family’s wagon ride and create a magical memory to last a lifetime. Learn more at rmountainjoestrailrides.com
Westcott Motors: Currently Westcott Motors is offering a $500 Visa gift card with any purchase from their current inventory of vehicles. If you truly want to give a Christmas gift that lights up a loved one’s day, consider a car from Westcott Motors in Monticello. Don’t forget the giant bow!
FUN NIGHT STAYS:
I promise, the women in your life want a night away. Consider the gift of a night alone in one of the unique stays available in the northern half of San Juan County. More than just a hotel room, San Juan County has: Atomic Blue Motor Inn, Blue Mountain Vacations (where you can stay in a yurt!), Canyonlands Domes, Glamping Canyonlands, and Mount Peale Country Cabins.
HOME
& COMFORT:
Main St Drug: The go-to shop for gorgeous and fun home decor. From everything Christmas to signs and art, Main St Drug has what you need to create a lovely home for the holidays. They also boast a large section of stocking stuffer items for anyone on your list.
San Juan Record: SJ Record has the largest collection of local and regional books in San Juan County. If you have a bookworm on your Christmas list stopping at San Juan Record is a must. They feature collections Cedar Fort, Deseret Book, Covenant Communications, and (or course) local authors. Purchase any book before Dec 24th and be entered to win the complete Aloha Chicken Mysterie collection by Josi Avari ($234 value).
Unique Creations: If you have anyone who enjoys crafting on your Christmas list you will want to stop by Unique Creations in Monticello. They also have freeze dried candies, art, and beautiful home decor. Stop by at 108 S Main in Monticello.
Your list is calling, and your local businesses are excited to help you find gifts that bring cheer to everyone on it. Monticello has an amazing Main St – especially for a small town. Simply walk the three Main St blocks, stopping in each shop and your Christmas shopping will be done for the year. Monticello supports its local businesses and the results speak for themselves.
As we wrap up, I want to celebrate the small businesses not featured here. These are your neighbors—dedicated, passionate, and pouring their hearts into their work. They’re creating amazing things, often behind the scenes, with every bit of energy they’ve got.
If you need more ideas, check out local Facebook groups for incredible finds. Tank you for making your community brighter with every local purchase!