Gift giving time is here. Maybe you went out before dawn with the droves of people on Black Friday and completed your holiday shopping in record time. Or maybe you’ve been buying gifts little by little all month long, taking your time to find the perfect thing for each family member and friend.
Or maybe you’re like me and your holiday shopping has just barely begun. Perhaps you’ve procrastinated because the hordes of shoppers stress you out. Maybe you’re waiting until the last possible day to order gifts online so they arrive in time. Whatever the reason, we’re all suddenly confronted by the fact that it's the last full weekend before Christmas. We’ve got some shopping to do.
Luckily, one of Reno’s perks is that there’s no shortage of shopping. We’ve got plenty of artisan stores, big box stores, malls and everything in between. But knowing where to go and what you’re looking for will certainly make things easier.
So here’s a handy list of the biggest shopping attractions in town, including what you’ll find at each. Hopefully it will make this last big weekend of holiday shopping just a little bit easier for you.
First there’s the Summit Mall. South Reno’s largest shopping attraction is an outdoor, upscale center where you’ll find Dillards department store, the Apple Store, Old Navy and more than a dozen more mid-to-high-end fashion stores. This is the place to shop for your especially fashion-conscious loved ones – think upscale workout clothes at lululemon, sets of pajamas for all the kids in your life at Old Navy and something at the Apple Store for the techie in the family. By the way, a gift card to the Summit’s Century Movie Theater makes for a great gift too!
Next is central Reno’s Meadowood Mall. The place has been around for decades and has evolved quite a lot over the years, but it still remains a hub of shopping for the greater Reno area. Meadowood contains a solid mix of clothing stores, jewelry shops, department stores like Macy’s and JCPenney, various gift shops and more. There’s something here for all ages, including fast fashion at stores like H&M and Forever 21, sporting goods at Dick’s, plenty of smaller collectible and gift shops and so much more scattered around the indoor mall. Plus Santa’s here for pictures with the family! Just across Virginia Street you also have Best Buy for electronics, PetCo (don’t forget gifts for the furry ones in your life!) and Reno’s two-story Barnes & Noble bookstore.
In Sparks is the Legends Mall. This is a massive outdoor outlet mall – meaning it’s the place for constant sales from brands like Gap, Banana Republic, Adidas, Vans, Levi’s and many more. These clothing stores have constant sales and generally lower prices, so head to Legends for the deals. Legends is also home to Scheel’s, the gigantic outdoors superstore with everything from camping gear and sports team clothing to mountain bikes, sporting goods and gym equipment. For the outdoorsy person in your life, look no farther.
Last but not least, head to Midtown Reno for your locally owned, totally unique shopping needs. The area has certainly grown in recent years as far as restaurants and bars, but there are also so many shops with the perfect, personalized Christmas gifts waiting. Junkee, Sierra Belle and Dressed Like That have boutique-style clothing covered, while Happy Happy Joy Joy is full of fun and wacky children's gifts, games and collectibles. And check out Melting Pot for all kinds of transcendental, worldly gifts. There’s something to be found for everyone as long as you know where to look!
Use this is a starter guide for your holiday shopping list. I’m absolutely sure that whatever you’re looking for can be found in Reno – it’s just a matter of knowing where to start. It’s a hectic weekend, but having a game plan will make it that much easier.
For all events this weekend, visit our Daytime, Nightlife and Community pages.
About the Author Bryan Akerley
Bryan was born and raised in Northern Nevada and is a graduate of the University of Nevada, Reno. When he’s not writing, he’s keeping up with pop culture as a lover of movies, TV, music and books or out exploring the area through its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Then he’ll unwind by playing the drums or piano or spending time with his corgi, Teddy. 
