Spring Has Sprung with Gifts, Growth, and Community Engagement

As the last traces of snow finally melt and the days grow longer, (true) spring arrives in Montana—bringing with it a season of birth, renewal, and celebration. At The Last Best Store, we’re welcoming this vibrant time of year with fresh gift collections, community collaborations, and the promise of new adventures under the warming sun. Whether you celebrate with family traditions, time outdoors, or a simple moment of reflection, we encourage you to reconnect with the season’s deeper meaning: renewal, love, and the beauty of new life. Stop by The Last Best Store for Montana-made art, spring-themed cards, and sweets perfect for Easter baskets or thoughtful surprises.

New! Mother’s Day Gift Ideas Collection

To celebrate the caregivers, creators, and nurturers in our lives, we’re excited to announce the launch of our Mother’s Day Gift Ideas collection, part of our ever-growing Gifts for Every Occasion section on our website. This spring, show mom just how much she means to you with handcrafted, high-quality gifts made right here in Montana.

We’ve thoughtfully curated a joyful mix of items to match every mom’s unique style and personality. Whether she unwinds with long soaks and spa-like self-care, sips chai or coffee on the porch, or delights in Montana-made chocolates, you’ll find a gift that feels personal and just right. From luxurious bath and body products, to soothing candles, artisan jewelry, and even handmade cards that double as keepsakes, this collection is packed with meaningful ways to say “I love you.” We’ve also included themed gift boxes and local gift subscriptions (available as a purchase option for many lotions, teas, and other food products)—perfect for moms who love a thoughtful surprise delivered straight to their doorstep.

Lovingly crafted by Montana artisans, these gifts are designed to bring joy to every kind of mom—whether she’s all about adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both. Skip the generic and shop the collection that’s as one-of-a-kind as she is.

Community Collaborations: A New Missoula Arts Trifecta

We’re thrilled to announce renewed and expanded community partnerships this spring, starting with a new merchandise-based fundraising partnership with Starlight Reunion, a local volunteer-based arts collective that organizes gatherings celebrating life, art, music, dance, and love. A dedicated collaboration page and exclusive Starlight Reunion products will launch on our website this spring/ early summer, with proceeds supporting their creative work.

Additionally, we're delighted to continue our longstanding partnership with Missoula Pride. This year, we started production of Pride merchandise earlier than ever before so that we can include community models on the Missoula Pride collaboration page, which is being refreshed in anticipation of the 2025 merch launch. Members of Missoula Pride, local LGBTQ+ community members, and The Last Best Store staff collaborated on a preliminary photoshoot last week and hope to take more community model shots for the 2025 catalog. We are particularly excited about this deepening community engagement and can’t wait to share the new collection with you!

You can get a sneak peak of the 2025 Missoula Pride collection at Missoula Fashion Week on May 3, where The Last Best Store will be vending Missoula Pride and Starlight Reunion merch--a few items might even make their way into the show itself. Stop by our table and check out the gorgeous new design by local artist T. Lyle!

If you're in Missoula and would like to join us in "cultivating playful empowerment through serious fashion", head over to the Northside Block Party (@ North First St. W.) on Saturday, May 3rd from noon to 5pm. And stay tuned to our blog and social media accounts for more information about additional Missoula Pride events in May and June!

The Season of Adventure Returns

With warmer weather finally teasing us outdoors, Missoulians are gearing up for adventure and recreation in our precious public lands—and we’re right there with you! Spring marks the return of weekend hikes, riverside walks, frisbee golf games, backyard BBQs, and the joy of fresh air after a long winter indoors.

It also means the return of the People’s Market in downtown Missoula, where our sister company, Last Best Supply Co., will once again be vending handmade leather- and wood/ metal-patch hats every Saturday. Whether you’re drawn to natural wood grains or leather, intricate etchings, or the added touch of copper inlays, our hats showcase the creativity and craftsmanship of Montana artisans. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts, fashion-forward individuals, or anyone looking for a one-of-a-kind gift, our leather- and wood-patch hats bring a touch of Montana’s wilderness to your wardrobe. 

Come downtown and say hello at the market, join us at Missoula Fashion Week, shop local at our store in Southgate Mall, and soak in the energy of Montana springs!

Arielle Smith is a recovering academic, a mom, and an aspiring wordsmith who helps The Last Best Store to manage an assortment of projects, programs, and data. She harmonizes these and other intellectual pursuits with an eclectic range of creative activities, including making mixed media art and jewelry (Presents of Mind Design) and botanical skincare products (Dr. Smith Botanicals).