Shop Local for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts
Happy Holidays Everyone!
It's just a few days until Christmas and I thought you could use some ideas for last-minute gifts available around the greater Seattle area and Eastside, no shipping necessary. Admittedly this list is a little West Seattle heavy since that’s my hood :-), but we do have great shopping over here on the “Accidental Island”!
Small businesses are really suffering this year so let’s get out there and support them! Many are even offering curbside pickup so you can save time and stay safe. Read on to check out my suggestions for some of my favorite locally available products and retailers*.
*Other than being a patron, I am not affiliated with these businesses do not receive commissions from referrals.
Cult + King Hair Products at Spruce Salon and Spa in Fremont - from $12
This is my new non-toxic hair care obsession. I mean just look at this to-die-for packaging! And the stuff works so well that the presentation is just gravy. You can buy these gorgeous products (all available in minis) from my talented colorist and super cool chick, Lindsay Brabank at Spruce Salon and Spa in Fremont where they use only safe, effective, and environmentally friendly products. Text her at (206) 458-1406 to coordinate a time to shop. She also carries other great non-toxic hair lines!
Anders in Ballard
This fabulous little boutique strives to always have the coolest personal and home goods that are made in consideration of the planet, the people who make them, and the community that uses them. From beauty products with clean and non-toxic ingredients to handmade ceramics and linens, everything they offer has been put through a very fine filter - so you can shop with peace of mind.
Herban Wellness, Kirkland
Herban Wellness is a fabulous herbal apothecary and wellness shop located in Kirkland. They offer a wide array of organic herbal products in the form of their in-house tea, powder, and tincture blends, customized herbal blends, bulk herbs and powders, high quality herbal capsules, essential oils and aromatherapy products and much more. They have wonderful gift options and Katya Difani, founder and bastyr trained Herbalist is there to share her extensive knowledge.
Virago Gallery in West Seattle
Virago Gallery is an independent, woman-owned Art Gallery and Jewelry Boutique in West Seattle. Established in 2013 by independent curator Tracy Cilona, to champion the work of WOMEN and LGBTQ artists and designers, featuring original art, unique jewelry collections and handmade gifts for the home and body. This gorgeous little shop at the Alaska junction in West Seattle carries some of the most unique, beautiful jewelry I’ve found such as these Eucalypt Flaunt Earrings by Zelik. Open 12-5 thru Christmas Eve.
City Mouse Studio, West Seattle
For all things kids and babies, this little space in the Alaska Junction is not to miss. Their tasteful selection of clothes, toys, and anything else for your littles is second to none. Curbside pickup available.
Blue Highway Games, Queen Anne
Blue Highway specializes in board games and card games for kids, families, and adults. What better way to connect with your household this season than with games?! And Queen Anne is always so beautiful at Christmas that it’s fun to grab a hot beverage and just to go for a walk or a drive up there.
Elliott Bay Book Company, Capitol Hill
One of Seattles remaining icons, Elliott Bay Book Co. has been around since 1973. In their own words: “An independent bookstore in the best sense of the term (meaning we're truly interdependent with our community and with you, our customers), we pride ourselves on being a knowledgeable staff of booksellers who do our best to locate just the books you are seeking. We offer special order services, book group presentations, a fine selection of books on tape, signed first editions, magazines and journals, cards and more.”
Since we’re talking about local book shops, I had to mention another great West Seattle shop, Paper Boat Booksellers. They have books of every kind as well as wonderful gifts. Pop next door to QED for a coffee after shopping and maybe grab a delicious bowl at Heartbeet Organic Superfoods Cafe (also on Queen Anne Ave).
Click! Design That Fits, West Seattle
This is honestly one of my favorite shops anywhere. From home goods to local artisan jewelry, artwork, and the funniest greeting cards ever, this is a great one stop shop for gifting. This print is just one of many they carry by my super talented friend Amber Leaders. Open Monday - Wednesday 10-7 and Thursday (Christmas Eve) from 10-5. Curbside pickup available.
Marseille Wine Bar and Bottle Shop, Capitol Hill
Located in Melrose Market, this fabulous little wine shop specializes organic and Biodynamic wines. What does that mean? I’ll let the folks at Mareseille explain: “Honest wine made by honest people. Organic/Biodynamic practices, native yeast/spontaneous fermentation, little or no sulfites, terroir reflectivity, minimal intervention, and transparency of process. So called natural wine does not indicate any singularity of style or homogeneous result. It is a philosophy, a set of standards, and an approach. The wine speaks for itself and it has a lot to say. We select for quality above all and have no interest in faulty, poorly made or trendy wines. Wine for us is about conviviality and sharing, friends and family, and a desire to be tethered to nature.”
Portage Bay Goods, Fremont
This wonderful little woman-owned shop has been in Fremont for 22 years now and for good reason. I have been known to spend an obscene amount of time there browsing their wonderful selection of unique gifts, many of them Seattle-themed (yes, I’m a sucker for my city!). I’ve been caught laughing out loud to the point of tears at their hilarious greeting cards and novelty gifts so believe me when I say that shopping here is a truly fun Seattle experience.
Soaring Heart Natural Beds, North Queen Anne / Fremont
This is another small business that has been thriving here for decades. New bedding and luxurious pillows are always a great gift and they even make pet beds. Since 1982, Soaring Heart's mission is to provide you with a natural, non-toxic, and organic sleep solution. Each mattress, mattress topper, comforter, pillow, and mattress protector they make is handcrafted with care from certified and trusted organic and all natural ingredients right here in Seattle, Washington. Most importantly, their products can be rebuilt, recycled, and reused without damage to the planet, or harm to you and your loved ones. Their business practices across the entire supply chain are solely focused on being environmentally-conscious, healthy, sustainable, and ethical.
Gift Cards! Gift Cards! Gift Cards!
Almost every small business, including restaurants are offering gift cards now. This is a great way to gift people a fun shopping trip or delicious meal while supporting local small businesses. Making a donation in a loved ones’ name is also a lovely gift (or it can be a snarky one ;-), so you can support your favorite charities and get a tax deduction, and the recipient will get an email notifying them of their gift.
I hope this has inspired you to shop local! Whatever you do, I wish you a very Merry Christmas or whatever holiday you celebrate, and a Happy New Year! Cheer’s to a much better year ahead!
