Shop Local for Last-Minute Holiday Gifts - 2021
Happy Holidays Everyone!
I thought I’d do a repeat of last year and share some of my favorite local shops around the greater Seattle area so you can grab any last-minute gifts while supporting small businesses. A couple of these are repeats because they are just f*ing great, but there are some new picks too. I usually try to include several Eastside shops but I just haven’t spent enough time over there this year to have discovered any new faves. Gilman Village in Issaquah is always a good bet, and downtown Kirkland is sure to have some great spots too.
Many of these shops are offering curbside pickup so you can save time and avoid the crowds. Read on to check out some of my favorite locally available products and retailers.
Other than being a patron, I am not affiliated with these businesses and do not receive commissions or incentives for promoting them.
Click! Design That Fits, West Seattle
This is my go-to spot for gifts and honestly one of the most well curated shops in Seattle. From home goods to local artisan jewelry, artwork, and the funniest greeting cards ever, this is a great one stop shop for gifting. Open Dec. 23 10-8 and Friday (Christmas Eve) from 10-5. Curbside pickup available.
Lucca Great Finds in Ballard
I’ve been shopping at Lucca for as long as I can remember. They have some of the most unique, tasteful, and quirky gifts and while this tiny shop can get crowded, it’s well worth the visit. They also carry lots of locally made products and a gorgeous selection of wrapping paper and ribbons.
Book Larder, Fremont
Book Larder is a book shop specializing in cookbooks. They also have wonderful gifts and events to treat the foodie or cook in your life. Open Dec. 23 10-6 and Christmas eve from 10-2.
B. Fuller’s Morter & Pestle, Fremont
Dowtown Fremont is one of the most fun areas to shop in Seattle and B. Fuller’s is one of the unique, quirky spots that give it it’s character. B. Fuller’s M&P is a modern herbal apothecary dedicated to building relationships between people and the plant kingdom- through the creation of healthful and exciting tea and herbal infusion blends.
The Missing Piece Cafe & Game Lounge, West Seattle
Board games are back, and they’re not just for kids anymore! The Missing Piece welcomes hobbyists of all ages to gather around a nice big table and enjoy their favorite pastime. Stay and play or shop their amazing selection of new and used games. Their knowledgable and friendly staff are great at helping you choose the right game and they make fantastic coffees!
Sound and Fog, West Seattle
This is my absolute favorite coffee shop in West Seattle and maybe in the city. They also have a wonderful selection of carefully curated wines (many are natural and/or organic), artisan chocolates, exquisite ceramics, coffee and coffee accessories. You can also sign up for or gift their wine or coffee subscriptions.
Portage Bay Goods, Fremont
This one makes the list again! 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.
Sonic Boom Records, Ballard
One of the remaining Seattle institutions, Sonic Boom has been catering to music nerds since 1997. Digital music is convenient but it doesn’t deliver the same experience as having an actual vinyl record or even a CD for that matter. As a music lover I relish the cover art and tactile aspect of having a physical record or CD, and with so many cool, modern record player options out there, it’s a great time to add to your vinyl collection or gift some “licorice pizza” to your favorite music lover. Click here to read their very cool history.
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.
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, so you can support your favorite charities, 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!
