The holidays are just around the corner + this year you may want to do your shopping as early as possible. Hanukkah starts Nov. 28, Christmas is 33 days away, and Kwanzaa starts on Dec. 26. Long story short — we’ve got some shopping to do. Here’s our curated list of 24 quali-tree gift ideas. 🎁
Editor recommendations
Alina: To be honest, I haven’t gotten to a lot of my holiday shopping yet. But, a few weekends ago, I took a trip over to Bainbridge and picked up some very cute, just because presents at the Bainbridge Apothecary and Tea Shop, Eagle Harbor Books, Zutto Vintage and Antiques. It would make the perfect holiday shopping day trip.
Gabe: It’s been awhile since I’ve hopped store to store (most of my shopping is done with mouse clicks). But I can usually find a treasure trove at Third Place Books, and hitting up some of the pop-up holiday markets — there’s one coming up at South Lake Union from Urban Craft Uprising. If all else fails, two words: wine shop.
Stocking stuffers
- Paint Tube pens from the Seattle Art Museum
- Blueberry Peach Cobbler Drink Infusions from The Uncommon Cottage
- A cheeky tote bag from the Seattle Public Library
If you’re shopping for…
The music maven who will sell out The Showbox one day:
How about a mug (or a record) from Easy Street Records? It’s one of the top 10 record stores in the country.
The White Elephant gift exchange match — with a $25 limit to boot:
Okay, hear us out: a denture bottle opener from Lucca is just weird enough to be a hit.
The foodie in your life:
Seattle is the coffee capital of the U.S., so of course we give it as a gift. Fulcrum has some pretty tasty-looking winter blends that should impress even the snobbiest of drinkers. Or if you have a friend whose palate is just a little bit different, check out these smoked chocolate chips from Hot Cakes in Capitol Hill.
The runner always prepping for their next marathon:
Energy-filling snacks are a must on a long-run, make sure they can take them along with this Amphipod Airflow Trail Pack from REI. Or, celebrate your competitor’s win with this framed map of the Seattle Marathon course.
The craft beer aficionado that loves a local brew:
For the person who has a hard time deciding what they want to try at the bar, give them a Beer Junction gift card — they can try out any one of the shop’s 30+ taps or 1000+ other domestic and imported beers. Or if they need a serious glassware update, Fair Isle Brewing has some pretty snazzy options.
The sports fan who is all about the Seattle Kraken:
You only have your first season once. Give the sports fanatic in your life a Kraken inaugural game puck (psst, they have signed versions, too).
The pal who always forgets about self care, but could use a break:
A French Girl Organics Body Soak + Polish Set was made for the lovers of luxury. Or, Rue Santé allows you to customize your gift packs if your recipients are a little bit picky about their self-care products.
The bookworm who loves reading the latest release:
What’s the next step up from wine and cheese pairings? Wine and book pairings from Drink Books — get a set for the reader in your family. Or, if they prefer to learn something while they read, check out “Modernist Pizza” — a complete guide to one of the best foods on the planet.
The friend who values an experience over material things:
Nothing says tough like learning how to forge your own knife from a horseshoe. Gift your friend a class with Lawless Forge. Or, if adrenaline’s more their game, a flight with Seattle Paragliding can provide the perfect fix.
The parents who love a good game night and just learned how to FaceTime:
Give them Argute, a card game perfect for lovers of Spades made by the Seattle Game Company. Or, if you’re looking for something that even the kids will enjoy, Abandon All Artichokes by Seattleite Emma Larkins is a cheery garden game for strategic minds.
The kiddo in your life who happens to be the cutest nugget of all time:
Pass on those Seattle vibes with this Space Needle and Octopus tee from Bootyland. Or, if you want something a little more niche, we’re in love with this Fremont troll shirt at Portage Bay Goods (make one in our size, please).
The outdoorsy type that knows all the best local hikes:
If they don’t have one already, an America the Beautiful pass will give the outdoors folks access to all National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands for a year. Or, if you find that they have everything they need already, this PNW calendar can be a great escape for when the rain ruins any outdoor plans.
And if wrapping isn’t your forte + your presents tend to look a little something like this – you can take your purchases to the Seattle Gift Wrap Project to be professionally gift-wrapped (psst, donations go to a good cause, too).
