From Creatives, to Creatives: A Gift Guide to Help Spread the Local Love This Holiday Season

Statewide Stories

Dec 6

Love it or hate it, the gift-giving season has arrived. If you’re stressing over what to buy, relax – we’ve done some of the heavy lifting and frankly, it wasn’t that hard. Washington state is crawling with creative geniuses who make it nearly impossible not to find a killer gift.

Plus, shopping small and shopping local isn’t just trendy – it’s practically heroic. Nearly a quarter of small business income is generated around the holidays, so yeah…you’re saving the economy one snarky candle at a time.

So snag that candle with more attitude than your brother, some chocolates sweet enough to appease your sugar-addicted colleague, or some new vegetation to support your partner’s green (or very brown!) thumb. Go forth and shop like the gift-giving legend you are!

Spruce up A space

Photo Credit: Malicious Women Candle Company

Malicious Women Candle Company (Snohomish)

Who doesn't love a snarky candle? They smell amazing and have so much attitude, it's really fun to find the perfect one for the occasion.

The Fernseed (Tacoma)

For all the plant lovers in your life! They also offer fun classes - I did the wreath-making class with friends last year and it put us all in the holiday spirit!

High & Lonely Incense (Everett)

Incense seems like one of those things that either does it for you or it doesn’t. But for those of you in camp “doesn’t,” I challenge you to give these sticks a chance. While I can’t speak for all the scents, I guarantee it’s easy to find at least some good vibes in the CTRL-ALT-DEL. Dim the lights, put on a record, and set yourself free.

Orphan Ten (Seattle)

Handmade, small batch pottery that is created on a seasonal calendar in a beautiful backyard studio. Think everyday beauty meets subtle edginess.

Shy Mountain Arts by Jared Lovejoy (Orcas Island)

Artist Jared Lovejoy, co-founder of the Orcas Island Film Festival, uses mostly hand building and some wheel thrown aspects he works into sculptures, fountains and everyday items like plant homes and vessels. He uses the process as a meditation to try and imbue every thing he makes with a sense of joy and playfulness that brings beauty and lightness to any environment.

Nikki McClure (Olympia)

Nikki McClure is an Olympia-based artist known for her masterful papercutting art. Grab her calendar to brighten up any room and get a firsthand look at the incredible details of her work.

Natasha Alphonse (Seattle)

Earth in the form of pottery. Brilliantly simple, yet strikingly beautiful.

LIfestyle LIVING

Perry & Carlson (Mount Vernon)

Perry and Carlson is home to one of the region's best art galleries, helping us discover new regional artists every month. Located in historic Mt. Vernon, it was conceived by husband and wife team, Christian Carlson and Trina Perry, from a desire to carve out the elusive dream of time and space to create and pursue creative passions. The adjoining shop is curated with objects that focus on quality and timeless design; a seamless blend of vintage and handmade goods.

Photo Credit: Orcas Island Chamber of Commerce

Material Wit (Orcas Island)

Artist and founder Jessie Morrow is inspired by ocean textures created through elemental force, zero waste, and the beauty of the Pacific Northwest. She also shares her storefront space to feature new emerging artists in the Orcas Island community.

Accessories Galore

Chunks (Seattle)

This small business based in Seattle makes the most gorgeous and fun hair clips, hair claws, and other hair accessories - the perfect place to pick up stocking stuffers for anyone who has hair and appreciates bright, fun accessories.

Burnt Ginger Studios (Twisp)

Paris at Burnt Ginger Studios crafts incredibly unique pieces of jewelry that make for the perfect conversation starter!

The Sock Monster (Seattle)

It's so much fun to browse around the shop (especially in-person, but online orders are packed & shipped super-fast too!) so many ways to express & amuse yourself and your loved ones... with socks! The Sock Monster product line are in-house collaborations featuring designs from local artists. Plus they carry a cool selection of other gift items & they cover more than just feet! Stickers, pins, toys, cards, hats, gloves, arm warmers, underwear & more. Woman-owned!

The One-Stop Shops

From Here (Spokane)

Locally made gifts by 130+ Spokane artists and makers - what's not to love about supporting so many artists from one single shop :)

Photo Credit: Camano Chamber of Commerce

Camano Commons Marketplace (Camano Island)

If you want to shop in-person, your destination is Camano Commons Marketplace. Aside from coffee, the gift shop & art gallery features many local artists. Plus there is an in-house bakery and cafe where you can enjoy fresh pastries with your coffee!

Pop-Local (Vancouver)

Pop-Local is a retail home currently featuring over 200+ local brands. From hot sauce to skincare to pet toys, they have everything. And explore the waterfront while you’re there too!

Eighth Generation (Seattle)

Eighth Generation provides a strong, ethical alternative to “Native-inspired” art and products through its artist-centric approach and 100% Native designed products. One of my favorite necklaces is from 8th Gen, and my dog has a very cute collar and matching leash that she loves from them too :)

Mountain Top Mentality (Spokane)

A locally owned business, and they still make their stuff at home.

Robot vs Sloth (Seattle)

Robot vs Sloth has a physical store in Pike Place Market and a great online store. The shop offers all kinds of gifty things featuring the adorbs creatures of Seattle artist La Ru, as well as some other local artists and designers. They have tshirts, hoodies, and other apparel from toddlers to adults, fun stationery items, tote bags and jewelry, and even some unique craft kits.

For the Bookworms

Auntie’s Bookstore (Spokane)

A true independent bookstore with new and high-quality used books. Customer service is awesome they find the book you are looking for. Supports local and PNW writers as well. Still has PNW readings with authors.

mam’s books (Seattle)

Located in Seattle’s Chinatown/International District, mam’s books is the first and only Asian-American bookstore in the Pacific Northwest, cultivating a welcoming and inspiring space for books, people, and culture.

Giant Nerd Books (Spokane)

This is a unique bookstore in the Garland district of Spokane. I love the area for thrifting clothes and records, catching a movie at the historic Garland Theater, and getting a milkshake at The Milk Bottle. Giant Nerd Books has old, new, rare and uncommon books mingling alongside natural history specimens, vintage barware, comics, artwork by regional and national artists, and more to provide an immersive browsing experience.

Pearl Street Books & Gifts (Ellensburg)

Cozy, welcoming, and filled with books. What more could you ask for?

King’s Books (Tacoma)

The best place to shop for everyone on your list! sweet pea and team are always curating fun stuff for the shelves and planning great events.

Seriously Delish

Fran’s Chocolates (Seattle)

The Salted Caramel Gift box is always appreciated by [the] recipient! I love going into the production facility in Seattle’s historic Georgetown neighborhood. Shhhh, I want to be the Director of Chocolate.

Flying Bird Botanicals (Bellingham)

Flying Bird Botanicals (from Bellingham) offers a selection of organic and ethically-sourced tea, chai, matcha, drinking chocolate, and PNW honey. Their packaging is absolutely gorgeous, so any product makes a terrific gift, but I especially like their gift variety boxes.

Photo Credit: Whidbey and Camano Islands

Camano Island Coffee Roasters (Camano Island)

Ethically sourced, organic, fair trade coffee roasted right here on Camano Island! The holiday gift boxes are always a hit and their Coffee Of The Month roasts & blends are outstanding. You might even know someone who would enjoy a membership with the Coffee Lovers Club — a coffee delivery subscription service. For the non-coffee drinkers in your life, they also have a small selection of wonderful organic loose-leaf teas and the Winter Drinks holiday gift box also includes hot cocoa!

Viscon Cellars (Seattle)

These wines are THE best! You'll enjoy drinking them, and the nose is always such a treat -so complex and unexpected. Cherry on top: Ben (the wine maker) could not be nicer.

SMAK Wines (Walla Walla)

Rosé all year? SMAK Wines is all about that. And they’re Asian and female owned! I can’t think of a better combination.

Silagy Sauce (Battle Ground)

These sauces make the perfect gift for any hot sauce lover in your life! They’ve got all the flavor profiles covered, from their tangy Cilantro Lime Serrano Sauce to the spicy Roasted Ghost Sauce.

inspiration

Wheelhouse Staff