2025 Seattle Gift Guide: Local Gifts & Unique Experiences
The year is coming to a close, and Seattle is aglow with festive energy. Whether you’re local or planning a holiday getaway, this city transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for making memories and finding unique gifts.
As the nights begin to grow longer, Seattle neighborhoods sparkle with holiday lights, bustling markets, and cultural events that make the city feel magical. If you are anything like me, searching for the perfect gift for everyone on your list can be daunting, especially when you want to give something as special as your loved ones who will receive it. Supporting local businesses, craft markets, and choosing items unique to Seattle not only makes gift-giving more meaningful but also lets you bring a piece of the city’s festive spirit home. And of course, it’s always nice to treat yourself, too!
To help you get started checking off everyone on your list—whether you’re shopping from afar or planning a trip to experience Seattle in person—here are some local goods and unforgettable experiences to surprise your friends and family with.
courtesy Sairen
Sairen X Lulumiere Teacup Candle
Bring the scent of Seattle’s nature home with scents of Pine, Evergreen Trees, Moss, and citrus rind from Lulumiere. This exclusive collaboration with Sairen pairs the luxurious candle with a stunning vintage tea cup from Sairen, which can be used after the candle is finished.
courtesy Leolo
Leolo Leather Luggage Tag
For the jetsetter in your life, this handcrafted Leolo leather luggage tag is a stylish and practical travel essential. Made in Seattle from premium Italian leather and available in vibrant colors, this elegant tag adds a touch of luxury to any bag while supporting a local, woman-owned business.
courtesy Refugee Artisan Initiative
Seattle Market Tote from RAI
Whether traveling to the gym or the farmers’ market, this upcycled tote is the perfect way to display Seattle pride. Fun Fact: RAI partners with refugee and immigrant women to create a safe space for women where each artisan can find community and build her confidence as she builds her new life. RAI also serves as a resource for all community members who want to learn about upcycling, the circular economy, and the refugee and immigrant experience.
courtesy Dragonfly Kitchen
Waffle Gift Set by Dragonfly Kitchen
If you’re a breakfast fan and want some new, delicious options to add to your kitchen table, these waffle mixes feature Vietnamese flavors like pandan, socola, and durian that will make even picky eaters ask for seconds.
courtesy The Pastry Project
Pastry Kit by The Pastry Project
For the busy baker or chef in your life who loves to try new things, this Pastry kit includes chef-curated recipes like ube blondies and oatmeal maple bread. With prepackaged ingredients and recipe cards, they can subscribe monthly if they love it. Fun Fact: The Pastry Project breaks barriers to employment and makes pastry education more accessible. When students graduate and are ready to work, they help them apply to jobs with their hiring partners.
courtesy Hambos Pups
PNW Hands Free Lead by Hambos Pups
Elevate the dog pawrents in your life with the ultimate companion lead for an active lifestyle. This leash effortlessly converts into a hands-free cross-body design, perfect for your morning runs or strolls around the park or up a mountain, and is crafted with Biothane, ensuring durability for all your outings, rain or shine. Pro Tip: If you’re in Seattle, stop by Seattle Barkery for a special doggy treat that will create the perfect gift combo.
courtesy Seattle Glassblowing Studio
Ornament from Seattle Glassblowing Studio
My family and I love getting a new ornament every year, especially when we travel. All the ornaments at Seattle Glassblowing Studio are handcrafted and unique, featuring glass art from local artists, including competitors from the Netflix series “Blown Away.”
Fun Fact: Seattle is the hub for glass art in the U.S. Organized by Chihuly Garden and Glass and Visit Seattle, Refract: The Seattle Glass Experience brings together hundreds of arts organizations and artists each October to host events throughout the region. Enjoy live demos, art parties, tours, open studios, gallery shows, museum exhibitions, and more.
courtesy MarketSpice
Market Spice Gift Basket
It’s Cozy Season, which is the perfect time to snuggle up with a good book, some tea, and treats. Each basket is thoughtfully curated with MarketSpice’s signature blends and gourmet goodies, making it a comforting and delicious gift for tea lovers and anyone who appreciates local Seattle favorites. Perfect for sharing or savoring on a chilly day, this gift supports a beloved Seattle business with over a century of tradition.
courtesy Jonboy
Jonboy Caramels
Stop by Jonboy at Pike Place Market or their other location in the bustling waterfront Ballard neighborhood and pick up artisan-crafted small batch caramels for the sweet tooth in your life. Try out new flavors from Whiskey with Smoked Salt to Molasses Ginger, or the reliable Fleur de Sel. Grab a variety of flavors and taste test them with everyone around the table.
courtesy Eighth Generation
Desert Night Cotton Blend Blanket by Eighth Generation
Give the gift of coziness this season with a handmade blanket. Eighth Generation offers a strong, ethical alternative to “Native-inspired” products. Their approach is artist-centric, and all products are 100% Native-designed.
Experiences: Gift Memories (and Reasons to Visit!)
I also love gifting experiences you can do together. What better way to make memories than by enjoying the best of Seattle? Many of these experiences are perfect for planning a visit or inviting loved ones for a holiday adventure. Here are my top picks this season.
courtesy Reclaim Clay Collective
Clay Play: Thrown Bowls at Reclaim Clay Collective
Whether you are new to pottery or a pro, this space is all about creating art and community. Spend time with loved ones as you make some pottery. An instructor will guide you through the throwing process and at the end, you get to choose a piece to keep!
courtesy Argosy Cruises
Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship Festival
Nov 28-Dec 23
This beloved Pacific Northwest tradition lights up the holidays and sails to nearly 40 waterfront communities across Puget Sound. Or book yourself on one of their sightseeing cruises around Seattle’s Harbor to enjoy the iconic Seattle skyline from the Puget Sound at any time of year.
courtesy Kenmore Air
Kenmore Air Scenic Flight & Tours
The Seattle Scenic Seaplane Tour offers a unique view of the city. Enjoy the thrill of taking off from water and soaring above stunning scenery. The flight ends as it began, gliding over Lake Union in the city’s heart for an unforgettable experience.
courtesy Pacific Northwest Ballet
Pacific Northwest Ballet’s George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker®
Nov 28-Dec 28
This tradition is a dreamlike journey for all ages. Pacific Northwest Ballet transforms McCaw Hall with a spectacular holiday show. Or book early for Giselle, a romantic and complex classic running Apr 10–19. Check out the full 2025/2026 season.
courtesy Diane's Market Kitchen
Diane’s Market Kitchen Cooking Class
Explore Pike Place Market through stories of farmers and producers, then enjoy a menu inspired by their products. Take a hands-on cooking class using fresh local ingredients from the market. Diane’s Market Kitchen: where cooking, connecting, companionship, and community combine to create a memory.
Shop the Markets—A Visitor’s Delight!
During the holidays, Seattle’s markets fill with artisan goods, crafts, specialty foods, and unique finds. If you’re visiting, make time to wander through these festive markets. Discover the city’s creative spirit as you check off your list.
- Seattle Christmas Market | November 20-December 24
- Julefest at National Nordic Museum | November 21-23
- Renegade Craft Fair | November 22-23
- United Indians Native Art Market | November 22-23 & December 20-21
- Museum Store Sunday at Museum of Flight | November 30
- 30th Annual Magic at the Market | November 29
- Giving Marketplace | December 5-6
- Urban Craft Uprising | December 5-7
Whether you’re shopping online or planning a festive trip, supporting Seattle’s local makers and exploring its vibrant holiday scene is the perfect way to make your gift-giving more memorable. Come experience the magic of the Emerald City this season—and give a gift that tells a story. Learn more at seattleholidays.com.
About the Author
Sawyer DeLille
As the Marketing Coordinator at Visit Seattle, Sawyer combines her love of storytelling with her love of all things Seattle. Since moving to the Emerald City in 2018, she’s been exploring every corner—from sunny runs around Green Lake to cozy afternoons in hidden bookstores. When she’s not out discovering the next local gem, she’s probably taste-testing ice cream in the name of “marketing research.”
More Posts By Sawyer DeLille
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