A Seattle Holiday Gift Guide
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Truly—it is. The air is crisp and fresh. The smell of warm food is drifting out of restaurants. Lights are twinkling in trees and on buildings…
But what really makes this season so magical for me, is all the time I get to spend with friends and family. Whether it’s sharing a meal or going to a festive celebration in the city, there’s something about the holidays that make me extra grateful for those around me and excited to find the perfect gifts to show them. Luckily for me (and you!), Seattle is an excellent place for unique and special holiday finds.
Sometimes the options can be overwhelming, so I hope this gift guide helps give you some good ideas and inspiration. And don’t forget, shopping is half the fun! Take time to explore the neighborhoods and local businesses for the full Seattle holiday experience.
FOR THE FOODIES
Teriyaki Sauce | Shota Nakajima
You may recognize Chef Shota Nakajima as a Top Chef Season 18 finalist, or for his wildly popular restaurant—Taku—on Capitol Hill, or maybe you’ve read about his prestigious accolades as a three-time James Beard Award semi-finalist. Well, now you’ll recognize him for his delicious teriyaki sauce too. Pro Tip: this is a buy-one-for-you-and-one-for-me type of gift!
Where to buy: Taku, Capitol Hill & Uwajimaya, Chinatown-International District (+various locations)
Macarons from Lady Yum. Brittany Carchano
Macarons | Lady Yum
Yum is an understatement when it comes to this bakery’s macarons. Even just being in the store is an enchanting experience with a rainbow of color laid out before you in delicious sugary treats. Put together a custom pack of flavors for your loved one and don’t forget to buy yourself one too. You have to taste test it first, right?
Where to buy: Lady Yum, South Lake Union & SEA Airport (+various locations)
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Espresso Bark from Joe Chocolate. Brittany Carchano
Salted Caramel Dark Chocolate Espresso Bark | Joe Chocolate
When your friend takes off on a big adventure to hike the Pacific Crest Trail, what else do you do but create a tasty, sustainable treat that also provides a little pick-me-up for them to eat along the way? Well, that’s exactly what the founders of Joe Chocolate did, and it’s pretty darn good—even if your choice of adventure is a little less extreme.
Where to buy: Joe Chocolate Co., Pike Place Market
Anchorhead Coffee Winter Blend. Brittany Carchano
Coffee Beans | Anchorhead
It wouldn’t be a Seattle Christmas without spreading the love of coffee. Anchorhead offers a wide variety of blends, including their seasonal Winter Warmer made with elf tears, North Pole snow, and gumdrops. Don’t believe me? Just buy one to find out for yourself!
Where to buy: Anchorhead Coffee Co., Pike Place Market & Downtown Seattle (+various locations)
Getaway by Renee Erickson. Brittany Carchano
Getaway Cookbook | Renee Erikson
Part travel guide part cookbook, Renee Erickson’s Getaway will take you around the world through delicious recipes, photographs, and illustrations. Don’t forget to bookmark the Seattle chapter for the person you give this to.
Where to buy: Willmott’s Ghost, South Lake Union (+eatseacreatures.com and various book retailers)
Gummy Worms & Rosemary Mint Natural Soap from Cone & Steiner. Brittany Carchano
Candy & Goods | Cone & Steiner
As one might expect, this general store is your one-stop-shop for all the best snacks, candy, beer, wine, and more. Filled with history and delicious things, Cone & Steiner also offers home goods like soaps and candles and collaborates with local companies to create unique products. You might just have a new favorite corner store after coming here.
Where to buy: Cone & Steiner, Capitol Hill & Pioneer Square
LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE IDEAS? Try Lilikoi Caramel Sauce and Nunya Sauce (Marination, various locations) or Scrappy’s Bitters (DeLaurenti, Pike Place Market).
FOR THE FASHIONISTAS & HOME GOOD ENTHUSIASTS
Native-Designed Socks | Eighth Generation
Tucked inside Pike Place Market, Eighth Generation is a beautifully curated shop showcasing 100% Native-designed gifts and goods including socks, blankets, scarves, and jewelry among other things. The designs are so stunning, it will be hard to not also purchase a little something for yourself, too.
Where to buy: Eighth Generation, Pike Place Market
Snapback Hat | Bogey Boys
For those who want to step up their style on the golf course (or just in general), this shop is where you want to go. From polka dots to plaid to retro detailing, anyone with a piece from Bogey Boys is sure to stand out. And by the way, it’s owned by Seattle’s own Macklemore, so you know it’s cool. Pro Tip: the downstairs houses a colorful vintage mall, so plan to spend a little extra time shopping those goods as well.
Where to buy: Bogey Boys & Goose Magee’s Vintage Mall, Capitol Hill
Candle | Seattle Candle Co.
Nothing says cozy holidays quite like a candle, especially a locally made, deliciously smelling one from Seattle Candle Co. With a wide range of scents and sizes, these make the perfect gift for your candle-loving friends and family.
Where to buy: Seattle Candle Co., Pike Place Market (+Made in Washington stores)
Glass Votive | Kobo Art Garden
With glass art, not only are you gifting something beautiful and handmade, but you’re also gifting a little piece of Seattle. Known as the epicenter of glass art in the US and referred to as the American Venice, Seattle and the surrounding area are home to hundreds of glass artists producing stunning works in this fascinating material. The hardest part will be trying to decide which piece of art to buy! Pro Tip: Impress your friends and learn more about glass art in Seattle and the city’s annual glass art festival, Refract, at refractseattle.org.
Where to buy: Kobo Art Garden, Pike Place Market
Lunch Tote | Hardmill
The lunch tote you might not think someone needs, but trust me, they absolutely do. Made of waxed canvas with a leather strap and copper rivets, the stylish and simple design is guaranteed to turn heads in the lunchroom and reduces the waste of other single-use options. Hardmill was founded by two brothers in Seattle and their products are made with high-quality materials and a lot of care. The feeling is evident as soon as you walk into their store.
Where to buy: Hardmill, South Lake Union & Georgetown
LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE IDEAS? Try The Cura Co. for artful accessories, home goods, and clothing; REI for all your outdoor adventurers; Filson for well-made outdoor apparel and gear; and Oiselle for athletic wear—by women, for women.
FOR THE EXPERIENCE SEEKERS
CityPASS
CityPASS makes it easy to experience some of Seattle’s top attractions for a great value. The best part? It only takes one purchase to gain tickets to all of five of the attractions included.
CityPASS tickets to Space Needle. @ppoppo2
Theatre Tickets
With many theatres offering live performances again, this is a great option for your friends or family who want to experience Seattle’s lively arts and culture scene. Bonus: this is also a great option for those who love architecture with historic theaters like The Paramount Theatre, The 5th Avenue Theatre, and The Moore Theatre offering grand designs and décor to look at during the visit.
Courtesy 5th Avenue Theatre
Museum Membership
From fine art and pop culture to aviation history, Asian Pacific American heritage, glass art, and even pinball—there’s a museum for everyone in Seattle, and memberships are a great way to share the arts and culture of this city while also supporting these amazing institutions. Fun fact: many museums also have fantastic gift shops that make for unique holiday shopping too. Check out this blog post to learn more.
Seattle Asian Art Museum. Brittany Carchano
Did you know? Downtown Seattle hotel guests receive half off admission to participating museums during the month of February through Seattle Museum Month.
Argosy Cruises
One of the most unique ways to experience the city is by water, and Argosy Cruises has been offering just that for over 70 years! With large, spacious boats, Argosy has a variety of scenic cruises to choose from that are sure to delight.
Argosy Cruises Seattle Waterfront. Brittany Carchano
Sports Game Tickets & Swag
And just like our holiday spirit, Seattle’s spirit for sports shines equally as bright. Gift a pair of seats at a Sounders FC match to cheer on the two-time MLS Cup champs, watch the four-time WNBA champions, Seattle Storm, in the new Climate Pledge Arena, or join the city’s excitement and watch our brand-new NHL team, the Seattle Kraken. And what goes better with a pair of game tickets than some new swag? With multiple pro shops around the city, add in a team jersey, hat, or scarf for the perfect gift for the sports fans in your life.
Sounders FC match at Lumen Field, 2020. Brittany Carchano
LOOKING FOR EVEN MORE IDEAS? Try a cooking class at Hot Stove Society, The Pantry, or Atrium Kitchen; a glassblowing class at Seattle Glassblowing Studio or Pratt Fine Arts Center; or a spa service at City Sweats.
About the Author
Brittany Carchano
Brittany Carchano is a Seattle native and loves finding new places in the city she has yet to explore, heading to the mountains for scenic hikes, or sailing on Puget Sound to spend time in the San Juan Islands. She is Marketing Manager of Content at Visit Seattle.
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Fantastic! I cannot wait to explore these options. Thanks #visitseattle