I've been a long time fan of shopping locally and supporting small businesses and creatives. In an effort to encourage you to shop local or shop with intention, I created my own Top 7 Gift Guide!
All of these are organizations and businesses have ties to Seattle, and some have broader reach to other communities outside our region too. All on my top 7 list are those I've worked with personally, and help keep my West Seattle based business alive. There are many more who I thank for keeping my business going too, but these are those who I know offer gift options for your holiday shopping.
The Center for Active Living
Serving as both a community hub and connector for life-long learning and support, this is a gem of a place in the West Seattle Junction. You can gift someone you love with a year-long or lifetime membership!
Whether you need to get out of the house and enjoy a hot lunch (the have Margie's Cafe upstairs), or wonder about joining a gentle yoga class or to play a game of scrabble with a new friend, check out how you can support their efforts here.
A Sacred Passing
This local non-profit organization providing a wealth of support for our community through death care education, grief support, and even a safe place to die. They also host training and classes - even art workshops!
You can give a donation in honor of someone you love, or gift a class or workshop.
Learn more about their work and how your support can serve the community here.
Leah Nadeau Art
It was a pleasure to work with Leah last summer! Her mid-century art is stunning. It was a lot of fun to help her get updated photos of her painting for her website!
She offers original paintings, and also sells her art on fun items like journals, pillows, phone covers and even offers one of a kind ornaments and trees.
You can easily order on line through her website here.
Andy McConnell Art
Using salvaged wood, Andy transforms it into mesmerizing sculptures! These range in sizes from those that hang on your wall to sculptures that grace your space.
He has work hanging in regional galleries and sells from his studio in Seattle. Truly original, unique gift options, check out his website to see more: mcconnellart.com
Bee Organized Seattle
I was able to work with the owner, Suzanne, as she's been growing her business here in Seattle.
Bee Organized is a woman-owned professional organizing business providing Compassionate, Confidential, and Judgment Free home & life organization services.
They also offer concierge services like errands & shopping, seasonal decorating, event planning and much more!
And, yes they offer Gift Certificates - perfect for the person who has everything - and needs help enjoying it better! You can find their gift certificates here.
Stuffed Studio
I first met Donna when our kids started Kindergarten together! She's a creative business owner who I've long admired. And, I was delighted to do some playful and vibrant headshot portraits of her a few years ago - as you can see from the photo here, she's full of joy!
Her art and design are infused with her personality and are sure to spark joy whether in ceramics or homewares. You can browse and discover the perfect, locally made gifts here.
Charcuterie by Annalise
Annalise was inspired by her Grandma Rose to launch this delicious business! It was an honor to photograph them together last summer.
Since then, she's opened her own shop in West Seattle where you can purchase grab and go cups (Charcuterie for one or more), pick up your custom orders, and find last minute gifts like food focused ornaments, and delicious items for stocking stuffers or gifts too.
Visit her website to explore more!
Shop Local: West Seattle Favorites
Duwamish Long House
The Duwamish people called this land home long before the Denny Party arrived and history was recorded by English speaking people. The Duwamish are still fighting for Federal Recognition - it's a long hard story. Despite this, they have their own Longhouse, Museum, Gift shop, and host art markets perfect for gift buying!
West Seattle Chamber of Commerce
This organization works to bring together the local business owners in our area and connect them to resources and the greater community. They have a directory of businesses who are members, and that can be a really helpful resource beyond gift buying season.
Easy Street Records
This is a classic record store that has stood the test of technology changes! They also have a cafe serving breakfast and a little bar upstairs. It's a local favorite and gift certificates are a fantastic idea for any music lover in your life!
Bonus shopping Resources
Each year I see someone in a local online community ask others to help them find businesses owned by or who are run by a specific demographic. There are two resources I recommend when this comes up that I will highlight here first before sharing my list:
Intentionalist - A resource to help you "spend it like it matters" as they say! You can search by the type of business you wish to support be that Veterans or Women-owned, for example.
Northwest Native Chamber - Spanning Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Montana, this is a good resource for finding Native Owned businesses to work with - while not gift specific, there are a growing number of businesses and you might find one local to your city of the Pacific Northwest!
