One of my favorite parts of the holiday season is finding special gifts for the people I love. The most important thing for me is that the gifts I give are thoughtful and have some meaning. Often, the story behind the gift or its creator really makes it unique.
Local Creators
The PNW is filled with creative designers and artists and we love to highlight their work in our gift shop. Misha Zadeh, an Iranian-American designer whose studio is in Ballard, is one of our favorite partners. Her brightly-colored designs are influenced by life experiences, travels, books, and films; from colorful Persian miniatures and folk art from around the world to mid-century modern design and the abundant flora and fauna of the Pacific Northwest.
New to our gift shop, Art by Ciara features unique jewelry and printed textiles by a Bellingham-based artist. Ciara grew up in Guam, surrounded by a mix of her Indigenous Chamoru culture and people from all over the Pacific islands, Asia, and the US mainland. The goal of her work is to empower and uplift others, celebrate differences, and encourage love.
PNW Pride
Our region is home to awe-inspiring landscapes and vibrant communities. What Pacific Northwesterner, whether a third-generation native or a brand new transplant, wouldn’t want to show a little pride? These whimsical stickers are a fun stocking stuffer, perfect for decorating notebooks, laptops, and any occasion where some PNW team spirit is required.
For budding naturalists, give the gift of discovery with guides to PNW flora and fauna, and stylish notebooks to record their musings. Northwest Trees identifies more than 60 species of indigenous Northwestern trees by characteristic shape, size, needles or leaves, and cones or seeds, with detailed illustrations. For young gardeners, find lots of gardening books, from guides by everyone’s favorite local expert, Ciscoe Morris, to creative planting strategies and other animal-friendly landscaping methods in The Humane Gardener, by Nancy Lawson.
Gifts for Gardeners
Of course, we have to have a gardening section! But beyond the traditional gifts of gardening gloves and trowels, we’re always on the lookout for something unique and, most importantly, useful! These Hori Hori Japanese gardening knives are one of our favorite tools in the garden. They are incredibly versatile for digging, weeding, dividing plants, and so much more.
Gifts for gardeners don’t always need to be practical. A gift that adds beauty to the garden is always appreciated, and these Tibetan chimes are visually and sonically stunning. The fair-trade chimes are handmade in the Tibetan colony of Lingtsang in northern India. Each chime is individually sand-cast in solid Brass and carefully hand-tuned to ensure clarity of sound and tone.
Indoor Plant Enthusiasts
Winter is the time to slow down and nest, making our homes as cozy as possible. Adding a few well-chosen plants is sure to brighten spirits and add life to indoor spaces. The gift of a unique houseplant will delight even those who already have quite a collection. Try a ginseng ficus; its quirky form is irresistible and lends itself to the art of bonsai but can also be left to grow wild and free.
Is there someone on your list who loves plants but doesn’t have a lot of space or time? A Tillandsia (also called air plant) thrives without soil! It can be placed on a shelf or hung in a window with bright, indirect light. It can even be “potted” (without soil) into one of these adorable animal planters. Air plants like to be soaked weekly to absorb the water they need and will happily accept a good misting.
This New Yorker puzzle is perfect for gardeners trying to keep hope alive during a winter downpour. Illustrator and cartoonist, Tom Gauld, says: “When I conceived this image, I was thinking of my uncle’s house when I was a child… he lived in the city in a small house that was completely stuffed with plants. It made a real impression on me, and I can clearly remember sleeping there once with a big plant looming over me.”
Family Time
Gather the family and spend some quality time together. No cords or batteries required. We’re especially fond of these Seattle and Pacific Crest Trail puzzles from True South. Perfect for a drizzly winter day, they might just inspire a little wandering in your future!
Sold out for 2021!
British Christmas Crackers (also called poppers) are a fun way to introduce a new tradition to the holidays. Originating in London in the 1840’s, crackers are the creation of a confectioner who began wrapping sweets in paper tubes tied tightly on each end. Inspired by the crackling of the logs in his fireplace, he designed them to create a “pop” when the ends are pulled apart. These stylish crackers feature jokes and mini gifts inside.
Host and Hostess Gifts
A bottle of wine is nice… but why not go for something a little more original? We always advocate plants as gifts (of course!) and we also think these thoughtful gifts will make any hostess or host’s day. With hints of cardamom, black pepper, and evergreen, Winter White scented soy candles from the Minnesota-based company, Illume, are both aromatic and elegant.
If you know a host or hostess who likes to watch the birds, these birdseed ornaments are the perfect present. Festive shapes include Christmas trees, gingerbread men, stars, and more. Just hang them from tree branches or hooks and watch the birds enjoy a nutritionally balanced meal. They make great stocking stuffers, too!
For the host or hostess who loves to cook, these fanciful whale prints are just the thing. Designed in the UK by Sophie Allport, the aprons, towels, and pot holders bring a fun and stylish vibe to any kitchen.
For Kids
Inspire imagination with these fun gifts for kids. Dream World is a magical place created by Portland, Oregon-based illustrator Emily Winfield Martin where children ride tigers and fly on the backs of birds. These small, 20-piece puzzles, depict Emily’s ethereal artwork and, after completion, make beautiful framed prints for a child’s bedroom.
Keep kids warm and cozy with critter hats they’ll love to wear. Each hat is hand-knit and adorned with details like pompons and embroidery. The lavender and pink chicken may just be our favorite winter hat yet.