Holiday Gift Guide 2023

Holiday gift guide 2023 – these are a few of my favorite things.

But first, some thoughts… Our culture of gifting can feel overly materialistic and create negative environmental impact, financial strain, stress, and anxiety for many. Holiday gift-giving can lead to unwanted gifts, dread and shame around obligations, and a focus on quantity over quality. So, if you’re not into gift giving, I fully support opting out!  But, if you want to give some mindful gifts, and shop with your values in mind, here are some ideas:

Cecelia Stitch – handmade, sustainable goods made in Seattle. I love their cross body bags, wallets, eye masks and more!

Destination Goods Pacific Northwest apparel and paper goods – our favorite Ballard t-shirts, prettiest greeting cards, and gift tags perfect for the holiday season

Rachel Wilsey Fine Art For the Phishheads in your life, check out Rachel’s bags, prints and orginal art inspired by the music of Phish.

Local Roots Farm Store Not just for vegetables!  The Farm Store in Duvall has an incredible selection of specialty grocery items. Treat yourself, or put together a gift basket for clients, friends and family. Also amazing stocking stuffers like chocolates, sea salt, and radicchio stickers (if you know, you know.)

Wine and bubbly make great gifts – here are a few of my favorite local placed to buy:

• Molly’s Bottle Shop Natural Wine in Sunset Hill)
• Portalis Personally curated selection of wines from around the world, in Whittier Heights)
• Persephone Groceries and Amaro Bar in Columbia City

Dining – gift certificates to your favorite Restaurants. Here are some of mine:

• Delancey (Ballard)
• The Whale Wins
• Spinasse (Capitol Hill)
• La Medusa (Columbia City)
• I don’t eat out that much anymore (because, kids) so here is a more comprehensive list of best restaurants from the NYT

Experiences:

Give the gift of family portraits – Erin Schedler Photography

Hot Tub Boats  perhaps the most ridiculous, yet intriguing, Seattle experience I have yet to try…

Pottery class  at Ballard Clay Studio

Spa day 

• Sacred Rain Healing Center (Ballard)
• Habitude (Ballard)

Parting thoughts –

• Support local businesses and artisans. By shopping at local stores and markets, you’re not only helping to support your community but also reducing your carbon footprint.
• Choose eco-friendly gifts. Look for products made from sustainable materials and produced with ethical practices.
• Give experiences rather than things. Consider gifting experiences like museum memberships, cooking classes, or concert tickets. These gifts create lasting memories and don’t contribute to clutter.
• Donate to charities that align with your values. Instead of physical gifts, make a donation to a cause you care about in the name of your loved ones.
• Practice mindful consumption. Avoid impulse purchases and only buy what you or others might truly need, want, or value.