Retail

Seattle Magazine’s Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide 2017

Finding the perfect holiday gift isn't easy. Fortunately, Seattle magazine can help.

By Nia Martin & Marianne Hale, Seattle Magazine December 12, 2017

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Its that time of year again when we pause to write cards and wrap special somethings for special someones in sparkly paper and ribbons. There are a million gifts out there to choose from and, sure, its the thought that counts, but taking the time to select the right gift for the right person is truly thoughtful.

Without further ado, heres our 2017 picks to guide you through the shopping bustle.

What a Card
Holiday selections from Seattle stationery shops we love

1. Paper Delights. Two locations, including Wallingford, 2205 N 45th St.; 206.547.1002.

2. Paper Hammer. Downtown, 1400 Second Ave.; 206.682.3820.

3. Pike Street Press. Downtown, 1510 Alaskan Way; 206.971.0120.

4. Farewell Paperie. Georgetown, 5628 Airport Way S, Suite 170; 360.930.9858.

5. Dahlia Press. Eastlake, 2917 Fuhrman Ave. E; 206.552.9447.

Out & About
For the outdoorsy types

1. Perfect for work or weekends away, SoDo-based Filsons 48-Hour Duffel bag ($475) can carry you through rain or shine thanks to its rain-repellent tin cloth exterior, rust-proof zippers and durable bridle leather. Wayward, two locations including Bellevue, Bellevue Square, 238 Bellevue Way NE; 425.230.4740.

2. The waterproof Freeman jacket ($325) is the gift that keeps giving in our drizzly city. The mens trim-fit, flannel-lined, locally made outerwear comes in a few hues as well as a Lady Freeman version. Freeman, Capitol Hill, 713 Broadway E; 206.327.9932.

3. Electrify your spin class with these bright yellow Rapha Reflective Climbers Shoes ($400). Made from reflective material, theyre highly visible, and dare we say, hella stylish to boot. Rapha Seattle, Capitol Hill, 301 E Pine St.; 206.420.1810.

4. From Seattle publisher Sasquatch Books, Curious Kids Nature Guide ($19.99) explores the wonders of our Pacific Northwest playground with fun facts and illustrations that will have little adventurers itching to get outdoors. Available at area bookstores including The Elliott Bay Book Company, Capitol Hill, 1521 10th Ave; 206.624.6600.

5. Oiselles Runner Trucker hat ($30) is a fit pick for the female athlete. Made of moisture-wicking mesh with an easy-to-pack, foldable bill, this sporty trucker features nature photography by Olympian track star Sarah Attar and is available at their Seattle flagship store. Oiselle, University Village, 2632 NE University Village St.; 206.523.1091.

6. The Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars ($300) offer a large field of vision, and this pair from Seattle Audubon Society works for newbies and seasoned bird-watchers alike. Wedgwood, 8050 35th Ave.; 206.523.4483.

In Good Taste
For lovers of food and drink

1. Craft cocktail fans can take refined sips from these one-of-a-kind vintage Baccarat coupe glasses ($110/glass), available at Seattle-based Watson Kennedy Fine Home, which regularly stocks drinkware from the storied French crystal house. Downtown, 1022 First Ave.; 206.652.8350.

2. If youre looking for something truly out of this world with the ingredient of the moment, try Moon Goo caramel sauce ($18), with activated charcoal from Frankie & Jos, local makers of plant-based ice cream. Incorporate the caramel confection into batters for cakes and brownies, or simply drizzle it over ice cream. Capitol Hill, 1010 E Union St.; 206.257.1676.

3. This restaurant-quality, custom stainless-steel Gatsby steak knife ($125) from award-winning chef Jason Wilsons newly opened dining hot spot, The Lakehouse, is made in partnership with Bradford Knives. The Lakehouse, Bellevue, Lincoln Square South, 10455 NE Fifth Place; 425.454.7076 (also available at Wilsons Millers Guild restaurant downtown).

4. Soothe a sweet tooth with Jcocos chocolate tasting flights ($13/trio of 3-ounce bars), a select line of bars by local company, Seattle Chocolates. Sample cacaos from different South American countries, with varying cacao percentages or levels of milk and cocoa butter. Seattle Chocolates, Southcenter, 1180 Andover Park W; 877.427.7915.

5. An appropriate present for a foodie and entertainer, these hand-forged, hammer-pinged copper CG Sculpture and Jewelry Disco Spoons ($25), by Seattle artist Catherine Grisez, lets you add that perfect dash of spice or mix a cocktail with sophistication.

6. Crack open a local lager in style with this Mount Rainier Topographic Bottle Opener by SML, a local husband-and-wife design duo. Each wall-mountable piece is laser-etched from unique woods (shown here in Douglas fir). The Handmade Showroom, downtown, Pacific Place, 600 Pine St., No. 301; 206.623.0504.

Sparkle & Shine
For those who want a little extra shimmer

1. Keep it fun and make a statement with these Arc + Line Earrings ($112.95) in silver and brass by Portland designer, Natalie Joy. Available, along with several other exclusive designs, at Velouria, Pioneer Square, 145 S King St.; 206.788.0330.

2. Seattle jewelry maker, Rebekah J. Designs two-toned Londey bracelet ($66) combines a silver bangle with a brass top for a versatile, minimalist-chic accessory for fashion-forward friends and family.

3. The Hugo Boss Grand Prix watch ($295) comes in a few styles of band, including a sporty perforated tan leather and a sleek silver bracelet. Nordstrom, multiple locations including downtown, 500 Pine St., Suite 500; 206.628.2111.

4. These Deakin and Francis Sterling Silver Oval Cufflinks ($220) marry modern design with practiced craftsmanship. Alvin Goldfarb Jeweler, Bellevue, 305 Bellevue Way NE; 425.454.9393.

5. Seattle-based Allison Claires Micropave Dubs Up diamond ring ($1,109$1,104) in 14K gold with .363 total carat weight is an elegant way to show off your school spirit.

6. Baleens geometric, handmade Beam Necklace ($48), with a silicon orb-like bead, will leave your gift recipient beaming as well. Shown in navy (also available in black or white) from the Ballard-based shop and studio. Ballard, 6418 20th Ave. NW.

Design Minded
For the artsy crowd

1. These hand-cut, 100 percent wool Northwest-chic The Peaks Mountain Pillows by Three Bad Seeds, based in Washington, are available in various sizes ($65$90) from Join Shop (by the Join Design collective), which carries a bevy of creative gifts for the home. The pillows combine the likeness of natures breathtaking design with cozy softness, lending warmth to any room during a Seattle winter. South Lake Union, 400 Fairview Ave. N, No. 102.

2. Forget sand rakes and stress balls, ponder your next big idea while fiddling with Portland-based Ekkos laser-cut Elliptical Desktop Mobile ($63). Seattle Art Museum Shop, downtown, 1300 First Ave.; 206.654.3120.

3. These limited-quantity scarves are more than just neck dressing, theyre actual works of art. Seattle-based Italian artist Carlo Scanagattas Scomposta Rampante scarf ($385) comes printed on soft modal and cashmere fabric. Available at a few locations including Margaret OLeary, University Village, 2609 NE University Village St.; 206.729.5934.

4. Known for her raw, sculptural aesthetic, Joanna Morgans brass dishes ($45$115; 1.52 inches in diameter) are sweet and bijou, perfect for holding your tiniest treasures, and crafted in Morgans Pioneer Square studio.

5. Whether youre 6 or 66, fling some natural beauty back into the environment with these handmade Hella slingshots ($39) designed from found tree branches by the San Francisco company. The accompanying colorful, earth-friendly Hella seed bomb ammo balls ($5.95/pack) include seeds from flowering plants such as snapdragon and catchfly. Prism, Ballard, 5208 Ballard Ave. NW; 206.402.4706.

6. Were head over heels for these uniquely designed mens Nike Air Max Woven boots ($200) at Likelihood (which carries a curated selection of both mens and womens stylish kicks). Capitol Hill, 1101 E Union St.; 206.257.0577.

One Size Fits All
For those who deserve more than a gift card

1. The Out-of-Town Relative. Aunt Judy couldnt make it this year from Omaha? Bring the Northwest to her with these sweetly designed Oliotto tea towels ($20) made locally and available at area retailers, including home and accessories gem Click! Design That Fits. West Seattle, 4540 California Ave. SW; 206.328.9252.

2. Secret Santa. Blindly choosing a gift is tough, but in this town, chances are your recipient will have a little Seahawks spirit. These bright Posie Turner Be Twelve socks ($16.50), available in mens and womens sizes, are a safe bet from a favorite Seattle designer.

3. The Dog Lovers Dog. The Seattle Barkerys Pumpkin Pup Pies ($14 each, $25 for two) from the Treat Bar at Dogwood Playpark are sure to make canine tails wag. Lake City, 12568 33rd Ave. NE; 206.851.1549; (see website for traveling truck schedule).

4. The Coworker. Encourage your staffers to stop borrowing your pen with this nifty Apolis Transit Issue Fisher Space Pen ($28), which theyll never want to lose (it writes upside down and underwater). From contemporary clothing and home goods store, Glasswing. Capitol Hill, 1525 Melrose Ave.; 206.641.7646.

5. The Teacher. Theyve given your kids the tools for success, so reward instructors with this adorable and versatile Kikkerland Animal Multi-tool ($20) from Flora and Henri. Pioneer Square, 401 First Ave. S; 206.749.9698.

6. The Traditionalist. Whether its grandma or your hipster niece, this clever set of The Letter Farmers Letter Topics writing prompts ($22) from their stationery truck are a letter writers dreamand they just might up your chances of getting real mail that isnt a bill.


From left to right: Feller raincoat (Tereza Janakova), Not Monday cardigan (Darren Hendrix) and SCHAI Vita Snood (Charlie Shuck).

Fashion: Hers and His
For stylish men or women

Rain Gear
The Queen Anne waxed cotton and water-resistant trench ($495) by Seattle-based Feller adds a bit of cheer to the dreary season with a fresh floral pattern that compliments your best jeans and wellies.

Wrap Up
Seattle tee and sweater company Not Mondays The Weekend cardigan ($350) is a dreamy blend of mercerized wool and cashmere that we cant wait to fold ourselves into.

Neck Cozy
Designer and Seattleite Suk Chai of brand SCHAI offers polished, modern and versatile pieces for women, including this luxe alpaca Vita Snood ($295).

Photo by Angela Carlyle of Angela and Evan Photography

Dual Scent
Whats better than having one signature scent? Having two! Seattle area perfumier, Immortal Perfumes, has created romance in a bottle with the Heathcliff & Catherine – Literary Lovers Set. Heathcliff possesses darker notes of leather and chocolate, while Catherines notes are lighter with English Ivy and heather ($75).


Clockwise from top left: Photos courtesy of Tunellus, Dick’s Drive-In Restaurants, Woolly and Sharply.

Warm Up
Local brand Tunellus keeps things cozy and sophisticated with their speckled Shawl Neck cardigan ($99) available at Nordstrom. Multiple locations including downtown, 500 Pine St.; 206.628.2111

Seattleite Must
Guys, represent your favorite burger joint in a classic button down flannel ($39.99) that sports the orange and blue of Seattle establishment, Dicks Drive-In.

Travel Time
A solid dopp kit is a must when traveling. Seattle company Sharply carries a number of quality goods for men, including this waxed canvas kit ($75) by Portland-based Wood & Faulk. Capitol Hill, 500 E Pike St.; 206.258.2881

In the Fold
Time to replace that velcro bill holder? Portland brand Woolly offers the sleek, handsewn leather Landscape wallet ($120) available at Seattle graphic design and apparel spot, Mystery Made. West Seattle, 2727 California Ave. SW


Clockwise from top left: SheePals courtesy of Bergstrom Studios, Seattle Ballooning, Lenna Peterson rug (photo by Brandon Herrell) and The Stemmery (photo by Sarah Abare).

Yours/Ours
Gifts for the special anybody in your life

Creature Feature
Sit back and put your feet up on these adorable Sheep Pals ($189) made from organic materials by Vashon-based artisans, Bergstrom Studios.

Up & Away
See Washington as youve never seen it beforefrom above! Choose from several gift certificate packages from Seattle Ballooning ($275-$1150) and float above the treetops towards Mt. Rainier. Burien, 16247 8th Ave SW; 206.588.9788

Flower Power
Give the gift of natural beauty this season with a subscription to The Stemmery, which delivers to Seattle, Kirkland and Bellevue. Go big with an Olympic Blooms bouquet (price varies based on delivery and frequency), featuring locally and seasonally sourced flora.

Fabulous Floor
Seattleite Lenna Petersen weaves her one-of-a-kind rugs ($400-$1100) from the looms in her dining room, creating colorful geometric pieces that are also on display at Seattle boutique, Jack Straw, through December.

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