The holiday shopping season is almost here, and as seductive as a last-minute Amazon purchase may be (don’t even get me started on the convenience of a Target drive-up), Seattle’s local shopping scene is worth the extra effort. I love wandering through the shops atop Queen Anne, or ducking into stores along Rainier Avenue, while I’m waiting for a table at Geraldine's, to find the perfect gift. And when I know that shop is parent-owned, it makes the experience that much better.
So as you head out in search of the perfect holiday gift for someone special on your list, support another parent with your purchase or by shopping at one of these locally-owned, small businesses around Seattle.
Gifts for kids
“Let’s Go To Seattle,” by Ayoko Bowles, illustrated by Jane Kusuma
While kids growing up around Seattle certainly don’t have a dearth of books detailing our fair city, Nosh and Nap’s adorable board book is one of my favorites (right up there with the Wheedle). Babies will be drawn to the playful, colorful images, while toddlers can practice counting, and learn shapes and numbers as they flip through each page. You’ll have to head to your favorite Seattle-area book or gift store to find this gem. Cost: $11.99
Kids Adventure Suit
Parent-owned Zippy Zips’ colorful Kids Adventure Suits are the perfect dry-day companion to the ubiquitous Muddy Buddy beloved by Pacific Northwest parents. This cotton onesie keeps kids warm and cozy, whether they’re wandering the trails in Discovery Park or climbing to the top of the lookout tower at Mercer Slough Environmental Education Center. And like all good kids clothing, this one comes with pockets for all the treasures they collect along the trails. Cost: $49
“Good Night, Ninjas,” by Sinae Ishida
Since reading “Little Kunoichi” to my first daughter many years ago, I’ve been a fan of local mom Sinae Ishida’s kids books. Her latest dropped this summer, and it features Little Kunoichi in the fight of her life — against bedtime. Like all kids, she’s not quite ready to go to sleep. Will her ninja skills prevail? You’ll have to pick up the book at a local bookstore to find out. Cost: $14.99
Bug Crafts
The newest game from parent-run, Bellevue-based SimplyFun is an award-winning game reminiscent of Settlers of Catan. Recommended for kids ages 8 and older, it’s set in a bug market. Players collect and trade leaves, flowers, rocks and other raw materials to make crafts for bugs. It takes a lot of strategy to outmaneuver the other players and build the best crafts. But with mindful moves and lucky rolls, you can worm your way to the top. Cost: $38
Looking for a game for younger kids? Try Dance Like a Lemur ($36), a game designed to get preschoolers up and mooo--ving.
Priya dress
The muted vintage feel of this cotton twill dress from mom-owned Beet World will leave your little one giggling with delight. It’s comfortable enough to play in, but can just as easily be worn to the next birthday party or family brunch if you need to level up your kid’s typical everyday outfit. Cost: $56
Everything Sippy Cup
Morepeas’ popular sippies, plates, bowls and snack cups are a perfect example of what happens when parents come together to solve a problem. Moms Alli and Jess were tired of spills, messes and lugging a slew of kid containers along to every outing. So they designed an interchangeable, stackable, sustainable system to simplify feeding and snacking. Start your collection this season with the Everything Sippy or choose another one of the colorful, BPA- and plastic-free products. Cost: $24.99
Mushroom knit beanie
Keep your little one’s head warm with this snug neutral-colored beanie from Little Bipsy, whether you’re heading out to see WildLanterns at the zoo or just throwing rocks along Alki Beach on a sunny afternoon. It comes in two sizes: baby and toddler. Additional colors available. Cost: $22
Medium toy storage bag
Ok, so maybe this one is more for parents than it is for kids. But everyone appreciates a clean room, right? Mom-owned Swoop has been a Seattle original since Sarah Kirk started the company in 2011. The bags come in a variety of colors and in two different sizes. I’ve got three in my closet and they hold all the Legos we’ve collected over my 17 years of parenting. Cost: $38
Gifts for parents
Noir Luxe + Sip Solo bundles
Mother to two and Noir Luxe Candle Co. owner, Colina Bruce, has been teaching others to pour candles and making her own creative scents since the Belltown shop opened in early 2023. I’m loving this Noir Luxe Sip Solo collab that includes a candle and five single serve coffee flavoring packs — a surefire cure for the Big Dark. Comes in rose vanilla, pistachio coconut or lavender honey flavors. Cost: $45
Virtue Cellars Réserve blends
Whether you’re bringing a hostess gift or need something to serve with a holiday dinner, grab a bottle of Virtue Cellars' newest réserve and you’ll be the hit of the party. Owned by the Mueller and Edens families, the Shoreline-based company is focused on producing single vineyard, single varietal wines, which makes them very unique. The new réserve wines just released last month. Cost: starting at $45
Starry Night coffee
Wrap up a pound of this fair-trade, organic coffee from Campfire Coffee for the season and you’ll keep coming back for more. Three different varieties available to purchase. Cost: $15.99
Beard oil
Owned by South Sound parents the Sullivans, Shipwreck Honey has more than a few items that parents could use. But for dads who need a little TLC, this Fading Frontier Trading Co. beard oil blends argon, jojoba, vitamin E and almond oils with other essential oils to really get the job done for you and your beard. Cost: $18
Cheese and charcuterie kit
I love this gift set that includes spreads, honey, olives and olive oil to complete a savory, seasonal charcuterie board. It’s one of many ways to package up the flavorful Moroccan spices that are the heart of Villa Jerada. Cost: $54.99
Happy hands lotion bar gift set
Parent-owned Seattle Sundries has been handmaking soaps, lotions and other potions for more than 20 years, and they’re still going strong. Whether you’re shopping for a neighbor or want to send a little of Seattle’s creative energy to an out-of-town friend or relative, this sampler set will keep their hands soft and smooth through the winter. Scents include sweet almond, summer flower, citrus mint and herbal lemon. Cost: $34
Cross-body/sling bag
Pochette’s cute hand-sewn bags are made here in Seattle. And although there are a few different designs to choose from, the size of the cross body sling bag is ideal for moms who need a little extra room to pack kid treasures at a moment’s notice. Find the bag you’re looking for at Pike Place Market Tuesdays through Thursdays. Cost: $72
Locally brewed beer and ciders
Sit back and relax amid the hustle and bustle of the holidays with a glass of something tasty from one of two parent-owned companies specializing in adult beverages. Both Reubens Brews and Locust Cider can be found in stores or at tasting rooms and taprooms around the Sound.
Still have shopping to do?
These Seattle-area parent-owned stores carry every kind of delightful gift imaginable. Head in to find your holiday inspiration.
- Kurfunkle Kids Market: Hit up this kids store in Ballard that mixes nostalgia with modern play.
- My Three Little Birds: Head over the bridge to get to this West Seattle favorite that features new and gently used kids clothes, shoes, toys and gear.
- Thistle and Poppy: Capitol Hill is where you’ll find this parent-owned store stocked with everything families need to live a curated life.
- Bootyland Kids: Located inside Chophouse Row in Capitol Hill, this local favorite strives to bring sustainable goods to Seattle families. Plus, they’ve got great gift suggestions.
- Bella Vita: This new Ballard neighborhood shop should be your first stop for kids clothes, books and art.
- Paperboat Booksellers: Shop for books for everyone on your list after family reading time on Saturdays or toddler reading time on Wednesdays.
- Madrona Supply Company: This parent-owned shop on Whidbey Island has an array of Pacific Northwest-inspired gear that would look great on any parent.
- Eighth Generation: Owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe and run by mom Colleen Echohawk (Pawnee, Athabascan), gifters can find their pick of blankets, accessories and art made by Pacific Northwest Native artists.
- Paper Delights: Duck into this adorable Burien shop owned by a mother-daughter duo to find true originals, plus the paper to wrap them up in.
More holiday gift ideas: |
Editor’s note: All images are courtesy of the companies mentioned in this article. All prices were current at time of publication.
