After living in the Northwest for over 20 years there are certain things that I've started to take for granted. That list generally includes things like fresh air, green trees, organic food, drive thru Starbucks, year-round farmers markets and of course, the plethora of super cool products made right here in the Northwest. Here's my "local love" list of Pacific Northwest favorites that make great gifts any time of year, but especially during the holidays.
If you've got a crazy family like I do (love you mom!) the best way to avoid an emergency therapy session is with a friendly game of DysFUNction. Players share stories about their awkward upbringing and get rewarded with baggage to add to their cart. Whichever player ends up with 15 bags first, wins! Who's ready for family game night? Use promo code FINDFUNSBB for $5.00 off + Free Shipping!
There's something magical about getting a box full of surprises delivered each month. There's something even better about getting a box full of products that are made in the Pacific Northwest. If you have someone on your list who can't get enough of the good old PNW, you'll want to check out Seattle-based MakrBox. Each month they curate a box of handcrafted artisan goods made by independent markers in the Northwest. Each product comes with an information card about the maker so that recipients can learn more about how their goods are made and what materials are used in the process. Monthly subscriptions start at $29. Gift someone on your list a single month or an entire year of goodness at Makrbox.com. Use promo code GOSSIPGLAMOUR to get 30% off your first box.
If you love dachshunds you have to check out Portland-based Bean Goods. Their Crazy Wiener Dog Lady tote bag is one of my favorites. I met the designer several years ago at a conference in New York and in addition to being super cool she totally IS the crazy wiener dog lady she designs for. Bean Goods also makes t-shirts, sweatshirts, beanies and even luxe doggy sweatshirts with hoods. The entire line is made in the USA and screen printed by hand in Portland.
A gorgeous glassybaby is a good gift any time of year but especially during the holiday season because it's a gift that also gives back. 10% of every sale goes directly to organizations that support people in need including the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, Seattle Children's Hospital, Camp Korey and many more. In 2014 glassybaby reached a major milestone of $2 million dollars in charitable giving. Pick a color and give one glassybaby or splurge on a color-coordinated set. These beautiful glass votives are hand-crafted locally and add instant ambiance to any room.
When Seattle mom Laura Silverstein stumbled upon a roll of great vinyl fabric at a yard sale in her neighborhood she had no idea it would later become an entire line of locally produced bags that were perfect for Northwest living. Come rain, sleet or snow the glittersweet vinyl bags held up perfectly in Seattle weather conditions and could be easily wiped clean if they got wet. Needless to say they quickly became a local favorite and positioned founder/designer Laura as one of the World's Most Interesting Moms. The glittersweet line includes totes, travel cases, purses, tablet sleeves, flat cases, coin purses and more. Shop online or check out the collection in person at Phinney Books.
If you frequent local boutiques (and even if you don't) you've probably walked past Compendium products a million times. This Fremont-based company is famous for it's inspirational journals, notebooks, cards and gifts. Whether you want to encourage someone in your life to "Live Inspired" or "Love who you are", Compendium makes it fun and easy. Find Compendium locally at Fireworks, Queen Anne Dispatch, Elliot Bay Books and The Red Balloon Co.
For those that lead active lifestyles, Brooks Running is a true Pacific Northwest favorite.
Finding a new pair of running shoes under the tree this year will make even the pickiest people on your list run happy. For color lovers, my personal pick is the Glycerin 12 running shoe (shown above). This shoe weighs only 9.1 ounces and has a rounded heel for better alignment to minimize stress on joints. Shop the beautiful new Fremont store in person at 3400 Stone Way North.
You can't go wrong with chocolate, so for the sweet tooth on your list Fran's Chocolates has you covered. For a little variety, splurge on a box of assorted chocolates or keep it simple and stick with the signature salted caramels. Pre-packed in beautiful boxes with a festive red bow Fran's Chocolates make a great gift.
Torch Illumination has a great collection of Pacific Northwest inspired candles that make a beautiful gift during the holiday season. Available in a variety of scents including blood orange, honey almond and lavender lemon these hand poured, eco-friendly candles are made using soy wax and locally sourced fragrance oils then packaged in recyclable tin containers. Torch Illumination candles are available locally at Bartell Drugs.
For an easy and affordable Pacific Northwest-themed stocking stuffer check out these great socks from Seattle-based Strideline. These socks are great for the 12th man (or woman) in your life and have special wicking properties to keep feet comfortable and dry all day long.
The entire Partly Sunny Skin Care line by Susan Grace is formulated for people who live in the Northwest. Yep. You read that right. It's a climate specific skin care line because even on the sunniest days we don't get enough of the vitamin D we need. Susan's Tone Well skin toner is essential for Seattleites who need an easy way to incorporate a dose of the skin-rejuvenating vitamin into their daily routine.
Happy Holidays and thanks for shopping local this holiday season!
#ShopLocal
Holiday Gift Guide: PNW Favorites
Reviewed by kroyo
Published :
Rating : 4.5
Published :
Rating : 4.5
