Giving presents is great. Getting them is even better, but all of it is awful when you get stuck in traffic for 45 minutes two blocks from a mega mall. Double vision after trying to walk through Westlake during shopping rush hour in December is also maddening, but options abound in other corners of the city. Finding present solutions that are out of the way will not only save your sanity, but also result in unique gifts.
1.
West Seattle- That far away stretch of the city which is home to many boutiques but scares off non-industrious mainlanders. Lucky for you because the intrepid shopper taking that twenty minute drive over the bridge will be rewarded at the junction with almost no crowds, and a plethora of interesting shops at the junction: Easy Street Records, Sweetie, Cupcake Royale, Retroactive Kids, and Twilight Artist Collective.
Links:
Easy Street
Sweetie
Cupcake Royale
Retroactive kids
Twilight Artist Collective
2.
Georgetown- Seattle's southern neighbor has giant hat and boots, it’s so far south of the city that the only people who shop there are the locals, the majority of the shops are located on one walkable block. Packing 12th Ave. S. and the surrounding blocks are the awesomely retro Georgetown Records, Fantagraphics Books, George, and Mix Lounge. And after all your shopping you can stop by the always fun 9lb Hammer for a drink.
Links:
Georgetown Records
Fantagraphics Books
9 lb Hammer
George
Mix Lounge
3.
Ballard- This unique enclave is just a treasure trove no matter how you slice it. Even if you don’t like the Scandinavian-middle-aged ethos, you can admit there are a lot of cool stores there, and it’s far enough out of the way that it shouldn’t be swarming with folks. Check out: Camelion Design, Archie McPhee, Greener Lifestyles, Ella Mon and Merge.
Links:
Camelion Design
Archie McPhee
Greener Lifestyles
Ella Mon
Merge
4.
Fremont- Thankfully, it’s not actually the center of the universe so shopping there shouldn’t be a problem if you can find street parking. First head over to the Sunday market that runs through the winter, and is a virtual smorgisborg of weird/cool stuff. Next hit up some more traditional stores like Bitters Co., Burnt Sugar, Bliss, and Deluxe Junk.
Links:
Burnt Sugar
Bliss
Bitters Co.
Fremont Market
5.
Do It Yourself (DIY)- DIY has become a mantra for all cool cities, and since we’re the coolest of all, we’re not exception. Find an idea one of any DIY magazines like Make or ReadyMade, and then head out to a good craft store in your area like Michaels, Joanne’s or Home Depot depending on the nature of your project.
Links:
Michaels
Joanne’s
Home Depot
Make
ReadyMade
6.
Thrift Shopping- Thrift store shopping shouldn’t be considered re-gifting because while the product may have already had an owner, you paid good money for it. Furthermore, sometimes these are the only places where you can find exactly what you want. No matter how cool a new boutique is, you can’t find a 1930’s radio there.
Seattle.net Thrift Store Guide
7.
Madison Park- The neighborhood is geographically isolated. Not only that but it’s quiet because its heavily residential, so get ready for a casual stroll as you browse through the high end boutiques. Pamper your friends and family with goods from stores like Oh! Chocolate, Madison Park Jewelers, Cookin, En Cinque, Hitchcock.
Links:
Oh! Chocolate
Madison Park Jewelers
Hitchcock
8.
International District(ID)- The ID is often seen only as a place to get good Chinese food, or an excellent bowl of pho, but it’s home to some of the most exotic gifts around. Uwajimaya, Momo, Kobo at Higo, Ten Ren Tea Co. are all home to excellent Asian finds. And if you’re shopping for someone that’s a pet person, head to Liem’s Aquarium and Bird Shop.
Links:
Uwajimaya
Momo
Kogo at Higo
9.
Experiential Gifts- Giving a experience as a gift can be a fine line to walk because they can be considered one step above a gift card. They also don’t have a lot of heft to them when they’re first given, but they pay off hugely. Getting a spa treatment after New Years is always refreshing and taking an art class with your friend is great; you learn something new and you get to bond.
10.
Shop Online- The internet has revolutionized everything about modern life and shopping is no exception. Sitting from your computer chair you can find just about anything you want and as a bonus you can get it for less than you would pay for it at the store. Is there anything better?
