Looking for the quintessential Seattle gift?
This gift guide celebrates all things Seattle. Whether you’re looking for a special experience that they can do in Seattle or you’re hoping to bring a taste of the Emerald City to someone who lives far away, we’ve curated this list to feature gifts that you can only find in Seattle.
Our Seattle gift guide is divided into three parts: experience gifts, edible gifts, and gifts from local shops and makers. Almost everything on this list can be ordered online for your convenience. Happy shopping!
Experience gifts
1. Harry Potter™: Magic at Play
If you’re looking to treat the Harry Potter™ fan in your life, then you have to take them to this immersive experience that is open in Seattle this winter. They’ll love being able to get photos of themselves with the Sorting Hat, playing Quidditch, and more. Reserve your spot here!
2. Astra Lumina: A Night Walk Amongst The Stars
A memorable experience in Seattle that you can share this winter is the Astra Lumina Night Walk in the Seattle Chinese Garden. Light installations and music transform the garden into something otherworldly. Get tickets here!
3. A Candlelight Concert
These romantic Candlelight Concerts in stunning Seattle venues are a sure crowdpleaser, especially since they range from Taylor Swift to Metallica. See upcoming Candlelight Concerts in Seattle.
4. A visit to the San Juan Seltzery
Give the gift of quality time and a tasty deal for two at the world’s only seltzery. The San Juan Seltzery is offering Secret Seattle readers a special BOGO deal on flights and pints this winter at their SODO taproom—all you have to do is mention Secret Seattle! It’s good through the end of January. Be sure to ask about the “Secret Menu” while you’re there. They have unique flavors at the taproom as well as delicious food by Ethan Stowell. The San Juan Seltzery is located at SODO Urbanworks and is open Thursday through Sunday.
5. A Holiday Light Cruise
Treat your loved one to a cozy, heated electric boat ride with festive lights! From December 15 through December 22, Secret Seattle readers can use the promo code SECRETDUFFY for a 25% discount on a Holiday Light Cruise! Book yours on the Duffy Electric Boats NW website.
5. A full-body VR experience
Looking for an experience gift for a gamer? They’ll love being treated to a fun day of virtual reality play at Sandbox VR. They have locations in South Lake Union and Kirkland. Plus, they’re currently offering Secret Seattle readers 15% off with the code SECRETSANDBOX if you book by January 31, 2024! Note that this code is only valid on non-Saturday bookings and only at both Seattle locations. Book on the Sandbox VR website.
6. DIY classes at The Works
The Works in Pioneer Square offers a wide variety of hands-on DIY classes, so you’re sure to be able to find something that’s perfectly tailored for your recipient’s interests. You can sign them up for watercolor painting, screen printing, a satirical news writing workshop, a scarf crocheting workshop, and more here.
6. Baking classes at The Pastry Project
Want to treat an aspiring baker? The Pastry Project in Pioneer Square offers baking classes year-round. You can see their class calendar on their website.
If the person you’re shopping for isn’t local, you can gift them a virtual class or a pastry kit subscription from The Pastry Project instead. Subscribers receive everything they need to make a new treat once a month, and proceeds support their free baking and pastry training program for individuals with barriers to employment.
7. A group paint and sip class
This is an excellent gift for a group of friends who value quality time and creativity. You can book a private paint and sip class for yourself and your friends to take together at the Brooke Westlund Studio & Gallery which is located in Pike Place Market. All the painting supplies are included, as is the wine!
8. A market tour and cooking class
Looking for a local experience gift for a foodie? Treat them to a Pike Place Market food tour and cooking class with Atrium Kitchen! They’ll get to explore the market, learn lots of fun facts about its history while picking up ingredients, and ultimately partake in an interactive cooking class. This is a memorable experience for visitors and locals alike.
9. A jewelry workshop
Instead of buying your creative friend some jewelry, you can give them the tools and knowledge to make their own. Book them a jewelry workshop with Magpie Mouse Studios at Pike Place Market. They’ll get to make four pieces of enamel jewelry in this three-hour workshop.
10. A spa day
Give the gift of relaxation this holiday season. You can gift an experience at City Sweats, a Black-owned spa that offers infrared sauna treatments, massages, cold plunges, facials, and more. There are four locations in the Seattle area.
11. Candle pouring
Instead of buying yet another mass-produced candle, gift your loved one a candle pouring experience at Noir Lux Candle. They’ll get to choose their own fragrance and vessel and ultimately bring home their own custom scented candle. Plus you can feel good about supporting a Black-owned, woman-owned small business here in Seattle.
12. Mushroom workshops
The Puget Sound Mycological Society is based in Seattle and offers a variety of workshops and classes. Give the gift of a membership so that the mushroom-obsessed person in your life can enjoy meetings, classes, field trips, social events, and more.
Edible gifts
14. Fran’s Chocolates
The reputation of Fran’s Chocolates has spread far beyond Seattle, and for good reason. You can purchase a ribboned box of their best-selling Gray and Smoked Salt Caramels online or at their store in downtown Seattle
15. Seattle Chocolate
Another local favorite for chocolate lovers is the Seattle Chocolate Company. You can shop from Seattle Chocolate online, at their flagship store in Tukwila (about 15 minutes south of Seattle), or even before you catch your flight for the holidays at their store at Sea-Tac Airport which can be found in Concourse C.
16. Smoked salmon
Few things say “Seattle” more than smoked salmon fresh from Pike Place Market. Luckily, Pike Place Fish ships their products nationwide.
17. Rachel’s Ginger Beer
Handcrafted right here in Seattle, Rachel’s Ginger Beer has a cult following. Visit the Rachel’s Ginger Beer website for local Seattle delivery or nationwide shipping. You can also visit one of their four local stores and fill up a growler to give someone in person. If you need a flavor recommendation, we suggest going for their seasonal spiced honeycrisp or autumn chai.
18. MarketSpice Tea
If you have a tea lover on your list, you have to give them some of our famous local tea from MarketSpice (it’s been a Seattle staple since 1911!). If you’re shopping for several people with different tastes, you’ll be able to find non-tea items from them as well such as hot chocolate, scented candles, seasoning and spices, gift baskets, and more. You can shop at their Pike Place Market store or on the MarketSpice website.
19. Chukar Cherries
These Washington cherries are the best of the best! You can buy these popular all-natural dried and chocolate-covered cherries at their store in Pike Place Market or on the Chukar website.
20. Beecher’s Cheese
Shopping for someone who loves cheese? You can’t do better than Beecher’s Handmade Cheese—probably the most popular and well-known cheese company in Seattle. Pick up a few blocks of cheesy goodness at their Pike Place Market store or a local grocery store. You can also pick some up from their airport store at Sea-Tac on your way to catch your flight for the holidays.
21. Jonboy Caramels
Seattle’s Jonboy Caramels are a crowd-pleasing local gift for anyone with a sweet tooth. You can shop for them online, at local grocery stores, and at most Seattle farmers markets. The afore-mentioned Beecher’s Cheese also stocks these caramels at their Pike Place Market and Sea-Tac Airport stores, so you can kill two birds with one stone.
22. Local coffee
Finally, it wouldn’t be a Seattle gift guide without coffee. We highly recommend doing your holiday shopping at a coffee shop that is local to Seattle (after all, it may have originated in Seattle but now you can buy Starbucks coffee anywhere!). Our favorites include Black Coffee Northwest, Espresso Vivace, and Cafe Allegro. For more suggestions, see our list of Seattleites’ favorite coffee shops.
Local makers and shops
23. Art by Henry
If you’ve spent some time in Seattle chances are good that you’ve passed by at least one Henry mural. Ryan “Henry” Ward is an iconic Seattle artist who struggled with poverty and is now known for his colorful, whimsical city murals. You can give the gift of his artwork by shopping for prints, tees, ornaments, original canvases, and more on the Henry website.
24. Throwbacks Northwest
If you have a Sonics fan in your life, you need to go check out Throwbacks Northwest in Capitol Hill. This vintage clothing store specializes in retro sportswear and all kinds of nostalgic Seattle-specific gear. If you’re not sure what to get them, the shop offers gift cards.
25. National Park merch
Parks Vibes makes really cool national park merch and gives 10% of sales to the national parks. We particularly love their Mount Rainier National Park baseball cap. It is made in Washington state and you can purchase it via Etsy
26. Dick’s Drive-In merch
Did you know that Dick’s Drive-In has an online store with ornaments, a scented candle, clothing, and more? If you know someone who enjoys the occasional bag of Dick’s fries, they’ll appreciate this extremely Seattle gift.
27. A local puzzle
Seattle-based Lantern Press makes handmade jigsaw puzzles depicting the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier National Park, and more. You can purchase one via Etsy.
28. A Seattle neighborhood candle
Help your loved one celebrate their favorite Seattle neighborhood with a scented candle by Seattle-based Just Peachy. These organic soy wax candles feature the scents of Seattle neighborhoods such as Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia, and more. You can shop these candles via Etsy.
29. Native blankets and art made in Seattle
Eighth Generation is a Seattle art and gift shop owned by the Snoqualmie Tribe. They sell items such as stunning wool blankets, jewelry, art, candles, clothing, and more—and it’s all created by Native artists. You can shop at their store in downtown Seattle (right by Pike Place Market) or online.
30. Seattle illustrations
Local artist Oliotto makes beautiful prints, tea towels, and tote bags featuring Seattle-specific illustrations. You can shop online via Etsy or look for their booth in-person at the free Urban Craft Uprising winter show on December 1-3 at the Seattle Center Exhibition Center.