By Intentionalist — December 1, 2025

Truth be told, there are thousands of incredible local businesses to explore this holiday season and year-round. As a complement to our KUOW Seattle Now podcast interview, we’re excited to share some of the intentional destinations for holiday gifting that our CEO, Laura Clise, highlighted during her conversation with Patricia Murphy.

SHOP

Gift giving becomes more meaningful when you’re intentional about aligning the gift with what your recipient values and appreciates. Buying from local shops ensures your gifts tell a story that is heartfelt and thoughtful.

ARTE NOIR (Central District) – Vivian Phillips and Jazmyn Scott opened ARTE NOIR in 2022 to showcase Black artists and makers in a gallery-and-retail space where every purchase directly supports Black creativity.

Bootyland Kids (Capitol Hill) – Ellie Cassidy opened Bootyland Kids in 1996 to offer sustainable, community-minded clothing and toys that support organic, fair-trade, and local makers for kids and families.

Boon Boona Coffee (U-District, First Hill, Renton) – Efrem Fesaha opened Boon Boona Coffee in 2019 to share East African coffee sourced through direct relationships with farmers and celebrated through Eritrean and Ethiopian coffee traditions.

Cocoa Legato (Greenwood) – Aaron Lindstrom opened Cocoa Legato in 2025 to bring together bean-to-bar chocolate, a café, and live-music performances by local bands.

Macadons (Renton) – Co-founder and current owner Michael Huynh opened Macadons in 2015 to share playful (including custom printing), flavor-packed macarons and ice cream sandwiches that blend classic favorites with Asian-inspired twists.

Retail Therapy (Capitol Hill) – Wazhma Samizay opened Retail Therapy in 2003 to create an art-driven boutique where expressive fashion, cheeky gifts, and activism come together in a joyful community space.

Pacific Place (Downtown Seattle)

  • Enchanted Teas – Rini Choudhury opened Enchanted Teas in 2025 to share flower-forward tea blends rooted in her grandmother’s healing traditions, crafted with botanicals sourced from small growers and women farmers.
  • Ghost Gallery – Laurie Kearney opened Ghost Gallery in 2006 to create a welcoming hybrid art space featuring visual art, handmade jewelry, tarot, and more from local and regional artists.
  • Pumarosa Candles – Vanessa Barrios and Jon Cardenas opened Pumarosa Candles in 2024 to offer hand-poured soy candles and candle-making experiences that weave Venezuelan-inspired storytelling into every scent.
  • The Handmade Showroom – Marlo Miyashiro opened The Handmade Showroom in 2015 to spotlight finely made, small-batch gifts from independent artists and designers in a welcoming retail gallery setting.
  • Transcend Fashion – Nazia Siddiqui opened Transcend Fashion & Upcycling Studio in 2025 to reimagine fashion with circular design, turning heritage textiles and existing garments into modern, wearable pieces.

QueenCare (Central District) – Monika Mathews opened QueenCare in 2018 to offer handcrafted skincare and body products while creating jobs and mentorship opportunities for young women of color in her community.

Sairen (Chinatown-International District) – Kaitlin Uemura and Kaitlin Madriaga opened Sairen in 2020 to create a boutique filled with fashion, accessories, and home goods that celebrate AANHPI makers and bold, playful design.

Kobo Shop & Gallery (Chinatown-International District) – Binko Chiong-Bisbee and John Bisbee opened KOBO Shop & Gallery in 2004 to preserve the historic Higo Variety Store while showcasing art, craft, ceramics, and handmade goods from local and international artists.

EXPERIENCE

Shared experiences make some of the most memorable gifts. From classes to hands-on activities, choosing local experiences supports the artists, instructors, and creative spaces that bring people together all year long.

Friday Afternoon Tea (Wallingford) – Friday Elliott opened Friday Afternoon Tea in 2017 to create a playful, geeky tea shop where people can explore loose-leaf blends, enjoy custom tea creations, and discover flavors inspired by fandom and imagination.

Noir Lux Candle Co. (Belltown) – Colina Bruce opened Noir Lux Candle Co. in 2022 to create a candle bar where people can hand-pour soy candles, experiment with custom scents, and enjoy a space centered on creativity and self-care.

Reality Break Escapes (Redmond) – Brenda Luper opened Reality Break Escapes in 2018 to offer immersive escape-room adventures and puzzling team-based games that bring friends, families, and co-workers together for fun.

Reclaim Clay Collective (Chinatown-International District) – Luanne Wilson and Siera Matsuo opened Reclaim Clay Collective in 2023 to offer a ceramics studio with classes, workshops, and community events focused on making art accessible and welcoming to everyone.

PopRox Dance Studio (U-District, Capitol Hill) – Kinsey Flores and Cathy Barnett opened PopRox Dance Studio in 2020 to create a fun, judgment-free space where adults of all levels can explore dance, build confidence, and connect through movement.

EAT

The holidays are a chance to slow down, share meals, and enjoy the flavors that make our communities feel like home. Choosing local restaurants, cafes & bakeries supports the places that keep our neighborhoods vibrant and diverse, whether the occasion is a family dinner, lunch with colleagues or a catch up session with friends.

Here are some recommendations to get started:

Bellden Cafe (Bellevue)

Cafe Turko (Fremont)

Lenox (Belltown)

Lockspot (Ballard)

Mojito (Maple Leaf)

Phnom Penh Noodle House (Chinatown-International District)

Salvadorean Bakery (White Center)

Simply Soulful (Central District)

WeRise Wines (Downtown)

Know someone who loves to eat-shop-experience local, but you want the convenience of online gifting?

Trying to come up with an intentional gift for someone on your list? Send a note to [email protected] – we’d be happy to share our recommendations!

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