2020 Seattle Holiday Gift Guide (COVID-Friendly!)

2020 what the heck! How is Christmas next month? How did this happen? Stuck in a “what do I get this person during COVID” rut? Wondering how you can help small businesses suffering right now? Fear not, What’s Up NW fans, I have some pretty cool gift ideas for you (with a few virtual events thrown in-between)! I’ve worked with some of my fantastic local partners to come up with this unique holiday gift guide and I hope it inspires you to explore everything our local businesses have to offer! Buckle up and let’s go!

15 Seconds of Stardom

In 2019, the famous Seattle Star atop the Bon Marche building in Seattle came within days of missing the holiday season after 62 consecutive years. The Star was rumored to be damaged beyond repair, but the 300 Pine development team, in conjunction with support from Amazon and Western Neon, was able to safely get it installed one last time. For 2020, the Seattle Star has been completely rebuilt using state of the art materials but following the original 1950’s Bob James’ plans. The Seattle Star 2.0 has new technology and software that will allow individuals to create their own completely unique experiences.

With COVID-19 impacting holiday celebrations worldwide this new technology will deliver the holiday celebration directly to you and the public through “15 Seconds of Stardom.” “15 Seconds” is an opportunity to purchase and play a programmed light show on the Seattle Star from anywhere in the world through the website 15secondsofstardom.com. A portion of proceeds from each purchase will be donated to Mary’s Place.

Mary’s Place invites the community to join their effort to ensure that no child sleeps outside. As the weather gets colder and our health crisis worsens, a safe, warm place to come inside is more important than ever. At Mary’s Place, families find stability, resources for housing, employment, wellness, and hope.

Amazon and Mary’s Place are close partners. In March 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mary’s Place opened a new shelter within Amazon’s Seattle headquarters, just a few blocks from the Seattle Star. The Mary’s Place Family Center in The Regrade, spanning 63,000 square feet and eight floors, has space to safely shelter more than 200 family members fighting homelessness each night.

Aesthetic Specialists

Based in Des Moines, Aesthetic Specialists offers cosmetic injectables, preventative medicine and BHRT, microneedling and PRP, chemical facial peels, vitamin injections and IV hydration, dermaplaning, facial treatments, eyelash extensions, lash lift and tinting, microblading, and permanent eyeliner and lip blush! Give the gift of a day self care with an Aesthetic Specialists gift card!

Astor + Orion

Designed in Seattle and produced with an ethical certified factory, Astor + Orion jewelry is sustainably cast from recycled metals and designed to be easily recycled again at the end of its life. Their approach to jewelry design is unique; they hand sculpt each piece in a 3D environment which allows them to create stunning modern designs with handcrafted charm.

Once a design has been perfected, they send it to their certified manufacturing partner who shares our belief that quality work starts with a fair and safe workplace. The pieces are cast, polished and inspected for the highest quality so that our customers can feel proud of each and every piece they own. Since we’re on the subject of jewelry, if you’d like your gift to be customized instead, you can do that with the help of Name Necklace Official or similar companies that can personalize jewelry pieces like a necklace.

Bonefrog Coffee and Bonefrog Cellars

Bonefrog Coffee and Bonefrog Cellars were started by a retired Navy SEAL looking to give back to the community that served him for so long. The mission of Bonefrog Coffee is “to produce the finest premium small batch coffee for those that love America and appreciate their freedom.” The mission of Bonefrog Cellars is “with a purpose to inspire a grateful nation, we work tirelessly to highlight the selfless acts of others through the unparalleled power of storytelling. We will continue to keep their memories alive and preserve the honor, sacrifice, and legacy of those that heeded the call of duty.” Who wouldn’t want coffee and wine for a great cause as a gift?

Boma Jewelry

Boma Jewelry has just launched its annual Holiday Gift Guide featuring sustainable-jewelry picks for everyone on your list. The assortment includes vintage earrings, limited-run pieces made using upcycled materials, keepsake necklaces, everyday sterling silver studs, and more.

This year, guests can shop by price point, theme (empowerment, sun + stars, rainbows, animals, etc.), recipient, gift type, and even select curated gift galleries handpicked by the Boma team. All Boma Jewelry is ethically-made, hypo-allergenic, and safe for sensitive skin. The company is celebrating 40 years in business next year!

Giving Back

Boma Jewelry is a Social Purpose Corporation that is committed to doing business in a way that is good for both people and the planet. Boma owns its own factory in Bangkok, Thailand where it is committed to cultivating the community, creating fair-wage jobs, and providing long-term employment opportunities for its workers. A portion of the proceeds from every Boma purchase goes back to the Boma Girl Fund, which allocates funds for programs and initiatives created specifically for Boma workers and their families.

For Black Friday, Boma Jewelry is doing a special GIVE or GET promotion. Customers can choose to GIVE 25% to the Boma Girl Fund which supports our workers and their families during the pandemic or GET 25% off at checkout with their orders. (Promo codes: GIVE25 to donate 25% or GET25 to get 25% off your order) The promo runs Nov. 20-30.

The Charitable Marketplace

The Charitable Marketplace is an online version of Pike Place Market but with a charitable twist – proceeds from every item on the Marketplace go to the Power of Pike Place, the Market Foundation’s COVID-19 recovery program. With just a click, shoppers can purchase from 100+ Market vendors and at the same time of hitting “buy now,” they donate to the foundation supporting the merchants, people and community of Pike Place so they’re able to survive the pandemic. While staying safe at home, purchasing gifts for loved ones and giving back this holiday season is easier than ever.

Chateau NoElle

Chateau NoElle is wrapping up Crush 2020′ – their 6th harvest. To celebrate the holidays, they thought it would be fun to offer vertical sets of several of their wines that are traditionally paired with holiday fare for you to compare and contrast vintages and the evolution of the wines w/time. Oh yeah, and a 20% discount!

Chipmonkey Wine

Looking to support a woman-owned, minority-owned, local, small business? Look no further than Chipmonkey Wine. But the best part is, shopping small is by no means settling. You’ll get:

• • Customer service that can’t be topped!
  • Carefully-chosen artisan wines, many from wineries in our own backyard (doubly supporting small business)!
  • Clever wine pairings for your retail orders AND for any imaginable gifting occasion, that are all written to order. Every single one of them!

Now that sounds like one heck of a win-win-wine to me! If you haven’t given Chipmonkey Wine a chance yet now’s a great time.

Cutieplants

Cutieplants is a West Seattle startup that sells do-it-yourself succulent gift kits. Owner, Katy Hart, started her own business this year due to COVID and her mission is to deliver simple and rewarding plant kit experiences that create purpose and sprout joy! Cutieplants offers a variety of mini planter kits that include everything you need to plant your own indoor succulent and watch it grow. Each kit includes a live succulent plant, a glass planter, pre-measured planting materials, a planting tool, and instructions.

Elysian Brewing

Elysian Brewing has been brewing classic and experimental beers since 1996 and is the three-time Large Brewpub of the Year winner at the Great American Beer Festival. Their most popular beers are some of the best ones to cozy up with this holiday season!

Space Dust IPA – 8.2% ABV
Great Western premium two-row, combined with c-15 and Dextra-Pils, give this beer a bright and galactic Milky Way hue. The hopping is pure starglow energy, with Chinook to bitter and late and dry additions of Citra and Amarillo.

Contact Haze Hazy IPA – 6.0% ABV
This hazy is a tangled chemistry of mild haze, low bitterness, and an explosion of hop aroma. On top of the typical citrus notes of hazy IPAs, Contact Haze features flavors and aromas of raspberry, current, guava, and passion fruit.

Bifrost Winter Ale- 7.6% ABV (click ‘seasonal’ tab)
Named for the mythical bridge connecting the mortal world to the heavens. Brewed with pale malt and small amounts of Munich and Crystal malts. Bittered with Magnum and finished with Chinook and Styrian Goldings hops.

Through December 31st, Elysian is also hosting a Holi-Haze sweepstakes, where fans can text “Holihaze” to 78896 for a chance to win one of the 10 Cash Prizes worth $1,000.

Evergreen City Ballet Presents Nutcracker Suites

Evergreen City Ballet reimagines the Nutcracker experience with an exciting at-home dance film. Nutcracker Suites explores the origin and history of this popular ballet in a unique “docu-dance” film. The production draws from Evergreen City Ballet’s 25+ year legacy of celebrating inclusion, artistry, and community through dance, and includes inspiration from Artistic Director Bennyroyce Royon’s Filipino cultural heritage.

Nutcracker Suites is more than a performance film! The experience will bring audiences beyond the stage into the Evergreen City Ballet Nutcracker universe with a variety of stories, for a one-of-a-kind show that will delight all ages.

Evergreen City Ballet is pleased to partner with the Bellevue Youth Symphony Orchestra for the iconic Waltz of the Flowers, and beloved Seattle performer Mx. Aleksa Manila will reprise her 2019 role of Mother Ginger. The performance also includes two very special guest artists from New York City Ballet, Georgina Pazcoguin (Co-Founder, Final Bow Yellow Face) and Alec Knight. All dances were filmed in November of 2020 and have never been performed before.

Gather your family or social pod, put on your finery, and join us for one of three versions of the film. Each week’s edit will feature a different chorus of talented local dance students. See the film any time during each week-long show period.

Tickets available at Evergreen City Ballet website.

Heritage Distilling

Heritage Distilling Co.’s Winter 10 Packs are here! These two variety packs feature a balanced spread of 50ml ‘minis’. Sleek on the outside and full of delicious spirits on the inside – just add a bow and you’ve got the perfect spirited gift for a friend, colleague or family member.

The “House Favorites” pack showcases a variety of HDC’s best-selling flavored vodkas, gin and whiskey including the fan-favorite BSB – Brown Sugar Bourbon. While, the “Barrel Collection” pack features a variety of top shelf whiskeys including HDC’s Dual Barrel (Orange) Bourbon and Rye.

Maja Arnold Jewelry

Maja Arnold Jewelry’s thoughtful, modern jewelry (and accompanying clothing line) carry meaningful messages, which are SO NEEDED RIGHT NOW! Looking for a gift from the heart? Check out the Love, Kind, Faith pendants and clothing this holiday season! Pricing for the mini starts at $118. T-shirts are $75. Maja also creates custom necklaces for clients, using their loved ones’ initials. These customized pieces are handcrafted and one-of-a-kind. Given its modern design, this monogram jewelry can definitely also be worn by men too.

The inspiration behind this jewelry line came from her own personal tragedy. She lost one of her twin girls to SIDS and then her other twin, Lucas, went through cancer treatment (he is now 6 years cancer free!). A portion of the proceeds of her jewelry sales goes to Seattle Children’s.

Made in Washington

Now more than ever, it’s important to support our local makers! Made In Washington has added some amazing gifts for this season, but there are TONS of other Washington-made gifts at www.madeinwashington.com. All of these items can be shipped from online or via any local MIW store to anywhere in the US for only $4.99 shipping! One fun example is Paunchy Elephant, an awesome Black-owned business out of Marysville!

• Organic, flavorful and super small batch BBQ sauce available in regular for $8 : https://www.madeinwashington.com/paunchy-elephant-organic-classic-barbeque-sauce.html
• Gluten Free for $8: https://www.madeinwashington.com/paunchy-elephant-organic-gluten-free-barbeque-sauce.html

Moonlit Skincare

For anyone who craves restful sleep and radiant skin, the Moonlit Skincare Ultimate Sleep Kit is a dream come true. It includes:

• 100% silk ‘Let Me Sleep’ Sleeping Eye Mask, which blocks out all distracting light to increase melatonin production while reducing wrinkles and creases in the skin.
• Our best-selling full-size Midnight Shift Overnight Facial Oil (30 ML/1.0 FL OZ.), which works overtime to transform your skin while a lavender scent helps you drift off to sleep.
• The soft Cloud 9 Silk Pillowcase, which supports healthier, smoother skin and hair. (Standard size only.)
• A clear Constellation Travel Pouch with an expandable bottom and a gold-plated zipper and moon pull (it’s TSA-approved for all your carry-on liquids).

One Imaginary Girl

This $45 100% silk charmeuse sleep mask from One Imaginary Girl in the Social Distance print matches their blouses and face masks! These soft and washable silk masks have a comfortable covered silk elastic, so it won’t mess up your hair and you can wear it all night. This set of two is perfect for a “one for you, one for me” holiday gift! The scrunchie is made of scraps of our silk twill fabric, so it is slightly less shiny, but the fabric has more structure to stay full while it is worn. In black and beige, it will match anything in your sleep wardrobe, from silk PJs to basic tees.

Retreat Drinks

Retreat Drinks was started by a mama in Gig Harbor, who wanted to bring joy to the everyday with delicious and convenient drinks that walk the talk: unprocessed, simple and organic, and sourced from fair trade farmers. She also wanted the freedom to enjoy them anywhere at anytime. Each Retreat Drink complements the season, the adventure of summer and the coziness of winter. They only use sustainable and recyclable materials in their packaging too! With so many different products to choose from, you will want some hot cacao for your friends and loved ones and yourself!

Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas!

Shoes and Pants Productions will present “Scott Shoemaker’s War on Christmas!” online this holiday season. Now in its third year, this LGBTQ holiday show streams December 5 through January 3, 2021.

Tune in to see Scott and a cast of Seattle luminaries as they try to figure out who’s fighting a war on Christmas and why? Written by Freddy Molitch and Scott Shoemaker (co-creators of “Ms. Pak-man” and “:PROBED!”), this year’s show features new song parodies, original songs, comedy, dance numbers, and partial nudity. Plus, some favorites from past shows. Joining Scott is a cast of outstanding Seattle talent, including Ade, Waxie Moon, Mandy Price, and Fageddy Randy.

“2020 has been a harrowing year, but Christmas is not canceled!” said Scott Shoemaker. “Treat yourself, your family, friends, or your whole “COVID pod” to the perfect gift: some holiday cheer and laughter. Now that the show is virtual, people across the globe can experience their own War on Christmas!”

Tickets to stream the show range in price from $10 to $50. To purchase tickets, visit https://btt.boldtypetickets.com/events/109487234/scott-shoemakers-war-on-christmas.

Rossario George

Locally-based Rossario George has the perfect gift for beauty lovers! The RG Eye Perfection gift set includes one RG Perfect Eyeshadow Pallet (9 stunning shades), one 12pcs Eyeshadow Brush Set and one Storage Bag for $50.

Seattle Chocolate Company

Seattle Chocolate Company, a woman-owned and women-led company, is hosting a series of socially-distanced shopping events in the coming weeks!

• Black Friday and Small Business Saturday with Seattle Chocolate – Seattle Chocolate will offer 20% off its holiday collection at the flagship store at 1180 Andover Park W, Seattle, WA 98188 on Black Friday (11/27) and Small Business Saturday (11/28). Seattle Chocolate will also offer 20% off its holiday collection online on Black Friday (11/27).

• Sip & Shop – Seattle Chocolate’s Anniversary Sale is Seattle Chocolate’s biggest sale of the year! The local confections company will offer 20% off all in-store purchases at the flagship location (1180 Andover Park W, Seattle, WA 98188) from Wednesday, 12/9 – Friday, 12/11. To offer guests a personalized and socially-distanced holiday shopping experience, Seattle Chocolate will offer guests the option to book a private shopping event with one of the brand’s knowledgeable sales associates. While working with a representative to pick out the perfect holiday gift, guests will receive samples of Seattle Chocolate’s holiday bars (including seasonal favorites like Candy Cane Crunch and Holiday Spiced Nuts). Guests can 30 minute book appointments between 5:00pm and 8:00pm, Wednesday – Friday, and appointments can be arranged by calling 425-264-2705.

Looking for some Seattle Chocolate gifts? They’ve got you covered – below are just a few gifts they have to choose from!

SEASONAL GIFTS

Holly & Jolly Care Package ($72) For the ultimate lover of all things festive, this care package includes six of Seattle Chocolate’s holiday bars including flavors like Candy Cane Crunch, Hot Buttered Rum and Winter Orange Spice, and a 12-ounce bag of signature seasonal truffle flavors like: Candy Cane, Hot Buttered Rum, Eggnog, Hiker’s Trail Mix, Tukwila Hazelnut, Blackberry Crème, and Milk Chocolate. The package also features one Woodland Cheer Gift Box and one Woodland Joy Window Box, which house more truffles inside decorative boxes covered in whimsical wintery scenes designed by artist Frida Clements.

Sweater Weather Care Package ($50) The perfect companion for cozy winter nights, this care package includes three holiday truffle bars (Hot Buttered Rum, Toffee Sea Salt, Winter Orange Spice), a 12-ounce bag of seasonal truffles and a Woodland Fox Gift Box featuring an illustration of a charming fox bundled up in a warm scarf.

GIFTS UNDER $30

jcoco Bar 5 Dark ($14) New this year, the Bar 5 Dark includes five, one-ounce dark chocolate bars featuring epicurean-inspired flavors including: Orange Blossom Espresso (new this fall!), 85% Dark (new this fall!), Noble Dark, Boharat Middle Eastern Spice and Black Fig Pistachio.

Hanukkah Gourmet Truffle Bag ($10) Seattle Chocolate’s Hanukkah Gourmet Truffle Bag features an assortment of Dark Chocolate and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Toffee truffles (5oz; about 15 truffles) with festive blue and silver wrapping. To note, Seattle Chocolate and jcoco offer a vast range of kosher chocolate options (Star-D Kosher Dairy Certified), viewable here.

Still Spa at The Woodmark Hotel

What’s better than giving the Gift of Spa? Still Spa at The Woodmark Hotel has some relaxing spa packages available this December! Purchase a gift card for your loved one this holiday season and receive a gift from Still Spa! For every $100 you spend, you will receive $25 for your future service!

Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism

Whidbey and Camano Islands Tourism recently launched its highly anticipated 2020 holiday gift guide, featuring local artisan crafted goods, natural bath and body products, locally produced gourmet foods and more. Support Island makers and enjoy a range of items ideal for entertaining or gifting – from Penn Cove Mussels to handmade candles, lodging deals and more.

The majority of the items featured in the online guide are available for nationwide shipping. For those looking to venture out for a holiday staycation or a place to host relatives, a variety of island lodgings are offering 20 percent off a three-night stay. All Island County shops, tasting rooms and producers have put special COVID-19 precautions in place to ensure that visitors can shop safely this holiday season.

Woodinville Whiskey

Just in time for the holidays, Woodinville Whiskey Distillery is offering custom etched bottles. The entire label including your custom text is laser-engraved directly onto the glass. This is available with their Flagship Straight Bourbon, Flagship Straight Rye, Double Barrel Whiskey, Port-Finished Bourbon, and Cask-Strength Bourbon. It is $20 plus the bottle price.

Forbes recently wrote, “Woodinville May Just Be the Best Craft Whiskey In America.” Their Bourbon was named the “Best Bourbon Outside Kentucky” by whiskey authority Fred Minnick. And, in perhaps their most prestigious honor to date, the San Francisco World Spirits Competition of 2020 gave the competition’s highest honors to their Woodinville Flagship Bourbon Whiskey with a Double Gold medal and the title of “Best Straight Bourbon Whiskey of 2020.” Their single farm, 5-year bourbon was competing against Kentucky bourbons and a well-known slate of contenders.

Their Flagship Straight 100% Rye Whiskey, was the Double Gold Medal and 2017 Rye Whiskey of the Year at the American Distilling Institute Craft Spirits Awards and one of the only 100% Rye whiskeys produced. All of their grain is grown exclusively for them on the Omlin Family Farm in Quincy, Washington. In the Seattle Times article “A spirited partnership with Woodinville Whiskey Co.”, you’ll learn why Arnie Omlin was reluctant to first plant rye for their whiskey back in 2011. This small-batch Rye is made from 100% Washington grown rye grain.

For their whiskeys, the grain is mashed, distilled and barreled in their Woodinville distillery – then trucked back over the Cascade Mountains to their private barrel houses at the Omlin Family Farm, where Central Washington’s extreme temperature cycles promote the extraction of natural flavors from the oak.