The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is upon us. If you still have shopping for gifts to do, we suggest you take the stress-free approach –  stay on the island and shop small.

There are so many wonderful local stores, shops, and small businesses offering unique gift items that are sure to please all on your list. Plus, you’re bound to run into a friend or a friendly neighbor.

We are featuring a few of my favorite gift ideas from several local businesses. I hope you find a least one idea and cross one gift off of your list! Happy shopping!

13 Great Gifts at a Store Near You

1/ Colored Ceramic Bowl (New Seasons $11.99) 2/ Corkscicle Canteen (Terra Bella $32.99) 3/ Animal Care Center (Island Books $25.99) 4/ Paddy Wax Candles (New Seasons $29.99) 5/Educated by Tara Westover (Island Books) 6/ Ink and Alloy earrings (Island Books $20.99) 7/ Duke Cannon soap (Au Courant $10.00) 8/Kitsch Silk Pillow Case (Au Courant $69.00) 9/ Green Toys Ferry Boat (New Seasons $24.99) 10/ S’mores Kit (Island Treats $54.00) 11/ Clouds Matching Game (Island Books $13.99) 12/Chemex Coffee Maker (New Seasons) 13/ Moscow Mule Mugs (New Seasons $29.99)

Local Gift Card & Gift Item Combos

Gift cards are very popular during the gift giving season.  To make a gift card a little more personal and fun to open, consider pairing it with a small gift that compliments the card.  I have brainstormed a few for you with local businesses and gifts you can buy right here on the island.

1/ Carrucio’s Gift Card and a Sushi Knife Sharpener (Island Books $12.99) 2/ Pagliacci Gift Card and a Pop Sockets (Island Books $15.99) 3/ Barrels Gift Card and GoVino wine glasses (New Season) 4/ Island Books Gift Card and Ninja Erasers (Island Book $2.99) 5/ Auto Spa Gift Card and Emergency Tech Kit (Terra Bella $9.99) 6/  Gift card to local gym or studio and Moon Juice Power Dust (Sano Cafe $36.95)

Best Local Shops for Finding Great Gifts by category

If you’d like even more gift ideas, then we suggest stopping by these Mercer Island shops and see what inspires you.  You’re sure to find gifts for your friends and family and likely even a gift for yourself.

Apparel & Jewelry – Hip Zephyr | Au Courant Salon & The Den

Art – Clarke & Clarke Art & Artifacts | MIVAL Gallery | SZ Gallery | Barrels Wine Bar

Books, toys & games – Island Books | New Seasons Market

Cards & Stationery – Island Books | MIVAL Gallery | Mercer Island Florist | New Seasons Market

Floral arrangements & gifts – Mercer Island Florist | New Seasons Market

Home decor & entertaining items – Terra Bella | C. Michelle Interior Lifestyles | New Seasons Market

Pet toys & treats – All the Best Pet Care | MudBay

Sweet treats – Oh! Chocolate | Island Treats | New Seasons Market

Tools, home supplies & hardware – True Value

Wine & Food Specialty Items – Barrels Wine Bar | Freshy’s Local Market | New Seasons Market

Shop small and support our local island businesses.  Happy Holidays to all!