Wintery days approach, and the shops of Mercer Island already bustle with the energy of the holiday season. From familiar storefronts to up-and-coming online retailers, Mercer Island’s dynamic shopping scene carries innovative ideas for long-time locals, new neighbors, and enthusiastic foodies.
Whether you plan meticulously or rush out at the last minute, our gift guide helps you shop small and shop smart by supporting the community and making a list that says “Happy Holidays from Mercer Island” with Mercer Island-themed gifts, cool products from Mercer Island-based companies, and gift recommendations from stores on the island.
Mercer Island-Themed Gifts
“Happy Place” Drinkware from Island Treats
This sweet shop on Mercer Island may be best known for its delectable chocolate-salted caramels, pretzel thingies, and caramallows, but don’t overlook its Mercer Island-themed drinkware, including bright green wine tumblers and “Happy Place” coffee mugs. Be sure to pair them with Island Treats’ delicious drinking chocolate or a selection of colorful candies for the perfect gift.
Images courtesy Island Treats
A Piece of Home from Terra Bella
Terra Bella’s gourmet kitchen goods, Italian-inspired home decor, and luxury accessories tend to be the kind of gift that works well for the folks who seem to have everything already. The Brass Cuff ($34.95) with Mercer Island coordinates makes a classic gift for a loyal islander. This cuff is engraved with Mercer Island’s coordinates, so they’ll always be wearing a piece of home. Or get them a special piece of wall art – a map of Mercer Island that can tastefully enhance any home’s decor.
Image courtesy Terra Bella
Islander Wear from The Boutique Lounge
Mercer Islanders love The Boutique Lounge’s eco-conscious products and large collection of island spirit wear. Give your favorite islander the gear to show off their team spirit – find a fantastic selection of shirts, sweatshirts, sweatpants, pajamas, hats, caps, and more at this south end gift and apparel shop.
Images courtesy The Boutique Lounge
Mercer Island Books, Bags & More from Island Books
As pictured above, Island Books has a plethora of Mercer Island-themed gifts, and its most popular items include the historical hardcover “Mercer Island History: From Haunted Wilderness to Coveted Community” by Jane Meyer Brahm, as well as a market shopping tote, a 98040 note pad, candles, coasters, and more. Look for their island-themed shelves near the front counter, and island-inspired products are interspersed throughout their culinary section by the cookbooks as well.
Gifts from Local Small Business Owners
Inventive Cocktails from Crafted Taste
Deliver a budding bartender or cocktail connoisseur a Crafted Taste kit. The islander-owned company drops the makings for award-winning drinks on doorsteps. Each gift subscription package (starts at $100) contains a bounty of bitters, elixirs, and syrups, along with recipes to curate one-of-a-kind cocktails. Choose full kits with alcohol and mixers, mixers-only kits, or premium kits, then pick the length of the subscription. If you know your recipient’s go-to drink, you can also just send the ingredients for their favorite cocktail or allow them to take the lead with a gift card.
Images courtesy Crafted Taste
Grill Rubs from Willards Kitchen
Local business Willards Kitchen keeps island grills full of flavor. The locally made spice mixes help any cook add a big boost to their burgers, fish, or steak. Pick up Islander Will Russell’s dill, lemon, and garlicky seafood rub ($9.49), grab a three-pack of All-Purpose Seasoning ($26.99) to hand out to friends, or get your favorite cook the Flagship Set, which includes both of those plus the Smoked BBQ Rub ($26.99). Willards’ spice rubs can be purchased on their website, at Terra Bella, or at The Boutique Lounge, both online and in-store.
Images courtesy Willards Kitchen
Spice Mixes from Savoring Serendipity
Ruwanmali Samarakoon-Amunugama brings the flavors of her homeland to Mercer Island and the world through her blog and spice shop. The local author’s award-winning cookbook, Milk, Spice, and Curry Leaves includes personal stories that illuminate the role of curry and community in Sri Lankan cuisine. Help a friend take a shortcut to the fantastic recipes held in the book with Samarakoon-Amunugama’s own Ceylon Dark Roasted Curry Powder ($7), and combine with the book for a complete gift. You can buy it online (Hardcover, $23.49; Kindle, $13.49) or at Island Books ($30).
Fresh Flowers from House of Posie
Mercer Island’s own custom florist and owner of House of Posie, Jessika Mazure works closely with clients to arrange the perfect bouquet for a flower-loving pal, including matching any budget or occasion. Since founding the business in 2015, owner Jessika Mazure has crafted hundreds of creative floral arrangements. Check out some of her work on Instagram; then, give her a call at (206)-601-9459 or email [email protected] to order your first bouquet.
Favorites from Local Stores
When in doubt, ask the expert! We asked the folks who run some of the island’s best gift-shopping destinations for customer favorites and their own ideas for meaningful holiday gifts.
Local Foods from Kitchen & Market
Give the gift of flavor from this shop that just expanded to Mercer Island. Among its many gourmet gift options, it sells six-ounce jars of seasonal preserves, including strawberry and raspberry jam, as well as passion fruit and lemon curd at $6 each, and, in the words of the company’s founder, Stephanie King, their Easy-as-Pie Fruit Galette Ingredients ($18) can make anyone a baker. Or get your besties a low-stress family dinner with the locally-sourced meal kits ($32-$65), available for local delivery or store pick-up on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Images courtesy Kitchen & Market
Gift Basket Essentials from Terra Bella
When in doubt, build a gift basket: Terra Bella sells a Seafood Lover’s Basket ($99.95) as well as a Lemon Fresh Clean Basket ($84.95). If you’d prefer to build your own, any of Terra Bella’s signature scents can be tucked into a basket or stocking, with a chamomile lavender candle, reed diffuser, or simple tealight (starting at $15.95). Terra Bella also sells a bamboo cutting board with a laser engraving of Washington State ($38.99). Grab some local cheeses from Metropolitan Market, and voilà – your PNW-themed gift box is complete.
Images courtesy Terra Bella
Artful Edibles from L’Experience Paris
This stylish French bakery offers fine wine, pantry goods, and other unique retail items sourced directly from France or French producers, many with incredibly beautiful packaging. Some of their most popular gift items include the Confitures Parisiennes: preserved fruit jams in brightly colored jars ($14-$39). Combine a jam with Chocolat des Francais ($5-$35) and a Parisian tea tin, and give the gift of treats and tiny works of art. L’Experience Paris sells the Mariage Freres Tea line, which includes classics like Breakfast Earl Grey ($39) as well as the more adventurous Marco Polo Sublime Tea ($49).
Images courtesy L’Experience PAris
Luxurious Accessories from Au Courant Salon & The DEN
This local salon offers designer haircuts and retail therapy. Their product line includes jewelry, all-natural ZUZU LUXE cosmetics, salon-quality hair products, and even Seahawks gift items. Owner Barb Hovsepian recommends the shop’s stylish line of scarves and wraps, which will keep loved ones warm this winter, and adds that gift cards for services at Au Courant Salon & The DEN are always in style.
Images courtesy Au Courant Salon & The DEN
Bottles from Barrels
Simple and classic, a bottle of wine almost always makes a great gift. Owners Joe and Tina Kennedy welcome shoppers to sample one of the more than a thousand bottles from local, domestic, and international wineries before making a purchase, and gift certificates are also available. After you determine the best vino for a wine-themed gift basket, explore Barrels’ selection of accessories: they sell Coravin wine systems, Riedel decanters and glasses, and other special-order items.
Health Helpers from Sano Cafe
This superfood cafe offers a fast-growing selection of nutrition and beauty products. Store owner Lisa Nordstrom recommends their line of Moon Juice products, which contain adaptogens that promote healthy sleep and stress management. Sano also sells products from Winged CBD: a line of vitamin-packed supplements that support women’s health. For skincare enthusiasts, Nordstrom recommends the Riddle spray lotion and roll-on fragrance, as well as any products from Ursa Major.
Images courtesy Sano Cafe
Books from Island Authors at Island Books
Support local readers, authors, and businesses with a visit to Island Books. Award-winning books from local authors include Nick Mautone’s Artisanal Kitchen series, which features three books on classic cocktails ($12.95 each at Island Books). Mautone’s holiday cocktail guide pairs nicely with a subscription to Crafted Taste (see above!). For thrill-seekers and film buffs, pick up No Exit by Taylor Adams ($16.99): a wintry thriller that hit the screens last February. If you’re searching for a little reader, the Graphic Kids Books by Vikram Madan will ignite their love of literature ($9.99 each).
Insider tip! Island Books can often secure personalized copies with local authors’ signatures. To personalize a book, make a comment on your online order or call the store at (206) 232-6920.
