Shop Local: Stocking Stuffer Ideas

by Lori Hinton If you’re not prepared, holiday gift-giving can feel like a one-two punch. You’re finally feeling on top of it once you have the main gifts covered, and then, oops, almost forgot the stocking stuffers too! Phew. Don’t be caught with empty socks this year when The Junction’s got you covered for holiday cheer! Stocking stuffers are the perfect way to make them smile, so don’t stress on what to get. Just have fun! Take the ‘Snow to Go’ or ‘Lucky Yodeling Christmas Pickle,’ for example, available at NW Art & Frame. Both are great little gag gifts for kids (or kids at heart). Easy Street Records makes stocking stuffing easy with CDs, wristbands, beanies, tees, and gift certificates that are good for music and/or a meal at the café. Leave ‘em sippin’ and singin’! And what’s better to stuff stockings with than more stockings? The Sneakery is a wall-to-wall sockfest of fun. Some faves include DC Comics’ Superhero Knee High Cape Socks with little capes on the calf (it looks like your legs are flying when you run). Strideline’s Seattle Skyline Socks are also a hit with natives, newbie Seattlelites and tourists alike. And Casual Industries (also Seattle company) has popular Seattle beanies and Sonic-esque boxers that have been know to peek out of many-a-pant. For wine lovers, head to Bin 41 for all kinds of wine accessories, stoppers, charms, French-themed tea towels and more. Feeling generous? Give the gift of a monthly wine club membership for 3 months or an entire year! Stuff their stockings and their bellies with Pesto Pinwheels and Old Fashioned Cinnamon Rolls from Great Harvest Bread Co. with a stack of gift coupons. Want to stuff them with West Seattle pride instead? Check out the old school Mariner-style West 5 tees and beanies or the ever-popular West Seattle tees and mugs at Capers. Their acres of awesome ornaments are always a nice tradition to stuff stockings with too. Got a gadget and gismo fan’s stocking to fill? Wander into Emerald Water Anglers for solar powered lanterns. Or, light up Christmas morning with a Flame Stower—a portable charging device fueled by a campfire or camp stove! Seattle-based SOG Key Knife is also nifty little knife that comes in the form of a house key so you always have it handy on your key ring. And you can’t go wrong with a waterproof Otter Box for your smart phone whether you’re out on the river fishing or just walking a block outdoors during a Seattle downpour. And be sure to check out the MiiR stainless growlers and coffee mugs. For every MiiR vessel purchased one person in need is provided with clean drinking for an entire year! Each container comes with a bracelet you can register to track the water project your growler or tumbler helped fund. It’s a feel good stocking stuffer that’s functional too! And when in doubt, the gift card or gift certificate never disappoints. Try Carmilia’s, 8 Limbs Yoga, Bakery Nouveau, Matador, Mashiko, or Next-to-Nature (for the family pet’s stocking), and just about any other Junction business you love. Giving the gift of choice makes anyone rejoice! Ho Ho Ho!]]>