It’s that time of year again! I always get a special feeling when I pass by glowing storefront windows of my favorite indie shops, while sipping on cinnamon-spiced coffee from my favorite roaster. I mosey through these stores in Seattle, wondering what on earth a certain someone would like. This time of year usually buzzes with the excitement of giving, except things are different right now.

I think we can all agree that 2020 deserves a big chunk of coal for everything. The global pandemic has slowed the world (and the economy) to a screeching halt, forcing some local businesses to shut their doors for good. Many others have to find creative ways to stay afloat, and it’s been a feat.

Vote with your dollar. Show your support.

For the holidays, instead of buying from big businesses like Amazon, consider supporting these beloved local shops–especially since so many are struggling to keep their doors open during the pandemic. Most of these places are women-owned, and some are Black-owned. Here are 10 independent businesses that keep the illustrative spark of Seattle alive. The store websites are linked in the names below, so you can visit them at your leisure.

Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe

For the geeks in your life, you’ll find a treasure trove of technical books, puzzles, and science kits at Ada’s Technical Books and Cafe on Capitol Hill. You’ll find subjects ranging from computer science to vegan cookbooks. If you’re wondering what would make your geek happy, consider getting them a gift card. This airy bookshop has a vegetarian cafe for takeaway orders, in case you need to replenish from all that holiday shopping.

BLMF Literary Saloon

This Black-owned second-hand book shop can be found in the underground of Pike Place Market. You’ll find thousands of books filling the windows, and stacked in piles on the floor. There’s everything you can think of: from reference, to fiction, to pop culture. The owner is super helpful with finding you an affordable book. You’ll never run out of books to read here.

Drizzle & Shine

Drizzle & Shine is a woman-owned, vegan, fair-trade boutique on Capitol Hill. There are ethically made clothes, shoes, and accessories for all genders. While the prices are slightly higher than what you’d find in a big-box store, you can buy in better conscience for higher quality clothing. All items are made by people who are treated and paid fairly. Plus, Drizzle & Shine donates a portion of all sales to nonprofits. Doing good has never been more fashionable!

Gradient Art Gallery

Artists Mena Aklilu, Mallory Milke and Robert Bellm run Gradient Art Gallery in the underground of Pike Place Market. This gallery features whimsical, fantasy-themed original art, prints, stickers, and apparel. Each artist has their own vision on what inspires them to translate their imagination onto canvas. Together, they form a cohesive and welcoming gallery of surreal and magical artwork. You can order items online for in-store pickup or have them shipped to you.

Gargoyles Statuary

For the mysterious loved ones in your life, Gargoyles Statuary in the University District has mystical Gothic goods and art. This dark, cozy shop sells scented candles, books on the occult, ritual wares, and cryptic home decor. You can browse around gargoyle statues and babbling fountains in a gently scented environment. You can buy online, or stop by and take it all in.

Ghost Gallery and Nomadia Creatives

Tucked behind the pastel Cupcake Royale bakery are two galleries in one: Ghost Gallery and Nomadia Creatives.

Ghost Gallery is a witchy art exhibition space and boutique hybrid that sells a curated selection of jewelry, bottled wine, and home goods. The midnight blue walls and warm electric fireplace entices visitors to stay for a little bit, while the vintage furniture displays art prints and oddities. The 14th Annual Holiday Mini Art Exhibit opens on December 3, 2020, featuring hundreds of small affordable artworks from artists around the world. This show will be fully online, and you can purchase what you love on the website.

Nomadia Creatives once had a camper in the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall, and they now share space with Ghost Gallery. The artfully arranged enamel pins, patches, and tarot cards on the shelves make great stocking stuffers. You can help someone decorate their home with occult-themed banners or framed paper sculptures of moths. Upcycled, one-of-a-kind jewelry also makes a great gift.

Hands of the World

For the travelers, Hands Of The World is like a taking a trip around the world in one store. The glowing storefront lures you to step inside and see what this colorful shop has to offer. The shelves are brimming with ethically sourced folk art, jewelry, and handicrafts, such as Turkish glass lamps, hand-carved Ivory Coast masks, and patterned scarves. The fair trade system puts the needs of the producer first, so you can buy while knowing that the artisans are paid a fair wage for their goods.

Meticulously Eccentric

I first met Andreya Taylor in 2017 after following her on Instagram for some time. Dressed from head to toe in florescent neon colors, chunky jewelry and rainbow braids, Andreya’s creative style is unforgettable. This fashion powerhouse opened up her own store in the Georgetown Trailer Park Mall, a collection of funky shops in vintage trailers. The delightfully unconventional clothes and accessories at Meticulously Eccentric are for anyone who dares to be different.

Portage Bay Goods

Portage Bay Goods has always been a favorite of mine in Fremont. This colorful shop has quirky stationery and journals, tasteful jewelry, rows of greeting cards, and kids’ toys and books. There are Seattle-themed stickers and t-shirts. The wall behind the registers also features a different local artist every month. You can peruse the extensive online store; there’s something for everyone here.

Sfingiday

Sfingiday is a charming boutique in the heart of Fremont. This shop features an ever-evolving rotation of products from over 100 artists. Here you’ll find original art, jewelry, environmentally friendly home goods, and many more delightful gifts. Each piece of art has a story, with the mission to be in its forever home. Browse the online store, and enjoy free delivery if you live within 20 minutes of Fremont.