Posted by
Aubrey in
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November 30, 2010 |
2 responses One of my friends posted on facebook today that she finished all of her holiday shopping this weekend. Like any supportive, mature friend, I promptly blocked her. Listen, that’s great if some people are that organized and productive, but I’m not that awesome, and I don’t need to be reminded of it that often.
So if you’re anything like me, you’ve got a whole lot of last-minute shopping ahead of you. And you’re fairly short on money and time. Thankfully, yay-today is here to help with our holiday gift guides. We’ll start it off with a rundown of some of my favorite gifts and a bonus special offer for our readers (!) that can be found at the most iconic of all Seattle shopping centers, Pike Place Market.
- Of all of the food vendors in the market, I find myself going back to Market Spice most often- it’s just way too good of a store to be found in a giant tourist attraction. Not only am I totally spoiled by their selection of spices and herbs, which are more affordable (because you can buy just as much as you need) and way fresher and more affordable than anything at a grocery store, but they also have a great selection of teas and some great hot chocolate mixes. So whether your list includes a gourmet cook or just somebody who needs a good cup of tea, put together a little gift basket at Market Spice.
- Another fun present for somebody whose pantry is always stocked is a fancy jar of mustard from Paris Grocery. If you show up to Christmas with a jar of amazingly delicious tarragon mustard that came directly from France, you’ll get points for originality and good taste. Trust me.
- If you know somebody who loves to eat but doesn’t know the first thing about actually making food, get a gift certificate for a Market Lunch and Learn cooking class from Diane’s Market Kitchen. For only $45, Diane not only teaches you how to cook, but she takes you shopping with her as well. And of course, once they’ve made the meal of the day, they get to eat some really amazing food. (And hopefully come home and make some for you!)
- Not everything at Pike’s Place is about food- really. Go DO something, like take somebody to go get your fortunes told by Darleen Christopher? She’s been at the market for years. A 15 minute reading is $35. Go with your best friend or your hippie-dippie mom and you can spend HOURS dissecting what you just heard over a cup of coffee afterwards.
- Have a friend with really… unique taste? Then head to the Pike Place Rummage Hall- it’ll feel like you’re wandering through the closets of a bunch of eccentric aunts you never got to meet. Head down on a Friday or Saturday and spend your lunch break or pre-brunch wait combing the stalls for costume jewelry, used books, leather goods, mismatched dishware and more. It’s all kinds of magic and it’s really cheap.
- Don’t forget about flowers. Pike Place Market has an incredible selection of floral vendors. For less than $10 you can make somebody’s day with some really gorgeous flowers. (Don’t even THINK about going to a grocery store for your floral needs!)
- Finally, I have to tell you about one of my favorite vendors in the market- Seattle Rainwater Soap Company. Becky, the owner, uses one of our most abundant natural resources here in Seattle- yes, she uses actual rainwater- to make her olive-oil based, all natural, super yummy smelling soap and skin products. Her soap sampler sets make a great gift, only cost $12 (or $10 each if you purchase 10 or more sets), and are 1000% better than anything you can find in a mall. As an added bonus, Seattle Rainwater Soap Co. is offering yay-today readers a special offer: mention yay-today, and you’ll get a FREE Mosaic Soap with ANY purchase. This applies to both in-person and online orders and is good through the end of the year.
So now you can start your shopping like a true Seattlite. Or maybe a tourist. Just go buy some soap.
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Seattle Rainwater Soap is truly the best. If you love really nice soap it can’t be beat.
I’ve done the hippie dippie reading with Ms. Christopher. She’s great and somehow knew my mom was getting a colonoscopy, which is just strange.