In support of buying locally and in an effort to prepare for holiday shopping, Kirsty and I spent a leisurely morning visiting stores in our neighborhood of Queen Anne, Seattle. If you’re in Seattle, come up “the hill” this Friday night and enjoy the annual tree lighting tradition, complete with Santa at HomeStreet Bank. Not in the Pacific Northwest? Many of these businesses ship!
After starting the morning with a café con leche at El Diablo Coffee Co., be sure to check out Queen Anne Book Company for a great selection for everyone on your list. In particular, a vast assortment of cookbooks and an awesome children’s book section are worth making the trip for.
Queen Anne Olive Oil Company is owned by Seattle brothers Gary and Larry. Everyone working in the family-owned store is very knowledgable on their huge, seasonal selection of olive oils and vinegars. Create your own oil and vinegar pairings perfect for holiday hostess gifts, or simply come in and sample their blackberry ginger vinegar.
Avenue Arts is not your basic frame store. If you haven’t ventured in, your missing out on a fantastic selection of unique gifts and special finds. In particular, we love their fun jewelry and were enamored with the holiday socks.
Popular among Queen Anne’s youngest residents, Once Upon A Time is a specialty toy store offering handmade and finely crafted toys, children’s apparel, games, and crafts. You can find felting kits, fancy princess dresses, and fairy tale floor puzzles for every child on Santa’s “nice” list.
Need a break from shopping? Stop in for a mid-morning Kouign Amann pastry (pronounced Queen Iman) at Le Rêve. Their macarons are also worth your time, and the lunch menu is fantastic…I recommend the Croque Monsieur with side salad.
In need of holiday decorations, or at least some holiday inspiration? Look no further than Three Birds, my favorite stop on “the ave” for special home decor and unique gifts. Etched glasses perfect for entertaining, glittering tin ornaments to add sparkle to your tree, and delicious holiday treats that make excellent stocking stuffers can all be found in this charming boutique. 
Blue Highway Games offers games and puzzles galor sufficient to motivate your family off the couch and away from their screens. They also host special events in their gaming space – something can be found for kids of all ages here!
Nancy’s Sewing Basket is not to be overlooked as you venture down Queen Anne Avenue. Their ribbon room is chock full of special finds sure to make your gifts stand out under the tree!
My favorite neighborhood boutique, Queen Anne Dispatch offers far more than women’s apparel (of which you have seen both Kirsty and I post about frequently). Cards, candles, a great kids’ art and book section, and unique home accessories are also worth checking out here. Also, consider your NYE party attire when browsing their fantastic dresses and sparkling accessories. 
Exhausted from a day of shopping? Congratulate yourself on a job well-done and treat yourself to an Eggnog Snickerdoodle cupcake at Cupcake Royale. More of a DYI cupcake aficionado? Cupcake Royal offers both a mix and their frosting for you to bake-up at home!
More information on the Queen Anne Tree Lighting plus local retailers offering special promotions can be found on the Queen Anne View.
What are your favorite local shops? Seattle hotspots? As always, thanks for reading! ~Jenn (and Kirsty too!)