Seattle's Best Gifts and Stationery

This neighborhood treasure is a fun discovery for the whole family as a destination or a walk from the park.

Reviews:

• “Nice stuff from local artists”
• “Fantastic Shop!”
• “Great customer service!”

Tips: Make sure you look through each displayed drawer for hidden finds.

Jaywalk

Furniture shop sells fun, functional and affordable pieces.

Reviews:

• “Urban Outfitters Feel, but a step up!”

Retrofit Home or email Retrofit Home

This Belltown salon boasts a defiant, DIY haircare ethos with supplies for creating looks Mother Nature never intended.

Reviews:

• “Perfect low-key cut!”
• “Great haircut from Melissa”
• “For the best Extensions, cut , and color in town see Kelly at Vain!!!”
• “Kelly Rocks my Hair!!!!! Best stylist ever..”
• “Alexis: YOU ROCK MY WORLD!”

Tips: Stylist Shaun Surething is a color wizard famous for dynamite blond jobs and shag cuts. His popularity is growing wildly, so call at least two weeks in advance.

Vain or email Vain

Capitol Hill boutique specializes in one-of-a-kind, futuristic clothes, accessories and home goods

Reviews:

• “Unavoidable discovery”
• “So Many Pretty Things!”
• “Very Impressed!”

Tips: Ask about special in-store art opening events.

Galactic Boutique Store and Gallery

Family owned store specializes in importing exotic art pieces with a distinct Southeast Asian vibe.

Reviews:

• “Best place to get great gifts for loved ones and look at authenic southeast asian art.”
• “Best Thai imports”
• “Fun Shop”

Lanna Trading Company

Downtown shop offers popular British goods like teas, biscuits, mixes, marmalades, candies and condiments; fine China and decorative items available.

Reviews:

• “IT’S GONE – FORGET IT”
• “Love It!”

A British Affaire

Gift shop sells off-the-wall and unique products they claim “buck” conventional wisdom.

Reviews:

• “Largest collection of stickers I’ve ever seen, friendly service with discounts for trivia questions”

Tips: Online shopping is available for limited items.

Not A Number Cards & Gifts or email Not A Number Cards & Gifts

This traditional bookstore looks huge, but stays intimate by giving equal attention to local readers and international writers.

Reviews:

• “Fine Bookstore”
• “Browser’s delight”
• “Browse for Hours”
• “Always have what I need”

Tips: Author events at Elliott Bay are always free and often feature literary giants. Snap up tickets for popular events a couple of weeks in advance.

Elliott Bay Book Company

A playful kingdom of kitsch, every item is designed to shock or amuse.

Reviews:

• “Everything you don’t need but desperately want”
• “Novelty heaven”

Tips: Go early or brave crowds at Halloween and Christmas.

Archie McPhee & Co.

Bright, fragrant and colorful, this shop is not only appealing, it’s environmentally friendly.

Reviews:

• “Best gift selection”
• “Help the earth while you shop here.”

Tips: Look for the “Artist of the Month” display for a unique gift for a friend or a personal indulgence.

Portage Bay Goods

While away the afternoon at this international gift store specializing in items made from salvaged materials.

Reviews:

• “Great shop!”

Tips: Make an appointment to visit the design studio, where lamps and tables are made with reclaimed wood.

Bitters Co