The holiday season is upon us and we are all thinking about what gifts to give the loved ones in our lives. From boutiques to bookstores, the islands are ready to meet all your holiday shopping needs. If you are unable to visit this season, shop online and support Friday Harbor’s local businesses.
The Saturday after Thanksgiving is known as Small Business Saturday. Observed since 2010, the day is a reminder that our decisions matter and that by shopping small we are supporting one another and our local community’s economy. The other benefit of shopping locally is that you know who you are buying from. It is a more personal transaction when you take a moment to chat with the artist or shop owner. You are supporting what they are doing and making a difference, both this Saturday and all year long.
Okay, folks, whether online or in person, let’s do some holiday shopping!
Pelindaba Lavender
Pelindaba Lavender has an organic lavender farm on San Juan Island and sells their products right here in downtown Friday Harbor. Pelindaba practices sustainable agriculture, and they love to share information about their farming practices and the history of lavender with their customers. Many beauty and essential oil products on the market are made with synthetics, but this is never the case with Pelindaba Lavender products. They pride themselves on organic, ethically farmed lavender, even extracting the lavender essential oil at an onsite distillery. Pelindaba Lavender offers a wide range of products from skincare to household cleaners to items for your kitchen pantry. If creating a gift basket is not your forte, they have a wide variety of pre-packaged gifts to choose from. If you have a foodie in your life, they have an assortment of lavender-infused sauces, teas, salts, and peppers. The lavender dark chocolate sauce is a favorite, especially over ice cream. Pelindaba does not only cater to people. They also cater to animals. They produce homemade dog treats and pet shampoos as well. Whether you are able to shop at Pelindaba Lavender in person or virtually, you will not be disappointed with the quality of their products.
Sandpebble
A community-favorite boutique, Sandpebble owners Brian and Carolyn Leighton have carefully curated all the products in their store. As soon as you walk through the door, you are lured in deeper by the scent of harvest apple candles and a perfect scene of household items placed neatly on tables and handmade shelves. Sandpebble carries a range of items including cards, stationery, wrapping paper, party supplies, home décor, candles, women’s clothing, men’s clothing, children’s clothing, jewelry, and books. The list goes on. They have a little bit of everything in this store. This shop is a go-to whenever you need to find a present for friends and family. They carry only ethically-produced products, so you can also feel good about what you are buying from them.
Paula West Pottery
Paula is a local potter who creates unique coffee mugs, plates, bowls, and all things ceramic. She has a small shop that is attached to her studio in Friday Harbor. Paula’s focus is on creating a product that is functional but also unique. You might select a beautiful ceramic plate for your loved one to reuse throughout the year. For your coffee-loving friend, perhaps one of her handmade mugs or cappuccino cups. They sit so perfectly in the center of your hand. Maybe you have a gardener or florist in your family who would love a new hand-thrown ceramic vase that will last for years to come. Not only would you be supporting a small business, you would be supporting a local artist.
Friday Harbor Chocolates
The holidays call for chocolate and at Friday Harbor Chocolates you will find all that your sweet tooth desires. They not only sell chocolate, but they also have a phenomenal selection of wines and ports that pair well with sweets. What more could someone ask for? Friday Harbor Chocolates sources artisan chocolate from small chocolatiers in Oregon and Washington. The chocolatiers are always creating seasonal products featuring the flavors of the season. The shop has chocolates filled with butter rum, eggnog, pumpkin spice, and peppermint. If you are more into the classics, they also carry milk and dark chocolate and truffles filled with raspberries, ganache, hazelnuts, and so much more.
The Tucker House Inn & Harrison House Suites
With the gift of travel, you are giving somebody an experience that creates a lifetime of memories. The inn, just a few short blocks from the ferry landing, is a great home base for exploring San Juan Island. Guests enjoy a hot seasonal breakfast each morning delivered to their door and concierge services to help plan the perfect trip. The inn also provides bikes and kayaks (April-October) for guests to use to explore the island during their stay. Looking for a guest room with a jetted tub, a fireplace, or a private hot tub? Our innkeepers are happy to help you find the perfect unit whether you are visiting for a romantic getaway or with your family and pets in tow. Come and do a little holiday shopping of your own. We’ll have freshly baked cookies and cocoa waiting for you when you finish crossing all the gifts off your list. Visit the inn’s website to book your getaway or purchase gift certificates for friends and family this holiday season. We’ll see you for check-in!
Special Offer for Small Business Saturday: Purchase $75 worth of items from our gift shop and receive a complimentary bag of our housemade granola – one of our most popular items. And for every $100 lodging gift certificate purchased, receive an additional $25 dining voucher for our own Coho Restaurant. Browse the gift shop…
