neighborhood guides
Gifts You Can’t Wait to Give
Holiday Gift Guide to the U District
The U District is such a creative neighborhood, brought to life by its residents, the students commuting to and fro, and all of the wonderful small businesses that cater well to the local community. When you do your holiday shopping in the U District, you’ll find creative gifts for everyone on your list! Visit a number of eclectic retails destinations and shop local to find the perfect gift – for a loved one or even for yourself!
Check out some of the highlights below, and keep reading for a more detailed list of options. ?
For more gift ideas, head to the Shops page to browse more businesses in the U District. Find our guide to festive winter events here!
Wellness & Self-Care | Plant Lovers | Husky Gear | Arts & Craft | Gamers | Book Lovers | Shoes & Apparel | Jewelry | Coffee Enthusiasts | Sweet Treats | Home Decor | Vinyl | Growlers of Fun
THE GIFT OF WELLNESS
Lulumiere
Lulumiere is a recent addition to the neighborhood, and we’re so elated about it. Linda, owner and creator of Lulumiere’s handmade candles and shower steamers, is inspired by the Pacific Northwest and the outdoors. For a friend or family member that could use some self-care, one of their natural made candles scented with essential oils may just be the perfect gift. Another great option would be treating them to a candle-making workshop taught by Linda herself.
Luminati Labs
Stop in to pick up a DIY face mask or give a gift-card for one of Luminati Labs sought after services. With an array of clothing, accessories, and lots of skincare, shopping with Luminati Labs is a great way to treat yourself or that special someone on your list this holiday season!
FOR THE PLANT LOVER
Fancy Plants Seattle
Fancy Plants Seattle (another recent addition to the U District!) is a store focused on growing healthy houseplants, providing plant education, and making plants accessible for all. If you’d like to give the gift of nature to a plant-curious or experienced person in your life, be sure to stop by the store, and they’ll help you pick the perfect companion for your friend/family based on their experience and lifestyle!
FOR YOUR FAVORITE HUSKY
University Bookstore
The U Book Store is a highlight for anyone stopping by the U District. This season, check out their collaboration with College Vault for clothing and goods featuring historic University of Washington logos!
FOR THE CREATIVES IN YOUR LIFE
Gargoyles
Gargoyles has been offering a vast array of gargoyles and pagan, Celtic, metaphysical, and esoteric art and gifts in the heart of the U-District since 1992. This is the perfect place to purchase unique pieces of art and curios for any loved one that enjoys gothic aesthetics. They also have rotating exhibitions of works from local artists, with prints available for those on a lower budget. Smaller gift options, like fridge magnets, buttons, tarot decks, books and more can also be found here.
Four Corners Art & Frame
Find a unique print already framed to take home or bring in your own favorite artwork to the U District’s own Four Corners Art & Frame. With so many options available, you’ll be able to create that perfectly custom piece, framed to perfection!
Artist & Craftsman Supply
There’s nothing like a blank canvas to spark creativity! This holiday season, give the gift of expression when you shop with Artist & Craftsman Supply.
FOR THE GAMER
Pink Gorilla Games
Fun fact: Pink Gorilla was voted as one of the “Top 5 Essential Spots to Visit In Seattle for Nerds” in 2018 by IGN. Known mostly for their retro games, they also offer a selection of more recent titles and consoles. For the nerdy loved one in your life, you can find a big variety of items that would make an excellent gift here, including plushies, figurines, and other accessories. It’s no wonder they’re such a great fit in the U District.
BOOK LOVER’S PARADISE
Magus Books
Stacks on stacks of books in the literary paradise that is Magus Books! Find great reads in every genre, along with rare printings you’ll only find here.
University Book Store
Not only does the U Book Store contain a wonderful selection of the newest titles, which makes for a super fun gander for any avid book lover; but they also sell many eclectic items rooted in motifs of the Pacific Northwest. Specialty soaps, tote bags, calendars, planners, and more can be found here. You’re certain to find a cute gift for any special person in your life. Or perhaps consider buying a gift card and let them shop at their own delight?
SHOES, SHOES, & MORE
Lucky Dog
Lucky Dog coins itself as a “Premium Thrift Shop” that focuses on street wear and luxury items. It’s a great place to find vintage sneakers, puffers, t-shirts, and luxury purses/bags (often at a bargain). Some of the brands you can find in their shop include Supreme, Patagonia, BAPE, Versace, and more.
Woolly Mammoth Shoes
Locally owned and operated for over 50 years in the U District, Woolly Mammoth specializes in comfortable footwear and good-looking shoes. A visit to their store would be a wonderful way to shop small this season.
JEWELRY COLLECTORS
Danaca Design
Danaca Design is a small-scale metal-working and jewelry fabrication studio founded in 2003. Give the gift of locally hand-crafted accessories, or perhaps gift a class in the art of decorative metal work and jewelry design.
ESPRESSO ENTHUSIASTS
Cafe Allegro
Seattle’s oldest espresso bar is known for great coffee! And what’s even better, they roast their own beans! Shop individual fresh-roasted coffee or give a subscription, all roasted on site at The Original Cafe Allegro in Seattle, WA.
Herkimer Coffee
Herkimer’s local coffee shop has been servicing the U District and Ravenna neighborhoods for the last fifteen years. They specialize in wholesale roasts, and procure from small farms that cultivate using old world methods, with a penchant for sustainability.
SWEET TREATS
Sweet Alchemy
Sweet Alchemy ice creamery is dedicated to producing small batch, organic, and locally sourced ice cream. Opened by UW alumn Lois Ko, this year Sweet Alchemy has prepared a special gift set spotlighting their popular Dalgona coffee flavor, along with a Dalgona scented candle, and a sweet alchemy branded mug, among other goodies. A great gift for any caffeine and sweets lover in your list.
HOME DECOR
Shiga’s Imports
Shiga’s Imports has officially reopened! After a stunning remodel, stop in for a curation of home goods, decor, and more at this U District favorite that has served Seattle since 1955.
VINYL
The U District is fast becoming a destination for vinyl! Score great finds at one of these local hotspots:
GROWLERS FROM LOCAL BREWERIES
Local breweries in the U District are serving up some of the city’s best – stop in and pick up a growler for the beer enthusiast on your list!
Ladd & Lass Brewing
Opened in 2022, Ladd & Lass is quickly becoming a fan-favorite. Pick up a growler or can of their Olympic Peaks IPA or Peach Gobbler and be the hero at your next holiday party.
Big Time Brewery & Alehouse
The 2022 Wooly is in and ready for you to order to take home! Or try the S’moredor Imperial Stout – brewed with marshmallows, cocoa, and graham crackers.