Under the Tree
Presentation (pun intended) is part of the fun when it comes to holiday gifting– and if you’re looking to shop local for gift wrap, Cresswell Boggs is sure to have everything you need and more. If you prefer to get your gifts professionally wrapped, Paper Dreams offers both gift wrap and wrapping services, as does Cordata Post and Parcel.
Looking to add even more pizzazz to your presents? For the cutest holiday cards in town, check out Bison Bookbinding and Letterpress in Downtown Bellingham. In addition to greeting cards, they also have adorable recipe cards for holiday treats like candy cane shortbread and mint hot chocolate. You can also find cute note cards just down the street at Brazen Shop + Studio and The Lucky Dumpster in Bow-Edison.
The Lucky Dumpster, photo by Lara Dunning
Swoon-Worthy Stocking Stuffers
If your family’s Christmas stockings could use a custom upgrade, EtchCraft is a Bellingham-based crafter who creates personalized embroidered stockings that will look stunning on any mantle. As for what to stuff your stocking with, the possibilities are truly endless when you shop local– but here are a few of our favorites.
EtchCraft, photo by Sofia Apkalikova
- For the mixologist: Shrubs are zingy (and non-alcoholic) mix-ins to add extra oomph to any drink, and Girl Meets Dirt’s miniature samplers are the perfect size for stocking stuffers. 208 Enchanted Forest Rd., Ste. A, Eastsound, 360.375.6269, girlmeetsdirt.com
- For the baker: If your loved one wants to make the cutest cake in town, get them a cake topper kit from MaryGold Tales. These whimsical, watercolor-illustrated decorations will add flair to any celebration. Ferndale, marygoldtales.com
- For the comedian: Cresswell Boggs has a vast selection of humorous gifts, whether that be cheeky card games, irreverent magnets, or even novelty shot glasses. 1300 Railroad Ave., 360.752.0522, Bellingham, cresswellboggs.com
- For the nerd: Looking for games or collectible trading cards? Cardhaven Games has one of the best selections in Bellingham. 1111 McKenzie Ave., Bellingham, 360.398.6183, cardhavengames.com
- For the scientist: You’ve probably seen bioluminescence light up the bay on summer nights, but did you know that you can purchase a decorative orb filled with these phytoplankton to admire all year long? PyroFarms is a phytoplankton farm (yes, those exist!) that sells them to consumers across the United States. pyrofarms.com
- For the self-care queen: Bubbles and Ewe specializes in bath bombs that look as good as they smell, and their creative shapes and designs are sure to please kids and grown-ups alike. Sumas, bubbles-ewe.com
Girl Meets Dirt, photo courtesy of Girl Meets Dirt
Six Can’t-Miss Markets for Holiday Gift Shopping
- Holiday Festival of the Arts
- What: Presented by the Allied Arts of Whatcom County, this annual festival features the work of more than 100 regional artisans.
- When: Nov. 18-Dec. 24
- Where: Downtown Bellingham Allied Arts gallery (in-person) or online. 1418 Cornwall Ave., Bellingham, alliedarts.org
Holiday Festival of the Arts, photo courtesy of Allied Arts of Whatcom County
- Red Barn Market
- What: This beloved holiday market brings together artisans and vintage vendors twice a year– once during the spring, and once during the holiday season.
- When: Nov. 4-5
- Where: Northwest Washington Fairgrounds 1775 Front St., Lynden, 360.441.8084, redbarnmarketevents.com
- Valley Made Market
- What: Valley Made is a monthly pop-up maker’s market in Mount Vernon, and the holiday edition is one of their biggest events of the year.
- When: Dec. 9-11
- Where: The Vinery event space at Christianson’s Nursery 15612 Best Rd., Mount Vernon, valleymademarket.com
Valley Made Market, photo by Sig Photography
- Pacific Arts Market
- What: After a pandemic-induced hiatus, this long-running local tradition is set to return in 2022.
- When: First three weekends of December
- Where: Sunset Square in Bellingham 1125 E. Sunset Dr., Ste. 115, pacificartsmarket.com
- Make.Sale
- What: This quirky DIY arts-and-crafts sale is hosted by Make.Shift, a Bellingham arts space that supports and empowers local creators.
- When: Dec. 2-3
- Where: Make.Shift, 306 Flora St., Bellingham, 306.933.1849, makeshiftartspace.org
- Anacortes Holiday Market
- What: After the farmers market season winds down, this holiday market presents a great opportunity to both stock up on produce and knock out some Christmas shopping.
- When: Nov. 19-20
- Where: Depot Arts Center in Anacortes, 611 R Ave., Anacortes, anacortesfarmersmarket.org
Red Barn Market, photo by McKenna Ross
This is an excerpt from our November/December feature, Classic Christmas. See the previously posted excerpt here.