A Very Everett Ho-Ho-Holiday Gift Guide
Story & images by: Richard Porter.
‘Tis better to give than receive and all that, and when it’s time to stuff stockings, look no further than Everett, Washington. This is the place. You can skip the drama of major shopping centers while supporting your neighbors and possibly getting some steps in, working off all those delicious holiday cookies.
We’ve done the legwork of hustling up your local gift ideas -- including options for gift cards and experiences, which you can purchase via hyperlink. Who’s the king of Christmas cheer now, Santa?
Retail
Hit the decks at Pops on Rucker Avenue in Everett.
Pops >> 2826 Rucker Ave
Got a sk8r in your life? Visit Pops for skateboards, skate shoes, and t-shirts. It’s time to skate or die, once you get decked out in the knee pads and helmets sold at this hometown skate shop. Also, their swag is really cool.
Sno-Isle Food Co-op >> 2804 Grand Ave
For the bespoke, cozy, fair-trade vibes with just a hint of crunchy granola, hit up the co-op. You’ll find knit hats, gloves, candles, journals, books, incense, and tarot-themed gems. Plus you can snag specialty food or beverage items for the foodie in your life.
Give cozy vibes, courtesy of the Sno-Isle Food Co-op.
Artisans PNW >> 1800 Hewitt Ave
Support local artists and pick up a hot chocolate and pastry to warm up your wintertime shopping spree. Artisans PNW sells local books, paintings, jewelry and art prints from local makers and (bonus!) next door is Artisans Books and Coffee.
After digging for vinyl, it's time to crack open a cold one to make the season bright.
Source: Discover Snohomish County
Apollo Exos Records >> 1717 Hewitt Ave
For the music lover. This hometown record store has a quality selection of not just well-curated vinyl, but also cassettes, CDs, VHS, laserdiscs, and even more types of media. And they serve beer! Dig through crates or records for a gem, or buy a gift card for a loved one.
Next Level Video Games >> 1913 Hewitt Avenue
I’m not the biggest video game guy, but I can nerd out hard on 1995’s Donkey Kong Country 2 for SNES -- a nostalgic childhood personal fave. To this end, Next Level has been my go-to with my daughter for finding vintage games. Next Level has all the goodies: gaming consoles and games from Playstation, GameCube, original SNEs, Dreamcast... you get the idea. Plus,they have Pokemon, Magic the Gathering and other similar card games. Time to level up!
Petrikor >> 2816 Rucker Ave
Known as a general store for modern folk, Petrikor has upscale household, garden, and pantry items of an heirloom quality. Go classy with minimalist backpacks, tinned fish, or candles. A highbrow move.
Handthrown pottery at Petrikor.
Kennelly Keys >> 7903 Evergreen Way
While you may not be buying a Les Paul guitar for your loved one, you can find some beautiful gifts for the musically-inclined person in your life. Ukuleles for kids, harmonicas, or even music lessons are the perfect way to give the gift of an aesthetic activity and meaningful hobby.
Gift Cards & Experiences
Gift an experience of childlike wonder at Imagine Children’s Museum. Source:
Discover Snohomish County
Imagine Children’s Museum - A world of exploration awaits young minds here: everything from STEM activities to play structures and arts and crafts tables are designed to stimulate and educate the entire family.
Flying Squirrel - Experience this huge neon-colored indoor trampoline park, complete with climbing walls, an arcade, and putt putt golf. Let’s go!
Summit Everett - Get a workout in the off season at this indoor climbing gym. Keep your eyes peeled for their killer Black Friday season deals, where you can score passes at half the normal price.
Silvertips tix - A Silvertips hometown hockey game is a veritable hat trick: good food, good players, good times. Score tickets for the puck of it.
Knock it out of the park this season with Aquasox tickets.
Aquasox tix - Take them out to the ballgame with tickets to the Sox. This gift is a home run for sports fans, no question.
South Fork Bakery preorder goodies - Be the culinary star of the yuletide get-together. Preorder butterflake rolls, pies, and cinnamon rolls and you’re set to impress!
POV: you preordered the cinnamon rolls so that you can just kick back this holiday season and stay dope. Thanks, South Fork!
Other Notable Mentions
Tommy’s Guitars >> Tommy's turns 20 next year. Find that perfect gift for the guitar aficionado in the fam.
Funko >> Design your own custom Pop! for a personalized and one-of-kind gift.
Ballard Consignment >> Searching for that perfect MCM piece for your home this holiday. Look no further.
Colors of Hawaii >> Grey skies got you down? Bring a little Aloha spirit to your holiday.
The Attic >> Looking for that perfect vintage gift? Don't sleep on The Attic.
Burkett’s >> Tasteful attire and gorgeous gifts, Burkett's is your holiday gift go-to.
Wicked Social Club >> Bring a special bottle and create memories around the table this holiday. Don't know what to choose? Wick will capably guide you.
Vision Quest - Make it a mystical holiday with a unique gift from the newly relocated Vision Quest on Hewitt.
Did we miss your fave spot to snag that perfect holiday gift? Send us a note.
Richard Porter is a marketer for Snohomish County’s Executive Office by day, and a freelance writer. He lives with his wife and daughters in Everett. When he’s not writing or drinking coffee, he’s probably binging podcasts while running or hiking.
