The Holiday season brings forth joyous celebration, familiar feelings of warmth and comfort, and a slightly colossal deficit to your bank account. A love language, a form of appreciation, or even the smallest personification of gratitude- gifts are a vessel for the emotional bounds of love. But, when the time comes to choose that perfect gift, the options can be overbearing! Worry not! We at HOMEROOM have got you covered with our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide!
Featuring historic shops across Seattle to some hidden gems, our guide is sure to appeal to every gift-giver. Shopping local and BIPOC-owned not only supports small businesses, but it also diversifies the market and (more often than not) produces higher-quality, thoughtful pieces for members of all families!
Kinokuniya Books
Uwajimaya Village
525 South Weller Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Conveniently located inside Uwajimaya’s historic C-ID flagship store is perhaps the most popular Japanese merchandise distributor in the state. Kinokuniya is recognized as the official retail partner of Studio Ghibli, so you know you will find something for all your Miyazaki fans here. But their collection doesn’t stop there. With books, CD’s, stationeries, figurines and more, there is something for everyone! Filled with high-quality pieces throughout, Kinokuniya is a staple for the holiday season (don’t forget to fill up on Musubi and Dochi on your way out!).
Mam’s Books
608 Maynard Ave S
Seattle, WA 98104
A newer edition to the C-ID landscape, Mam’s Books is perhaps the cutest bookstore in Seattle. The only independent Asian American in the Pacific Northwest, this space twists the traditional experience of literature into an informal, inviting entity that echoes a sense of nostalgia, comfort, and family. A bookstore like no other, Mam’s Books symbolizes the empowerment of Asian American voices through community engagement and history. Despite its age, this bookstore has already paved a path for itself in the history books of Seattle's famous International District.
Shiga’s Imports
4306 University Way NE
Seattle WA, 98105
Originally called “Shiga’s One World Shop”, this historic University Village staple has been around since the early 1960s. A family-owned business that contains much history and prominence in the Seattle area, Shiga’s Imports is a maintainable option for gifts and appliances. Imported from Japan, their store offers anything from high-quality Donabe (ceramic Japanese pot for cooking) to adorable Sanrio plushies, so you’re sure to find anything for a cheeky White Elephant gift exchange or a special purchase for family and friends.
The Souk (in Pike Place)
1916 Pike Pl #11
Seattle, WA 98101
One of the most prominent Middle-Eastern specialty shops in Downtown Seattle, The Souk is located within the historic cobblestoned roads of Pike Place. Containing an abundance of gifts and food, The Souk is one of the best resources for spices like Curry Powder, Garam Masala and more (all of which are original mixtures at great prices)! If a scoville intolerance hinders your enjoyment there are plenty of other options for purchasing, including jewelry and accessories from Turkey, India and South Asia.
KOBO
814 E Roy Street
Seattle, WA 98102
If quality and rarity are of the utmost importance when searching for gifts, look no further than KOBO (which translates from Japanese as “artist’s workspace”). Since 1995, this boutique specializes in both traditional and contemporary works, offering objects and art that is unique and exhibition-worthy. Functioning as almost a commercial museum, many pieces are from local artists, including hand-crafted stud earrings, beautiful clay vases and smooth silk & wool scarves. Each showcase is carefully curated, with KOBO’s staff emphasizing a minimalist aesthetic on an accessible level. Though the prices can be intimidating, these gifts are sure to last a lifetime- and the ability to support a local business and artists is priceless.
Sairen, C-ID
600 S Jackson Street
Seattle, WA 98104
Shopping Chinatown/International District is a modern necessity for Seattle natives, and supporting women-owned businesses like Sairen help uplift an economically and geographically neglected neighborhood in a time where gentrification and modern developments are threatening the longevity and preservation of culture. Founded in 2017, Sairen is an eclectic collection of Hawaiian, Japanese and Seattle-influenced clothing and collectables. A business with a brand identity spearheaded by quality selections and comfort, this store is the perfect encapsulation of fashion, culture and experience.
SUM Seattle
307 E Pike Street
Seattle, WA 98122
When you think of fashion capitals of the world, chances are that Seoul, LA, and NYC would top that list. SUM is this trifecta of fashion encapsulated in an aesthetic boutique, all within our touch in the Capitol Hill area. Founded by Susan Kim in 2016, SUM focuses on making K-fashion (Korean fashion) more accessible to the U.S. market through the uplifting of AAPI, BIPOC and LGBTQ+ designers. The company’s motto is “Love yourself and be yourself”- words to definitely live by but ideals that emphasize the personability and dedication to the store’s mission. Whether you visit the store in-person or order through their online shop, their customer service is next to none!
Inspo Candle Co.
inspocandleco.com
An entirely-online store, Inspo Candle Co is the pandemic brainchild of Annlee Hoy. Handcrafted and poured in Seattle, these candles are full of bright personality, with comforting scents to match. Their extremely affordable collections range from classic to fun twists on traditional candle making, with the “Speciality Collection” as our personal favorites (hint: they’re Boba themed candles). Made with premium natural coconut soy wax, these candles will be sure to light up any occasion and make a perfect stocking stuffer or housewarming present!
We hope that these stores will guide you towards the perfect gift for any individual in your life. By supporting local, BIPOC, AAPI and diverse businesses, we help uplift our communities and redefine the economic structure of our city! Where these stores are supplying gifts to their customers, you are also providing a prominent contribution to the cultural fibers of our communities. Happy shopping!
From everyone at HOMEROOM, we wish you a very Happy Holiday season!
