Seattle Holiday Gift Guide: Small Shops, Big Impact
At Liddane Tutoring & Learning Services, we know what it means to be a small business in Seattle. Every family who walks through our doors reminds us that running a small business isn’t just about services and schedules. It’s about relationships, community, and the belief that what you do each day makes a real difference.
That’s why, when the holiday season rolls around, we make it a point to celebrate the other small businesses that keep Seattle vibrant. We know firsthand how much it matters when a parent chooses local — it’s not just a purchase, it’s a vote of confidence in the people behind the counter.
This year, we’ve put together a guide to some of our favorite local shops and experiences. Whether you’re shopping in Green Lake after a tutoring session or exploring neighborhoods across the city, these are places where your dollars have a big impact and your gifts carry extra meaning.
Why Shopping Small in Seattle Matters
When you shop small, you’re doing more than crossing gifts off a list. You’re:
Supporting family-owned businesses.
Keeping money in the community.
Finding gifts that are unique, personal, and memorable.
For parents, it’s a way to simplify holiday shopping while still giving thoughtfully.
Green Lake Favorites (Close to Home)
If you’re already dropping your student off near our Green Lake office, here are a few easy stops to make holiday errands more meaningful:
Retreat Greenlake: A cozy café with seasonal drinks and gift cards perfect for teachers or coaches.
Mockingbird Books: A charming children’s bookstore filled with picture books, middle grade adventures, and YA favorites.
Eighty4: A boutique offering home goods and locally made gifts for all ages.
Seattle Gems Beyond Green Lake
Elliott Bay Book Company (Capitol Hill): A literary landmark with something for every reader.
Glassybaby (Madrona & SODO): Hand-blown glass votives that are both beautiful and meaningful, with proceeds supporting local charities.
Flora & Henri (Pioneer Square): Elevated gifts, toys, and clothing for parents who want something extra special.
Made in Washington: From food to art, it’s a one-stop shop for locally made treasures.
Experiences to Gift
Some of the best gifts don’t come wrapped. Instead, they create memories:
Seattle Aquarium or Pacific Science Center memberships for family outings.
Local classes in art, music, or sports to nurture new passions.
Tutoring sessions at Liddane, the gift of confidence and learning that lasts well beyond the season.
This holiday season, let’s slow down and choose gifts with intention. Shopping small in Seattle not only makes your presents more meaningful, it also strengthens the community our families call home.
From books to experiences to the gift of learning, these are the treasures that remind us what giving is all about.
