Holiday gift ideas to support Sammamish businesses
While many of us are ready to turn the page to 2021, Sammamish residents are still getting ready for the holiday season, albeit one that may be a little cozier than usual this year. More cars on the roads and somewhat bustling stores are indicative of holiday shopping activity.
With the pandemic’s impact on local businesses growing this winter, we decided to create a holiday gift guide as a way to support local businesses, with recommendations of unique gifts for family, friends and yourself.
Gift Baskets
Gift Baskets are a great way to amaze and wow your recipient with a lovely presentation that is filled with an assortment of umpteen goodies. Here are a few options where you could find pre-made gift baskets, or acquire a spread of items to assemble into a basket yourself.
Accents et cetera, a woman-owned family business has been creating custom gift baskets since 1991. Run by Susan Huenfeld, Accents et cetera supports small, local vendors and fills holiday baskets with everything from Dilettante chocolates, wine and cheese selections, unique Northwest products, glass ornaments and more. Small toys and plush animals are offered to add as a perfect stocking stuffer. Huenfeld said she has been working hard to make the baskets available in a COVID-19 friendly manner and has delivery and pick-up options available. (Accents et cetera, 1225 244th Ave NE Sammamish, WA, 425-836-0810)
Besides offering high quality groceries, Metropolitan Market also has a housewares section, which is stocked to the brim with holiday recipe books and kitchen necessities like ceramics, mugs and baking dishware. Pick up some cookie cutters and holiday aprons for the baker of the family, or a Dutch oven for an ambitious cook.
“Since there aren’t many gift shops around, we try and get something for everyone here,” said housewares manager Melissa Flood. Board games, Sammamish-themed candles with scents like “Fall in Sammamish” and “I Heart Sammamish,” holiday socks and ornaments round out a diverse selection of gifts at Met Market. (Metropolitan Market, 301 228th Ave SE, Sammamish, WA, 425-295-0456)
Mud Bay is the perfect place to stop for all things pets. Without a doubt, dogs have served double duty by taking their owners on mental health walks all year, so return the favor by picking up a bag of treats or a new toy for your furry friend. Mud Bay has everything from holiday stuffed toys, pet beds, cat towers and an array of pet food. Check out their own gift guide here. (Mud Bay, 22830 NE 8th St, Sammamish, WA, 425-961-6490)
Restaurants
With restaurants and stores buckling under lockdown restrictions, supporting them ensures they will still be there when the pandemic is over. Sammamish is home to a variety of restaurants serving different pallets.
Chan’s Place and Hopsndrops in Klahanie Shopping Center are great options, both offering gift certificates in any denomination.
“For every $25 gift card purchase, we are donating a meal to Issaquah Food bank,” said Donnie Thompson, the kitchen manager at Hopsndrops.
Gift certificates from Tanoor and Papaya located at Sammamish Village are also good options for those who crave a Middle Eastern or Asian spread to take out.
A staple in Sammamish Highlands, Pine Lake Ale House has a great following of loyal customers for its great food and drinks.
“We are mailing gift cards to Vancouver WA for a lady who wishes to then give it as a gift to her family in Sammamish,” said Kevin Gattke, the owner of this restaurant that has been in Sammamish for over 20 years. Pine Lake Ale House is offering four different ‘to-go’ holiday cocktails available in tamper proof containers, perfect for celebrating holidays at home. (Pine Lake Ale House, 430-710 228th Ave NE, Sammamish, WA, 425-898-9099)
Hobbies
Hobbies have made a comeback for many during this work and stay at home environment.
Glass House Dance owners Larisa and Ryan Eronemo started the now widely praised dance studio in 2016. They offer Jazz, Ballet, Hip Hop, Modern and Acrobatic classes for all ages, and the studio now holds in-person, outdoor and virtual options for classes. The gift of dance is available in the form of gift certificates, which the studio is happy to provide for anyone who may be interested in taking classes. (Glass House Dance, 3310 E Lake Sammamish Pkwy SE, Sammamish, WA, 425-399-2353)
A gift certificate from Sameeksha Performing Arts is a great option for classical Indian or Bollywood-style dance lovers on your list. Locally-owned, they offer online classes for kids, teens and adults. (Sameeksha Performing Arts, 425-289-6921, info@sameekshaperformingarts.com)
For music lovers, Moore Brothers is also a great place to purchase music lessons or instruments.
Family Portraits
Bring your family closer together with a gift that lasts a lifetime.
Jean Johnson Productions is a Sammamish-based photography studio. They work with all portrait needs including family, high school senior, engagement and wedding, maternity and newborn, headshots and branding, and events.
“We always offer gift certificates for any dollar amount to cover a session in full,” said Emily Johnson, who runs the company with her mother Jean. (Jean Johnson Productions, 21330 SE 39th St Sammamish, WA, 425-681-8390)
Sammamish-based photographer Tessa Viamonte holds photo shoot sessions for families, high school seniors, portraits, weddings, and engagements shooting on location in Sammamish, Bellevue, Issaquah, Kirkland and Seattle. You can contact her for possible gift certificates and bookings this holiday season. (Tessa Viamonte Photography, 425-890-0522, tessa@tessaviamontephotographry.com)
Consider supporting these local Sammamish businesses this holiday season. Happy shopping and happy holidays!
