Seattleite Summer Gift Guide

It is now officially summer and the weather has certainly reflected that the past few days. For reunions with friends and family, for summer birthdays, for a treat for yourself… here are some of our favourite things right now. As always, we try to have a focus on local goods and small businesses owned by women.

Oregon Bark’s Tom Bumble. Photo credit: Oregon Bark

Oregon Bark x Tom Bumble

This woman-owned company based out of Portland, Oregon produces some of the yummiest candies. After moving to the PNW from Los Angeles, Anne Smith had an idea to make candy without using animal products, and with only fair trade and organic ingredients. The Tom Bumble peanut butter flake candy is my all-time favourite. It’s similar to a butterfinger, but with cleaner ingredients, and a smoother finish. It’s also gluten and dairy free. Buy them online here or find them in a local store here.

Bubble Tea Kit by The Works. Photo credit: The Works

The Works x Bubble Tea Kit

Amidst news that there may be a boba shortage through the summer, what better way to mitigate that by making your own bubble tea at home? The Works—woman owned and operated by Kellie Phelan—switched to DIY at home kits during the pandemic this past year and is slowly coming back to host mini in-person classes starting in June. However, depending on your comfort level, the at-home DIY kits are a great activity for yourself or to send as gift.

Six DIY kits available online, including the bubble tea kit here.

Photo credit: Hmong Flower Farmers of Pike Place Market

Order Flowers from Hmong Family Farmers

A list of Hmong family farmers in the area who deliver, are at local farmer’s markets, or offer pick-up throughout the greater Seattle area. Check out the website here.

Photo credit: Power Plant

Power Plant Seattle

Founded by Joanne Cha in 2020, she has two locations inside local businesses: Musang (2524 Beacon Ave S, Seattle) and The Station (1600 S Roberto Maestas Festival St, Seattle). This new plant shop has so many fun plants for all the pandemic green thumbs in your life (or to add to your personal collection!).

Follow Power Plant on Instagram for updates and pop-ups.

Rainbow Drop Earrings. Photo credit: Boma Jewelry

Boma Jewelry

Seattle-based Boma Jewelry, an Asian-owned sustainable and ethical jewelry brand, will be donating 100% of the profit from two Pride styles: Rainbow Necklace and Rainbow Drop Earrings to Pride ASIA during the month of June. Pride ASIA is a local non-profit on a mission to celebrate, empower and nurture the multi-cultural diversity of the LGBTQ + community in Seattle.

Since 1981, Boma has been committed to making ethical jewelry that’s affordable and practical to wear everyday. The current CEO Suzanne Vetillart is the daughter of the founders. After working in the architecture field, she joined the company in 2016 and lives between Seattle and Bangkok with her family, including four small children.

Haoma Temple Balm. Photo credit: Spruce Apothecary

Spruce Apothecary x Temple Balm

Founded by Jenn and Tiann and located in West Seattle (4156 California Ave SW, Seattle), Spruce Apothecary is a skincare studio and retail space that focuses on clean and effective beauty products, holistic wellness, and sustainable lifestyle goods. Honestly, they carry so many amazing products, like this Haoma Temple Balm ($45) for healing damaged skin and for encouraging focus, introspection, and clarity or these reusable facial rounds made with hemp or cotton. It’s a fun store to browse if you’re in the area or find their products online.

Photo credit: Good + Well Supply Co.

Good + Well Supply Co. x National Park Candles

Founded by Megan McLaughlin, Good + Well Supply Co. candles are 100% vegan, 100% eco-friendly, 100% recyclable, and ethically sourced and produced. They’re made in the small batches in Seattle. This National Parks series makes us swoon, because National Parks are truly one of the great treasures of the U.S.

Buy them online here or find their products with the store locator (be sure to call ahead to the store if you are looking for a specific item).

Earth’s Shell Soaking Salt. Photo credit: Earth’s Shell

We are all for a good long soak in the tub, preferably accompanied by an immersive book, and a generous pour of wine. Earth’s Shell Replenishing Soaking Salts with Himalayan Pink Salt, Jojoba Oil, and Lavender Oil can make a luxurious bath even better. Created by Latina cosmetologist, Estafani German, the collection is 100% natural, ethically sourced, vegan, leaping bunny certified, and eco-friendly with recyclable packaging and a pledge to plant a tree for every single order. Soak your way away to glowing skin and happy, relaxed muscles!

Wax on Workshop. Photo credit: Grace Gow Jewelry

Grace Gow Jewelry x Custom Rings

Washington jewelry maker Cat McCadden created a super unique custom ring experience—a fun activity for friends, couples, or even to create your own wedding rings. The WOW TO-GO Kit includes everything needed to design your own ring, and a workshop led by Cat. You will receive the kit in the mail, log on to a live virtual class (or arrange for an in-person carve) and carve a ring out of wax. The wax gets returned to Cat and she casts and finishes the rings.

Photo credit: Moon Femme Collection

Moon Femme Collection

Owner and lead designer Jennifer Henley studied at Western Washington University and lives on Vashon Island. She combines unprocessed stones, industrial raw brass, hand-forged glasswork and rare vintage components to create radiant, healing art pieces that honor the ancient rite and ritual of self-adornment, and transformation.

The smoky herkimer diamond earrings ($50) here.

Instant Coffee. Photo credit: Looking Homeward Coffee

Looking Homeward Coffee x Instant Coffee

Owner Jake Deome has been in the coffee industry since 2007 and his company Looking Homeward Coffee is focused on roasting coffees sourced through direct and honest means. Find their coffee in a couple local coffee shops or buy online (local delivery is free!). Their instant coffee tastes like pourover, but in less time! Perfect for a quick coffee in the morning or while traveling (or camping and backpacking this summer!).

8 packets per pack for $20 here.

Ice Tea Collection. Photo credit: Smith Teamaker

With the rise in mercury, hot teas and toddies are fast giving way to fresh, chilled drinks. Portland-based Smith Teamaker is offering a premium Iced Tea Collection (including three new limited edition flavors) just in time for summer gatherings and porch hangouts. The blends are ethically-sourced, absolutely natural, sugar free and created from high-quality teas and botanicals. Choose from ridiculously delicious flavors like Mango Hibiscus and Pacific Lemongrass.

14 Hands Canned Rose. Photo credit: 14 Hands

Speaking of summer sips, It’s time for a rosé re-do. It’s time to celebrate being able to safely gather with vaccinated family members and friends for brunches and soirees, and that in itself, deserves a toast. Woodinville’s Chateau Ste Michelle has rosé offerings that are not just pretty in pink, but fruit-forward, crisp and elegant wines. Choose from mouthwatering options like Chateau Ste. Michelle Le Rosé, Erath 2019 Oregon Pinot Noir Rosé and H3 Wines. Want to sip your rosé outside? 14 Hands 2018 Rosé in cans is a great choice!

 Photos by Noah Forbes and Lisa Gallo

Coro by Salumi Culinary Gift Boxes

Women-owned Coro (by Salumi) makes delicious, salami snacks that are ideal for any upcoming beach picnic or backpacking adventure. Clara Veniard and Martinique Grigg are the proud owners of Coro, the country’s only woman-owned certified salami company. The road-trip-ready salami flavors include Mole and Classic (featuring cocoa and cinnamon / garlic and ginger) and Agrumi & Finocchiona (cardamom and orange / fennel and curry), and products can be found at local retailers including PCC, Town and Country, Central Market and Whole Foods Market.

Bonus: find festive curated collections like the Father’s Day Salami Sample Pack and Birthday Picnic Charcuterie Box here.

Photo credit: The Modern Dane

The Modern Dane x Linen Duvet Cover Sets

Wrap someone you love in nature-inspired linen sheets and duvet covers made by Seattle-based company The Modern Dane. Founder Jacob Andsager, who grew up in the small town of Broager, Denmark, chose to bring the spirit of his homeland to the PNW when creating this company that produces ultra-soft, hypoallergenic linens that are “artfully designed, carefully crafted.” He chose to use only OEKO-TEX and certified European Flax linen, “which means that every part of the final product has been tested to meet the highest environmental and toxicological standards.”

Shop their dreamy, organic products here.

Updated June 22, 2021. Originally posted on June 4, 2021.

Contributors: Corinne Whiting, Jennifer Liu, Aakanksha Agarwal