Whether you’ve been naughty or nice, you may find yourself looking to purchase last-minute holiday gifts. The many shops, salons and restaurants make Wallyhood feel as festive as a Christmas market (but sadly without the mulled wine). I spent Sunday afternoon walking the length of 45th Street from Thackery to Stone Way and was able to satisfy much of my shopping list. In case it helps any other neighborhood elves, here is a detailing of retailers I encountered along the way:
Hawaii General Store: Spread some aloha this holiday season! Lots of great items that celebrate the best of Hawaiian culture – from party decorations to specialty snacks, art, Christmas decor and jewelry. They have fresh leis in a cooler and carry what has become my favorite mask of the pandemic.
PNW Store: A gift-buying haven with Pacific Northwest themed items ranging from a sweet Wallingford tea towel to jewelry, ceramics, and glassware (including handblown ornaments).
Wally Pets: This was the best gem for me! I wanted to get a couple gifts from my friend’s two small dogs. Not being a dog-owner, I was intimidated by the task. Wally Pets owner, Paul, greeted me warmly and swooped in to support this endeavor. I showed him a picture of the dogs from Instagram, and without hesitation, he guided me directly to what they needed (a special dog shammy for drying, some Wallingford made treats and two squeaky hedgehogs…in case you were wondering). While I was in the shop, Paul greeted multiple dogs by name and oozed affection for new canine pals. It was truly endearing.
PETI Boutique: PETI showcases local artists, designers, creators and makers. Everything in this store is beautiful and intentionally sourced. it often stretches my budget, but was featuring 20% off clothing. I walked away with two gorgeous and well-priced jewelry dishes for my mom and sister-in-law, bath scrub for a friend and a truly sweet doll for my daughter.
Cedarhouse Flowers: This is my absolute favorite place to peruse on a weekend walk (as the owner, a Wallingford resident and her fantastic team can attest). I bought a succulent for a neighbor, a stunning wreath for my front door, and a rose quarts bracelet for my mom (perfectly accompanying the jewelry dish from the co-located PETI)! They create bouquets of flowers — exquisite works of art suitable for any gathering that can be created at a wide variety of budgets. Proof that “arrangements from Cedarhouse Flowers have a heart”
Seattle Plant Daddy: This shop carries an amazing selection of exotic and rate plants and happens to be where I got my beloved candelabra cactus named Lumiere. The owner also makes this a worthwhile Instagram follow if you want to stay up-to-date on the latest plant babies to this true Seattle plant DADDY! Gift cards are available on line rather than in store.
Wish: One-of-a-kind Women’s (or any human who likes it) Clothing, jewelry, mugs, and bags.
Tweedy and Pop: This was my best source of hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes throughout the pandemic, so if you’re looking for a practical gift, this may be a good place to pop into!
Sock Monster: Looking for something that fits no matter how much fruitcake you devour? Socks are always a safe bet! The products here range from adorable to quirky and are sure to be a hit across a broad audience.
Friday Afternoon Tea: This delightful geek-themed tea shop took me a few blocks off 45th on Stone Way and 43rd. Here, I bought a tea and book bundle of Alice in Wonderland with teas cleverly titled “Cheshire Smile, Wonderland Blend, Queen of Hearts, Very Good Advice, and Hats Off” for my niece, as well as restocking some rich and silky black tea for myself. The employees cheerfully coached me towards the right varieties based on my flavor preferences…and maybe even a more supernatural insight!
Archie McPhee: At this local retailer with the slogan: We make weird”, I went straight to the choking hazard section and loaded up on tiny trinkets to fill the impossibly tiny square drawers of my kid’s wooded advent calendars. They have an endless supply of oddities including bigfoot ornaments, rubber chickens and tiny knit hats for your thumbs.
City Cellars and Bottle Works helped load up on a couple of liquid stocking stuffers for the husband, just to ensure things stay merry over the holidays!
Pharmaca: Wandering into Pharmaca for a COVID booster, I was surprised by how many great gift options they had. From cozy scarves and knit hats to locally made jewelry and candles. I got a couple spoons that you can stir into milk for decadent hot chocolate and confess that these did not make it to Christmas…
Stoneway Hardware: Offering 25% off due to the store closing (insert silent sobs here). Who’s to say the patch kit for our inflatable kiddie pool doesn’t make a good stocking stuffer…
Saltstone Ceramics: Featuring “Handmade for the holidays” with 45 talented artists showcasing more than 1,500 handmade objects. There was a ceramic Kokeshi Doll in the window here that I ogled for many months. It would have made an ideal gift for me…(in case anyone needs a hint), but it appears to have gone to it’s forever home. Congratulations to whomever purchased this gorgeous piece! If you are looking for something special for your nearest and dearest, check out their website for incredible artisan works.
Open Books: Curling up by the fire with a new book of poetry is a holiday dream for me and this is the place to make that happen! 
Golden OIdies: Selling records, tapes and CDs in Wallingford since 1977, and specializing in hard-to-find and out-of-print records, this is a great spot for music lovers. There is currently a sign on the door stating that they are closed due to damage, but you can still order online.
In addition to these great retailers, Wallingford celebrates top-notch services providers like salons and restaurants, offering gift cards. We know there are more great places in Wallingford, so please put your holiday shopping tips in the comments.
It is also worth acknowledging the tremendous privilege it is, to be able to purchase gifts for everyone in my family. If you are looking to give the gift of community impact, there a series of great local charities accepting special holiday donations. Please consider supporting Family Works, Wallingford Boys & Girls Club, Assistance League of Seattle, or Seattle Community Fridge and please add additional causes in the comments here.
