Unique gift ideas from indie/small businesses

Throughout the year, I learn about small businesses or indie authors/musicians/crafters who create unique offerings that would make great gifts for the holidays (or all year round). I decided to compile a few here. They’re broken into categories ranging from artisans, to self-improvement, to good reads.  If you have suggestions, send them to me to be included in a future post. Happy Shopping! 

ARTISANS

3Box Studios – https://www.3boxstudios.com/

From their website: We create our original artwork in the backyard studios that we built from 3 steel shipping containers; metal, clay, and found treasures.

Pacific Northwest Gypsy – https://www.etsy.com/shop/gypsycrystle

Welcome! I am Gypsy Crystle. I live in WA state with my family and three kitties.
I am a self-proclaimed gypsy! I am a free-spirited, open-minded thinker who lives life as an adventure! You will find listings for readings in my shop as well as items that I have made when I feel inspired to create.

Blue Hawaii Art – https://www.etsy.com/shop/BlueHawaiiArt

From the website: Each year I am blessed to travel to Hawaii with the organization I volunteer for. The beauty of the islands inspires me so much, that I needed to put it into art…So “Blue Hawaii Art” was born.

Eco Collective – https://ecocollectiveseattle.com/

From their website: Low-impact living made simple. Eco Collective is Seattle’s first zero-waste store. Shop here online or at our Ballard location for everything you need to live trash-free.

Honeyberry Studios – https://honeyberrystudios.com/

From the website: Honeyberry Studios is a one-woman shop.
I create all the art and designs myself. I package all my products and do my own marketing. I sell them in my online shop, in-person at craft fairs, and wholesale to retailers around the country.

Rusty Raven Studio – https://www.facebook.com/RustyRavenStudio/

From the website: Art gallery located in the historic district of downtown Kent, WA, offering unique art and home decor.

B-Dazzled Creations by Andrea – http://www.northwest-handcrafted.com/b-dazzled-creations.html

From her website: HI! My name is Andrea. Thank you for coming to my page! I am a crafts person, and one of my crafts is making beautiful, hand crocheted necklaces! I love being creative, and I love to produce items that people appreciate!

Kelly’s Gift Boutique – https://www.facebook.com/KellysGiftBoutique/

From the Facebook page: Voted Kent’s FAVORITE Gift Boutique for 2011-2016! We have several very unique and talented vendors/artisans as well local crafters.

Bartell Drugs – www.bartelldrugs.com

Bartell Drugs carries all sorts of holiday goodies from Northwest artisans, as well as unique gift ideas for the Seattle sports fan. One of their limited items is a dual bobblehead of Seahawks Shaquill and Shaquem Griffin.

PHOTOGRAPHY

Mackenzie M Photography – https://mackenziemphotos.wordpress.com/

From his website: Mackenzie McAninch is a Seattle resident who has a deep, respectful love for the outdoors, which is often displayed in his photography. As an artist, he uses a spontaneous, simplistic, and honest approach.

Kruse Images and Photography: Models & Boudoir – https://www.kruseimagesandphotography.com

From Shauna’s website: Welcome to Kruse Images & Photography. Whether you’re an author looking for an exclusive book cover, a model wanting to update your portfolio, someone needing new headshots, a high school senior needing portraits, or a family needing a shoot, I pride myself in being able to get you exactly what you need. I specialize in book cover photography, but I have done it all along the way. With over 18 years of professional experience you are getting a professional for whatever you need.

Photographs by Dawndra – https://www.photographsbydawndra.com/

From her website: Seattle based Portrait Photographer for hire. I live for capturing moments and making moments happen.

SPECIALTY FOOD AND DRINK

Propolis Brewing – https://propolisbrewing.com

From their website: Seasonal Herbal Farmhouse Ales. Inspired by old world tradition, handcrafted with new world ingenuity. Organic, Local & Wildcrafted.

Lifeforce Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce – http://www.lifeforce-specialty-foods.com

From the website: An incredible sweet, roasted red bell pepper sauce!

PAMPERING

Jordan Samuel Skin – https://jordansamuelskin.com/

From the website: Jordan Samuel Skin – Products inspired by my time as a professional ballet dancer. Allowing you to choreograph your own unique skincare performance with ingredients that play well together. Glow in the radiance of you! (Disclaimer: I use this entire line and LOVE. IT. I have rosacea and contact dermatitis and this line treats my skin very well)

SELF-IMPROVEMENT

Nora Paxton Life Coaching for men – http://norapaxton.com/

Are you off-track when it comes to your life’s purpose?
Are you settling in your relationship or at work?
Lack of self-esteem?
Do you lack joy in work and day-to-day activities?
Have you lost yourself in your most important relationships?
Discover the work of Nora Paxton and learn the process behind her specific discipline of Life Coaching. (Full Disclosure: I know Nora and love the work she does. She’s filling a niche that’s not being served.)

Norma Rubio Mindfulness Meditation – https://www.normarubio.com/

I’m so happy you’re here. I teach and facilitate mindfulness and meditation to people of all meditation experience backgrounds. It truly is a dream come true (one I didn’t even know I had). For more about my journey please go here. And, you can find information on how we can work together here. Thank you for visiting. (Full Disclosure: I’ve known Norma for years. She’s a beautiful soul, inside and out.)

Dougall Fraser – Psychic, Author, and Cosmic Coach – https://www.dougallfraser.com/

From his website: Dougall has maintained a professional practice for more than fifteen years and is recognized as one of the country’s top psychics. His international clientele ranges from CEOs and celebrities, to people just like you who may need extra insight. With his own spiritual belief system, Dougall feels that we all have a blueprint for our lives. His main purpose is to help people assess and attain the life that they dream of. (Disclaimer: I know Dougall, professionally and personally. I cannot recommend him highly enough. If you’re looking to take your life to the next level, he’s the perfect coach. Check out his bestselling book, “Your Life in Color,” available on his website and on Amazon)

ENTERTAINMENT

Listening Room:

Bruiser Brody – http://bruiserbrodyband.com/

From their website: We are a band from Seattle. We are loud. (Full Disclosure: I. LOVE. THIS. BAND. I know all of the members, who play in other bands, most notably, Windowpane (Glenn), Klover Jane (JT), and Walking Papers (Jeffrey). Additionally, catch Steve Migs weekday mornings from 6:00 am – 10:00 am on BJ & Migs Mornings on 99.9 KISW – on the radio dial in Seattle or online at www.kisw.com).  If you like LOUD rock with strong melodies and powerful vocals, Bruiser Brody is for you.)

Windowpane – http://www.windowpane.net/

From their website: Foregoing fancy stage props and theatrics, Windowpane’s heavy, bouncy approach to American, dirty guitar driven Rock & Roll is proving to be extremely sought after. Their sound is raw, gritty, aggressive and dark, tailored with an angry blues-essence that bounces with deep & powerful grooves. Their lyrics are honest, open, and relate to the current vulnerabilities and frustrations that plague so many.(Full Disclosure: I. LOVE. THIS. BAND. I know all of the members and have all of their albums. As with Bruiser Brody, if you like strong vocals, this band is for you)

Klover Jane – https://www.facebook.com/KloverJaneBand/

From their Facebook page: KLOVER JANE grabs you by the shirt and roars into your soul. They’re an adrenaline-blast of pure Rock-N-Roll; with mouth watering guitar riff’s, a bone-invading rhythm and the lyrical juice of unapologetic truth from the smooth wail of front man Rane Stone.

READING ROOM

Howard Shapiro – Author of YA graphic novels centered around hockey. (Full Disclosure: I’ve known Howard for years and have read all of his books. I love the storylines and the valuable lessons they teach).

Sierra Hill – Author of sweet and steamy romance novels. (Full Disclosure: I know and love Sierra – she’s a great friend as well as one hell of a storyteller. If you’re looking to heat up your cold winter days, her novels will draw you in and keep you warm)

PA Vachon – Author of sexy shifter romance novels

From her website: Creator of Sexy Shifter Romance that always ends in a happily ever after…  

Kiera Jayne – Marked For Love series, Creative Passions series, & a standalone co-authored book. All contemporary romance. (Full Disclosure: I know Kiera and have read several of her books. I enjoy her approach to romance, building relationships page by page.)

Ann C. Brandthttps://steelgoddessestrilogy.com – Author of romance novels about heavy metal bands and groupies in NYC in the 1980s. (Full disclosure: This is my alter-ego)