If, like most of us, you didn't get an early start on your holiday shopping, and you now find yourself swamped with office parties, family dinners and making a snowflake costume for the school winter spectacular, fear not.
By Natalie Broulette | November 26, 2008
If you're making your list and checking it twice, don't forget the sometimes naughty, but always nice, four-legged members of your family. And, if you have a few animal lovers on your list -- and who doesn't? -- then you've come to the right place. We've discovered some great gift ideas for them, too.
By Brandie Ahlgren | November 26, 2008
Finding meaningful holiday gifts for the peripheral people in your life can be a challenge. You want to give something creative, but with so many of these recipients on your list, you can't afford to spend much on each one. Here are our suggestions for great gifts that cost less than $20.
By Jen Harper | November 26, 2008
You're the resident authority among your friends on where to get the best meal in town. So they shouldn't be at all surprised when the best goodies they get this season come from your kitchen. Local businesses are stocked with the supplies and instructions you'll need to unleash your inner gourmand. So round up your friends and family for some hands-on craft projects, then bottle, roast, brew and bake all the love you've got into this year's holiday gifts.
By Cody Ellerd | November 26, 2008
There's no better time than right now to teach your kids the value of saving their pennies for a rainy day. Saving up for something -- a toy, a trip or a donation to a charitable cause -- and then ceremoniously "breaking the bank" to access the money is one of the best lessons we can teach our budding capitalists. Here are a few of our favorite piggy banks, available locally.
By Alison Brownrigg | November 26, 2008
With much of the country and our community in distress over the sinking economy and local job cuts, holiday gift giving takes on a new dimension for many of us this year. How do we show gratitude for our loved ones, and express the joy of the season without putting our household budgets at risk?
By Alison Brownrigg | November 26, 2008
This holiday season, consider giving your family, your partner, your dog or your friends the gift of quality time with you. Instead of piling packages under the tree, start a new tradition by packing a bag and heading to one of Washington's romantic, relaxing, kid-tested or canine-friendly resorts.
By Monica Fischer | November 26, 2008
If you're like me, then you've got gifts on the brain this month. But perhaps like me, you're also surprised that even though you live in a city with so many gift options, it can be difficult to find one that sends the perfect, personal message. Cue the one-of-a-kind gift baskets from Willow & Bloom.
By Michelle LaFrance | December 2, 2008
With the right combination of venue, vendors, vino and vittles, a shopping event can turn into a social hour and holiday party, bringing good cheer to all who attend -- especially if there's a great deal to be found. Amanda Rosenthal, owner of online boutique La Rousse, has hit the nail on the head with the La Rousse Holiday Bazaar, an event that fulfills all the criteria: cool location, interesting vendors, delicious food and drink, and a focus on gift ideas under $100.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 3, 2008
This year, consider giving an experience rather than a product to the people on your list. Experiences require no wrapping paper, don't come shrink-wrapped and are the perfect choice for the person who has everything. With the Waste Free Holidays promotion, now in its 13th year, Solid Waste and Seattle Public Utilities make it easier for local residents to reduce their contribution to our growing landfills by sponsoring great deals on experiences such as theater and dining.
By Alison Brownrigg | December 4, 2008