Tis the Season
In the blink of an eye, here we are, a week into December. It’s the season for many things, like being jolly and wondering where this past year went. I like to call this the cozy season. It starts when you begin feeling that winter chill in the air and ends when you decide it’s warm enough to break out your flip flops again. It’s the season for sweaters, scarves and rain boots; it’s the season for hot cider, egg nog and decaf coffee, because you’re ready for bed when it’s dark by 5pm. (Or maybe, like some of us, you’re more caffeinated than ever now.) It’s the season for spending time with loved ones, homemade goodies, trimming a tree or your fireplace mantle with holiday decorations, and enjoying your in-season blood orange or pomegranate. (Does anyone else look forward to this fruit season!?) It can also be a bit hectic for some…
Ready or Not
If you’re not one to do holiday shopping throughout the year or soon after Thanksgiving, then this is the season that has us scrambling around to find thoughtful gifts. We brainstorm gift ideas and feel confident that we’ll get it done in the next week, as we sit sipping coffee and feeling cozy by the fireplace… then tomorrow comes and you realize, ready or not, its December 23rd. Panic sets in, as you attempt to come up with a plan to accomplish all your shopping in a day. You slam coffee after coffee as you hop from one store to the next, as quickly as you can. You probably end up with more gifts than you need, because that one cousin decides to show up after all. It’s all part of the season.
Shop Local
We want to assist you in finding unique, thoughtful gifts to give this year, therefore, we have expanded our assortment of bits and bobs, books and beanies. We’re happy to say that many are from local artists too! We have a wide variety of locally made goods, including jewelry by Betina Roza from San Juan Island; wallets and leather goods by Sown Designs out of Bellingham; pottery by Studio Lobue on San Juan Island; posters designed by Kyler Martz out of Seattle; products by San Juan Sea Salt; hand-painted wooden signs by Five Acre Designs on San Juan Island and much more. We also have a variety of books about the San Juan Islands and the Pacific Northwest that you can share with friends and family that have, perhaps, enjoyed a trip in the past or are planning a future visit. And while you’re shopping, you can grab a coffee or tea to sip on!
Come On Down
We’re located on the beautiful, Friday Harbor waterfront, just down the hill and below Downriggers restaurant. Riptide Café is brewing up hand crafted coffee and espresso every day, from 7am-4pm through December 23rd. Our staff in the San Juan Safaris office are also ready to answer questions about our many local goods for sale! We can set you up with gift cards for the holidays or help you book a whale and wildlife tour to look forward to in the new year! We’ll be open late on Wednesday, December 13th and Thursday the 14th for some shopping fun, including sweet treats and beverages to sip while you browse.