What We're Gifting This Holiday

With seventeen shopping days left until Christmas, our team is sharing suggestions for last-minute shoppers who still want to support Native artists, small businesses, and local favorites this holiday season.

Pike Place Market Favorites

Ghost Alley Espresso

A fellow Pike Place Market small business, Ghost Alley Espresso has been keeping our Retail Manager, Stephanie (Tlingit) caffeinated for years. "Ghost Alley has the best coffee in the Market," says Steph. "And their team is frickin' awesome. And Mike, their owner, is really frickin' cool. They do an amazing job." You can purchase in person, or have their special blends and merch mailed right to your door. Plus, did we mention they might be haunted...? How very A Christmas Carol!

Atrium Kitchen

We couldn't be luckier to have Atrium Kitchen as our next-door neighbors at Pike Place. Not only are they a wholly unique learning space, Chef Traci Calderon embodies the values of service and community in an incredible way. Traci began Atrium Kitchen as a community resource for food-centric events—from cooking classes to team building in the kitchen to private events. In addition, they provided thousands of free meals to homebound senior citizens and Seattle's homeless persons over the years through their Nourished Neighborhood non-profit. Shop for meal kits, donate a lunch to someone in need, or gift a class with Chef Traci for a holiday present that tastes good while doing good.

The Bookstores of Pike Place Market

Pike Place is home to five independent bookstores, including BLMF Literary Saloon (pictured above), Left Bank Books Collective, Chin Music Press, Lionheart Bookstore, and Lamplight Books. They're also home to Golden Age Collectables, the world's oldest comic store. Each of these are great options for in-person shopping where their staff can give excellent recommendations, and most of them also have online shopping options, too!

Native-Owned Businesses

The Herb Shed

"I love getting gifts from The Herb Shed," says our COO Serene Lawrence (Ojibwe, Hopi). "They have so much good stuff like moisturizers, sprays, oils, and salves. My favorite product they make is the Sweetgrass Spray which I use on a daily basis." The Herb Shed is a Native-owned business that makes items to "nourish and purify," and also offer classes on things like Native aromatherapy. Their huge range of products means there's something for everyone, and their sizes are perfect for stockings.

Ah-Shi Beauty

Founded as the first Native-owned luxury skincare business in America, Ah-Shi Beauty means "this is me, this is my beauty," says founder and CEO Ahsaki LaFrance Chachere (Navajo, African American). Ahsaki seeks to help every person feel their own unique beauty through her line of skincare and cosmetics. These luxurious cosmetics and skin products make incredible gifts and stocking stuffers. And if you live near their Window Rock, Arizona flagship store, you could gift your special someone a one-on-one consultation with Ahsaki. Even better? Ahsaki has been a longtime supporter of the Eighth Generation family, and her limited-edition blanket with us sold out in just two hours of it hitting our shelves!

Copper Canoe Woman

Fusing traditional Haíłzaqv and Nuu-Chah-Nulth designs with modern materials like acrylic, Copper Canoe Woman is known for their beautiful statement earrings. "These fun, bold earrings can be worn by everyone," raves Natasha Rudolph, Senior Communications Specialist. "Her designs are gorgeously inspired by her culture and surroundings—I had to get myself a pair this summer. I love seeing my earring collection become decolonized!"

Scandigenous Designs

Speaking of decolonized earrings, Scandigenous Designs is a one-woman jewelry business operated by Sinixt and Scandinavian descendant Lindsay Ravensong. Her business name reflects her mixed heritage, while her jewelry blends the beading traditions and stories of her ancestors. "Scandigenous is my go-to gift," shares Devon Kelley, Marketing Manager. "I love that I'm supporting a Native artist, and I love that there's a range of prices and styles to choose from."

Nizhoni Soaps

Thirteen-year-old Dine entrepreneur Kamia Begay started her business Nizhoni Soaps with her family in the heart of the Great Navajo Nation. Shoppers in Farmington, New Mexico, and Mesa, Arizona can shop in person at their two stores, while online shoppers can still purchase from a variety of soaps, lip scrubs, oils, and more.

Pacific Northwest Businesses

Olympia Coffee

Coffee is a popular gift among our staff this year, with Shipping and Production Manager Josh Swift recommending Olympia Coffee for coffee beans. Not only are they a small business with a huge variety of blends to choose from, their "Fair For All" policies on coffee and wage transparency mean you feel good with each sip.

Doll Parts Collective

A West Seattle-based vintage clothing and consignment shop, Doll Parts Collective shares vintage finds, bespoke clothing items, gifts, and items for the home. Even more impressive than their variety of items is that they started during the pandemic, and have been going strong ever since!

Retail Therapy

What's our CEO and Founder Louie Gong's pick for a PNW business to shop with this holiday season? "Retail Therapy in Capitol Hill is great," says Louie. "Their founder, Wazhma Samizay, is a longtime supporter of Eighth Generation—she shared a lot of business knowledge with our staff when we opened our flagship store at Pike Place." Retail Therapy practically specializes in great gift giving, with art, accessories, jewelry, clothing, and more, all made by independent artists.

The Counter at Old Ballard Catering Company

This Ravenna staple owned by a brother and sister dynamic duo, The Counter has great food all the time, but particularly during the holidays when they bring out Christmas-themed platters, gift baskets, and assortments. Highly recommended by our Importing & Logistics Specialist, Luke Short!

Happy, Healthy Holiday Bazaar with Seattle Indian Health Board

Join community fixture SIHB at their Annual Holiday Bazaar, complete with Native vendors. Saturday, December 18, 10am–2pm

What are you gifting this holiday season?

With so many great Native artists and small businesses to support this and every day, we can't fit them all in just one blog post! Be sure to leave your favorite places to shop in the comments below.

All photos are courtesy of their respective businesses. Eighth Generation thanks you for shopping small, supporting your local businesses, and uplifting Native artists this holiday season.

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