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What Women Want … For the Holidays
by Diane Dash
Inevitably, and probably soon, our husbands,
partners or children will be asking us what we want for a holiday gift.
Besides the obvious, and admirable, desire for world peace, and the acknowledgment
that the focus this time of year should be on the spiritual, rather than
the material, the answer does not always come immediately to mind. In
fact, many of us are so busy making the holidays pleasant for others that
we don’t give much thought to what we would enjoy receiving ourselves.
So we decided to pose the question to a few of you -- to, you know, give
you a little practice before your loved ones pop the question.
The following are the results of our
very unscientific poll, which were obtained during an afternoon of haranguing
busy shoppers at Pike Place Market, and by badgering actual acquaintances.
In the tangible gift category, predictably,
the most common answer across all age groups and ethnicities was (drum
roll please): Jewelry.
Other answers in this category ranged
from novelty socks and Home Depot gift certificates to a pony, but surprisingly,
several lists consisted of practical and mundane items such as cooking
and cleaning utensils (although many a husband volunteered that giving
such gifts, even if they were requested, was treading on dangerous ground).
Wilma of Lynnwood got visibly excited when talking about
her dream gift. “A red KitchenAid electric mixer to make bread.
It also has attachments to make sausage and noodles, and whips potatoes
so they come out really smooth.”
“I want binoculars for watching wildlife,” said
Mary from Queen Anne, who frequents local urban parks.
Valerie of Alderwood said candles are always at the top
of her list, but she also desires “drapes, a new bed set and a microwave.”
Rita of Shoreline longs for “a mansion on the ocean
with a built-in pool and no neighbors nearby.”
Monika, a chef who’s interned at the Herbfarm and
lives in the Central District, fantasizes about “random kitchen
gadgets, boots, hiking gear and a climbing rack.”
Kate from the U-District is asking Santa to bring “a
pony and a rotary saw.”
Beth of Mercer Island pines for “a Mario Batali lasagna
pan.”
“Jewelry, clothes, and a new vacuum,” said Michelle
of Renton. “I got what I really wanted last year,” she said,
pointing to her baby daughter -- “and I don’t want another
yet.”
“An Escalade, land and horses,” replied Kirsten
of Ballard.
Jennifer of Kenmore, who often spends Christmas in a casino
with her grandma, wants a $400 Sirius satellite radio because she’s
“addicted to Howard Stern.”
Carey of West Seattle is looking for “an iPod, a new
car, and a good man.”
Other desired gifts included cash and a trip to Vegas, ski
boots, laptops, gardening tools, kitchen cabinets, a good coffee pot,
a new blender and “a cake plate with a cover because I like to display
what I bake.”
The intangible gift category included numerous requests
for the gift of time, a wish that can be granted in a variety of creative
ways:
“A whole day off with my family to do nothing, no
phones or TV, that would be ideal,” said Debbie of Redmond.
Janet of Bothell hopes for an army of cleaning fairies,
“So I can come home to a spotless house every night after work --
where the laundry fairies have everything fluffy and clean and placed
in drawers; the dusting fairies have gotten every cobweb and dust bunny
… and don’t forget the kitchen fairies who have every dish,
pot, pan and glass scrubbed till they sparkle and put away, countertops
clean enough to eat off of and a shiny floor that I can see myself in.”
(Her wish also included a plea to “fix the government.”)
Dawn from Lynnwood visualizes “a vacation on a nice
warm beach.”
Barb from Bellevue would love “a total makeover for
me and my mom, including a whole wardrobe designed by Dolce & Gabbana.
All of this would take place in Italy, of course.” (She then asked,
“If I come up with the best idea, do I win this fabulous present?”)
Tina of Whidbey Island’s sole request was “for
my husband to get some jobs done around the house.”
Then, there were the responses from those who are, let’s
face it, difficult to buy for:
“More puppets. I collect puppets and marionettes,
but no one would dare buy me one,” claims Jane of Sand Point.
Karen of Magnolia said, “I don’t need anything
and my husband won’t buy me things because I’m too hard to
please,” but then she added, “Maybe some gift certificates
for books…and a puppy.”
As for me, I’m still enthralled with the juicer I
got for my birthday in August, but I would also like a GoPhone, a Sonicare
toothbrush, more money to travel, someone to clean the cat boxes, the
willpower to resist fattening foods, a Miata and, because no one else
said it, shoes.
Diane Dash is a Seattle-based freelance
writer and frequent contributor to Seattle Woman.
THESE ARE A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE THINGS…
AND PLACES
SEATTLE
Facèré
1420 Fifth Avenue
Downtown
206-624-6768
www.facerejewelryart.com
Part art gallery, part jewelry showroom, this store shows and sells
the work of over 40 leading jewelry artists from the United States
and abroad.
Fireworks
Pioneer Square
Westlake Center
University Village
Bellevue Square
Sea-Tac Airport
www.fireworksgallery.net
Two hundred nationally-acclaimed artists provide a “wildly
diverse” collection of fine gifts, jewelry, furniture, home
accessories, ornaments, and books at five Puget Sound locations.
Yazdi
Pike Place Market
206-692-0657
Wallingford Center
206-547-6008
Yazdi designs are created exclusively in Bali from hand-dyed fabrics
& batiks. Distinctive pieces are designed for comfort and flair.
Plus sizes at Yazdi II in Wallingford Center.
Justina, by Tina Baker
1424 4th Avenue, Suite 714
Downtown
206-369-5279
Custom jewelry design using unusual gemstones such as druzy quartz
or tourmaline, coins, antique buttons and plastic gumball machine
prizes in one-of-a-kind pieces. Call for hours.
Pratt Fine Art Center
1902 S Main Street
Central District
206-328-2200
www.pratt.org
This arts education and resource center opens its doors December
8-17 for its annual Holiday Art Sale. The event features more than
5,000 pieces of art from 300 local artists in glass, jewelry, painting
and sculpture priced from $20 to $300.
Magic Mouse Toys
603 1st Avenue
Pioneer Square
206-682-8097
For kids and collectors alike. A huge selection of imported and
one-of-a-kind toys including hand-carved chess sets, intricate dollhouses
and more than 100 teddy bears to choose from. Also a great place
to find a Christmas train.
Elliott Bay Book Company
101 S Main Street
Pioneer Square
206-624-6600
www.elliottbaybook.com
The quintessential Seattle bookstore is home to over 150,000 new,
used and rare books including antique and signed or limited editions.
La Tienda Folk Art Gallery
2050 NW Market Street
Ballard
206-297-3605
www.latienda-folkart.com
Traditional and handcrafted folk art from around the globe, plus
clothing, furniture, jewelry and non-run-of-the-mill beauty accessories.
Venue
5408 22nd Avenue NW
Ballard
206-789-3335
www.venueballard.com
Venue combines onsite work studios with an eclectic consignment
gallery. The collection ranges from jewelry to chocolates and home
accessories.
Sip & Ship
1752 NW Market Street
Ballard
206-789-4488
www.sipandship.com
Ballard’s one-stop-shop for all of your mailing, gift-giving
and caffeine-related needs.
You’ll find a 100% fair trade espresso bar, gifts, cards,
stationery and “Ballard Gear” in addition to a full
shipping center.
Gifted
5427 Ballard Ave. NW, Ballard
206-781-0882
An Archie McPhee® for girls, young and old, this shop has all
kinds of quirky gifts and stocking stuffers, plus jewelry ranging
from gaudy to elegant.
Bark Natural Pet Care
5338 Ballard Avenue NW, Ballard
206-783-4972
Natural foods, treats, collars, leashes, beds, toys and supplements
for the furry children in our lives. Their freshly baked, all natural
treats are great doggie stocking stuffers.
Wallingford Center
1815 N. 45th Street
www.wallingfordcenter.com
Stores featuring home décor, furnishings, ethnic clothing
and exotic accessories are found in this mixed-use facility located
in a turn-of-the-century schoolhouse.
4 Your Eyes Only
Wallingford Center
206-547-7430
www.4youreyesonlyoptical.com
Eyewear that challenges patrons to “dare to be different,”
including styles by Face A Face, Prodesign and L.A. Eyeworks.
Crackerjack Contemporary Crafts
Wallingford Center
206-547-4983
www.crackerjackcrafts.com
Known for eclectic jewelry, wonderful hats, functional pottery,
whimsical dolls, and other objects made by local, regional, national
and international craft artists.
Not Just A Number Cards
and Gifts
1905 N. 45th Street
206-784-0965
Wallingford
www.notanumberinc.com
A known haven for tchotchke collectors. Along with the devil duckies
and librarian action figures, you’ll find the best selection
of liberal paraphernalia in the City. Stocking stuffers to rile
conservative relatives or flatter your left-wing friends.
Top Ten Toys
104 N 85th Street
Greenwood
206-782-0098
www.toptentoys.com
Voted one of Seattle’s best toy stores, offering less violent
and more educational, ecological and multicultural toys. No Barbie
or computer games, but 15,000 other toys.
Burnt Sugar
601 N 35th Street
Fremont
206-545-0699
An “aromatic playground” of unusual gifts, candles,
handmade cards and pillows, tossed with colorful vintage furnishings.
Clementine
4447 California Avenue SW
West Seattle
206-935-9400
www.clementines.com
Features an exciting mix of women’s shoes, bags and accessories
from emerging designers such as Glory Chen to masters such as Paul
Green (who makes the BEST shoes for travel).
EASTSIDE
Museum Store
Bellevue Arts Museum
510 Bellevue Way
Downtown Bellevue
425-519-0770
www.bellevuearts.org
As you would hope from a museum dedicated to the crafts, this museum
store offers an innovative collection of cool stuff ranging from
home décor items and books to jewelry, scarves and children’s
items.
Revolution Gallery
Gilman Village
Issaquah
425-392-4982
www.revolutiongallery.com
A co-op specializing in artwork and gifts created by local artisans
of recycled, rescued, and found materials.
Buddha Belly Imports
Gilman Village
Issaquah
425-557-5592
www.buddhabellyimports.com
A virtual cornucopia of ornate and authentic armoires, tables and
chairs, and other furnishings shipped directly from Asia. Also offers
contemporary items and holiday gifts with Asian flare.
Spoiled by Nana
Gilman Village
Issaquah
425-392-6507
www.spoiledbynana.com
Moms like it too, but this store is designed for indulgent grandmas
who appreciate adorable clothes and keepsakes for the children in
their lives.
Island Books
3014 78th Avenue SE
Mercer Island
206-232-6920
www.mercerislandbooks.com
This 30-year-old independent bookstore carries current titles in
addition to hard-to-find or out of print books. It’s known
for its great kids’ selection and free shipping anywhere in
the country.
Eastside Trains
217 Central Way
Kirkland
425-828-4098
www.eastsidetrains.com
Model train enthusiasts of all ages become kids again when they
enter this Eastside shop. Contemporary as well as collector trains
are available, in addition to miniature villages, train tracks and
other necessities. Tune-ups also available.
NORTH END
Third Place Books
17171 Bothell Way NE
Lake Forest Park Towne Centre
206-366-3333
www.thirdplacebooks.com
6504 20th Avenue NE
Ravenna
206-525-2347
www.ravennathirdplace.com
This large, independent bookstore offers over 200,000 new, used
and collectible titles, including a comprehensive children’s
corner and storytelling events.
Bluefish Designs
420 5th Avenue S, Suite 107
Edmonds
425-673-7450
Their forte is original jewelry creation, including custom orders
for wedding and special occasions. Accessories, handbags, belts,
scarves, candles, soaps and men’s gift items are also available.
mu.shoe
403 Main Street
Edmonds
425-778-0125
www.mushoe.com
This cozy boutique specializes in European to-die-for shoes, handbags,
hosiery and jewelry. |
©2006 Caliope Publishing Company
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