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Something for everyone at Gig Harbor shops

Art, boutiques, novelties and more

Shopping in Gig Harbor isn’t a complete experience until you visit the Beach Basket Christmas Shop. Photo credit: Jessica Corey-Butler

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Once upon a time, shopping in Gig Harbor was primarily a thing for Ladies Who Lunched. The quaint town had antique shops, art galleries, clothing boutiques and novelties one would fully expect from a picturesque postcard town. But as the town has grown, so have the shopping opportunities. Of course, those types of shops still exist, but now there are spots for every shopping and gift recipient personality type. There is mall shopping at Uptown Center and big-box stores at Gig Harbor North, but the fun shopping in Gig Harbor is along the waterfront.

The anti-twee individual who shudders at the thought of a feminine boutique might find relief in a pint of beer at the harbor mainstay Tide's Tavern (2925 Harborview Dr., 253.858.3982).  While a pint of beer may not ship well as a gift to friends and family, the iconic Tides Tavern logo tee makes a great gift.

Beer enthusiasts will also love a six-pack or growler (also probably not ideal candidates for shipping) from 7 Seas Brewing (3006 Judson St. #110, 253.514.8129).  Beer merchandise lovers will rejoice at the wide selection of tees, hoodies, hats, socks and tap handles the tap room sells, but they might find it difficult to gift the cozy fiber items because they look cool and feel great.

Other fiber items that look cool and feel great can be found at Shiloh Threads (3019 Judson St., Unit C).  More than a shop, this coalescence of creative community offers up a variety of sustainable goods, with primary emphasis placed on locally-designed and silkscreened items.  Customers can bring in personal textiles and have them silkscreened with existing designs or can work with designers to customize art. 

More customizable goodness can be found in edible form nearby at For the Love of Spice (3104 Harborview Dr., 253.858.0272), where customers have the option of special ordering herb and spice blends customized to specific tastes and dietary restrictions.  Visitors can also peruse the shop's selection of spice blends, infused sugars and salts, unique pastas and grains, and the vinegar and olive oil bar. Sustainably sourced spices and teas can be found nearby at Sariah Spices and Teas (7801 Pioneer Way, 253.649.4903).

For something completely different but still consumable, Heritage Distilling offers a unique and spirited take on local goods (flagship location at 3207 57th St. Ct. NW, 253.509.0008; waterfront retail at 3118 Harborview Dr., 253.514.8120). Take home a bottle of locally distilled liquid love, a variety of merchandise, or consider the My Batch program, which is a class and tour plus food and spirits tasting; as an option, add a bottle or cask of your own customized blend.

It's not a true waterfront shopping experience without a visit to a few additional places.  These include SeaHags Fine Art, Gifts and Coastal Décor (8805 Harborview Dr., Ste. 201,  253.851.0459), where a wide variety of maritime-themed items plus fine art are temptingly on display; Tickled Pink (3026 Harborview Dr., 253.858.1751) with a whimsical collection of accessories; and  Java and Clay Café (3210 Harborview Dr., 253.851.3277), a "create-your-own" pottery painting studio for that absolutely personalized keepsake.

Last but certainly not least, a trip to the Beach Basket Shops (4102 Harborview Dr., 253.858.3008) is a must for any Gig Harbor shopping expedition.  There are two shops, both with a wide variety of novelties, but potentially the most novel of the shops is the year-round, Christmas-specific Beach Basket.  Yes, there are some Hanukkah ornaments and "Happy Holiday" signs, but make no mistake: This shop puts Christmas first.

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