With an eclectic downtown waterfront district with small locally owned shops and nationally recognized stores at the Uptown Gig Harbor Shopping Center, holiday shopping is pleasant in the coastal village of Gig Harbor. New this year is the Olympic Towne Center located on Point Fosdick Dr. NW.

Downtown Gig Harbor is the waterfront area facing the harbor. There is a variety of just about every type of shop imaginable. Shoppers are sure to find a gift for everyone on their list with antique and vintage stores, bookstores, clothing, jewelry, galleries, and gift and home décor shops. There are also 20 unique specialty shops where you find gifts which you won't find in chain stores. There are two shops I just love to head to for unique gifts and clothing. The first is the Dolly Mama Boutique. Filled with fun gifts, they can also prepare a curated gift basket for you. I also love Tickled Pink. This on-trend shop is known for its great scarves and interesting accessories to add that final touch to any holiday outfit. They also have a great selection of gifts. For more information, go to: gigharborwaterfront.org/shopping.

After spending some time downtown, head over to Uptown Gig Harbor, an upscale shopping destination with more than 30 shops and restaurants. One store that really stands out is the locally owned Garden Room. This store goes all out for Christmas taking a full week to decorate. People come from all over the area to take their Christmas photos at the store. What makes this store so special is the staff is all designers who can help you pick the perfect decoration. This is a lovely shopping center with plenty of parking. Even the discount stores HomeGoods and Marshalls have a designer feel to them.

Uptown Gig Harbor, 4701 Point Fosdick Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, 253.851.4557

After hours of shopping, you are probably in the mood for some sustenance. Head over to the Olympic Towne Center to visit Ocean5 and Table 47. Ocean5 is a community gathering space with a bowling alley, laser tag and high-energy game room. Gift certificates make perfect gifts for that challenging video game-loving teenager on your gift list. Table 47, located on site, is not the type of restaurant you expect to find located within a bowling alley. This yummy farm-to-table eatery serves lunch and dinner made with locally sourced ingredients. Their cocktails are worth a holiday splurge. Their Harbor Creek Harvest drink is a great mix of local favorites: Chateau St. Michelle Cold Creek Merlot, Heritage Distilling Brown Sugar Bourbon, apple juice and orange liqueur warmed with mulling spices. It's a nice way to end a shopping day. If you need more of a pick-me-up, hit the Coffee Lounge located next to the restaurant serving small-batch roaster, Fundamental Coffee Company.

Holiday shopping in Gig Harbor feels less like a chore and more like a mini getaway with the waterfront scenery downtown and the luxury shops of Uptown. So plan to finish up your shopping in Gig Harbor.