by Kara | Nov 17, 2022 | Gifts, Small Business
As many of us who have stopped into a grocery store or turned on the radio lately may have noticed — the holiday season has begun. And although it might seem like it creeps up on us a little bit quicker each year, it’s never too early to start planning.
Let your friends and family know you’re thinking of them with our holiday gift guide. We’ve featured some great local businesses!
DIY Kits and Classes at The Works
Know someone on your list who can’t get enough of arts and crafts?
Located in Seattle’s Pioneer Square neighborhood, The Works is a woman-owned and woman-operated business. You can find in-person classes and DIY kits for everything from cooking to gardening to creative crafts. Grab a gift card, purchase a DIY kit or sign up you and your loved one for a future class together.
Washington State Discover Pass
Whether you’re buying a gift for an avid outdoorsman or a friend who enjoys simply reading in the park, they’ll greatly appreciate a Washington State Discover Pass as a present this holiday season.
One pass gives the holder and up to two vehicles unlimited access to millions of state-managed lands across Washington State for a year. This includes more than 100 state parks, 350 campgrounds, nearly 700 water access points like lakes and rivers, and more than 30 wildlife areas. Learn more about the pass here.
Washington Mountain Glasses and Gifts From North Drinkware
Although North Drinkware operates out of Portland, Oregon, the folks there rep the Pacific Northwest all the way up the coast.
They meticulously design each piece of glassware using U.S. Geological Survey data to accurately represent majestic landmarks, including Mt. Rainier and Mt. St. Helens. They also offer blankets, coasters, cards and other unique gifts.
Take and Bake Decadent Desserts From Hot Cakes
If you’re like us, you have at least a few people on your list who’d appreciate some chocolaty goodness (including yourself). Luckily, we have just the recommendation for you.
Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery in Ballard and Capitol Hill also offers take-and-bake kits to make its decadent desserts in the comfort of your own home.
Seattleness: A Cultural Atlas
Check out local specialties — from sasquatch discoveries and UFO sightings to music history, mountaintop data and local landmark trivia!
This visually rich cultural atlas of Seattle by Tera Hatfield is the perfect book for anyone who calls or has called the Emerald City home. Order it from Seattle publisher Sasquatch Books or your favorite local bookseller.
Book-It Rep Theatre Tickets
Sometimes an experience is the best gift of all, especially when it combines two things we love: books and theater!
The Book-It Repertory Theatre, located in the Seattle Center, has been putting on literature-based plays for over 30 years. Spread the love of local performance art with tickets to an upcoming show or a full season subscription.
KEXP Membership
Do you have a passionate music lover in your life? We’re lucky enough to live in the same area as one of the best nonprofit community-run radio stations out there, KEXP 90.3.
This holiday season, gift a monthly donation in your loved one’s name. While you’re at it, be sure to check out KEXP’s gathering space — including a coffee shop, worktables and couches, and a record store — across from the Space Needle.
Candle From Cancelled Plans
Over the past few years, some of us have really leaned into the self-care, cozy stay-home vibes. And there’s nothing wrong with that!
Cancelled Plans celebrates the joy that comes with unexpectedly having a little less to do. With clever names like “It’s Freezing Outside,” “90’s Baby,” “It’s Fine I’m Fine” and “Student Loans,” these locally made luxury candles don’t just smell incredible — they’re also extremely relatable.
Need more ideas? Check out our holiday gift guides from 2021 and 2020 on our blog.
Celebrate the Season With Pepper’s Personal Assistants
This season should be all about spending time with your loved ones, not stressing over an endless to-do list!
Pepper’s Personal Assistants wants to give you your own time back. And that means you can tackle your personal goals and make lasting memories.
We can help if you need assistance during the holidays, whether that involves picking up online orders, ordering cards, doing grocery shopping for dinner parties or dropping off gifts at the post office.
[Related: How a Personal Assistant Can Help This Holiday Season]
We provide long-term support to busy executive households who are ready to outsource. As a result, our clients have more time and headspace to focus on their families, their careers and the things they truly love.
Check out our service packages today, and treat yourself this holiday season. Contact us with any questions!
Featured image via Pexels
by Kara | Nov 1, 2021 | Gifts, Small Business
The holidays are fast approaching, and there’s nothing worse than scrambling to find the perfect, thoughtful gift for everyone on your list at the last minute. Don’t worry—Pepper’s is here to help with our annual local Seattle holiday gift guide.
Check out some of these awesome gift ideas from local Seattle-area businesses and get your shopping done early this year!
Custom Macarons from Macadons
These macarons from Macadons are not just delicious, they’re also customizable! Personalize these tasty treats by sending the folk at Macadons your unique image, logo, design, or message and choosing from their many handcrafted flavors for a perfect holiday gift. Pick them up at their White Center location or have them delivered up to 18 miles from the store.
Gifts for the Book Lover from Magus Books
Support one of the University District’s oldest independent bookstores this holiday season and visit Magus Books. With over 70,000 books in-store, try and stay focused because you might just get lost in the stacks! For the reader in your life, pick up a gift certificate to the store or check out some of their cool merch, including tote bags, hats, and mugs.
[Related: Where to Shop Local for Your Thanksgiving Meal]
Vinyl, CDs, and Merch from Sonic Boom
If there’s one thing Seattle knows—it’s music. Sonic Boom Records in Ballard has been around since the peak of the grunge era, and has been a great source for new and used vinyl, CDs, and cassettes ever since. They also sell gift certificates, shirts and hoodies on their website if you’re not quite sure what type of music your giftee is into.
Aromatherapy Candles from Thea Candle Company
Once the days get colder, darker, and busier, taking a moment to light a candle and relax becomes a gift in itself. Local candlemaker Thea Candle Company knows the importance of comfort and stress-release, and it’s evident in their handcrafted aromatherapy candles. Thea Candle Co. also uses natural oils and eco-friendly wax so you can feel good about what you’re buying. Fall scents include Morning Coffee, Fresh Baked Apple Pie and Rosemary Eucalyptus. Stay tuned for their winter release!
[Related: Pepper’s Personal Assistants’ Seattle Local Holiday Gift Guide 2020]
Stress-Relieving Sweat Session at City Sweats Infrared Sauna Studio and Spa
Sometimes the best gift is not one that you can hold, but one you experience. If you’re looking for the perfect holiday gift for someone who seems to never slow down, why not give a gift certificate to City Sweats? This infrared sauna, studio, and spa has locations in West Seattle, Madison, Wallingford, and Bellevue, and offers a variety of stress-relieving, luxurious spa services.
Gorgeous Minimalist Jewelry from Baleen
You can’t go wrong with local jewelry-maker Baleen’s delicate, minimalist jewelry. Their focus on quality work, affordability, as well as sustainability make it a no-brainer for holiday shopping. From layering rings and chains to unique geometric earrings, Baleen has something for everyone on your list. Their website even has a “Most Gifted” section so you can see what’s popular, and maybe pick something out for yourself as well.
Photo Sesh With a Four-Legged Friend from Dirty Dog Photography
Photos are memories that can last a lifetime, and Dirtie Dog Photography knows that our time with our animals should be cherished. Book the animal lover on your list a session with Marika Moffitt that will honor their story. Sessions can take place anywhere in the Greater Seattle Area, and photos can also be turned into a beautiful photo book.
Beer Gift Box From Tavour
Although Tavour is based in Seattle, they now source and distribute independent craft beer from all across the country. Choose from their numerous beer gift box options or scoop up a gift card. You could also treat your special someone to a beer box subscription! Cheers!
Give Yourself the Gift of Time with Pepper’s Personal Assistants
We hope you’ve found some great ideas in our local Seattle holiday gift guide.
Remember, the greatest gift you can give yourself is time. Time for self-care, time to spend with your family and friends, or time to tackle those personal goals. This is all possible with Pepper’s Personal Assistants.
[Related: Our Advice for Getting Started With Your Personal Assistant]
We provide long-term support to busy executive households who are ready to outsource. This allows clients more time and headspace to focus on their family, career, and the things they truly love.
Check out our service packages today, and treat yourself this holiday season. Contact us with any questions!
by Kara | Apr 28, 2021 | Gifts
Mom’s have a tough job, and we should be letting them know how appreciated they are every day of the year—not just on Mother’s Day. Showing your mom that you love and appreciate them doesn’t have to be expensive, just heartfelt. Here are just a few ways to show your appreciation for the moms in your life.
[Related: 5 Ways Moms Can Treat Themselves (While Supporting Local Businesses) – Food Edition]
Pick Out a Thoughtful Gift
Rather than buying your mom a gift card for Mother’s Day, consider gifting a more thoughtful present. Research local shops and companies that could use your support this year, or check out our Local Seattle Mother’s Day Gift Guide for ideas spanning from candle-making kits to houseplants and more.
Plan a Visit
There’s nothing mothers enjoy more than spending quality time with their children. In fact, one recent study shows that 82 percent of surveyed moms would rather connect with their children for Mother’s Day than receive a gift. Schedule a visit with the mom in your life and catch up over lunch or a coffee. If you’re unable to see them at the moment, talk with your mom to start planning an in-person trip to visit in the future.
Call or Video Call
A lot of us are big fans of texting. It’s simple, to the point, and takes seconds. With an added GIF or emoji or two, texts can speak volumes. As true as this might be, phone or video calls can mean a lot to mothers everywhere. Have a conversation in real time—you might be surprised at how much comfort and joy you get from hearing your mom’s voice instead of seeing a text alert.
[Related: Pepper’s Personal Assistants Seattle Local Holiday Gift Guide]
Send Her Flowers
You can’t go wrong with a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Flowers have been proven to reduce stress and increase happiness, and are a wonderful, uplifting addition to any household. Customize a bouquet online to be delivered straight to your mom’s doorstep, or stop by your local florist or farmer’s market to pick up a colorful bunch yourself and celebrate all that your mother does.
Assemble a Photo Album
With online sites and services such as Shutterfly and Amazon Print, ordering physical copies of the photos on your phone has never been easier. This Mother’s Day gift your mom a photo album full of special memories she can look at again and again.
If you want to think outside of the box, these sites typically have options for custom mugs, mouse pads, and other photo gifts so you’re sure to find the perfect fit.
Give Her the Gift of Pepper’s
Gifting your mom a personal assistant service is a wonderfully thoughtful way to show your appreciation this Mother’s Day. Pepper’s Personal Assistants can help with grocery shopping, meal prep, bill pay, running errands and more to give your mom the time she needs to focus on herself and relax. We offers two service options, so you can choose what you think would be most helpful for your mom.
[Related: All About Pepper’s Personal Assistants—and How We Can Help]
Contact us today and let us help you show your mom just how much she means this Mother’s Day, and every day of the year.
by Kara | Apr 19, 2021 | Gifts, Small Business
Pepper’s Personal Assistants is excited to deliver great content that will help you celebrate the moms in your life, or even inspire some ideas on how to treat yourself. The Pacific Northwest is chock-full of amazing, creative, and delicious gifts and experiences, so let’s get started! From gorgeous ferns and succulents to tasty coffee and chocolate (and lots in between), here is our 2021 local gift guide for Mother’s Day.
Plant Shop (Capitol Hill)
Surrounding yourself with houseplants has been proven to increase productivity, calm nerves, and boost good moods. The past year was a tough one, so these healing benefits may be needed now more than ever.
Forego getting your mom a bouquet of flowers this year in place of a luscious, living plant from Capitol Hill’s Plant Shop. Order online from their selection of in-stock plants for pickup or free local delivery, or opt for a gift card and let Mom choose.
Indi Chocolate (Pike Place Market)
Who doesn’t love chocolate? Rather than picking up some bars from the grocery store, look into supporting a local chocolate shop. Indi Chocolate, located in Pike Place Market, specializes in small batch, single origin dark chocolate, and even hosts virtual and in-store classes. If chocolate isn’t your mom’s favorite thing, Indi Chocolate also makes tasty spice rubs, teas, mixology kits, bath and body products, and coffee—so you’re certain to find a great gift for Mother’s Day.
Elm Candle Bar (Capitol Hill)
Nothing says luxury like a scented candle. Elm Candle Bar in Capitol Hill is a new candle store that specializes in allowing you to pour and customize your own soy candles in-store. Book a reservation for you and your favorite mom, or order a DIY candle-making kit to bring the sweet-smelling experience to your home—or your Zoom hangout!
[Related: Pepper’s Personal Assistants Seattle Local Holiday Gift Guide 2020]
Third Place Books (Lake Forest Park, Ravenna, Seward Park)
A book is an amazing gift—one that can open up the reader to other worlds, new knowledge, and adventure. Pass on a favorite read to the mom in your life, or if you’re not quite sure her taste, give a gift card so she can find her own escape between the pages.
Local bookstores like Third Place Books (with locations in Lake Forest Park, Ravenna, and Seward Park) have endless options for new and gently used books, planners, arts and craft sets, and other creative gifts that would make a perfect Mother’s Day present.
Left Bank Wine Bar (South Park)
Sometimes after a long day of running around, a nice glass of wine is just what the doctor ordered. Treat your mom a delicious local bottle from Left Bank, a wine bar and bottle shop dedicated to making natural wine more accessible (and affordable). Check out their online shop or sign Mom up for their monthly subscription service. Can’t choose? The folks at Left Bank are happy to curate 4, 6, and 12 bottle selections for you.
Penelope and the Beauty Bar (Downtown)
This Mother’s Day, embrace the idea of self-care in the form of massages, skincare, facials, and more with Penelope and the Beauty Bar. This luxury spa located in the heart of downtown offers countless ways to unwind and relax. From their high-end beauty and skincare products to their spa service packages and gift certificates, you’ll be sure to find something your mom (and you) can feel great about.
[Related: All About Pepper’s Personal Assistants—and How We Can Help]
Pepper’s Personal Assistants
If your mom is like most of us, she wishes she had a few extra hours in the day. That’s why signing her up for our Task Assistant package is one of the greatest gifts you can give this Mother’s Day. Pepper’s Personal Assistants’ Task Assistant package provides 5 hours with a dedicated personal assistant a week. Help your mom cross off her to-do list and give her more time to focus on herself. Contact us today to find out more!
Regardless of how you celebrate Mother’s Day this year, whether it’s together or over a video, the most important thing is to show your love and appreciation for all of their hard work.
Happy Mother’s Day!
by Kara | Dec 9, 2020 | Gifts
The holidays are just around the corner, and although this year looks a little different, some may say that it’s more important than ever to let your friends and family know that you’re thinking of them. One way to do this while at the same time supporting your community, is to shop local.
From houseplants to virtual movie tickets, here are some gift ideas from our favorite local businesses.
Flowers and Plants
Did you know that having fresh flowers and plants in your home can decrease stress, improve your focus, and spark creativity? It doesn’t hurt that they also immediately update a room, making any interior decor look a little more put together. This December, give the gift of flowers and plants from these local businesses.
The Plant Store
The Plant Store is located in South Seattle’s White Center neighborhood, and sells a variety of plants, ceramic pots, pins, stickers, and other accessories to add to any plant-lover’s collection. They also have gift cards available just in case you can’t make up your mind.
Bloom Away
If you’re looking to gift something a bit more unique, like a one-of-a-kind holiday wreath or a beautiful dried flower crown, Bloom Away is your best pick. Although they don’t have a brick-and-mortar location, Bloom Away delivers to Seattle, Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, and Woodinville — and ships nationwide.
Black Origin Plants
You can find affordable, beautiful houseplants from Black Origin Plants on Instagram, as well as in-store at Lillith Tattoo in Fremont (be sure to email ahead or let them know you’re there for the plants, since they aren’t taking tattoo walk-ins at this time). Support Black-owned local businesses this holiday season and follow them for news about pop-up plant markets and artist collaborations!
[Related: How Hiring a Personal Assistant Can Support Your Family While Remote Learning and Working From Home]
Soap and Skincare
Nothing says self-care like skincare. Taking time out of your day to treat your skin with fragrant lotions, oils, and soaps can seem like a radical act of decadence — which is why it’s a perfect gift to give someone who needs to relax this winter.
Herbivore Botanicals
Herbivore Botanicals is a Seattle-based skincare company that creates products made up of all active, non-toxic, organic ingredients. From soaking salts and jade rollers, to face masks and CBD skincare, Herbivore has it all. Find them in several different boutique locations in Seattle as well as online.
Seattle Sundries
Perfect for relatives or friends from out of town, Seattle Sundries sells soaps, lotions, and lip balms that are all-natural and locally made. Gift a bar of Jet City Soap, in a package that comes with a little Seattle history lesson, or a solid lotion bar in the seasonally appropriate orange spice scent.
Beer and Wine
After a year like 2020, a lot of us could probably use a drink. Instead of grabbing a bottle of wine off the grocery store shelf to send off as a gift, consider some of these local Seattle wine and beer shops.
Bottlehouse Wine Bar
This wine bar located in the Madrona neighborhood offers a rotating collection of Pacific Northwest wines as well as global favorites. They are currently offering holiday wine sets with free Seattle metro-area delivery, as well as memberships to their wine club. 2021’s wine club theme is “Rivers & Roads.”
Molly’s Bottle Shop
Molly’s Bottle Shop is a natural wine shop in Ballard offering delicious, hand-picked wines for local delivery or in-store pickup. Molly also offers gift cards, bottle club memberships, as well as memberships to Book Cru, which sends monthly book and wine pairings — and would make a perfect gift for the wine and literature-lover in your life.
Stoup Brewing
Here’s to the beer-person in your life. This Ballard favorite boasts a wide variety of award-winning beers. Check out Stoup Brewing’s website to online order local brews in four-packs and 32 oz crowlers for you and your friends, and while you’re there check out some of their unique merch.
[Related: How to Successfully Prepare for the Holidays]
Soda
Do you like the idea of sending tasty beverages to friends and family, but know that alcohol isn’t their thing? Seattle is home to some delectable alternatives.
Rachel’s Ginger Beer
If you have yet to try Rachel’s Ginger Beer, whether it’s their delicious original recipe or some of their mouth-watering combos (caramelized pineapple, pink guava, passion fruit and vanilla, just to name a few), now is the time to change that. Grab a bottle for yourself and send a variety pack to your friends or family. Rachel’s Ginger Beer delivers via Postmates, is available to pick up at one of their four Seattle locations, and also ships nationwide.
Dry Soda
Dry Soda Company makes delicious non-alcoholic carbonated beverages, in flavors such as Fuji Apple, Blood Orange, Rainier Cherry, and many more. They also sells a special mixology gift set that comes with their guide to “zero-proof cocktails” as well as everything your loved one needs for an at-home mocktail party. Place your order online, they ship nationally.
Movies
Seattle is a big film-loving city. Did you know Seattle International Film Festival is the largest film festival in the United States and Scarecrow Video in the University District has the biggest accessible collection of movies in the entire world? Support these local film institutions and share Seattle’s love of motion pictures with a friend or family member this December.
Ark Lodge Cinemas
Ark Lodge Cinemas in South Seattle’s Columbia City neighborhood is one of the city’s oldest theaters, located in a beautiful renovated Masonic building from 1921. Usually busy showing first-run movies on their two screens, COVID-19 has caused them to shut down for the better part of the year. Buy one of their cool, local-artist designed t-shirts or gift a friend a virtual cinema ticket today.
Seattle International Film Festival
Why not give someone special a Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) membership? The membership includes virtual benefits, and once SIFF can safely return to its yearly festival, they won’t miss out on the hundreds of unique films screened throughout the city, or any of the special parties and events that come with. You can also purchase them tickets to SIFF’s virtual screenings, or make a donation in their name.
The Beacon Cinema
Do you know someone who is really missing the theater experience? The Beacon Cinema in Columbia City is offering private rentals for parties up to 12 people (following all safety protocol, including wearing masks and distancing from anyone not in the same household) to watch a movie of their choice. If they aren’t sure what they want to watch, they can have the knowledgeable, film-loving staff at The Beacon curate their evening.
Scarecrow Video
Believe it or not, Seattle not only still has a video rental store — but it’s the most exhaustive collection of video rentals in the entire world. You read it right, Scarecrow Video has over 150,000 unique titles available to the public. They also sell used and new VHS, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs. Fill out a short questionnaire and send a friend a mystery box full of unique titles based on their interests, or grab a special Scarecrow Video t-shirt.
[Related: Winter Home Maintenance Checklist]
Cookies and Treats
Nothing says “I love you” like baked goods — right? Here are a few of our favorite Seattle treat providers that can help you with anyone on your list that has a sweet-tooth.
Lowrider Cookie Company
Located in the Central District and in Georgetown and named for the owner’s love for dachshunds, Lowrider Cookie Company handcrafts some seriously delicious cookies and cakes. Send a gift card to a friend, or order a box of eight cookies and drop them off at their doorstep. Their December special flavors are stuffed chai chocolate, whiskey old fashioned, pillow mint, and red velvet with chocolate chips.
Sugar + Spoon
Know someone who loves licking the batter off of the spoon when baking? Now they can do it safely — and deliciously — with Sugar + Spoon’s no-egg cookie dough. Send off a bundle of their mouth-watering classic flavors, choose your own combinations, or purchase a digital gift card.
Savor Seattle
Savor Seattle, a food-tour company based out of Pike Place Market, has created holiday gift sets filled with local snacks perfect for your relatives on the other side of the country. Show them just what makes Seattle so appetizing. Make sure to get your orders in as early as possible.
If you need assistance during the holidays, whether that means picking up online orders, wrapping presents, ordering cards, or dropping gifts for family and friends off at the post office, Pepper’s Personal Assistants can help.
Visit our website and read about our different service packages to decide which is the best for you, and schedule a call with us today. We’re happy to help you make this holiday season holly, jolly, and as stress-free as possible.
by Kara | Jun 16, 2020 | Gifts
Time seems to be flying by since stay-at-home orders were placed in effect several months ago, and Father’s Day is already around the corner. Because of coronavirus precautions, celebrating holidays and special occasions looks a little different this year. If you’re unable to get out and embark on a shopping trip to purchase anything for this Sunday, June 21st, you might need to get a bit more creative to show your appreciation for the dad in your life.
Phone calls, video chats, homemade cards, and baked goods are all great gift ideas, but we want to give you a few more options to give Dad a special treat while also supporting local businesses.
Local Beer Delivery
Stoup Brewing, a family-friendly and community-focused brewery in the heart of Ballard, is open for to-go and take out orders during this time. If you know a dad who loves beer, Stoup Brewing can also quench that thirst through beer delivery! Just jump on their website and choose a crowler (a 32-ounce can that’s filled and sealed on-site, similar to a growler) or four-pack option of one (or more!) of their 14 delicious brews and confirm the local delivery date.
Records To-Go
Is there a father in your life who is all about music? Being stuck inside provides the perfect opportunity to discover new musical artists and revisit old favorites. West Seattle’s Easy Street Records is offering local King County delivery for their online orders during the pandemic. Complete your gift order and a van will pull up to the drop-off destination with a bag of records, CDs, t-shirts, or any other merch you feel would make a great Father’s Day gift for music-lovers.
[Related: Five Ways Moms Can Treat Themselves (While Supporting Local Businesses) – Food Edition]
Hardware Store Gift Cards
Because of this quarantine, DIY projects and small in-home renovations are on the rise. Support your local hardware store by purchasing a gift card perfect for a stay-home handyman. South Seattle’s Stewart Lumber and Hardware Co., Pacific Supply Co. in Capitol Hill, and Hardwick and Sons in the University District are just a few of Seattle’s independent hardware stores that could use your support.
Pike Place Market Meal Kits
One big thing that a lot of people miss while staying home is going out to eat. Seattle’s restaurant and foodie scene is incredible, especially down in Pike Place Market. But you and your dad don’t have to miss out this Father’s Day. Many Pike Place Market restaurants are putting together meal kits that allow you to recreate their delicious breakfasts, lunches, and dinners from the comfort and safety of your own home.
Box of Local Goodies
Can’t make up your mind, but still want to give a Father’s Day gift that supports Seattle-owned businesses? Keep Your City Smiling is a company that puts together and delivers surprise boxes filled with treats and small gifts from local businesses. They are even offering a special Father’s Day box, as well as city-specific boxes in case the father in question lives or grew up outside of Seattle.
No matter how you choose to celebrate or what you end up giving as a gift, the most important thing is to let the dads in your life know just how appreciated they are, especially during these tough times. Here’s to you dads!
