Due to the many gifts 2020 has bestowed upon us — social distancing in particular — it looks like we will all be playing the role of Santa in a few weeks. Just because we’ll end up spending the holidays driving around town delivering presents like Jolly Old Nick, however, is no excuse to put any less thought than usual when it comes to choosing said gifts. The fact that we may not be able to compare ugly Christmas sweaters in person this year, is all the more reason to choose extra special items for our friends and family.

Don’t fret, we did the legwork for you and put together a list of local shops where you can find items (and customer service) distinctly different from what you’ll find at big box stores and online. Be the best Santa in town by shopping locally in Tacoma for holiday gifts.

Tacoma Holiday Gifts
Get your gift of thrones on at Crescent Moon Gifts. Photo credit: Ily Goyanes

Crescent Moon Gifts
6901 6th Ave., Tacoma

Billed as “Washington’s largest metaphysical gift shop and healing center,” Crescent Moon Gifts lives up to the hype. Need a gift for your eccentric Aunt Ramona or your pagan brother-in-law Quinn? Peruse the inventory of essential oils, incense, books, clothing, jewelry, tarot card decks, and other metaphysical supplies in the impressive showroom. Or go big and choose one of the many statues that make up the largest selection in the country of fairies, dragons, and other fantastic creatures. For an extra special gift, book a virtual tarot card reading for your auntie and cement your place as her favorite nephew.

Tacoma Holiday Gifts
When they ask how you found out about Chirp and Company, tell them a little bird told you about it. Photo credit: Ily Goyanes

Chirp and Company
3803 N. 26 St., Tacoma

At this garden gift store in the Proctor District, you’ll find a lot more than the “wild bird seed” advertised on the massive decorative neon sign hanging in the window. Sure, Chirp and Company do sell some nifty looking bird cages as well as birdseed and anything else the aficionado of all things avian in your life might want, but there’s a lot more to this nest that meets the (bird’s) eye. Does your boyfriend love to putter around the garden? Has he expressed a desire to turn your backyard into an epic, larger than life courtyard? Or maybe he just wants some unique lighting fixtures for your outdoor deck. Look no further. You are apt to find something he can brag about among Chirp’s wide variety of garden statues, sculptures, and other outdoor art.

Tacoma Holiday Gifts
Color your friends and family happy with gifts from ArtCo Crafts and Frames. Photo credit: Ily Goyanes

ArtCo Crafts and Frames
5401 6th Ave., #401, Tacoma

Why shop at an impersonal big box arts and crafts store, when you can find everything you need at a store locally owned and operated for almost 30 years? One of the wonderful things about ArtCo is that you can find gifts for loved ones of all ages. Has Mom gotten into adult coloring books to while away the quarantine hours? Do your nieces and nephews go gaga over puzzles and homemade slime? Maybe Dad wants to redecorate his tiki bar. You can find personal, well thought out gifts for the entire family at this local favorite.

Tacoma Holiday Gifts
Find gifts for friends, family, and Fido at the newly opened Point Ruston Public Market. Photo credit: Ily Goyanes

Point Ruston Public Market
5101 Yacht Club Rd., Ruston

This recently opened market near the yacht club in Point Ruston provides plenty of selection among its vendors. From specialty meats and cheeses to handmade jewelry, you could manage to get all your shopping done in one place. There are laser engraved gift items by West Coast Laser Design, which include artwork, mugs, jewelry, and more. For the foodies in your life, choose from gourmet olive oils, sauces and salts from All Things Rich, specialty charcuterie from Owens Meat (the candy store for the carnivore), or specialty fruit items from Fardell Farms. Don’t forget Fido! The Dogfather sells “cool stuff for cool pets.” See? We told you the Point Ruston Public Market could be your one-stop-shop.

Tacoma Holiday Gifts
Open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, Tacoma Boys is more than just a place to buy artisan bratwurst and locally brewed beer. Photo credit: Ily Goyanes

Tacoma Boys
5602 6th Ave. Tacoma
Also, locations in Puyallup and Lakewood

You may not think of Tacoma Boys when considering holiday gift shopping, but you would be surprised. Not only does this family-owned shop carry all kinds of edible goods, but it also carries a variety of seasonal gourmet treats. If you’re in a bit of a hurry or need to shop during late hours, or (gasp), forgot someone on your list, check out the seasonal display of gourmand goodies and pair it with one of the local wines in the nearby display.

This year take the opportunity to help out some Pierce County entrepreneurs — who have been hit especially hard by the pandemic by shopping for gifts locally. Tacoma is full of family-owned businesses, craftspeople, artisans, and other independent retailers who not only could use an economic boost but happen to offer some really cool merchandise.