Best Shopping in Seattle

The University District, as full of young faces as you would expect, features plenty of shopping venues, thrift stores, restaurants, cafés, cultural centers and Neptune Theatre, a hub for small- and big-name musical acts. The area was also the site of the Alaska-Yukon Pacific Exposition in 1909; a few of the buildings constructed then are still in use today. Aside from the gorgeous campus, the district offers museums, libraries, comedy clubs and bars for day and evening entertainment. In addition, the area boasts a farmers market and a veritable cornucopia of unique stores and boutiques. Find hip, young fashion, or stock up on UW paraphernalia at the bookstore.

When shopping for friends and family members, consider a charming, neighborhood shop that guarantees unique gift options that won't match anyone else's. This welcoming Fremont women's boutique in one of Seattle's most popular, artsy neighborhoods stocks funky clothing, jewelry, accessories and gifts, most items locally manufactured and designed. Among the venue's merch, past gems have included dresses by Suzabelle, handbags by Crystalyn Kae, jewelry by Lauren G Divine Designs and soaps by Estrella. The store now has an outpost at SeaTac Airport Concourse C, and Show Pony's merchandise is now also available online, too, so perhaps you can even save yourself a trip to the store.

At PCC Community Markets, a member-owned cooperative, you'll find fresh, local and organic produce, quality meats and sustainable seafood at more than a dozen Seattle-area locations. And while these are certainly great places to do one's grocery shopping (or pick up a quick, hot meal on the go), they're also a lesser-known destination for stocking up on gifts (think journals, books, knitted goods and kitchenware) by local companies and artisans for your friends or loved ones. Also consider gifting tasty local goodies ranging from chocolate (Theo, Fran's and Seattle Chocolate Company's seasonal holiday bars) to Washington wines and beers from neighboring businesses like Fremont Brewing. Other great gifts? The PCC Cooking From Scratch Cookbook, cooking class certificates plus PCC gift cards.

Occupying multiple levels on the basement, street and mezzanine of a massive combination Microsoft office tower-and-condo complex in downtown Bellevue, the Shops at the Bravern is tony and upscale. This collection of high-end merchants and restaurants has elevated Northwest shopping by creating an environment that attracts international luxury brand retailers to the region. The prime example is department store Neiman Marcus, for which the Bravern is an initial outpost in this part of the country. Local bakery phenomenon Trophy Cupcakes, star restaurateur John Howie and Seattle Asian-cuisine institution Wild Ginger have all set up shop here. In addition to Nieman, heavy hitting haute retailers here also include the likes of Jimmy Choo, Karen Millen, David Barton Gym, Louis Vuitton, Salvatore, Ferragamo, Neiman Marcus, Tory Burch, Hermes and Wolford. On chilly evenings, the huge stone fireplace in the courtyard is a great place to gather.

The Chinatown-International District, or the "ID," was originally settled in the 1880s by a group of Chinese railroad workers. Since that time, Chinese, Japanese, Vietnamese and Korean cultures have come together to form the Asian-American district of Seattle. In addition to several trendy boutiques, the area also boasts a plethora of small, family-run, Asian restaurants and authentic shops well worth your time and a visit. Particularly noteworthy is Uwajimaya, an enormous market where you can find everything from arts and crafts to live fish to fresh produce and herbs. Save some time for a meal after your shopping spree, as this district boasts some of the city's most delicious food.

Downton's premier five-story shopping center, occupying an entire city block at the intersections of two major hubs, recently underwent an exciting refresh. The venue's grand new Amazon-facing entrance at Seventh Avenue and Olive Way opens up to South Lake Union, with a second recently enhanced downtown-facing entrance at Sixth Avenue and Pine Street. The center's multimillion-dollar redevelopment was touted "as one of Seattle's most important can't-miss shopping, dining and entertainment destinations." Popular shops, restaurants and AMC Pacific Place 11 draw folks to this hub of entertainment and retail, including Tiffany & Co., Lululemon, JNBY, Dress for Success Seattle, Aveda, Midnight Cookie Co., Pike Place Chowder and Din Tai Fung. The mall's 1,200-space underground garage provides ample parking. If coming by Light Rail, use Westlake Station.

Sure, there are multiple REI locations across the country these days, and of course you can shop for their gear online, but the Seattle location is a destination in itself. Whether you're gearing up for a planned hike at Mt. Rainier National Park, looking for a kayak rental to ply Puget Sound or are just a helpless outdoor gadget geek, this is your place. The sheer volume of the place and the amount of gear itself is a wonder, but before you get to the ice-axe handles of the giant wooden front doors, you wander along a miniature section of Northwest trail complete with pine trees, ferns and a waterfall. In addition to wowing first-time visitors, the area is meant for trying out hiking boots and mountain bikes before buying. Parkas can be pushed to the limit in the "rain room." Also enjoy the towering indoor climbing wall (when open).

The hub of the University District shopping scene, this site is Seattle's only outdoor lifestyle shopping center. University Village is an attractive open-air complex that features popular hometown outdoor clothier Eddie Bauer along with chains such as Barnes & Noble and Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrel, Gap and The North Face. More than two-dozen local merchants also maintain stores in this unique center, providing shoppers a touch of Northwest flavor. Among them are chic candle maker glassybaby and Fran's Chocolates. Attractive garden areas, numerous restaurants and ample free parking are additional draws. Among the many restaurants, enjoy Din Tai Fun, Bamboo Sushi and Ba Bar (check out pickup options, too), and afterward treat yourself to some delicious Frankie & Jo's plant-based ice cream.

What better way to pass the time on a mellow afternoon than browsing for that latest thriller or travel guide inside a cozy bookshop? This venerable specialty bookseller, in operation since 1973, can be found in the heart of Seattle's funky Capitol Hill neighborhood, in a re-purposed, historic brick building. More than a generation in business, Elliott Bay is a full service bookstore with more than 150,000 titles, all aligned on cedar shelves in a multi-level, loft-type space. Elliot Bay offers a full schedule of author readings and events throughout the year, and the cozy café downstairs is more than convenient.

Why not start your shopping adventure here? It could be argued quite persuasively that Pike Place Market is Seattle's heartbeat. Situated along the water, the market was originally founded to allow produce growers to sell directly to consumers. Today, it's a protected historic district that inundates you with sights, sounds, smells and the best people-watching in town. Whether in suits or tie-dyed t-shirts, wearing boutonnieres or strewn with wildflowers, folks from near and far find the market a fabulous place to spend the day. This thriving hub offers much more than retail gems; Pike Place is home to five social service programs, 220-plus independently owned shops and restaurants, 150-plus craftspeople, 70-plus farmers, 60-plus permitted buskers, 450-plus residents in the Market's affordable housing and one foundation.