Your Guide to Island-made Holiday Shopping in Friday Harbor

November 2022

Nothing is easier and more fun than stress-free Holiday shopping in a small coastal town on a relaxing island weekend getaway. Our Bird Rock Hotel is conveniently located 1½ blocks from the ferry dock in the heart of the completely walkable Friday Harbor, twinkling with Holiday lights. Before you go, check out our irresistible December weekend specials, don’t forget to book yourself the massage you promised yourself months ago, come on up and get shopping.

1. Gift the San Juan Island Experience

The most amazing gift from San Juan Island is the gift of a visit. It’s the easiest as well. Simply buy a lodging certificate to the adorable Bird Rock Hotel here. If you feel generous, throw in a massage treatment at our sister hotel’s spa, the Spa at Earthbox, and a whale watch tour. You will absolutely make somebody’s holiday with this generous gift package.

2. Spirits of the San Juans

If the world ever ends, we here on San Juan Island will be fine for a while, because we not only have a brewery and a vineyard, but also a cidery and a distillery. All of their wonderful libations come in festive bottles (and cans) with lovely logos, are rarely distributed outside of San Juan Island and make distinct gifts for boutique spirit connoisseurs. You can find our island spirits at Kings Market next door to us.

3. Salt & Honey

There once were two island boys who made Sea Salt from the Salish Sea in their mother’s kitchen as Christmas gifts, making a huge mess every year. Those boys grew up and became the proud founders of San Juan Island Sea Salt, offering not only natural, flake and Madrona smoked sea salt, but also spice rubs, honey, salted honey caramels and lovely gift sets of their wares. The perfect gift for the culinary buff on your list. San Juan Island Sea Salt is available at the Farmer’s Market (every first and third Saturday in November and December) or at the gift shop at the Earthbox Inn & Spa.

4. Everything Lavender

You’ve noticed the amazing body care products in our guest rooms from the local, organic Pelindaba Lavender Farm. Check out Pelindaba’s downtown store and realize how much more than body care products they have to offer: lavender chocolates, coffee, cookies, bath salts, jewelry, household products, art, to name a few. Don’t miss this cute store.

5. Meander Spring Street

Spring Street is the main street through Friday Harbor. Start on the nearby corner of First and Spring, meander up to our sister hotel, the Earthbox Inn & Spa and check out their lovely gift shop in the cozy lobby. Cross the street and meander back down. You’ll encounter cute boutiques, galleries, souvenir shops, stores selling local arts and crafts, port and chocolate, books and real estate. That little stroll will get all your Christmas shopping done. Make sure to take cocktail and dessert breaks along the way to keep your strength up!