Seattle Post-Intelligencer LogoHearst Newspapers Logo

The best gifts and experiences for Seattle travel lovers

By Lori A May, Special to the SeattlePI

Consider a travel experience or a gift from a favorite hotel this holiday season.

Consider a travel experience or a gift from a favorite hotel this holiday season.

Dulin/Getty Images/RooM RF

Time is winding down for Seattle shoppers to find the perfect gift for the travelers in their lives.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Sure, there are classic standbys like new luggage or a plush neck pillow, but if you’re seeking thoughtful gifts with lasting memories, you may want to stretch your imagination just a bit.

Keep scrolling for a collection of travel-inspired gifts and bespoke experiences, from decadent spa treatments to plush bathrobes from favorite hotels to boutique gifts and treats from afar. 

Adrift Distillers in Long Beach, Washington

Adrift Distillers in Long Beach, Washington

courtesy of Adrift Hospitality

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Holiday Bazaar at Adrift Hotel

Adrift Hotel is a beloved boutique property along the Long Beach Peninsula and this year they are helping travelers find a unique gift by hosting a Holiday Bazaar.

On Dec.18, head to Adrift Hotel between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. to shop for local goods from artisans and craftspeople. Vendors will have handmade gifts, jewelry, home décor and more. Plus, complimentary holiday treats will be provided in the event space.

Can’t make it in person? Adrift Hotel also has an online gift guide with gin and tonic kits from Adrift Distillers, gift bundles for coffee lovers, bundles from Beach House Teas and a selection of branded Adrift Hotel merchandise.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Gift items from Honolulu Coffee in Hawaii

Gift items from Honolulu Coffee in Hawaii

Lori A. May

Gift a little Hawaiian aloha

If you or your travel pals are missing Hawaiian vacations, bring the aloha spirit home with exclusively Hawaiian gifts.

Just about everyone who visits Hawaii walks into ABC Stores at some point or another, as these shops are so full of irresistible Hawaiian treats. Shop online at ABC Stores to put together a great gift bundle packed with island chocolates and candies, coffees and more.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Right now, ABC Stores is offering discounts on many favorites, too. Save 20% on Island Princess chocolate-covered macadamia nuts, save 25% on Kona coffee and save 25% on Mauna Loa treats. Not sure what to put together for a cohesive gift pack? Take a look at the Aloha Gift Baskets with selected collections of Hawaiian treats and gifts.

Prefer to focus on one specific Hawaiian goodie? Head to Honolulu Coffee’s online store to take advantage of free shipping for orders of $50 or more. Also on sale right now are gift bundles like coffee and mug sets with Kona coffee or the Mele Kalikimaka blend. Want to keep that coffee aloha going strong for several months? Gift a Honolulu Coffee subscription for 3, 6 or 12 months of coffee delivery.

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley: Arizona:

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley: Arizona:

The Ritz-Carlton Paradise Valley

Deluxe pampering with The Ritz-Carlton at home

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

For luxury travelers, there’s nothing quite like relaxing in a top-of-the-line hotel room and enjoying all the perks and amenities that come with high-end lodging. Now, fans of The Ritz-Carlton can enjoy some of those amenities at home with gifts from The Shops as The Ritz-Carlton.

From signature bathrobes to gilded ice buckets and room diffusers or scented candles, your loved ones can simulate a stay at The Ritz-Carlton without leaving home. There’s even a huge collection of spa toiletries ideal for at-home indulgence and relaxation.

Tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia

Tea at the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, British Columbia

courtesy of Fairmont Hotels and Resorts

Traditional teatime from Fairmont

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Perhaps your travel friends most look forward to indulgent teas when visiting Fairmont Hotels and Resorts. Then, visit The Fairmont Store for a full suite of Fairmont’s Lot 35 tea selections.

Afternoon tea at Fairmont Empress Victoria is a grand tradition and can be celebrated at home with Fairmont’s Tea at the Empress. Or gift seasonal treats like spiced plum cake, cardamom pear or a hot cocoa tea.

Tea accessories are also available, as is the H.C. Valentine Signature Blend coffee if your traveler prefers Fairmont’s beloved cup of Joe.

5) Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie: $110.00 Shop Now This Luke's Lobster kit combines two delicious summer offerings: lobster rolls and blueberry pie. The seven-inch pie is made with Wyman's wild Maine blueberries and comes from beloved Portland bakery Two Fat Cats. The pound of lobster knuckle and claw meat is flash-frozen to ensure it's fresh when it arrives.
5) Lobster Rolls & Blueberry Pie:

$110.00

Shop Now

This Luke's Lobster kit combines two delicious summer offerings: lobster rolls and blueberry pie. The seven-inch pie is made with Wyman's wild Maine blueberries and comes from beloved Portland bakery Two Fat Cats. The pound of lobster knuckle and claw meat is flash-frozen to ensure it's fresh when it arrives.

lukeslobster.com

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

East Coast lobster rolls

Luke’s Lobster is noteworthy along the Eastern shoreline where delicious Atlantic lobster finds its way to Luke’s fresh lobster rolls, lobster mac and cheese and lobster bisque. Unless visiting Luke’s Las Vegas or San Francisco location, West Coast travelers miss out on some pretty amazing lobster eats.

No more. Luke’s Lobster Shop has amazing lobster treats that are deliverable the day after ordering. Gift a lobster roll kit inclusive of lobster knuckle and claw meat, New England split-top buns and Luke’s secret seasoning. Or send your seafood lover live lobster that ships for free. Or if you’re unsure about shipping seafood, Luke’s even has branded hats and tees, along with gift cards.

TSA is looking into passenger "self-screening" technology to speed up airport lines.

TSA is looking into passenger "self-screening" technology to speed up airport lines.

Jim Glab

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Save on CLEAR gift memberships

You’ve likely noticed passengers speeding through CLEAR at airport security and wondered just how these folks get away with such a quick security process. The answer is CLEAR, a security membership program offering expedited clearance through TSA checkpoints.

Instead of using traditional ID documentation, CLEAR uses biometrics like eye scans and fingerprints to confirm identity quickly and usher guests through security. CLEAR can be used with or without TSA PreCheck, though the most expedient process through security is using both CLEAR and PreCheck.

For frequent flyers in your life, a CLEAR membership gives the gift of time in shaving time off security entrances. Usually, a 1-year membership costs $179 per year, but discounted membership is available through CLEAR gift cards. Options include a 6-month membership for $79 or a 1-year membership for $149. You can purchase these as gifts for others, or yourself.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Norwegian Bliss sailing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Norwegian Bliss sailing in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Lori A. May

Gift credit to your fellow cruisers

Is someone on your gift list planning a cruise vacation? Pinpoint their cruise line and surprise them with a gift card they can use in advance toward cruise fare or spend onboard once traveling.

Cruise line gift cards can be gifted in just about any amount, starting at just $25. Holland America and Carnival offer physical gift card delivery or e-cards for immediate email delivery, while Norwegian Cruise Line sends physical gift cards to your recipient.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Roman baths at Qua Baths & Spa, Caesars Palace Las Vegas

Roman baths at Qua Baths & Spa, Caesars Palace Las Vegas

courtesy of Caesars Entertainment

Surprise spa treatments in Las Vegas

For the low- or high-roller in your life, a gift card for a classic Vegas experience may be more than a welcome treat.

Gift Cards from Caesars Entertainment may be used at resort hotels and resort eateries or — even better — used at a top resort spa like the legendary Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace. For the more active travelers in your life, Caesars gift cards can also be applied to downhill skiing in Lake Tahoe or a round of golf at a favorite resort.

Advertisement

Article continues below this ad

Gift cards are also available for MGM Resorts, and can be used toward restaurants and bars, or at resort spas and salons like the decadent facilities at Bellagio Hotel & Casino. Splurge for a full body treatment or opt for a gift card to cover a spa facility pass so your giftee can relax in the steam room, sauna and whirlpools.

By Lori A May