Lisa’s Stirrett’s creations are exuberant, colorful and sure to please the art lover on your list.

If you’re like me, you’ve had your Christmas shopping done for months. You’ve found the perfect gift for everyone on your list, wrapped it in true Martha Stewart fashion, and now you’re lounging by the tree, drinking eggnog and eating bonbons.

Actually, that’s my fantasy Christmas. The reality? I’m schlepping kids to basketball practice, scrambling to finish rush projects at work and wondering what I’m going to scrounge up for dinner. I haven’t even started my Christmas gift list.

Sound familiar? If you need some help to put the Ho, Ho, Ho back into your holiday preparations, come to Kitsap. We’ve got charming shopping areas scattered throughout the peninsula, with stores that will get your list checked off faster than St. Nick flew up the chimney. Plus, we’ve got more microbreweries than Santa had reindeer, so you can relax after shopping with a cold one, which, let’s face it, is way better than eggnog.

Listed below are a few stand-out stores to visit on a day trip or weekend getaway. Be sure and explore the business districts around them, because this is only the tip of the iceberg.

Do good and look good, when you shop at Purpose.

  • Port Gamble General Store – With penny candy, fine wine and exquisite housewares, this store is fun to visit any time of the year. But it’s even better at Christmas, when it’s brimming with decorated trees, unusual ornaments and sparkling lights. This is the place to find a gift for anyone who loves to entertain.
  • Modern Mercantile – This Poulsbo store has recently expanded and offers an eclectic collection of jewelry, luxurious lotions and understated clothing. Don’t miss the deeply-hued cork purses, for a gift that’s as sustainable as it is beautiful. Shop here for that hard-to-satisfy person on your list.
  • Lisa Stirrett Glass Art Studio – This Silverdale shop is a joy for the senses, filled with bright colors and art that begs to be touched. There’s a wide selection of glass pieces, an inviting coffee area and, if you’re lucky, you’ll get to see Lisa and crew at work in the open studio. Gift ideas include cheese trays decorated with bright orange salmon, crosses that look like they’re woven from strands of glass and leaping reindeer ornaments. Shop here for the art lover in your life.
  • Purpose Boutique – What’s not to love about this cheery turquoise store in downtown Bremerton? The clothing is chic, fun and reasonably priced. The clerks make you feel pampered when they style your choices into complete outfits. And, a portion of sales goes to fight human trafficking. If the fashionista on your list has a conscience, shop here.
  • Josephine’s Redeemed Boutique – If you’re a sucker for vintage home décor, venture to Port Orchard and browse in this store, named after the owner’s grandmother. A visit is like spending the afternoon in your grandmother’s attic, if her attic was filled with really cool gifts. Look for ornaments, candles and holiday scents displayed beautifully among refurbished and repurposed antiques.  Go here for the nostalgia buff on your list.