Magical store! Pieces are either a little spooky, whimsical, or cheeky. They do a great job of…read morecurating items: stationery, Maileg miniatures, soaps, cards, and other decorative home goods. I really enjoy the items they choose and how they stage pieces. Each piece feels thoughtful. This is my favorite place to stop by when in Ballard

Oh you should come in here whether you need anything or not. Such great fun to see what the store…read morehas to offer. You'll be surprised how tempting things are. Nicely displayed and so typical of the Ballard area.

Watson Kennedy Fine Living is a very specific type of gift shop - it's lotion and candle focused,…read moreorganized by color and extremely scented. The strength of the scent is frankly overwhelming to the point it's unpleasant to browse and the shop could do with an air purifier if it's simply the byproduct of the items carried. The service was friendly but I couldn't stay in the shop for long and the scent lingered on my clothes for about ten minutes. Those with sensitivities likely won't do well, but for those who like strongly secreted spaces, Watson Kennedy is your store.

I love this store and have been here before but the lady working here yesterday was so rude. She…read morecouldn't have made us feel less welcome. I asked her about the fragrances and she said that wasn't their specialty but then it actually it is because they have other sense around the store like candles and lotions. I would give the store five stars because they have so many cute little knickknacks and beautiful cards and memorabilia of Seattle and it's located next to the inn at the market hotel next-door to Sushi Kashiba which is amazing.

​I was just strolling down 1st Ave when I stumbled upon this absolutely stunning shop for the very…read morefirst time. Pro-tip for first-timers: if you're confused about how to get in, just press the button next to the door! The friendly staff will buzz you right in. ​Once inside, I was completely blown away by how beautifully the shop is curated. The front features gorgeous color-coded displays in vibrant greens, pinks, and yellows. As you wander deeper into the store, it's like a treasure trove filled with high-quality wines, perfumes, artisanal soaps, gourmet treats, and incredibly tasteful home decor and novelties. ​This is the ultimate spot to pick up a little self-care treat or find a unique, thoughtful gift for someone special. Yes, the prices are a bit on the higher side, but given the exceptional quality and uniqueness of everything they carry, the satisfaction level is 100% there. Such a gem with a wonderful aesthetic!

We stopped by Watson Kennedy Fine Home after being drawn in by its beautifully curated window…read moredisplay, and it did not disappoint! From the moment we walked in, we were warmly welcomed by the wonderful staff. The store is a dream, everything is thoughtfully color-coordinated, making it a feast for the eyes. There's truly something for everyone, and it's the perfect one-stop shop for creating a thoughtful gift basket. I could have easily spent hours browsing the unique selection, but my husband was eager to get to our next destination. We were visiting from out of town the first time we stopped in, but now it is a go to spot, even if it's just to check out what they have put out recently! If you're in Seattle, this store is an absolute must-visit!

We wandered into Swoon Books as part of the Ballard Book Crawl (incredible event, 10/10, highly…read morerecommend) and oh, what a lovely find. The store is so aesthetic and thoughtfully curated, it's like the kind of bookshop that makes you want to read every book on the shelves. The LGBTQ+ selection was excellent and very visible, not tucked in a corner, which immediately made the space feel welcoming and intentional. The vibe overall is just really pleasant and warm, you can tell it's a place that actually loves books and the people who love books. Left very happy with my finds and already thinking about going back.

This place is so cute! I love that they have a nice mix of books and merch. The staff was helpful…read moreand they offered to provide recommendations or order when I inquired about a book they didn't end up having in store. The value is pretty typical for books (no notable mark ups) but I love the vibes of shopping here. They also appear to be dog friendly which is a huge plus to me. Highly recommend! I joined their rewards program so I'll def be back!

I stopped by today just for a pick up order, but I've been shopping at KOBO for the past five…read moreyears, both the Capitol Hill and International District locations. KOBO Capitol Hill is tucked away at one end of Broadway on a cute little corner that's easy to miss if you're not looking. They have an AMAZING collection of local and international art, books, and other small finds that make it feel like a new experience every time you visit. They also have virtual art shows featuring new artists every month, offering them platform to show off new work in a time where it might not otherwise happen. Due to Covid, they've taken a lot of precautions for their customers and staff, which I really appreciate. Private shopping sessions can be booked online, and curbside pick up was a really smooth experience!

I love this place! It so cute and has so many great gift ideas! 100% going back for some gifts…read morelater this year

I'm a certified lurker when it comes to online reviews, but Retail Therapy is just so good that I…read morehave to break that streak. The space consists of a lofty downstairs and a cozy little upstairs area, and is located right in the heart of Seattle's most exuberantly queer neighborhood. And this store can hang. The selection of art, clothes, jewelry, gifts, cards, and more is both extensive and carefully currated. This is my go-to spot for a last-minute gift that is unique and thoughtful. And the owner is fantastic!! Aside from being a warm presence as you browse the store, she is also clearly devoted to quality. I once bought a tarot deck that had been used as a display, and she told me to make sure and return if any of the cards were missing... They were not, though, because as I said, Retail Therapy is just that good.

Super cute store with really cute gifts, cards and art. The owner is super sweet and helpful! She…read morewas a delight to chat with. I got some really cute gifts and art for a good price. :)

Amazing and unique store in a central location. I hope to…read morereturn soon! Highly recommend it!

Many visitors and shoppers tend to have an emotional connection to Kobo, formerly known as Higo. I…read moream one of those people who calls it Higo, before I will remember it is in fact Kobo now. Higo is the original shop owned and run by the Murakami family. This is one of the few businesses that survived the Executive Order 9066 written in 1942 with thanks to the non-Japanese friends of the family who owned businesses in the same building. Today, Kobo represents a new generation of local artists, selling gift items, crafts, tees, books, art, jewelry, and much more at varying level of prices. I highly recommend Kobo when shopping for unique gifts. When I recently visited, they had a glass artwork on display, art gallery style. It was also the yearly Nihonmachi celebration, and they had a table outside with an artist painting one of three designs on classic Japanese windchimes. I was thrilled to buy one of these adorable windchimes commonly featured in anime including Studio Ghibli movies. For those who want to read the long version of the store's history: https://www.historylink.org/File/9094

Super cute gift shop with lots of fun and trendy items! Perfect for last minute shopping if you…read morewant to support a local business. It's hard to make a decision because I love everything there!

In August, I was given a gift from the store that didn't suit me at all. It was a gold flower…read morenecklace that did not sit right on me. It fell forward and was not well valanced on the chain. We don't live in Seatttle, where the store is, so my husband sent back of the gift and was told that someone would help me with an exchange. I had no response to my Instagram messages or my emails. Now in December, finally someone is responding to us and they are unwilling to help shop remotely, siting the season as the reason. In fact, they're only willing to offer a gift card. They did, however, offer the "full price" on the gift card. I found that an interesting statement. As if that was a favor to me. So since we live far away, it's unlikely that I will remember to use the gift card. We only visit once every year or two. I hope I do have a chance to spend the gift card, worth over $300. But this is just a reminder that while it's nice to shop small businesses, in person, it's not necessarily great for the recipient of the gift. Especially if a change is needed. A better resolution would've been a refund to my husband. Especially for a long distance situation. While he was told that the sales person would be helpful, we have not found that to do so. One of my favorite sayings is that you're either winning or you're learning. I'd say this is definitely a learning experience. Shop wisely.