On a recent walk through downtown and the "new" arts district, I was surprised to see a familiar…read moreshop still open (every day in fact) in these weird times. Charming place for all sorts of gift items, and much of it local. Hand-crafted jewelry, cards, costume hats and caps with animals and birds on them (I bought one with the Bellingham flag embossed on it), and what seemed like hundreds of lovely scarves (bought two red ones) and terrific T-shirts, as well as many games and toys found in shelves stuffed floor to ceiling. Lots of Mexican and Haitian wall hangings, too. Quietly sitting in the corner was Jackie who was so quiet we didn't know she was there until we asked a question, and who allowed us to browse in the very small space of the store. Great place to rediscover (if you didn't know it before) and perfect for special gifts for the season.

Really like this eclectic shop and the friendly owner, Will Davis. I don't know of another store…read morethat offers as much diversity of product than The Lucky Monkey. Really like their selection of quality and creative greeting cards. Their selection of scarves and hats is interesting (in a good way). They have spiritual items, native items, seasonal items, jewelry, wearable art, handbags, bells, wall hangings ... all affordable and WAY too much to list here. I walked in after seeing a greeting card in the window and ended up purchasing a handful of greeting cards and a hat and have become a return and referring customer. Will does a good job of selecting interesting and creative offerings and it just feels good to shop here. The location is safe, easily accessible and there's plenty of parking.

Wonderland is the most helpful and highest quality tea and spice shop in the Northwest Corner…read more Linda and her daughter are very knowledgeable and always have time to discuss herbal preparations. They do custom blends. Their products are a lot fresher than any grocery store, and because they sell by the ounce a lot less expensive. Great cards and tea sets too. Also, if your head is clogged from a cold, just walk in and take a deep breath!

I love coming in here to stock up on some of my favorite teas, but also to see what new seasonal…read moreblends they have created, since they always have new interesting ones to try each time I visit. The ladies that run the shop are also incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Highly recommend!

This little store on James St is very well named. It's full of not just fun art (and art supplies)…read morebut tons of happiness in the form of friendly staff and adorable little surprises (like fairy hideouts) throughout the store. While they have a little of everything, this is not an exhaustive art supply store, nor does it pretend to be. But if you're looking for something fun, creative, and inspiring it's definitely worth popping in. Bonus for their used art supplies area in the back, and super cool junk journaling kits!

If you love art supplies and fairies.. this little shop is a must stop…read more Very cute, has a magical fairy vibe . They have so much to look at, too many to list Mission - find all 15 fairy doors . Great service, very nice and kind

We love to see a bookstore thriving!! This is so much more than just a bookstore (and adjoining…read morepaper/confectionery/novelty shop). Its a community hub! I recently moved to Bellingham and Village Books (and paper dreams) actually really swayed me to move here. Its a book palace, 3 stories of well organized selection. The front facing books are well chosen, and the used books are interspersed with the new books. There are quite a few staff picks sections, all of which are super interesting and worth looking over. Three days before Christmas 2025 I was there trying to pick out a horror book for a friend of mine. Horror is not my genre (more of a fantasy and literature gal myself), so I for sure needed guidance. The shop lady spent so much time reviewing the whole horror section with me . When we couldn't find the main book we decided on me buying, she spent the time looking everywhere for it. She enlisted the help of two additional staff members. When she was needed for another task, she made sure one of the other shop ladies had me covered. I ended up ordering the book, which came in a few days and they texted me when it arrived. Easy peasy! I will never forget that experince, especially as the store was jam packed with x-mas shoppers. Village books in fairhaven is the spot! My only note is that their bookclubs could be better. The bookclubs are during the day and don't have different genre selections (they are mostly nonfiction). There is a silent reading bookclub that I might try. They could be cultivating different types of communities (ie book clubs geared towards romantasy, sci-fi, literature, etc.), but maybe that will come with time.

I really wanted to love the store. I'm long time book lover and one who worked in the book…read moreindustry for over 20 years. This store seemingly has it all; great selection of books, both knew and used, lots of old wood, and a staff that seems knowledgeable if a little bit unhappy. The last part can explain why the vibe is just off. It just doesn't feel comfortable nor welcoming, and if I had to put my finger on the cause, I would say it is likely due to management. I witnessed firsthand how the store manager ignored customers in line waiting to pay because he was on the phone. You never ignore the customers who are right in front of you. I wish the store all the best, but I'm gonna take my book shopping business elsewhere.

A very cute and well curated gallery. Lots of fun and interesting pieces…read more The small garden is delightful. The kind folks who work there are friendly and not at all pushy Absolutely worth a visit

I personally have never experienced a store like this that makes me feel like I've stepped into a…read morefairy tale. I feel as if I was transported to a place where there is not a worry in the world. The inside of the store is lovely, but the outside is where the true beauty lies. Take your time as you make your way through the peaceful path of sculptures. Soak in the beauty of the surrounding trees. Take a moment to stop and look at every detail. I would have purchased everything in here if the wallet was a bit heavier. It is pretty pricey, but everything is beautifully made. Don't miss out on this store, especially if you're exploring Chuckanut Drive.

It's like walking into a bead shop on the Ave in the U District in the late 60's if that dates me!…read more The owner is wonderful and was very helpful. She makes alot of very cool stuff, has a great selection of beads and jewelry making materials and was very engaging. She also has several cool items from other parts of the world.

Absolutely delightful. The woman who runs this place is incredibly genuine and sweet, very helpful…read morewith her customers. There is a huge selection for the size of space. If you don't see what you need ask and she is very helpful.

I love this shop! Whatcom Art Market is easy to go and shop some local goods. I didn't take any…read morephotos inside the store out of respect for their rules, but I did buy this adorable locally made penguin there. I like that this art market has a wide range of prices-you can find gifts for under $20 just as easily as gifts over $200. It simply depends on what you are looking for. You can find decor for your home, walls, kitchen, or self here. They feature many different types of artists and cater to many different personal aesthetics. They also have classes where you can create some of your own art!

If you like to see what local artist are doing in the Bellingham area, this is a wonderful place to…read morestop. They have many local artists and their artwork for sale. On average there at least two local artists on hand to help you. We walked up with quite a few items and it's a good thing. We only have carry-on because I could've easily added multiple pieces of art. The local artist unhand today were very nice. Worth stopping in.

This is one shop in Anacortes that I am always drawn to visit. The air is fresh and redolent due to…read morethe beautiful plants. And even better, one always feels welcome. When I recently visited, one of the owners greeted me along with another customer as if we were the people he wanted to see the most. I guess that made a big impression because my father had that same trait. On this visit I purchased what I call wall flowers -- pretty ceramic blossoms to hang on the wall to intersperse with other artwork.

I can't with this impeccable plant and things store! Plant lovers, garden gnomes, propagating…read morepeople would all appreciate this enchanting spot. The arch and perfectly placed palms definitely drew me in. The gal working was friendly and welcoming. Prices were on par with expectations for a touristy spot smack dab in touristy season. They carried artisan pots, tropical plants, boho birdhouses, and all the makings for terrariums. The back room beyond the glorious arches and wooden doors is where you can find a skylight tropical oasis and great plant starters. Just follow the calming sounds of the lily pad fountain. A definite 'must pop in' if frolicking through town.