As much as I’d love to be one of those annoying people who finishes their Christmas shopping before Labor Day, it will never happen. I’m forever buying gifts at the last minute, usually on the way back to whatever family function I’m attending (all of which require me to drive a decent distance, thus affording me the opportunity to shop).

This year I have an additional challenge. I’m on a pretty strict budget (stricter than usual as I have a rather important event to pay for in, oh… 21 days – eek!)

I’m looking for the best reasonable local gift ideas that my family will actually like. I’m not talking about the Space Needle magnets or the Sleepless in Seattle soundtrack. I want gifts that they’ll use and enjoy.

I’ve listed a few ideas after the jump, but I’m counting on you, dear readers. Help me fill my holiday gift bags and still have the money to pay for my wedding.

Patricia’s Local Holiday Gift Guide

Stocking Stuffers from Woodring’s ^[1]: I’ve mentioned Woodrings ^[2]before. They sell wonderful jellies and sauces and I’ve fallen in love with their pickles. The past few weeks, however, they’ve had gift packs for sale at the University District Farmers Market. I picked up a 4-pack of sauces (caramel and chocolate flavors for my parents, a pepper jelly pack for my soon-to-be father-in-law, and a jam pack for my soon-to-be mother-in-law. The three packs are two for $15 and the four packs are 2 for $20. An excellent deal and a truly local gift.

• Ballard Organics ^[3]Soap: Soap is one of those things that everyone (well, almost everyone) uses and few people think about. I like Ballard Organics because well, they’re organic. They make a variety of cool scents, including Lavender Oatmeal, Tangerine, and Tea Tree. I think their bar soaps are a pretty decent deal at $6 per soap. For stocking stuffers with some variety, you can even buy three or four different scents and cut them in half, wrap them in your own mesh bag, and give everyone on your list a couple of half-pieces of soap. Check out their ingredient list ^[4]on their website and then click through to see the ingredients of other commercial bar soaps ^[5].
• Lotion Bars from The Fay Farm ^[6]: During the winter months, my hands are permanently dry. Between the cold and the ever-frequent hand washing to stave off those winter colds, I can always use hand lotion. However when I fly, it’s a pain to take with me. The solid lotion bars from The Fay Farm are perfect for flying. They come in a handy little tin, have wonderful scents (Cucumber Jasmine is my favorite) and last for quite a while. These are going to all of the women in my life this Christmas.

So dear readers… what have I missed? What are some of your local gift gems?