Six Unique Unforgettable Souvenirs from San Juan Island

Are you a fellow traveler who spoils their friends and family with small and sometimes not so small gifties from the places you visit? Are you taking pride in avoiding the plush toys made in China and the same old funny T-shirt with just the name of a different town on it? Us too! Read on for the coolest gift ideas from San Juan Island. You might want to keep one or two yourself.

1) Sea Salt from the Island

San Juan Sea Salt is a small, family owned operation, making salt from the waters of the Salish Sea since 2008. They don’t take short cuts. They take the time and make luscious salt, rich in minerals, rivaling traditional Atlantic sea salts in flavor and texture. Check out their amazing selection at their store next to the farmers market.

2) Paula West Pottery

Local Potter Paula West makes handmade functional ceramics, so beautiful, you might not want to gift them after all. Her studio is open to visitors most days (when the sign is out on the street) or find her at the farmers market.

3) Gift Certificate to the Earthbox Inn & Spa

Treat your sister to a baby moon with a gift certificate to the Earthbox Inn & Spa and a yummy facial; or your friends for a happening summer weekend with festivals and kayaking, finished with a massage to ease your well-paddled muscles; or your partner for a decadent winter getaway with storm watching and a side-by-side massage. A San Juan Island experience is truly the best gifts of all.

4) Adopt an Orca

Adopt one of the Southern Resident Killer Whales for the kids or the kids’ classroom. Get an adoption certificate, bumper sticker, and monthly updates on how your big black fish is doing. Enjoy a year-long Whale Museum membership and be part of these majestic, endangered creatures’ lives in the wild. And when you come visit, go whale watching to look for “your” whale.

5) Piquenique Natural Wine

Piquenique's natural sparkling wines only contain local, island grown or foraged fruit and no additives. They collaborate with other farms throughout the archipelago to re-establish fruit orchards. Each careful planting of apple, pear, plum, quince and grape is an intentional break with monoculture farming, which leads to soil erosion and depletion, reduces biodiversity and increases vulnerability to pests and diseases. Find Piquenique’s delicious libations at the Market Chef gourmet deli or the San Juan Island Food Coop, both in walking distance to our hotel

6) Island Thyme Botanicals

Island Thyme handcrafts exquisite, small batch body care products from botanicals grown on their farm and around the globe. Visit their gorgeous store on First Street and bring a little Island Thyme home with you.