If you'd rather spend your time and money supporting local crafters, gardeners, writers and entrepreneurs than fighting the crowds at the mall, the South Sound has plenty of options to meet your holiday shopping needs.

The Pacific Northwest Shop: This unique shop features specialty foods, T-shirts, books and one-of-a-kind gifts from local artisans and writers, such as jewelry from West Coast Sea Glass, spices from Tom Douglas and tea from Market Spice Tea, just to name a few. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday; 2702 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.752.2242

Local Boys: Located in Gig Harbor, Local Boys offers fresh produce and locally handcrafted jams, jellies, syrups and salsas, including their very own homemade blackberry preserves. 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, 6702 Tyee Dr. NW, Gig Harbor, 253.858.5355

Old Cannery Furniture Warehouse: Along with 200,000 square feet of expertly crafted furnishings for your home, this unique furniture store also features an overhead model railroad and more than two dozen flavors of homemade fudge. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; 13608 Valley Ave. E., Sumner, 253.863.0422

Compass Rose:  With two locations to choose from, Compass Rose is your go-to shop for locally handcrafted furniture, jewelry, books, clothes and toys for all ages. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday; Two locations: 3815 N. 26th St., Tacoma, 253.759.0077, and 416 Capitol Way S., Olympia, 360.236.0788

Learning Sprout: The Learning Sprout has two floors and 7,000 square feet of toys and educational games and books. Storewide "Play Stations" let kids (and parents) try before they buy. They also offer free gift-wrapping. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 809 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.274.0136

Teaching Toys:  Considered by some to be "the best toy store in the galaxy," Teaching Toys' two locations feature eco-friendly educational toys, activities, books and games.
Two Locations: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday; 2624 N. Proctor St., Tacoma, 253.759.9853. Also: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday; 4635 Point Fosdick Dr., Gig Harbor, 253.514.6113

Purple Peacock: This unique Tacoma shop offers unusual jewelry, gifts, antiques and watches from around the world. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, 1744 Pacific Ave., Tacoma, 253.383.3200

Watermark Gifts:  "Tacoma's oldest downtown gift store" features handmade stationary and gifts for all ages. 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Tuesday-Friday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday; 1115 A St., Tacoma, 253.383.2041

Drees:  There's something for everybody at Drees, which is why, according to owner Ruthanne Goularte, they "hear it over and over again ... brides love Drees, graduates love Drees, husbands love Drees, and of course, moms love Drees." 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Sunday; 524 Washington St. SE, Olympia, 360.357.7177

Captain Little:  The only local gift shop named for a mouse, Captain Little offers toys, books and gifts for kids of all ages. 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday-Saturday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday; 121 5th Ave. SE, Olympia, 360.352.5441