Local lovers all over are invited to visit numerous locally owned businesses around Whatcom County with the Think Local First Passport. At each stop, simply check in using your digital passport, collect points, and earn prizes. This passport not only helps you experience the finest local retailers, but also offers many opportunities earn points and win prizes. By supporting your favorite local businesses, we all win!
Signing up is easy! Just click the sign-up button on your phone. Each time you check into a location on the digital passport, you’ll earn points that can be redeemed for Think Local First swag. There are no paper passports to keep track of and you don’t have to bug a cashier for a stamp! It’s all available on your smartphone.
Earn Points and Win Prizes!
Participants using the digital passport earn a point every time they check in on their mobile phones! Redeem points for prizes such as a Think Local First tee shirt, Sasquatch coffee mug, or a $10 gift card that’s redeemable at over 270 local businesses around Whatcom County. Don’t forget to sign up for our News & Events newsletter and follow us on social media.
Holiday Passport Retailers
Participating Businesses
| 1 | Allied Arts Gallery and thrift store |
| 2 | Allied Arts Holiday Festival of the Arts |
| 3 | Artwood |
| 4 | Backcountry Essentials |
| 5 | Bay to Baker Trading Company |
| 6 | Bayside Coin & Jewelry |
| 7 | Bellingham Farmers Market |
| 8 | Buy Local – Bham Makers Market |
| 9 | Chocolate Necessities |
| 10 | Community Food Co-op – Downtown |
| 11 | Community Food Co-op – Cordata |
| 12 | Earl’s Bike Shop |
| 13 | Fairhaven Runners & Walkers |
| 14 | Fairhaven Toy Garden |
| 15 | Garden Spot Nursery |
| 16 | Good Earth Pottery |
| 17 | Hela Provisions |
| 18 | Green Leaf Recreational Cannabis |
| 19 | Ideal |
| 20 | Launching Success Toys & Games |
| 21 | Living Earth Herbs Apothecary |
| 22 | Living Pantry – Blaine |
| 23 | Living Pantry – Bellingham |
| 24 | Lockbreaker Escapes |
| 25 | Minted Method |
| 26 | MW Soapworks |
| 27 | Northwest Yarns & Mercantile |
| 28 | Old World Deli |
| 29 | Piece of Mind Cannabis |
| 30 | Pumped Bellingham |
| 31 | Rome Store |
| 32 | Samuels Furniture |
| 33 | Sandy & Vales |
| 34 | The C Shop |
| 35 | Third Planet Boutique |
| 36 | Village Books & Paper Dreams – Bellingham |
| 37 | Village Books – Lynden |
| 38 | PNWaffle Boutique |
| 39 | Wee Ones Reruns |
| 40 | Whatcom Art Market |
| 41 | Whatcom Museum Store |
| 42 | Wild Bird Chalet |
| 43 | Yeagers Sporting goods |
Participating Businesses
Allied Arts of Whatcom County
Gallery & Thrift Store: 1418 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
Holiday Festival of the Arts: 1331 Commercial St Bellingham WA 98225
Allied Arts works to sustain and enrich our community by supporting local artists, nurturing children’s arts education, making the arts more accessible to all residents, and working with other organizations to provide a vibrant arts community. Our downtown gallery and two seasonal festivals feature work from more than 200 local artists and craftspeople. Our Arts Education Program reaches students throughout Whatcom County, and our Reuse Thrift Store offers items for sale that are collected through donations, and sold at low cost. We sell some knick-knacks, drawing supplies, fabrics, crafts etc. The Holiday Festival of the Arts is an indoor and online, 5 week-long festival featuring over 100 artisans from our region.
Artwood
1000 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Artwood is a cooperatively owned showplace and retail source for the finest in contemporary woodworking, providing custom design services, cabinetry, fine furniture, and many decorative accessories. Artwood also carries a variety of consigned work by other local artists. Come in and experience the beauty of wood.
Backcountry Essentials
214 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225
Backcountry Essentials is an outdoor specialty shop. We cater to the outdoor community, specifically: skiers, hikers, climbers, campers, and people who enjoy the culture of the Northwest and Bellingham. We love to test gear, recognize everyone was a beginner at some point, and welcome all levels of interest in the outdoors. Our aim is to make your days off that much better, so you can go back to saving the world in whatever ways you choose.
Bay to Baker Trading Company
911 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Bay to Baker Trading Company is located in Historic Fairhaven. Since 2009 we have built up an impressive collection of Bellingham and PNW themed apparel, souvenirs, travel accessories, stickers, postcards, home decor and more. We are also home to the Fairhaven Visitor Information Center and offer a variety of free maps, brochures, transportation schedules, and other local information. If you’re planning a visit the area, there’s no better place to start.
Bayside Coin & Jewelry
1732 Iowa Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Bayside provides expert knowledge in fine jewelry, custom designs, coins and unparalleled on-site craftsmanship; offering traditional to fine jewelry including several famous designers known for their own custom designs. Bayside specializes in antique/estate jewelry, watches, coins and other unique items.
Bellingham Farmer’s Market
1100 Railroad Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
The Bellingham Farmers Market supports local sustainable agriculture by connecting the public with local farmers, artisans, and other producers in an economically viable marketplace. Weekly April 1 – December 16. Third Saturday of the Month January 21, February 18, and March 18.
Bellingham Makers Market
355 Harris Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
Holiday Markets at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal November 25-26 and December 16-17.
Bellingham Makers Market is a group of women makers that began collaborating in 2022 to host local artisan markets. We saw the demand in our community to create these events and collaborate with other talented individuals and businesses who share a similar vision. Our mission is to provide a fun and inclusive space that brings creators and shoppers together right here in our lovely town of Bellingham.
Chocolate Necessities
1408 Commercial Street Bellingham WA 98225
Specialty local chocolate shop specializing in ganache filled truffles, almond, cashew, hazelnut and walnut and glazed pecan bark. Specialty Gelato shop with a wide variety of flavors and toppings.
Community Food Co-op
Downtown: 1220 N Forest St Bellingham, WA 98225
Cordata: 315 Westerly Road Bellingham, WA 98226
Community-owned full-service natural food supermarkets featuring fresh, local, and organic products. Two locations: downtown on the corner of Forest and Holly, and south of WCC on the corner of Cordata Parkway and Westerly Road. Full-service delis, freshest local produce, complete wellness, and lots of grocery, dairy, frozen, and bulk items.
Earl’s Bike Shop
2827 Meridian Street Bellingham, WA 98225
You neighborhood bike shop doing whatever it takes to get you on your bike. We stock bikes for the whole family. We have cargo and electric bikes in stock all the time. Need repairs? We fix almost anything.
Fairhaven Runners & Walkers
1209 11th Street Bellingham, WA 98225
A super friendly running and walking store in the hip little Fairhaven part of Bellingham, Washington. We go all out to help folks find just the right gear (guidance, shoes, programs, and all the goodies) for any walking or running related pursuits.
Fairhaven Toy Garden
909 Harris St. Bellingham, WA 98225
We offer well-crafted, unique, affordable toys that encourage imaginative play and creativity. By providing a cheerful and welcoming space with many interactive displays, we hope you have an enjoyable and memorable experience. We are looking forward to seeing you in our store!
Garden Spot Nursery
900 Alabama Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Garden Spot is a cozy neighborhood nursery offering an array of plants & flowers, plus wind chimes, classes & events. We are open all year, staffed by avid gardeners who fill three city lots with the best plant collections. It feels more like a botanical garden you can get lost in, finding new plants to take home, and building connections with our gardening community.
Good Earth Pottery
1000 Harris Avenue Bellingham, WA 98225
Located in the historic Fairhaven village of Bellingham since 1969, Good Earth Pottery specializes in locally handmade pottery and ceramic art. Within the gallery you’ll find the work of more than 35 curated makers of functional and decorative ceramic wares for home, office and garden; gifts for your loved ones and for yourself.
Green Leaf Recreational Cannabis
4220 Meridian St Suite 102 Bellingham, WA 98226
It’s all about what you know, and our friendly, helpful pot shop staff is eager to make your legal cannabis experience unique and memorable. We constantly search for the best marijuana growers and producers, dedicated to providing the best selection of high quality cannabis products. Come visit us today!
Hela Provisions
2000 Franklin St #102 Bellingham, WA 98225
Unique local and international food, wine, vermouth, cider, cocktail fixings, select meat & cheese, chocolates, seasonal specialties, gift baskets & bags, events, etc. Coming soon subscriptions, kits, and clubs!
Ideal
1227 Cornwall Ave. Bellingham, WA 98225
IDEAL is a thoughtfully comprised shop of unique, design-conscious gifts and accessories. The objects we choose are creative, authentic, and refined. Our mission is to gather together unique, authentic pieces and present them in a way that honors the object and the creative process, while also respecting the viewer. We are proud to be offering good design since 2008. Our shop is located in downtown Bellingham…stop by for a visit.
Launching Success Toys & Games
1707 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Our goal is to help educators and parents with the teaching tools that lead to the best learning possible. We believe strongly in life-long education and have materials for adults and seniors as well. We draw heavily on our years of teaching and developing curriculum to find products and work with our customers. We choose our products personally, from learning toys to teaching resources, by attending the industry’s national trade shows and we give special attention to product quality, health, and environmental impact. We partner with school districts, independent schools, families and organizations to enrich learners’ educational environments from toddler through high school.
Living Earth Herbs Apothecary
1411 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
With the biggest selection of bulk, organic, & local herbs, teas, and oils in the county, we are here to support the home herbalist, alternative health care professional, and health-conscious consumer alike with friendly, knowledgeable staff. We carry the highest quality organic and wild-harvested teas, tinctures, essential oils, carrier oils, and other locally crafted delights. We also do custom formulations for Naturopaths and Midwives, as well as wholesaling of select items.
Living Pantry
Bellingham: 2400 Yew St Bellingham, WA 98229
Blaine: 264 H St. Suite A Blaine, WA 98230
A one stop, full-service Home and Self Care Refillery offering a selection of over 1000 essential natural/sustainable products in bulk and reduced packaging. You may bring your own containers. Special orders for large quantities welcome. You can find essentials including dish soap, laundry detergent, shampoo & conditioner, shampoo bars, cleaning products, body oils, toothpaste, floss, lotion, deodorant, shaving cream, body scrubs, bar soap, face tonics, healing balms, essential oils, CBD, spices, groceries and much more. Plus many gifts and swaps/alternatives to single-use plastics & disposables.
Lockbreaker Escapes
1208 Bay St, Ste 105 Bellingham, WA 98225
Looking for something fun and unique to do in Bellingham, WA? If so, then our escape rooms may be what you’re looking for! We offer a premier immersive game experience where you have to work with your fellow players to solve our rooms. We also stock unique games and puzzles. Everything from escape-rooms-in-an-envelope to board game and card games. (Located in the former Upfront Theatre space.)
Minted Method
910 Harris Ave STE 107 Bellingham, WA 98225
Are you tired of settling for the same-old kids fashion? Now’s your chance to make your little one shine. With Minted Method, ethically sourced kids fashion and eye-catching designs! We have unique pieces that reflect the latest styles – perfect for active children and stylish parents alike. Plus, our clothes are sourced with sustainability in mind. Get outfitted today! Visit us at our Fairhaven storefront on 9th & Harris Ave or shop online 24/7. See you soon!
MW Soapworks
1310 Commercial St, Bellingham, WA 98225
MW Soapworks is a plant-based skincare business rooted in environmental and social justice. We prioritize sourcing our ingredients locally when possible to reduce our environmental impact and partner with suppliers with company ethics that match our own. Our overarching goal is to create low-waste skincare and self-care products for a healthy you, healthy communities, and a healthy planet. Our bath and body products include artisan soaps (like our bestselling Black Mission Fig Soap), natural deodorants, beard oil, sore muscle balm (another bestseller), and so much more. Come visit us at 1310 Commercial Street in beautiful downtown Bellingham, Washington! We’re open Tuesdays through Saturdays 12 – 6 pm. MW Soapworks is proud to be a woman owned and queer owned business.
Northwest Yarns & Mercantile
206 W Magnolia St Bellingham, WA 98225
Northwest Yarns & Mercantile is your local resource for fiber arts supplies and equipment! Our store has one of the largest varieties of yarn and fiber in the region, as well as knitting, crochet, felting, spinning and weaving equipment. Stop in to shop, join one of our fiber arts circles or sign up for one of our many classes!
Old World Deli
1228 N State St, Bellingham, WA 98225
Located in the heart of downtown Bellingham, old world deli provides delicious food, catering services, and a world of creative gifts and culinary delights. True to the spirit of our name we wanted to create an authentic delicatessen in the European fashion—a deli with artisan products that are carefully sourced with a constant eye on quality.
Piece of Mind Cannabis
100 E Maple Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Piece of Mind Cannabis is your one stop shop for all of your Cannabis needs! We have it all, friendly experienced Sales Associates (Budtenders), Paraphernalia (bongs, pipes, rolling papers, etc), and excellent relationships with amazing producers! Add these things up and not only will you get the best product in Bellingham but you get it at a competitive price! Join our rewards program for everyday discounts!
Pumped Bellingham
112 Ohio St., Ste. 117 Bellingham, WA 98225
Retail store offering refillable home and self-care essentials ranging from shampoo and sunscreen to laundry detergent and dish soap. We also carry other items to help reduce waste in your home such as refillable candles, toothpaste tabs, safety razors, and reusable paper towels. Products available in-person and online for home delivery. Located in the Ohio Street Workstudios.
Rome Store
2908 Mt Baker Hwy Bellingham, WA 98226
Historic Rome Store serving local residents and visitors with a variety of grab and go deli items, snacks, beverages, local produce, espresso, and gifts. Now serving up made to order artisan pizza and cold draft pints. We love our community and seeing you smile is our inspiration!
Samuel’s Furniture
1904 Main Street Ferndale, WA 98248
Samuel’s Furniture has been proud to serve Whatcom County since 1991. The Largest Furniture Store in NW Washington. We are committed to sustainable business practices including reducing both energy consumption and waste at our facility. We also love supporting local food and farmers! Come check us out!
Sandy & Vales
1333 railroad ave Bellingham, WA 98225
Serving downtown Bellingham and the surrounding counties for over 70 years. Sustainability had been a focus of ours for decades. Breathing new life into loved leather goods instead of sending them to the landfill. Repairing and giving new life to boots, dress shoes, heels, sandals, purses, belts and more is an absolute speciality of ours. Visit Sandy & Vales at 1333 Railroad Avenue in downtown Bellingham and witness the art of shoe repair firsthand. While you’re there, be sure to treat yourself to a peek at our handmade line of leather goods that will last a lifetime. Open Monday-Friday, 11am-6pm.
The C Shop
4825 Alderson Road Birch Bay, WA 98230
Homemade candies including fudge, caramel, and so much more. Watch candies being made while you chat with candymakers. Cinnamon rolls and cookies baked from scratch. Ice cream and snow cones. A Birch Bay landmark summer destination since 1971. Open daily in the summer 11am-9pm and seasonally around the holidays. Check our website or social media for hours and more information.
Third Planet Boutique
200 W Holly St Bellingham, WA 98225
Third Planet Boutique is a queer, woman-owned small business committed to providing hand selected products from around the world at affordable prices. Our mission is to create a safe, inclusive, welcoming shopping experience for our community where there is something for everyone, while supporting small ethical artisans. We have a huge selection of handmade local jewelry, clothes, gifts, crystals, decor, incense, body jewelry and more. Come see what you find!
Village Books & Paper Dreams
Bellingham: 1200 11th Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Lynden: 430 Front St, Lynden, WA 98264
Village Books & Paper Dreams is a locally-owned bookstore & gift store in Fairhaven and Lynden, selling new, used, bargain books and ebooks, as well as cards, gifts, women’s accessories, and much more. The bookstore hosts over 300 author events each year and runs numerous book and writing groups and its own self-publishing program.
PNWaffle Boutiqe
1230 Cornwall Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
PNW Culinary goods, locally sourced waffle mixes, art, jewelry, crafts, and more!
Wee Ones Reruns
2450 James Street Bellingham, WA 98225
Everything for baby, toddler, youth, preteens, teens, and maternity. Equipment, clothing, accessories, toys, books and shoes. Wee Ones Reruns has history of providing honest accurate friendly consignment services for local families since 1983. Check out our consignment policies and see our store on our website.
Whatcom Art Market
1103 11th St, Bellingham, WA 98225
The Whatcom Art Market is a co-op gallery & gift store composed of almost 50 local artists from Whatcom, Skagit and Island Counties, and located in Historic Fairhaven. We are open daily from 11-6 but stay open late monthly for Fairhaven Fourth Friday Art Walks from 5-8, held January through December, so you can meet the Artists! We feature fine art paintings, limited edition prints, stunning photography, handcrafted jewelry, fused, stained, & etched glass, textiles, shampoo & lotion bars, balms, soft sculpture, wood work and so much more! We are Bellingham’s largest co-op gallery & gift store with something for everyone!
Whatcom Museum Store
250 Flora Street, Bellingham, WA 98225
Come shop our great selection of puzzles, books, art supplies, jewelry, and more! All purchases directly benefit our educational programs and exhibitions. Members enjoy a 10% discount on all purchases year-round. Don’t forget that Museum memberships make great gifts too!
Wild Bird Chalet
108 Ohio St Bellingham, WA 98225
We carry only the freshest, best quality bird seed. Many of our feeders are made in the U.S. and guaranteed for life. Nesting boxes and bird baths provide much needed habitat. Gifts satisfy the wildlife lover. We are pleased to do special orders. Visit anytime for free information in a friendly environment.
Yeager’s Sporting Goods
3101 Northwest Ave Bellingham, WA 98225
“Skiing, paddle sports, camping, hunting, and fishing store also featuring work and outdoor apparel, footwear toy, and housewares departments.
We have been serving the outdoor enthusiasts in Northwest Washington for 97 years with a knowledgeable and service oriented staff, competitive pricing, and a commitment to the community we serve.”
Whatcom County’s Think Local First eGift Card has many of your favorite retailers, restaurants, services and entertainment in one place. Use the Think Local First gift card at any participating location in Whatcom County — there is truly something for everyone!
How does it work? Choose your recipient and send your gift card via email or text message. The recipient can use it to make purchases at participating businesses.
Many Thanks To Our Think Local First Sponsors:
