A new resource is helping Snoqualmie Valley residents discover and support local businesses, events, and opportunities this holiday season.
Created by Duvall resident Lauren Zetting, the guide was inspired by the desire to make shopping locally easier and more intentional. What began as a simple gift guide quickly evolved into a collaborative community project showcasing the valley’s unique character and spirit of collaboration.
“The Snoqualmie Valley Holiday Guide started as a way to make it easier for people to shop local,” Lauren explains. “Most of us already have the desire to shop local but sometimes we just don’t have the time or know what’s available. I saw the holiday guide as a chance to do something that would make a difference for our community.”
The guide is a one-stop resource for discovering gift ideas, holiday markets, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal events. It can be accessed online at ValleyHolidayGuide.com, and is regularly updated with new businesses and events.
Supporting Local Building Connections
Lauren’s mission is rooted in fostering connections and joy within the Snoqualmie Valley. She believes that by rerouting shopping dollars into local businesses, residents support their neighbors and strengthen the fabric of the community.
“If we could reroute more of our shopping back into our local communities, many wonderful things would happen,” Lauren says. “People would feel supported in pursuing their passions, resulting in more joy and happiness.”
This year’s guide highlights a variety of local businesses, including:
- Carnation Soap Co. – creates artisan soap and body products with the finest ingredients and eco-conscious packaging. Always paraben-free, phthalate-free, and palm oil-free.
- Barzen’s Blooms – Stunning flower arrangements from a Carnation-based farm.
- Mockingbird Photography – Family and product photography, focusing on local businesses.
- Heart + Sol Wellness – educating Americans on high-quality, whole-food nutrient solutions and providing opportunities to our community to further their health.
- Alveare Winery – A winemaker and a beekeeper telling stories from our life, one bottle at a time
- Allium & Thistle – local, recycled, repurposed products using pure and sustainable ingredients, clean skin care, non-toxic candles, herbal & emotional-based scent experiences, as well as education & workshops for our community
- Enchanted Farms Duvall – Farm Tours, Picnics, Field Trips, Parties, Mobile Petting Zoo and Alpaca Farm Boutique!
The guide also promotes nonprofit initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and events, encouraging residents to embrace the true spirit of the holidays. Updates and community discussions can also be followed on the Snoqualmie Valley Holiday Guide Facebook page.
Collaboration at Its Core
The guide’s success is partly due to contributions from community members who lent their time and expertise. Stephanie Smith of Mockingbird Photography offered free product photography, Kristin McCartt provided graphic design and editing skills, and Erin Barzen of Barzen’s Blooms connected the guide with more local businesses through her involvement with the Carnation Chamber of Commerce.
The cover features a breathtaking image of Novelty Hill Farm’s barn by Travis Wetherbee of Last Lite Photography. “If it’s being used to help local businesses—yes, you can definitely use it!” Travis said when Lauren approached him about the photo.
Evolving to Meet Community Needs
What started as a gift guide expanded as Lauren received submissions for events, service opportunities, and holiday markets. “I wanted the guide to add value,” Lauren explains. “That might mean saving people time, giving them new ideas, or helping them find local services and activities they might not have known about.”
Lauren has kept the guide open to updates to ensure no one is left out. “I could sense relief from business owners who thought they’d missed the boat,” she says. “They were excited and grateful to be part of it.”
Looking Ahead
Lauren sees the Snoqualmie Valley Holiday Guide as a long-term project that will evolve to serve the community better each year. Plans for next year include transitioning to a print version and adding features like an open calendar for events and a shopping list function.
“This year laid the groundwork,” Lauren says. “Now we have a template to build on, and more people are excited to join in.”
Rooted in the Snoqualmie Valley
For Lauren, the guide reflects the values and spirit of the valley. “I’ve never lived somewhere with community like this,” she says. “It inspires me to slow down, connect, and create something meaningful. There’s something magical here that’s hard to put into words.”
The Snoqualmie Valley Holiday Guide is a powerful reminder of the strength and beauty of community. Submissions are still being accepted via email at laurenzetting@gmail.com, and residents are encouraged to explore the guide and its updates online.
Whether through gift ideas, services, or volunteer opportunities, the guide celebrates and uplifts the valley during the season of giving. I plan to use it on Small Business Saturday to make my holiday shopping more intentional and to support local entrepreneurs.
It’s exciting to discover unique gifts and experiences from businesses right here in the Snoqualmie Valley, knowing that my purchases will help strengthen our community. The guide has made it much easier to shop locally, and I’m looking forward to finding thoughtful gifts while contributing to the valley’s holiday spirit.
