PlanetEye

Getting presents for the folks back home can sometimes be a real chore. It is very hard to sort out the wheat from the chafe, especially in and around a city's main attractions. However, if you find yourself lost in the million t-shirt and do-dad shops around Pike Place Market, there is a better option just across the street.

Look for the coffee man outside and you will find, nestled in yet another t-shirt shore, the fairly recently opened, Seattle Coffee Works. More than just an independent coffee shop, SCW bills itself as a "microroast café." Perfect for the true coffee aficionado on your list, the shop features freshly roasted coffees (no more than 5 days old) from local micro-roasters (think micro-brewers for coffee beans) that you won't be able to get anywhere else...or at least not in one convenient place.

Try out the coffees in any form - espresso to drip - before you purchase.  The staff is friendly and ready to share its extensive knowledge. Buy beans and ship home right from the store - else your suitcase will be permeated with freshly roasted coffee beans, not too bad of a consequence if you ask me. The New Seattle sampler is a fantastic option for gifting and will be way more appreciated than that McDreamy tee you just saw.