If you think Vashon is remote, try sourcing handmade alpaca throws from Peru, beaded jewelry from Kenya, and recycled art from Zimbabwe… then arranging it all into a space that feels more curated than chaotic. Giraffe does precisely that. It’s not just a store. It’s a whirlwind passport stamp of a place, minus the jet lag and awkward customs line.
Giraffe sits tucked right in the middle of town, and from the outside it might seem unassuming. But step inside and you’ll be side-eyeing your budget in about three seconds. This isn’t your average home goods shop. It’s a visual explosion of culture and color that practically dares you to leave empty-handed. Spoiler alert… you won’t.
Owner Laurie is the kind of person who knows exactly where everything came from and can probably tell you the name of the artisan who made it. Ask her a simple question about a basket and you’ll get a story about a women’s weaving cooperative, a dusty mountain village, and maybe a goat. This is not retail therapy. This is a global education disguised as shopping.
The vibe is playful, with a twist of “I found this in a market no tourist has ever heard of.” One minute you’re admiring hand-carved soapstone figurines, the next you’re smelling mango-scented soaps or running your fingers across embroidered pillows that look like they belong in a magazine you pretend not to read.
What sets Giraffe apart is that every item has a backstory, and every sale makes a meaningful impact. You’re not just buying a candle holder. You’re keeping a craft alive. You’re helping fund a small workshop. You’re the good kind of tourist, and you didn’t even have to leave the Island.
Giraffe makes shopping feel like an act of cultural diplomacy… or at least a fun way to justify that gorgeous piece you absolutely don’t need but suddenly can’t live without. Whether you’re looking for something that screams conversation starter or just want to escape the world for 20 minutes, Giraffe is your destination.
🦒 Where to Find the Magic:
📍 Giraffe on Vashon-Maury.com
💬 Giraffe on Yelp
📸 Follow the adventure on Instagram
👍 Facebook your way there
🌟 TripAdvisor’s got opinions
This feature is part of our ongoing series from the Vashon-Maury.com team, highlighting the unique businesses that make our island so special. If you own a local business and would like to be featured in the Observer, we invite you to submit an article for consideration at vashon-maury.com/submit-writing. Please include as much detail as possible about your business (what you offer, what sets you apart) and share a short story about how you came to Vashon or what inspired you to start your venture here. We’re proud to support the Vashon-Maury community and would love to help tell your story.
Author: Vashon Island
Vashon is an Island located between Tacoma and West Seattle. This account manages the vashon-maury.com website full on useful information for residents and visitors of the Island.
