The holiday shopping season is officially here. Some may be welcoming it with open arms while others may be running for the hills. Whether or not you enjoy this time of year, it has definitely arrived.

Some shoppers already have a plan of action mapped out. They know which stores they’re going to hit and they’re prepared to hold their own through the crowds. On the flip side, there’s the group of people who procrastinate until the last minute, rushing out the door Christmas Eve day in a panicked sweat, searching for the first gift they find that they’re kind of sure won’t get returned the day after Christmas. You know who you are. Despite your shopping style or timeline, there’s plenty of retail stores in the CK area that can cater to your needs.

Silverdale is known as the retail mecca of Kitsap County and for good reason. It pretty much has anything you may be in search of. The most obvious place to get your shopping fix is Kitsap Mall. With a variety of different stores, it’s the ultimate one-stop shop. With the recent additions of Cost Plus World Market, Barnes & Noble and Kohl’s, it’s better than ever before. The department stores offer great discounts, especially this time of year. The mall also is home to small businesses sprinkled throughout the shopping center.

While the mall is a great place to shop with a variety second to none in this area, there are several small businesses scattered throughout Central Kitsap that often get overlooked, especially with great corporate deals plastered everywhere during the holiday season.

These are hardworking, local business owners trying to make a living. Many of them are active members of our community, but we often drive right past their shops without giving it a second thought.

There are some great hidden treasures throughout Silverdale that many may not even know about. Old Town Silverdale is a great place to find unique items that you might never find at bigger corporate retailers.

Businesses like A Company of Friends, McGregor & Company and Linda’s Knit N’ Stitch are nestled in Old Town, but have a surprisingly exceptional and one-of-a-kind inventory.

Old Town has multiple shops all in one area which makes it ideal for walking from one place to the next. Bundle up, grab a cup of coffee and a treat from Monica’s Waterfront Bakery and take a stroll through the sleepy waterfront town. You can even pick up a bottle of wine at Grape Expectations for an upcoming dinner party.

Of course, small businesses can be found in almost every direction in Silverdale. Check out Aroma Tea and Herb for that tea drinker on your holiday list or Nuts About Hi-Fi for the electronics fanatic in your family.

There are plenty more small businesses in CK, far too many to name them all. Before you venture out to your usual store this holiday season, cruise around and check out the small stores that may have exactly what you need for that special someone.