On the cusp of its first anniversary, this Best of Tacoma retail store has a lot to celebrate. Compass Rose, a dreamy little gift shop in Tacoma's Proctor District, offers pretty and unique personal and home accessories, locally produced artisan jewelry, home décor, stationary, cool kitchen gadgetry and sweet-smelling lotions and potions, and so much more. With a constantly evolving inventory of drool-worthy surprises and fresh goods available on a regular basis, it is no wonder this place shines. The store is bright, cheery and easy to explore, and the staff is super friendly, energetic, helpful and kind.

While those are great things on their own, here's what's even better: patrons can put on their sassy pants and like it.

Why? There are two reasons. This plan is clever with a capital "C." Innovative kitchenware and accessories, unique baby and kiddo gear that will make those little whippersnappers look darn cute and super cool, and little things for the home and office that will make you smile when you see them. It's that fashionable vibe (sassy!) that keeps customers returning to this sweet little business.

And for those who like to wear their sassy pants a little extra sassy, there are funky and trendy items with little quips (and a big-time snarky factor) that surprise you out of nowhere. You can find pretty and rad things that are totally cheeky and playful at the same time.

Purchasing from Compass Rose and giving said gifts to friends and family is easy. Even better is that you get labelled as the awesome friend or relative that gave them. And that feeling totally kicks some sass.

Tacoma is not alone when it comes to the gift of Compass Rose. The flagship store is in the heart of Olympia and has been delighting those sassy customers since 1999. That's where the store's slogan, "Fresh, Local and Always in Season," was born. See, there's that sassy and lovely attitude again, yes?

As the store in Tacoma celebrates its first birthday soon, we continue to anticipate great things to come. Here's a neat surprise worth mentioning:  The store plays host to a new event called "Meet your Local Makers," and intends to hold these celebrations twice yearly. Store patrons have the opportunity to get up close and personal with local artists who work and sell their goods right on site. Customers can also enjoy delectable nibbles as they chat it up with the artists and staff. 3815 N. 26th St., Tacoma

SEE ALSO
Other 2014 Best of Tacoma readers' poll winners and Weekly Volcano staff picks