Holiday Gift Guide 2019, Designer Edition
It’s not too late to find holiday gifts for the most special people (and pets) in your life! Arciform Junior Designer Sarah Pilcher shares some of her favorite local sources and finds below:
For the pets in your life – Lovingly handmade in Portland and sold on Etsy, Blue Collar Paws has all you could ever need to deck out your pets as thoroughly as you’ve decked the halls! They can outfit dogs and cats with reversible bandannas, turtleneck scarves, bow ties, leashes and more! Thoughtfully selected fabrics make these unique, cozy gifts for furry friends. Each design is well-constructed, like their classic bandannas, reinforced with a snap so it doesn’t fall off if your pet gets a little rowdy.
For your one of a kind friend – Look no further than Red Fox Vintage on SE Woodstock. With unique antique furniture and home goods to that pair of bell bottoms you should probably just buy for yourself, Red Fox Vintage has something for everyone! Locally-made jewelry, a killer record selection and fun seasonal items like vintage Christmas decorations hide among the many curated stalls that adorn this easy-to-get-lost-in space. Make an afternoon of it!
For the food lover – Providore Fine Foods is a mecca of handcrafted, local and global groceries located on NE Sandy Blvd. They have everything from chocolates and organic wines to unique condiments and small-batch coffee beans. The perfect place to pick up gifts for food lovers or out-of-town loved ones, you can easily fill a stocking with one-of-a-kind treats. Don’t forget to grab lunch for yourself at their extensive deli counter!
For the nature lover who works Downtown – What would be more relaxing than escaping the office to eat lunch in the Lan Su Chinese Garden every day? Give the gift of no-more-sad-desk lunches! An annual membership to the garden gets you one year of admission with a guest, a 10% discount at their tranquil tea house, access to member-only events and more. Arguably the most beautiful and serene place Downtown, the Chinese Garden will not disappoint.
For your crafty friend – Artist & Craftsman Supply is heaven on earth for anyone who loves to create! With locations in both N and SE Portland, this employee-owned store can provide any artist with all the tools they need. Pick up specific supplies or a gift card, if you’d prefer to let your friend choose their own creative destiny.
For your outdoorsy friend that always asks you to go camping with them – You’ve never seen a store quite like this one. Located on NE Alberta, Cord carries the most beautiful version of all the things you’d need to survive in the wild. From knives and axes to waterproof speakers and rainproof paper. You’ll be able to find an elegantly-crafted gift for your campfire-starting friend!
For your favorite book worm – If you want to do something a bit more original than tucking a giftcard from that well-loved city of books into an envelope, look no further than Portland’s newest (and most adorably smallest) bookshop, Melville Books! Carrying used, new, and rare books, this pint sized shop, nestled in a garden pathway on NE Alberta, is a treat. If your friend has a favorite book that inspired and shaped their life, pop in or give this shop a call… there’s a good chance they’ll have a first-edition copy of it.
Here’s wishing you all the best this Holiday Season!
Inside Arciform 