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December 7th, 2007
Hello and welcome to the Portland Picks’ Holiday Gift Guide 2007! We’re not sure what we like better—giving gifts or getting them. When we shop we can’t help but do that whole “one for you, one for me” thing and we wind up with more booty than anyone else come Dec. 26. (Or Dec. 4-11, depending on which way you lean.) We’re big fans of giving not only for Chanukah and Christmas, but for basically every day following Thanksgiving. Even Boxing Day! That’s a good one. And of course the first day of Kwanzaa is Dec. 26. So many holidays, so many ideas for creative gift-giving … and the Portland Picks Gift Guide brings you the best of them. So go forth, fellow Picksters, and bestow the bounty of the season on your nearest and dearest, armed with our expert advice. And remember—SHOP INDEPENDENT for the holidays! After all, Portland is just any old town without its beloved entrepreneurs. All manner of fantastic gift ideas can be found by clicking these links!
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Portland Picks Holiday Gift Guide: |
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When someone gives you a truly special item, you know it. You cherish it. You brag about it. Tilde is a shop that’s full of those items, all made by artists or small design companies. You’ll find Lichen’s Stix & Stones jewelry (create your own looks!) Or stainless steel wallets by Stewart/Stand (thinner than paper and totally secure!) In addition to tons of unique handbags & jewelry, they have home decorative items that alone can make a room! Urbana, Vitreluxe, Shoshona Snow, Middle Kingdom and the wonderful Leah Nobilette, to name a few! Tilde |
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| 2 |
Lay on the sauce! Butterscotch always delivers with a great selection of gifts, jewelry and fantastic handbags, plus fab holiday ornaments and more. Butterscotch does you right for so many occasions—baby showers, birthdays—and now, the dreaded holiday office party! Plus they have a Wish List, so you can fill it out and send in your Signif. Other to take the hints! Stop by this weekend for their annual holiday open house, Friday, 11 am-7 pm; Saturday, 10-7 pm; and Sunday, 11 am-5 pm, for 20% off everything! Butterscotch |
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| 3 |
We love finding “Oregon” presents for our out-of-state giftees. It’s so much fun to send fabulous Oregon wines, Pendleton Rose Festival blankets, or delicious Moonstruck Chocolate (which we often keep for ourselves… shh…) So hooray for Made in Oregon—a one-stop shop for all things homegrown! From Betty Gimarelli’s collectible 2007 Portland Ornament (celebrating the Rose Festival) to Pewter Santa’s Keys from the Tin Woodsman to a plethora of gift baskets, sending an Oregon-made gift is the best way to rub it in that you get to live here, and they don’t. |
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We have a friend who spends about 20 days a month on the road. Her job takes her from Anaheim to Chicago and we always wonder, “How does that girl pack?” Turns out she takes her cues from the AAA Travel Store. No kidding—from luggage and travel accessories to travel activity games and road kits, nobody knows more about doing it right than the AAA Travel Store! And the best part—no fighting the holiday crowds. Stumped by all their great ideas? Give an AAA gift membership—right now you’ll save $10! www.AAA.com |
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| 5 |
Every summer we’d travel to a certain tea shop with our mom for crumpets and jam. We felt grown up and happy … and we found that feeling again with Portland’s own Stash Tea. You’ll find gift baskets, “blooming teas,” lovely mugs, teapots, Christmas tea ware and more. And check out Oregon Rain Soap—made with Stash Tea! Whether you drink it or lather in it, you’ll feel like everything is right with the world. Enjoy extended holiday hours: 10 am-7:30 pm Tues.-Fri, and 10 am-4 pm Sat. & Sun. Stash Tea Company |
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| 6 |
When we were little, holidays meant presents like Lincoln Logs and toy cars and musical instruments … these days everything seems to have flashing lights or mini-skirts! It’s like the imagination is taken out of play … and Spielwerk puts it back. SpielWerk Community Toystore believes that "play" is the "werk" of childhood. They offer the most unique selection of hard-to-find, classic and modern traditional toys—the good stuff that you remember, and new things that truly engage a child. Check out their website to see our current listing of events and WerkShop schedule. SpielWerk Community Toystore |
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| 7 |
Not everyone on your list is an angel—we know this. But they’re still on your list. Lucky for you, cheeky b is one of the most original shops in town—and mall-free! Find something for everyone—from handbags for the BFF to jewelry for mom, books for little bro, cool coffee canisters for dad, artwork, home décor, toys—it’s all here. Even Clocky, the alarm clock/psuedo pet that runs away if you don't get up on time! And stocking stuffers, too, as well as corporate gifts, complimentary wrapping, and ego-boosting compliments, just for you. cheeky b |
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| 8 | Where the Holidays Are Done Right Sometimes you want to “experience” the holidays before they get here, and, thinking “outside the mall,” stepping into Occasions Fine Gifts is like peeking into Christmas! The store’s bedecked with coppers, greens, golds and reds, and the sparkling décor is the perfect backdrop for the wondrous selection of holiday finery and decidedly amazing gifts. From hostess gifts to seasonal items, stationery to jewelry and everything in between, if you aren’t in the spirit after visiting Occasions, you might need professional help. New holiday hours are Mon-Fri 9 am-6pm, Sat 10-5 and Sun 11-5. Wrapping, complementary always! Occasions Fine Gifts |
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| 9 |
Although we love the holidays, the pleasures of gifts, carols and mistletoe also bring stress, body aches and frenzy. Give the gift of peaceful relaxation and treat yourself while you're at it. RubyViolet, the pioneer of the "spa for one" concept, is offering a special holiday treat: Purchase a gift certificate and receive $25 toward the service of your choice. RubyViolet |
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| 10 | “Enjoybulate” in Sellwood-Westmoreland! As you map out your holiday shopping route, remember Sellwood-Westmoreland this year! Their fabulous retailers and restaurants make shopping a pleasure—and there’s also a special event to savor. Enjoy the holiday every Saturday until Christmas (and the Sunday right before Xmas, too!) With carolers wandering the streets and horse-drawn carriages & trolleys, you can have some good clean fun and get your gifting done! Enter the raffle to win gift certificates donated by participating businesses. Plus enjoy special sales at businesses including Tilde and Stars Antiques Malls. Visit Sellwood-Westmoreland! |
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| 11 | Put Some Icing on Your Holiday Cake Meringue is having a Holiday Open House with 50% off holiday items plus swag bags, treats, even more discounts, plus music tomorrow, Dec. 8, from 9 am-9 pm! A percentage of the day’s proceeds will go to Jenessa “Boey” and her courageous fight against childhood cancer. Spend $1-$200 and receive a $20 gift card; $201-$400 = $40 gift card, $401-$800 = $80 gift card, and $1000+ = $150 gift card. Meringue has the girliest selection of clothes, accessories, beauty—even items for baby. Also: Send your gift-challenged guys shopping at their men-only night on Thursday, Dec. 13, from 6-9 pm! Meringue Boutique |
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| 12 | Don't Just Look Good, Look Great! Hold on to your yearbooks—a 50-minute session of the Formostar wrap burns up to 1,200 calories and is a highly effective form of healing—the heat penetrates twice as deep as traditional heat, targeting toxins and cellulite, and even relieving chronic pain. It’s getting hot in here! Find discounts on AM Northwest’s “Great Deals” section, and check out their holiday specials! |
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| 13 |
When you’re sassy and you know it clap your hands! Mink Boutique can make even the most jaded fashionista applaud with happiness. Mink has everything a girl could want, from party dresses to pretty calendars, one-of-a-kind handbags, designer umbrellas, sweet-smelling candles, glove gift sets and even a spritz of French perfume, all in a jewel-box of a shop. Feeling nostalgic? Try old-fashioned flower water and Rosebud Salve! And we won’t tell if you only buy presents for yourself…but gift-giving is highly encouraged. After all, it is that time of year. Mink Boutique |
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| 14 | Family Fun—Great Gift or Much-Needed Break? Though you love ‘em, a houseful of relatives is a lot to handle. This is where Inflatable Kingdom comes in. They’re open for private playgroups of up to 15 guests from just $99! From bouncy castles to sumo suits, billiards tables, and more, the entire family can get the lead out. They’re fast becoming the top Portland birthday party destination. And don’t miss their amazing toy store—from Sea Monkeys to remote-control helicopters, games and more, it’s everything a kid (or you) could dream of! Gift certificates are available—or rent the whole place on New Year’s Eve! Inflatable Kingdom |
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| 15 |
If you ever wanted to play dress-up in a Southern Belle’s closet, Mabel & Zora is the place. They have twice as many party dresses as they did last year—super cute styles for all ages and tastes. Brands like Veronica M, Mixie, French Connection, Hazel … too many to name! Plus tons of sweaters—long, short, thick, thin, cardigans, turtlenecks, ski-lodge hottie—perfect for gift-giving. And if there’s a girlie-girl on your list, she’ll love Kobo candles, beautiful soaps and lotions, perfumes, umbrellas, mittens, hats, handbags, handbags and handbags! Save 20% off all shoes and handbags this weekend only! Mabel and Zora |
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Sometimes you feel like the world is so big that you can’t make a difference, but Swahili helps you think again. They work directly with African artisans to present a vibrant selection of home décor, gifts and accessories that blend tradition with modernity. For the holidays, what’s more meaningful—or beautiful—than Rwandan Peace Baskets? Each tiny stitch, made by hand by a Hutu or Tutsi craftswoman, is a reminder that they are moving forward from tragedy. And Swahili has skincare products too! Sudanese Shea butter, sugar scrubs, soaps and lip balms make wonderful gifts! Plus fantastic African ornaments, and gift certificates! Swahili
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| 17 |
We often wear mascara as our only makeup. If we were stuck on a desert island, we’d eschew sunscreen for a lifetime supply of the black stuff. Which is why Portland’s own Tube Your Lash mascara is at the top of our wish- and gift-lists this year! It gives you gorgeous lashes and won't cry off (our family holiday parties can be rough!), but comes off easily with a splash of warm water. The celebs got Tube Your Lash in their Oscar gift bags and you deserve just as much in your stocking, don’t you? |
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| 18 |
If you don’t know how to wield a knitting needle you may as well move to Idaho, cause PDX is all about DIY. And since we’re in the “can’t knit” group, we’re giving ourselves and our BFFs the gift of a Learn to Knit class at Twisted. Three two-hour classes are just $60 for the fundamentals to get your craft-mojo rising! Sample from their extensive tea menu—relax, have fun! Classes are also offered in sock knitting, lace knitting, embroidery and more. Plus Twisted has the most gorgeous yarns to inspire you. We feel more creative already. |
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| 19 |
Sometimes our gift lists fry our brains. We have no idea what to buy “hard to shop for” guys, for office parties, or our fun friends. So we give McMenamins Gift Cards. Purchase them for food/drink, overnight stays in their historic hotels, or services at their fantabulous Ruby’s Spa. And don’t forget the beer! Get four 22-ounce bottles of McMenamins ale for just $15 or mix it up with two bottles + two pint glasses for the same price—at all Oregon McMenamins locations. Visit the website for more gift ideas, from t-shirts, hoodies, and pint glasses to holiday ornaments and more. Cheers! |
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| 20 | Three Stores, Two Days of Savings! When the gifting is this good, you know you’re doing something right! La Bella Casa, Bella Lulu’s and Tutto Bella are each featuring sales of 20% off storewide on Dec. 8 and 9, just in time for the holidays! With gifts for bed, bath, dining, living, pets, and kids—basically every room in your house and everyone you know. Find favorite lines like Pine Cone Hill, Vietri, Fire & Light, Dwell and Zutano, and new ones to discover! Plus, they’ll happily tie up in your selections in beautiful ribbons and bows. Bella Lulu’s: 4323 NE Fremont St ., 503.493.9522 |
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| 21 |
Total honesty? We’ve been sending the tiniest gifts for months now and getting the biggest response. Friends have been writing us thank-you cards and wondering where we turned up these little treasures … the sweetest little pendants you could imagine! Littleput Pendants are made from Scrabble tiles, upon which fine papers are carefully placed—each one is unique, and each one hangs beautifully from any chain you like (or purchase one of theirs). And at $15 each, they’re perfect for giving in twos or threes! |
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| 22 | How to Spend Happy Holiday Hours Step 1: Call your friends. Step 2: Grab your handbag. Step 3: Refer to your new and improved copy of the Portland Happy Hour Guidebook! Nibbles and cocktails await with more than 240 pages and 170 rated listings, convenient maps, and even journaling space to make your own ratings. (What fun!) The Portland Happy Hour Guidebook is chock full of all the info you need to plan your attack. Times, food deals, drink specials and even atmosphere are rated. Oh, and did we mention coupons? Free appetizers, desserts, even discounts on entire bills. We love this gift. |
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| 23 |
We don’t know about you, but probably our least favorite thing is running errands. We actually get angry thinking about it. It’s not healthy. So we are hoping our hubby gives us the gift of a package from Life Made Easy Concierge. Hint, hint! They’ll take care of the “to-do” list in style! Plus they offer a special holiday gift-shopping package: three hours of gift shopping, wrapping, shipping or delivery for only $99 + cost of gifts. Let them fight the holiday crowds! You can have your life back. (Another hint? Gift certificates are available!) Life Made Easy Concierge Service |
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| 24 |
That’s how we shop for gifts at Product. But who can blame us? It’s a wonderland of the most gorgeous, most coveted cosmetics, skincare, bath & body products, fragrances and accessories. They’re the gifts that keep on giving! Product provides cutting-edge products and makeup services in a truly unique (and educational) shopping experience. Enjoy their “Winter Bliss” celebration, with 5% off all purchases all December long! Plus, if you purchase 2 or more items from Cargo you’ll receive a third product free, and 2 or more gets you a free full-size lip plumper from Freeze 24/7. Happy holidays, indeed! Product |
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| 25 |
When Nau opened at Bridgeport Village we did a little happy dance—their fabulously comfy, extremely wearable and just-hip-enough environmentally friendly clothes are a Portland gal (or guy’s) dream. Their designs are so cool, and they have a fantastic giving program where they’ll donate 5% of your purchase to an environmental or humanitarian org. And this weekend only, Nau is hosting a food drive for the Oregon Food Bank—if you bring in 3 cans or make a $5 donation, you’ll receive 20% off one item! Not bad for doing good! Nau |
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| 26 | The Ultimate Gift for Your Loved Ones: a Relaxed and Happy You! When we’re in holiday crazy mode—running a trillion errands and busy at work—it’s time for Root Whole Body. Sometimes you have to stop everything and take care of #1 (that would be you)! They make it easy: through Dec. 24 you’ll receive one complimentary $50 gift card with the purchase of two $50 gift cards. Use the gift cards for any service including massage, facial, yoga or movement classes. Icing on the cake? All services include complimentary tea and sauna at time of visit. Ahhh… Root Whole Body |
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Want to earn some brownie points with Santa? Forward this email to your friends, neighbors and nuclear family to let them know exactly what you want this year … and to help them get some ideas of their own! And of course, the gals of Portland Picks wish you and yours the Happiest of Holiday |
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