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PORTLAND PICKS |
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life + style to you:
every Friday
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December 1st, 2006
Get Your Gift On
It fills us with cheer to bring you the 2006 Portland Picks Holiday Gift Guide—our recommendations for the most original, most adorable, and most-likely-to-please items around. It’s also a resource for the places to go when you have someone in mind but no idea what to get them.
We’ve even rounded up perfect ideas for the person who has everything…like your dad, for instance, who never seems to “want” anything, and already has everything he thinks he “needs.” Or another tricky one: Your best friend from high school who’s impossible to buy for because you’ve already given her everything she likes…twice over!
So onward, dear readers! Learn, shop, and be merry! The holidays await! |
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Portland Picks Gift Guide: |
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Dreaming of the Perfect Gift
You can admit it, you get a little kooky around the holidays. Ramping up to buy gifts is as much an adventure in time as it is of spirit. So make your life just a tad easier by sending your friends and loved ones over to Tilde to fill out their wish lists. Or pop in yourself…one for you, one for me…it’s hard to resist so many perfect gifts in one place! Tilde is full of the most innovative and unique women’s accessories and home-decorative items in the city.
You'll find tons of buttery leather handbags, (oh, and vegan & fabric bags, too!), endless displays of jewelry, stylish cashmere sweaters and funky cotton tees, ready-to-be-gifted candles, and more genius gifties (like vases and pillows) than we can list here. Live the dream at Tilde, and tell them Portland Picks sent you!
Tilde
7919 SE 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97202
503.234.9600
www.tildeshop.com
Weds-Sat: 11-7; Sun 11-4 |

tildeshop.com
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Say it with Cupcakes
Oh, Mama. Here’s something wonderful for the holidays: the gift of cupcakes from Cupcake Mama, Portland’s only all-cupcake bakery. Mama’s cakes are dense and rich, and her buttercreams are the real thing—silky and smooth. For the perfect accent, each cupcake is adorned with a hand-made pastillage decoration. The result is a confection that resembles an elegant pastry or fine truffle—a treat for the eyes as well as the palate.
Cupcake Mama’s dozens come in a lovely pink striped gift box that’s custom designed to ensure perfect arrival. Send cupcakes for your personal and business gifts; order them for your fabulous holiday party; or bring them to your next shindig. Have them delivered or pick them up. And if you can’t decide what to choose for that certain someone, it’s not a problem: Cupcake Mama has gift certificates. Just don’t forget to indulge yourself this holiday season—you deserve Mama’s cupcakes, too!
Cupcake Mama
503.287.7792
www.cupcakemama.com |

cupcakemama.com
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Gifts for Babies, Baby Mamas, and Hot Mamas
May we suggest a double-dose of goodness? We have two shops in mind to satisfy both the stylish ladies on your list and the mamas who love to pamper their kids: Tumbleweed and Grasshopper. A Chemical wedding handbag from Tumbleweed—silk-screened leather with a recycled-wood handle—will make holiday hearts swoon. So will the arm-warmers by Neesh (great for driving on chilly mornings!), or luscious sweaters by designers like Lily McNeal, Minnie Rose, Skif, Poles, Velvet, and Amalialad, because what girl doesn’t love cashmere?
Grasshopper features everything for the little ones—from clothes to books to old-school toys and games that won’t be left under the tree—but our favorite item has to be the self-powered Rolli Rider bike. It teaches balance and coordination and is just plain adorable. And you are sure to please with the kitchen-sink combo—it has a stove!—and its bright-orange color is tres hip. Light years away from the Easy Bake, right?
Tumbleweed
1804 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.335.3100
www.tumbleweedboutique.com
Grasshopper
1816 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.335.3131
www.grasshopperstore.com |

grasshopperstore.com
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Whatcha Gonna Buy Your Man?
Let’s face it, this is one of the toughest questions that arises every holiday season. (Not to mention what to get them for Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, their birthday, and anniversaries!) But this year you’re in luck, because Carl Greve has the answer.
In addition to men’s timepieces from Rolex, Brietling, Cartier, and other fabulous lines, Carl Greve carries an amazing men’s jewelry collection. Take Nikos Jewels for example. This men’s collection is inspired by the mythology of ancient Greece. The virtues of wisdom, courage, and strength are incorporated into each and every design, and every piece is named after a different god from Greek mythology. Whether your man is more like Thalcia, the muse of comedy, or Morpheus, the god of dreams, you’ll find cuff links, dog-tag necklaces, rings, bracelets and leather wristbands that are as masculine, stylish, and contemporary as the man in your life.
Carl Greve
731 SW Morrison St.
Portland, OR 97205
503.223.7121
Carl Greve Bridgeport Village
7387 SW Bridgeport Road
Tigard, OR 97224
503.968.2868
www.carlgreve.com |

carlgreve.com |
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Lay on the Sauce!
Do you stress out about finding the perfect gift for your super-hip mom, your have-everything-sister, and your uber-trendy best friend? Take the stress out of holiday shopping this year with a deep breath of shopping Zen at Butterscotch. This modern mercantile on trendy NE 28th offers the area’s latest handbags, fashion-forward jewelry, inviting house wares, and so much more.
Or are you going through rounds of baby and wedding showers? It must be something in the water, but it seems like everyone is either expecting or I-Do-ing! Find the perfect gift for these lucky ladies at Butterscotch! And get a dose of merriment and terrific savings at their Holiday Open House. Kick off your shopping with a little bubbly, extra holiday cheer, and 20% off all purchases! The big days are Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11-7, and Sunday, Dec. 3, from noon-5. See you there!
Butterscotch
144 NE 28th Ave.
Portland, OR 97232
503.234.6877
www.shopatbutterscotch.com |

shopatbutterscotch.com |
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“Design” the Perfect Gift
Give the gift of wit and verve with items created by designers, for designers, at Design Within Reach. Choose a classic Nelson Clock for those with understated good taste, or the iconic Eames Lounge for someone who did right by you this year, like a great boss or a friend who gave you a leg up. Or turn back time for someone special, to the days of childlike imagination, with a Girard Wooden Doll.
A classic gift endures, from past to present. And you can’t make a wrong turn at Design Within Reach. Their impeccable collection of carefully selected gift ideas like candleholders, chandeliers and even tool sets are all on the cutting edge of modern design. And be sure to order by early December to ensure delivery before Christmas!
DWR Portland Studio
Pearl District
NW 12th & Everett
503.220.0200
DWR Tigard Studio
Bridgeport Village
near Wild Oats Market
503.684.2048
www.designwithinreach.com |

designwithinreach.com
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Beauty for Your Beautiful Friends
Here’s the gift that never misses the mark: skincare and beauty products. We once gave an acquaintance one of those little bottles of liquid highlighter on her birthday, and she just about lost her mind. She ran to the mirror to get that instant J-Lo glow and in that moment we made a friend for life.
And soon you can bestow the most fabulous cosmetics, skincare, bath & body and fragrance gifts on the lovelies in your life, courtesy of Product. They are set to open an amazing space in Bridgeport Village that will rival any NYC-based makeup shop. Product’s focus is on providing cutting-edge products and style, in an interactive, fun and even educational shopping experience. This is the good stuff, ladies; everything from Paula Dorf to DuWop to Bliss to Smashbox. As Product says, “Learn It, Live It, Love It.” And we will!
Product
7453 SW Bridgeport Road
Tigard, OR 97224
503.670.7700
www.shop-product.com |

www.shop-product.com |
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The Sweetest Things
We recently took a trip home and bought a little something special for our girlfriends as a souvenir from Portland and an “I Miss You” gift. We thought we’d have to drive all over town to find individual gifts, gifts that said, “I’m thinking only of you,” but we found it all with one trip to Flutter.
Their intoxicating mix of shabby chic and city style is presented in the most girlie-delicious and luscious vignettes. You’ll find everything from vintage glassware to fabric-covered note cards, reproduction toys, lovely jewelry, quirky decorating items like tassels and raffia flowers, and the most gorgeously packaged soaps and body-care items we’ve seen in one place. There are gifts galore at Flutter—bath salts, lollipops, birdcages—it’s all so romantic. And there’s something for every room in the house!
Flutter
3948 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
503.288.1649
www.flutterclutter.com |

flutterclutter.com |
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Put on a Party Dress
It’s honestly ridiculous how much time we spend trying on outfits. We put things on and take them off and put them on again, only to leave the house frustrated and, often, late. If only we had a party dress from Mabel and Zora. We could look adorable and save our sanity.
So for the holidays, we’re picking up with a frock or two (from designers like French Connection, 213, Hazel, Jaloux, and Voom by Joy Han, and we’re bringing our friends, too, so we can all look good. And when we sneak back on our own, we’ll buy them locally made accessories and artwork as gifts, at prices that make us smile—accessories under $20, even dresses under $70. There’s something stylish for every budget. And the selection at Mabel and Zora changes every month, with a reception for a new artist every last Thursday. Let’s get dressed up!
Mabel and Zora
1468 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.335.6169
www.mabelandzora.com
mabelzora@yahoo.com |

mabelandzora.com |
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The Gift of Cannoli
A few months ago the Portland Picks staff sent out an A.P.B. for cannoli—as it happened, we had a hard time finding it in this town. Happily, many readers wrote in and recommended Tutto Bene as the place to get the goods. So we did, and you were right.
Imagine the reception you’ll get when you show up to holiday parties bearing boxes of sinfully sweet cannoli! And how much love family and friends will shower upon you when you serve these sweet confections with a cup of cappuccino at the end of your holiday meal. Ooh, so delish! And of course, Tutto Bene is a full-service Italian café and gelato bar (and it’s all house-made), with an authentic menu, the freshest ingredients, and genuine hospitality, so gift certificates are always wonderful gifts!
Tutto Bene
Bridgeport Village
7387 SW Bridgeport Road
Tigard, OR 97224
503.443.1710
www.bridgeport-village.com |

bridgeport-village.com
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Create a More Comfortable Home
During the holidays you have so much on your mind—especially when you’re hosting guests, because you want them to be comfortable in your home. And since Aunt Beatrice is always cold in the guest room, you crank up the heat. Meanwhile, you’re sweating in the kitchen, and that’s added stress you simply don’t need.
Happily, Home Comfort Zones offers climate control at your fingertips—Mother Nature meets her match! This ingenious in-home system allows you to heat and cool your house room by room, so everyone is perfectly comfortable. It’s almost like magic—just set the temperature you want on the main display, and you’re done. It’s so easy! And it’s an energy-saver, too. We think this is one of the most remarkable things ever. Get it for the holidays, love it for life.
Home Comfort Zones
8329 SW Cirrus Drive
Beaverton, OR 97008
503.626.2797
www.homecomfortzones.com |

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The Welcome Gift of Wine
The holidays are upon us and that means parties galore! It doesn’t matter if you’re the guest or the hostess, you’ve got to have great wine on hand. Where to turn for the perfect thing? R. Stuart & Co. This totally un-stuffy winery makes exactly what you’ve been looking for: delicious, accessible and affordable Pinot noirs and Pinot gris, the Big Fire wines, and a little bit of bubbly.
R. Stuart & Co. wines are a hit at parties, and make fabulous gifts for friends…or for yourself! Take a drive to their tasting room, open Mon.-Sat., 11-5. Located in charming downtown McMinnville (only one hour from Portland!), it’s a short walk to great shops, restaurants, wine bars, and hotels. Spend the day visiting, and take a break from the holiday hustle, or visit their website to purchase. And if you’d like to give just a little more, join their Wine Club! It’s the gift that keeps on giving.
R. Stuart & Co.
845 NE Fifth St.
McMinnville, OR 97128
866.472.6990 toll-free
www.rstuartandco.com |

rstuartandco.com |
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What Do Kids Want?
Kids can be so easy to buy for, but sometimes you’re looking for a lasting present that includes hours of family fun. We suggest giving the gift of creativity with a membership to Portland Children’s Museum, starting at just $55 for the whole year. Your family (or a friend’s) will enjoy free year-round admission, with all the hands-on fun in the exhibits, art studios and live performances!
The Museum’s schedule includes something for everyone, from acoustic guitar performances to the Tears of Joy puppeteers, storytellers and more. (And here’s a tip: the Morning Clay & Play programs are perfect for 2- to 4-year-olds!) And if you like, pick up one or two gifts—for the holidays or birthdays—at The Museum Store. It’s packed with quality toys and games and creative art kits. Imagination lives at the Portland Children’s Museum!
Portland Children’s Museum
4015 SW Canyon Road
Portland, OR 97221
503.223.6500 main
503.471.9929 membership
www.PortlandChildrensMuseum.org |

portland childrens museum.org |
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Everyone Loves a Super Hero
Is there someone super in your life? When you need to bring out their inner hero, there is no better place than Super Hero Stuff.Com on NW 23rd. This place is like heaven for anyone who has ever wanted an invisible plane or a red cape. No kidding! Based right here in Portland, Super Hero Stuff.Com has the largest selection of superhero t-shirts anywhere in the world, from Wonder Woman to Supergirl, Superman to Batman, Spiderman, Captain America, The Flash, Green Lantern, The Hulk…they’re all here!
They also have superfun gift ideas for your superhero fanatic friends, like graphic novels, action figures, magnets, mugs, Monopoly games, baseball caps, keyboards, stickers and even lunchboxes to make them feel like real heroes!
Super Hero Stuff.Com
604 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
www.superherostuff.com |

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Dressing Up for the Holidays
Are you looking for that perfect holiday dress? Perhaps a special gift for someone with impeccably lovely taste? You need to pop into Phlox for feminine, cutting-edge clothing that’s romantic, sexy and high-design—all with a pinch of restraint. The clothing at Phlox is selected to enhance women’s physiques, and provide a flattering fit that “real” women can wear. And who wouldn’t love a bit of high-fashion tucked under the tree?
The well-considered selection includes local, national and international designers, including an eponymous line by Phlox’s proprietress, Barbara Seipp, all in sizes 2-12. You'll swoon over beautiful items for the fashionably adventurous, and standards with a twist, like t-shirts and jeans. Oh, and accessories, too, like jewelry, shoes and handbags! It’s time to feel beautiful. Stop into Phlox…and nurture your nerve!
Phlox
3962 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
503.890.0715
www.phloxpdx.com |

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Hip Holiday Kid Picks
Baby, do you need Black Wagon! They have the coolest toddler gear, from Debbie Harry onesies to fake-tuxedo t-shirts and it’s all totally adorable and totally wearable. These are clothes for real kids! Our favorites for gift-giving include the Chickpea Messenger Diaper Bags—handmade right here in Portland! They’re fashionable, durable, and allow you to be a hip mama without advertising that there’s a baby on board. This is one to wear long after the kid is out of diapers.
Or how about the new Ashor’s Room line of kids’ clothes—they’re artistic, unique and of course, functional. We love the waffle-knit sweater with a sequined flower “brooch,” and the matching low-rise palazzo pants. Too cute! Black Wagon also carries books, toys, mobiles and dolls. It’s a style destination for infant gifts, and there’s even a gift registry for new moms and dads, both online and in the Portland Store.
Blackwagon
3964 N. Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR 97227
1-866-916-0004
www.blackwagon.com |

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The Cure for the Common Cold
We have the undisputed cure for the cold of winter and the banality of boring outfits: sweaters from dragonlily! Their lovely selection of wintry beauties come in fun colors and fabrics, in designs only found at dragonlily. If you want to knock some socks off and keep toasty, look no further. Plus, hip little sweaters make the greatest gifts for your fashion-forward friends.
Ooh, and they also have amazing dresses that can be tailored to your shape. Dragonlily specializes in well-made, feminine and unique pieces—and most of it is locally designed! We l-o-v-e that so much! Check out the goods from dervish, ipseity, WeMa, Suzabelle, Frocky Jack Morgan, Horst Couture, and jewelry from Lynnie Dee, OreLaFey, Sharon Avnon, Tiffany Thomas, Nora Catherine, Erin MacLeod, Knot Ugly, Field and Fountain, and accessories from Weathered Hand. Every item is a perfect gift for a friend or relative…or for yourself. (We won’t tell!)
dragonlily
1740 SE Hawthorne
Portland, OR 97214
503.234.lily
www.dragonlily.org |

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The Gift of Getting Organized? Priceless.
You know that basement full of moving boxes you’ve been “threatening” to clean out since 2004? Or that kitchen of yours where you can’t find anything? Or your office, where you spend more time looking for important papers on that messy desk than you do actually working? It’s time to address them. But where do you find the time, energy or know-how to tackle big organization projects? With professional help from Organizers NW.
They were featured in the opening season of the TLC show “Little People, Big World,” so they know what they’re doing, what with TLC calling them up and all. Organizers NW can help you organize everything from attics to pantries to kids’ bedrooms, or wherever there are too many things in too small a space! Plus, they charge in time blocks of two hours, with no minimum. And remember: Gift certificates for organization make incredibly thoughtful presents!
Organizers NW
503.939.8800
www.organizersnw.com |

organizersnw.com
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Look Younger for the Holidays
We absolutely adore the idea of primping for the holidays, especially when it’s a fabulously effective treatment with long-term results, like Juvéderm™, the very latest dermal filler advance from the makers of Botox® and available now at the Key Laser Institute! With results that last six months or longer, this is definitely the way to wow them at holiday parties and keep that youthful glow through spring! Your skin will be smooth with a single treatment—you’ll look healthy and natural, for a more beautiful you.
The Key Laser Institute is one of the first facilities in the U.S. eligible for early release of Juvéderm, because they’re considered expert in facial aesthetics. And look to the Key Laser Institute for other fabulous new-you treatments, from LipoSelection™ to Gentle Lifting with Lasers™, cellulite treatments that really work, and skin-care products that make wonderful presents for you…or someone you love.
Key Laser Institute™
9555 SW Barnes Road, Suite 390
Portland, OR 97225
503.291.1953
www.keylaserinstitute.com |

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Good Dog!
Here’s a fun and functional gift for the dog in your life (or a friend's): the Sailors Knot Collar, exclusive to The Pearl Retriever. Whether you’re beach-bound or around town, this collar is fashionable (with beautifully designed enamel “bone” hardware) and practical. They look great on big and small pooches, and are constructed from water-repellent, lightweight polypropylene cord, so they’re durable and washable.
The Pearl Retriever is the ticket for all pet-related gifts, from practical to whimsical. We can’t live without “My Dog Rocks” t-shirts and the Alora Ambience Aromatherapy (your house will never again smell like pets!) They also stock the Buddy Belt Harnesses (clever!), Bauer Pottery dog & cat bowls (stylish!), and raincoats and fleecewear for dogs of all sizes (cozy!) Bring your dog in for a personal fitting! Mention Portland Picks and get a free gift with every purchase over $40! Happy Holidays!
The Pearl Retriever
526 NW 13th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.295.6960
www.pearlretriever.com |

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Pamper Them—with a Bit of Humor
We love Urbane Zen for their tremendous array of products that allow us to have a spa-like experience at home. From skincare from Spablue, Blue and Anthony Logistics for Men to comfortable pajamas and robes from PJ Salvage, Munki Munki and The Cat's Pajamas, to lush handmade soaps and bath fizzies, it’s all glorious. For the holidays, why not give the flannel sushi robe? It’s a limited-supply treat from The Cat's Pajamas, soft 100% cotton flannel, and for $98 is whimsical and practical!
You’ll also find luscious treats like the Chocoholic Christmas Survival Gift Box, which contains two Butterball chocolate bath fizzies, a Butterball chocolate soap and a real chocolate Christmas Survival Bar for $20! It’s darn near the perfect gift for the chocoholics in your life. We are getting like 10 of these, giving half of them out, and hoarding the rest for ourselves. See you at Urbane Zen!
Urbane Zen, three locations
205 NW 10th St., PDX, 503.227.8852
385 1st St., Lake Oswego, 503.697.5229
7477 SW Bridgeport Road, Tigard (Bridgeport Village) 503.624.9303
www.urbanezen.com |

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Cheeky Gifts Make the Holidays Fun
You’re looking for fun gifts that aren’t the usual mall-fare. Something quirky and clever with, yes, some style and…what? You want function, too? You are really demanding! Thank goodness we have just the place: cheeky b. And just the gift: the momAgenda Desktop. Perhaps you saw this clever planner on “The Today Show,” or in “Real Simple” magazine. Help Mom keep multiple schedules on track with a 17-month calendar, and clever weekly and monthly views. It comes in seven stylish colors, so you’re bound to find Mom’s favorite hue.
Or how about cosmetic bags or totes from Saltbox? Starting under $20, these adorable designs are handmade (no two are exactly alike), and impart a fresh twist on classic motifs. The 4-snap closure, roomy interior, zippered pocket and key fobs make these great for everyday walkabouts or serious travel. Now your girlfriend can tote her own friendly petting zoo around town!
cheeky b
906 NW 14th Ave.
Portland, OR 97209
503.274.0229
www.cheekyboutique.com |

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Get Active! Give Activewear!
We are always in the best shape during the holidays. Something about the drizzly days makes the bright gym feel like a welcoming place, and we’re compelled to work out in anticipation of delish and calorie-laden holiday treats. And when we work out, we do it in activewear from lucy, like this adorable Firenze half-zip hoodie (which also makes the best gift!)
This unique half-zip hoodie is perfect for women who do everything with style, even when they’re not working out. Its soft, stretchy knit keeps you warm and dry while still being slim and flattering, making it a great layering piece for everyday wear. But if you do wear it while exercising, you'll enjoy the athletic cut that allows for greater range of movement. This is a cute, versatile piece for almost any activity and every body, in sizes XS-XL. And for $65 you can get one for yourself, too!
lucy activewear
Pearl District
1015 NW Couch St
Portland, OR 97209
503.226.0220
Bridgeport Village
7369 SW Bridgeport Rd
Tigard, OR 97224
503.968.6421
www.lucy.com |

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Tis the Occasion for Fine Gifts!
We are big fans of Occasions Fine Gifts, as are you (when you voted them Best of Your PDX in our recent Readers’ Poll), so we don’t have to tell you how much we love their amazing array of jewelry created by local artists, stationery, hostess gifts, baby gifts, table tops (check out the new L’Objet line of napkin rings and salt & pepper shakers decorated with Swarovski crystals), and wedding gifts.
Instead, we’ll point out our latest find, a favorite that is perfect for gifting: Feather Pens! These will tickle someone’s fancy for sure, as they’re quirky conversation pieces that feel so rich in the hand and have just enough sass to make every signature memorable. Plus they’re refillable, practical and downright fun. And remember that Occasions does complimentary gift wrapping! Gorgeous ribbons and festive accoutrement make each gift a little work of art.
Occasions Fine Gifts
7515 SW Barnes Road, #103
Portland, OR 97225
503.384.0269
www.occasionsfinegifts.com |

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Give Green for the Holidays
This is Portland, after all. When we send out-of-towners gifts, we always go for something eco-friendly and locally made. And we often turn to Greenloop, the premier destination for modern, green apparel, sustainable accessories, eco-conscious footwear and organic bodycare. Visit the charming shop in the Historic Willamette District of West Linn, open Monday-Saturday 11-6. (Extended holiday hours are Mon-Sat. 10-8 & Sun 10-4), or shop online at www.thegreenloop.com any time day or night!
Saving the environment no longer requires sacrificing your personal sense of style, and Greenloop has all the best brands to choose from to help you spread the green this holiday season. While you're at it, save some green yourself by signing up for their online e-newsletter, "In the Loop," and get a coupon for 15% off your purchase!
Greenloop
1785 Willamette Falls Drive, Suite 9
West Linn, OR 97068
503.656.5483
www.thegreenloop.com |

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What’s Better Than a Personal Chef?
This is the ultimate gift for that person who is impossible to buy for: a gift certificate for the services of a personal chef! We’re talking anything from multiple meal service to special dinner packages—imagine giving the gift of a romantic dinner at home? We absolutely love this idea, and we adore Chef Heather Mader of Black Radish.
She is an angel, especially when we’re hungry, tired and burned out at the end of the workday. Her life-saving services make the perfect gift for deserving, busy women, working families and culinary-challenged singles! After an initial consultation to design a personal menu just for you (or your giftee), she brings the freshest, healthiest groceries and professional kitchen equipment, does the cooking and plating, and leaves nothing behind but the leftovers. One word: Delicious.
Chef Heather Mader
Black Radish Personal Chef
www.blackradish.net
503.927.5213 |

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Pretty Potions Make Magical Gifts
You probably know someone who deserves a special—wait…magical—gift this year. Something that blends an appreciation of the natural world with a touch of supernatural. Something completely unique and marvelous…something charming…and we have just the thing: a personalized potion from io herbal alchemy.
The potions are restorative sprays used to alter the energies around you. io herbal alchemy practices ancient brewing rituals to capture the natural power of plants and invoke special qualities into each of the potions. Lightly mist onto anyone or anything to balance, enhance and enchant your life. Or try one of their massage oils or herbal balms—they’re launching a new line of hydrosols, too, floral waters called Aqua Vitae; an old alchemical word. What a way to make some holiday magic!
io herbal alchemy
1130 SW Alder St.
Portland, OR 97205
503.522.1107
www.io-herbalalchemy.com |

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What Do You Wear with A Party Dress?
The most fetish-inducing, hottest, latest and most adorable footwear, from Tootsie’s, of course. This NW footwear haven is honestly more like an addiction than a shop. What with their spot-on selection of the latest styles—and at super-affordable prices—plus their incredible service and welcoming space, we are in heaven every time we visit. This must be on your list if you’re looking for the perfect shoes to wear with your party dresses this holiday season.
And as if Tootsie’s wasn’t heavenly enough, they have an adjoining sweet-as-sugar salon space where they do manicures and pedicures! Ooh, and this would make the best gift—how about a mani/pedi gift certificate for the ladies in your life? (We know this kind of turns you into a Shoe Enabler, but they’re big girls, right? If they don’t have the willpower to resist Tootsie’s shoe fiesta, it’s not…your…fault…)
Tootsie’s
820 NW 23rd Ave.
Portland, OR 97210
503.222.0228 |

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Be a Hottie for the Holidays
We always want to look “cuter,” and often much, much “hotter,” but we don’t know where to begin. Thank goodness for Bubble Boutique—seriously a life-saver this time of year, when our stress levels rise and we need professional help to get dressed. With Bubble’s help we’ll look straight out of a magazine in swank labels like Paul and Joe, Manoush, Lauren Moffatt, Paige Premium Denim, Sweet Pea, Irene Van Ryb (from Paris!) and Dos Besos (from Barcelona!) that are tricky to find in Portland.
You’ll find beautiful dresses, lovely sweaters, and locally designed jewelry, plus amazing winter coats from European designers. Whether it’s to impress a date, your sister (who always shows you up at holiday dinners), or your best friend (whose mind you will blow this New Year’s Eve), or your own desire to look as hot as you feel, it’s all good. Plus, get 20% off fall & winter clothes through Christmas!
Bubble Boutique
1238 NW Glisan St.
Portland, OR 97209
503.219.0098
www.bubbleboutique.biz |

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Gifts for the Girls
Chances are you've shopped Meringue in the past, but have you been there lately? This connoisseur of current fashions refreshes the garb in every department (flirty dresses, t-shirts, baby gear—you name it) so frequently that no two visits are ever the same. When we say they carry "current" items by Ya-Ya or Joie, we mean they’re fresh from the showroom. With Adina, Rock Candy, and Botkier accessories aplenty, vast amounts of Juicy Couture and Michael Stars, you'll find something for everyone on your list.
As originators of the Denim Wall concept, they still rule the domain with towering stacks of the latest and greatest; from Seven For all Mankind and True Religion to J & Co., Stitches, and Paige Premium Denim. And it’s so easy to shop meringueboutique.com. How could you not feel your best when the latest LOVE by Ya-Ya and LaRok is delivered directly to your door?
Meringue Boutique
385 First Street - #121
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
503.635.1063
www.meringueboutique.com |

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Top It Off with One-of-a-Kind Baubles
There is nothing better than a frothy party dress…or is there? We think topping off any holiday outfit with a pretty gift from emily-jane is the ultimate way to ring in the New Year, celebrate the holidays, or just say “I’m thinking of you” any time of year.
Nothing says “holiday cheer” like the gift of custom jewelry from emily-jane. She has a wonderland of precious gems and vintage Swarovski crystal beads to help you create custom baubles, as well as a selection of lovely items she has created herself…and they will assist you in creating something lovely, so no worries if your design skills are less than stellar. And they always offer chocolate and champagne to imbibe as you browse the selection, so you can have as much fun shopping as you will gifting!
emily-jane
1428 NE Broadway
Portland, OR 97223
503.460.0516
www.emily-jane.com |

emily-jane.com |
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Give OFFICE Goodies with Tokyo Style
If you love Japanese paper products, or want unusual gifts for your design appreciator, then there’s only one place to go this holiday season, and that is OFFICE. Be the first to snap up the first shipment of tasty office product from well-known and emerging Tokyo brands. Goods include unusual notebooks, binders, sketch books, pens, calendars, business card-holder books, desk accessories, pencil holders, presentation folders, stationery sets, paper wallets, and more. Unique materials, sizes, shapes and colors—all streamlined, affordable, and gender-neutral.
You can shop OFFICE online or visit the store for a real treat. We love the way it’s part retail shop, part art gallery, part event space, and all so cool and funky! The Tokyo gifts are just a taste of what they’ve got…we can’t wait to see what else from around the world they unveil throughout December!
OFFICE
2204 NE Alberta St.
Portland, OR 97211
503.282.7200
www.officepdx.com |

officepdx.com |
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So there you have it. The most epic Portland Picks Holiday Gift Guide yet! And guaranteed to help you find something for everyone on your list...whether they've been naughty or nice. |
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