The tryptophan coma has subsided and you’re coming to the realization that holidays parties are just around the corner! Don’t panic. I did some shopping for you and found you complete outfits that will fit and flatter as well as function for whatever party you’re heading off to whether it be out with your besties or to your office’s work party.
Even though the holidays should be about love and cheer, gifts are a pretty important part of December. You want to show your loved ones how much you care, but why does it have to be measured by the gift you give them? Until society jumps on board with poem exchanges as the alternative to material items, here’s a gift guide of the fanciest, schmanciest gifts you can give those closest to your heart!
1) Rothko Tech Mittens. At first glance, these gloves from Tilde look like they were made for Aliens. But hold on! These are actually for human hands! They are incredibly soft cashmere/wool blend mittens and the thumb and index fingers are knitted with nano-metallic yarn designed for use with touch screen devices. How cool, right!?
2) Fremont Cuff. One of our best selling jewelry pieces from Betsy + Iya. This one in particular has a lot of geometry and craftsmanship to it (not to mention it is inspired by Portland’s Fremont Bridge). You can also adjust the size with just a little push or pull of the metal. Don’t let the flexibility fool you, this cuff is built to last!
3) Herschel Bags. I don’t know what it is, but the polka dots and the classic rucksack look really have me swooning. This is the perfect gift for someone on the go who has a lot to carry but won’t sacrifice her style! These bags from Herschel Supply Co. also come in a few other styles including a duffel, regular backpack, messenger bag, tote, and a wallet.
4) Orbit Earrings. The holidays are the time to sparkle! Between Hanukkah, Christmas, and New Years, there are so many fancy occasions to dress up for. These Grayling Jewelry earrings would look perfect with any New Year’s Eve dress. Have exciting plans to watch the ball drop with your bestie? Give her these earrings as a teaser!
5) Velvet Turban. Made entirely in the U.S. by local designer REIF, this luxe turban Summerland Boutique is bound to make any outfit a million times better. It also will keep your head warm or cover up a bad hair day!
6) Janua Necklace. Any necklace with minimal frill is a friend of mine, and most other ladies too. Jewelry can definitely be more of a risk buy, but this one from Tiro Tiro is super neutral and would work well into many different styles and age ranges. What’s great about this necklace is you can loop it once or leave it long depending on how you prefer it! Hello, versatility.
7) Original Art. Local artist Rachel Austin creates unique oil based paintings that blur the line between abstract, contemporary art and soothing traditionalism. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to liven up your boyfriend or girlfriend’s place, this is the perfect excuse! Find this one at Noun
8) Little Black Bootie. It’s winter in Portland. That means 9 times of out 10, it’s raining and all you can wear are boots. Who’s complaining about that (at least the boots part) when you can wear this gorgeous little leather beatle boots found at Solestruck? And at just under $100? Done.
9) Sticks and Stones. Anything by Sticks & Stones is highly covetable. Each piece is handcrafted right here in Portland. I happen to think their most recent necklace style, ‘the fine line’ is genius! So simple, with a pop of many colors and wood types to choose from.
10) In the Clear. Quite possibly the coolest raincoat ever. A completely transparent coat with black piping will protect you from the rain without hiding that gorgeous outfit underneath! Available at the funky fresh boutique, Yo Vintage.
11) Infusion Coffee Maker. Coffee made simple. The infusion coffee method is a simple process in which you pour hot water in the Double Wall Infuser filled with ground coffee. By removing the infuser by the handle at the optimal time, you can avoid over-extraction and bitter taste. No press, no paper filter. And many different colors to choose from! Find this one on Red Sail!
12) Plant your dreams. The perfect gift for your favorite green thumb! This planter (also found at Red Sail) with a leather handle will bring life to any room. Hang it from a wall or ceiling and add your favorite houseplants! Don’t forget to water them!
The generosity and kindness conveyed in giving gifts means more than anything else in the world. So, if you’re trying to show your love this holiday season, go ahead and go all out with the gifts, but remember to include a tight hug and a few words from the heart. Those are the gifts that will stick with them for a lifetime.
The people in your life who are more than occasional coffee buddies deserve a more fabulous holiday gift! This doesn’t mean you have to spend a fortune, though. This holiday gift guide features items that are $50 and under, meaning you can splurge a little on yourself this winter, too! From your favorite blogger to your newborn nephew, we have a little something for everyone.
1) Squirrel Business Card Holder. Days at the office don’t have to be full of emails and expense reports! Let this little guy from Red Sail brighten up your coworker’s space and make it feel a bit more like home. The best jobs are always those that you do with your friends. Just ask us here at Shop Adorn… we love spending all day in the store!
2) Grumpy Cat Locket. Admit it, after you saw the adorable video of grumpy cat, he won over your heart. Now his sad little face has been immortalized on a locket! This one from Silhouette is perfect for your crazy cat-lady neighbor or quirky best friend. Who doesn’t love pop culture?
3) Bubble Bath. One of the best ways to relax is with a steamy hot bath with lots of bubbles! And if this isn’t the most adorable bubble bath packaging, I’d really like to see what is! Mr. Bubble ain’t got nothin’ on Library of Flowers! Find this one at Presents of Mind!
4) Artsy iPhone Case. Otterboxes may be functional, but do you really want to look like you’re carrying around a walkie talkie all day? In a world where everyone (even 8 year olds!) has an iphone, give the gift of individuality with this subtle yet striking iPhone case from Woonwinkel by artist Britt Bass.
5) Cat Tights. There are so many adorable and purr-fect gifts out there (pun totally intended)! These unique tights from SaySay Boutique scream “Portland” to me and would be so cute worn under a winter dress or wool shorts. Let’s just hope other kitties don’t get jealous!
6) Tocca Perfume Sampler. Another great gift for someone you don’t know too well but want to show you care! My mom and I always struggle with what to get my brother’s girlfriend whom we don’t know too well, but she seemed to love the sampler we got her last year like this one from Branch Birdie! Coming from a lady, I like perfume, but I love being able to choose from three!
7) Pieces and Patterns Calendar. Okay, okay, I’ll admit that calendars are kind of a cliché gift, but for the busy bee in your life who values style, this one from Tilde is a great modern take! There’s plenty of room to make notes around the sides or to leave blank for a crisp look. Pair it with the squirrel card holder for an extra fancy office in 2014!
8) The Clutch of all Clutches. If you haven’t heard of Seaecho, which, chances are you have because it is a Portland sensation accessory. I have Portland friends who own multiples of these babies and they just get better with age.
9) Gentle Fawn Tank. This sexy-yet-classy piece can be worn under a blazer to the office or alone for after-work-drinks! It’s a grown up version of the popular cut-out trend. Surprise your stylish mom with a tank that will make her feel like its 1973 again!
10) Jan-Marc Wine. Made in the local Willamette valley, this Pinot Noir from Jan-Marc Wine Cellars will please newbies and aficionados alike! It is a hand-selected blend, chosen over all of the other wines that Jan-Marc produces. Give someone a bottle or spring for a membership to the wine club!
11) Beanies. The great thing about beanies is they don’t discriminate. They are perfect for any age, gender, or head size. Lift Label makes these well-made beanies that won’t unravel on you through all of your winter excursions. Fun fact: These thick, cozy hats are created on one of the last circular knitting machines in the USA circa the 1920s.
12) Pendleton Wallet. A perfect sized wallet with the classic Pendleton prints everyone knows and loves. Your recipient will always carry a little bit of your generous spirit with them in this wallet, along with their essential cards and cash. You can choose from three different prints too!
Shopping for friends who you are closer to than your coworkers but are not quite on the same level as your besties are the most difficult to shop for. Most people fear giving a gift that was clearly less expensive than the one you receive, or vice versa! But even the most modest gifts can be made incredible by a personal touch. Try adding your friend’s favorite candy to the gift or attach tickets to a fun event both of you can enjoy. As long as you exude sincerity, she will be sure to love it!
Friendships can’t be measured monetarily, but I think we can all agree that getting a great deal on a perfect gift is something to celebrate! I’ve always loved getting a present comprised of several small gifts rather than one larger gift, too. Luckily, several Portland shops have lots of great options under $25. Tell your friends to forget about Santa now that you can pick up gifts for everyone you know!
1) Portland Postcard Set. Do you have a friend who is moving away or a recent high school graduate who is leaving for college? Postcards are a great and personal way to keep in touch! Instead of generic designs, the unique Portland illustrations will let the sender always keep the Rose City in her heart!
2) Woodlands Nightlight. This isn’t your average toddler nightlight! While you certainly could give it to your little princess (a life lesson on taking care of nice possessions?), it is also sophisticated enough for any adult to use as mood lighting. It’s also a great alternative for those who can’t have candles due to pets or fragrance. Let the Disney woodland animals come to life!
3) Glossed over. A red lip will always be classic. The Butter London Lippy Sheer Lip Gloss is a hit at our Portland Boutique. It’s a soft color, high shine gloss that creates a neutral lip, which looks fab paired with a bold/smokey eye look. A great stocking stuffer!
4) Square Wooden Coasters. Class up your drinks and keep your tables safe with these square wooden coasters from Toadvine Brand Co. Each set comes with four hand-carved and packaged coasters in a mix of wood finishes, including Birch, Cedar, Oak and Walnut.
5) We Belong in Portland Mug. Want to let someone know you care without breaking out the chocolate and roses? This mug from Tender Loving Empire is perfect for that special person you’ve met in the city. Fill it with coffee, candy, or even a poem – whatever makes your heart flutter!
6) Chai Tea Caramels. For your favorite barista or tea-aficionado, these gourmet chai tea caramels found at QUIN are a real palette pleaser. As they’re made locally in Oregon, they’re also a great gift to send to someone out-of-state! Show them what Portland’s unique gastronomical flair!
7) Earlybird Apron. Give someone a trip back to the 1950’s so she can bake in style! This adorable apron is feminine and fun – perfect for a mother-in-law or grandmother. Plus, maybe she will bake you some treats in return. Yum! You can find this baby at Presents of Mind!
8) A Noncommital Ring. This ring is super chic and a new piece from the Betsy & Iya Voyage collection. You know if it’s a Betsy & Iya piece, that a great deal of crafstmanship went into it. What I love the most about this ring is that it is adjustable! So if you’re not sure what size your giftee is, don’t fret! It adjusts up to two sizes up or down!
9) Funky Mutt Dog Collar. Why do humans get to have all the fun? We get to be fashionable AND receive holiday gifts. This year, treat your pup to both with this crazy collar from Bridge City Merchantile that will be sure to make him the coolest dog in the park.
10) Don’t Change! Money Pouch. Send your kids to school with fabulous style this semester with this geometric change purse you can find at Bridge City Merchantile. The inspirational message will always remind them of your love and teach them the awesomeness of puns!
11) Tumbleweed Promise Rings. I know I already mentioned this in a previous gift guide, but these Tumbleweed promise rings are just too cute not to include on this gift guide too! Coming in at $10, you can certainly afford to get more than one and stack ‘em up for the ultimate ring party!
12) Art Jigsaw Puzzle. Instead of a new iPhone or Xbox game, give your niece or nephew a retro form of entertainment like this puzzle from Screaming Sky Gift & Art Shop. Not only do they build logic, but puzzles are a great way to bond in this isolated world. For a more unique idea – get your own photo made into a puzzle.
If you aren’t already excited by this gift guide, maybe the fact that each idea is from a local Portland store will spark your fancy! I totally love each of these boutiques and they have so many great gifts!
Thanksgiving is all about showing gratitude for your life, the people you love, and the roof over your head. But lets get real, after the warm conversations fizzle out and the turkey is demolished, leaving only scraps for leftover-turkey sammies, it’s sale time.
As tempting as it sounds to put on some stretch pants and wait in line for hours at any given big box store (some opening as early as 6am on Thanksgiving), our sale requires no pushing and shoving and long lines. We’re taking a pledge to not participate in this madness and we hope you do too! Keep it local this year and shop Little Boxes, including us! This is an amazing program brought to you by the owners of Betsy & Iya. Just download the app and find any of the participating shops on your map to get started!
Lets get to the good stuff.
Here’s what we’ve got going on in store for BLACK FRIDAY & SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY:
Aaaaand here’s what we’ve got going on for our online shop for BLACK FRIDAY WEEKEND:
Shop it up and feel good that you are supporting a local economy and family-run business.
Friends and strangers alike have often questioned my obsession with Judaism with a skeptical “Are you even Jewish?” The answer is technically no, but I like to consider myself culturally Jewish. While I am not religious, I am a big fan of latkes, Yiddish, and The Promised Land (we’ll save my opinions on the Israeli/Palestinian conflict for another day…). My mental calendar isn’t organized by months and dates, but by holidays, so I love any excuse to celebrate a new one! Even though I can hardly contain my excitement for Thanksgiving tomorrow, Hanukkah starts today! This cultural collision of holidays is going to make for an epic end to November. Here are a few of my favorite finds to get you into the Hanukkah spirit! Dreidel on!
1) What is Thanksgivukkah? Just like Seth Cohen (my Jewish dream man) invented Chrismukkah, this year Thanksgiving-Hanukkah enthusiasts have invented Thanksgivukkah. This extremely interesting article sheds light on this once-in-a-lifetime holiday mash up. Impress your family and friends with fun facts about the holiday – like how Boston Mayor Menino has declared it an official holiday. It’s a much better topic of conversation than countless aunts asking if you’re engaged, yet!
2) Challah Bread is the New Latke. If you’ve ever attended a Shabbot dinner, you know of the glory of challah. While I’m automatically a fan of anything that involves carbs, challah is a light and fluffy bread with a beautifully woven texture. Even if you’re ovo-vegan, you can enjoy this treat as it is “parve” or made without meat or dairy – but lots and lots of eggs! This guide teaches you how to perfect the braid so your challah looks delicious and not schlepped together!
3) Stick to Yiddish. Everyone loves those word magnets that appear everywhere from high school lockers to family refrigerators. Discovering an uplifting or perverse combination of words that your friend left behind can make a morning a bit less groggy. There seems to be several collections of words from Shakespearean to slang, but now there is Yiddish! But what’s the difference between Yiddish and Hebrew? Yiddish has always been a spoken combination of Hebrew, German, and other European languages. Hebrew was only a written language from 200AD until the 1800’s when it was revived verbally. You probably don’t even know you speak Yiddish. The phrase “Don’t be a klutz and put a glitch in the system” uses two Yiddish words!
4) Real Men Make Latkes. The quintessential Hanukkah food has made its way onto clothing and I couldn’t be more thankful. Whether you like them made with sweet potatoes or topped with applesauce, there is no wrong way to eat a latke. This Thanksgivukkah, you can chow down on some cranberry-topped latkes while wearing this gem of a shirt. Maybe you’ll find your mentsh.
5) Celebrate with a Womenorah. Instead of welding together an authentic menorah to hold your Hanukkah candles, get crafty and make your own! There are so many cute options that are perfect for adding a bit of Hanukkah cheer to your home. One bit of advice – make the tree-branch menorah with caution! Last year I left mine unattended in a room and the candles caught the wood on fire. It makes for a great story now, but it definitely put a damper on the ongoing Christmas party!
Just as religion and sexuality are finally reaching a point of mutual acceptance, I can’t wait for the day when all religions can coexist in a household. After all, don’t all religions preach love and acceptance? Start the movement this week by celebrating Thanksgivukkah! With all of these cute holiday ideas, what’s your excuse not to?