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    • Wine
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    • Central Eastside
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Catherine Ryan Gregory

Catherine Ryan Gregory

Catherine Gregory is a freelance writer. Read More

Locally owned Orox makes gift-giving easy with its thoughtful, handmade leather goods.
i
Locally owned Orox makes gift-giving easy with its thoughtful, handmade leather goods.
Credit: Ashley Anderson
Attractions / Shopping

Made-In-Portland Gift Guide

Two local tastemakers share holiday shopping ideas for friends, family and even Fido.

Updated Dec. 9, 2020 5 min read
Catherine Ryan Gregory

Catherine Ryan Gregory

Catherine Gregory is a freelance writer. Read More

Portland prides itself on being creative and independent, so it’s no wonder that local shoppers skip chain stores come the holidays. And it’s easy for visitors to join their ranks! Thanks to Portland’s vibrant maker community, holiday shopping here is like sifting through an overflowing treasure chest. The biggest challenge is narrowing down the abundance of choices. That’s where this Portland gift guide comes in.

John Connor is the founder of MadeHere PDX, a Pearl District shop dedicated to showcasing the talents of Portland-based designers, artists and makers. Kelley Roy is the founder of the shared co-making studio space ADX Portland and author of Portland Made: The Makers of Portland’s Manufacturing Renaissance. Read on as Roy and Connor share their favorite Portland-based products, designers and small businesses.

“Makers in Portland are always innovating, so you can find a huge range of products made here,” says Connor. “Goods crafted here are evocative of the Portland experience, from the dramatic landscape of this region to our DIY culture, and Portlanders want to share that.”

Holiday Sopping

Shop Local for the Holidays

The holidays may look and feel different this year, but you can still shop local Portland makers to support businesses in need and help the city you love.

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Portland’s Thriving Maker Scene

“Maker” is a buzzword these days, and Portland’s many designers, artisans and entrepreneurs make the city the heart of the national trend. Leaders in the Portland maker scene estimate that 500–1,000 entrepreneurial makers call Portland home, creating everything from knit caps and surfboards to bike panniers and hot sauce.

“Our annual survey shows that the maker movement is growing, and a lot of companies in the maker scene are expanding their operations,” Roy says. “Portland is on the leading edge of this national trend, in part because we’re such a tight community and have a deep spirit of collaboration.”

People browsing through hand made items at a store
Browse hundreds of Portland-made gifts at MadeHere PDX in the Pearl District. (Photo by Ashley Anderson.)

Made-in-Portland Gift Guide

Ready to shop? Everything in this guide comes from Portland-based makers, and most of these goodies can be found at MadeHere PDX. Happy holidays!

Know Before You Go

MadeHere PDX is open for business and is taking precautions to ensure shoppers’ safety.

Private shopping appointments are also available at the Pearl District location. Email info@madehereonline.com to book.

Gifts for Kitchen Connoisseurs

Beautiful and practical (not to mention octagonal) Finex cast iron pans are shaped to make pouring sauce or soup easier. Additionally, their pre-seasoned “high release” surfaces will keep your favorite foodie’s omelets from sticking.

Amateur mixologists will appreciate The Bitter Housewife’s small-batch bitters made with locally sourced ingredients like herbs, tree bark and nuts.

And the Jacobsen Salt Co. infused salt set includes pairing notes for each of the six artisanal salts.

people working on leather hand-made items at workbenches
Family-owned Orox spans four generations of makers with roots in Oaxaca, Mexico. (Photo by Ashley Anderson)
Credit: Photo by Ashley Anderson

Gifts for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Washable and warm, adventure blankets from Belmont Blankets “are great for going to the beach, hiking or camping,” Roy says. Their waterproof side lets you sit without getting a wet bum. (Look for their collaboration with Pendleton Woolen Mills for a gift that simply screams “Oregon.”)

Mythical Lumberjack shirts from Wild Outdoor Apparel look and feel like flannel, but have “water-phobic” performance threads woven into the fiber, making the shirts a great layering alternative to fleece. “They are streetwear meets mountain performance gear, which makes total sense for Portland,” Connor says.

Gifts for Travelers

The Viator Tote shoulder bag from Orox includes plenty of sleeves and pockets for passports and guidebooks. Its utilitarian look is “representative of a very Portland aesthetic,” Connor says.

Shwood sunglasses are made from unexpected Northwest materials like osprey feathers, wildflowers, pine cones and moss (seriously).

Bike gear brand North St. makes waterproof daypacks with interchangeable pockets, so adventurers can go from lugging a laptop to getting away for the weekend in mere moments.

Gifts for Gardeners

Women-owned Dovetail Workwear makes women’s gardening clothes and accessories that fit, work and look good. Their pants are specially designed to fit different body types and durable enough to stand up to any gardener’s routine.

Aspiring backyard beekeepers can get started with a Bespoke Bee Supply hive made from locally harvested FSC-certified lumber. The product’s design and handcrafted techniques waste 30–60% less wood than conventionally made hives.

Related

Makers

Portland is a hub for artists, entrepreneurs and creators alike, with community studios, warehouses and makerspaces that let you DIY your way around town.

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Gifts for Kids

Rain Baby Gear sells kids’ hats and stroller blankets made from BPA-free laminated cotton in cheerful prints sure to brighten rainy winters.

Mirus Toys hand-makes wooden Montessori-inspired goods (think playdough stampers and a moon puzzle in the shape of phases of the moon). “These are anything but the poorly made toys you usually see. They’re thoughtfully designed and durable enough to pass along when your kids grow out of them,” Roy says.

Gifts for the Host

If a candle seems like a cliché host gift, it’s probably because you’ve never seen Wooly Beast soy candles. “People get a kick out of candles called ‘Dirty Hipster’ and ‘Maple Bacon Donut,’” Connor says (and you’d be hard-pressed to find more Portland scents).

Instead of a bottle of wine, gift a hand-blown tumbler from North Drinkwear, cleverly imprinted with a scale replica of Mount Hood or Rainier. They’re among MadeHere PDX’s fastest-selling products for good reason: These statement pieces are sure to prompt stories as you sip.

Gifts for Furry Friends

Roy’s black Lab, Merle, can vouch for Portland Pet Food Company dog biscuits (including grain-free treats shaped like gingerbread men) — the pork flavor is his favorite.

To keep your furry friend cozy and warm, adorn your pup in the ‘Grateful’ D.O.G Hoodie from House Dogge. Not only will your dog look fab in one of Oprah’s favorite things for 2020, but you’ll also be supporting a small Black-woman-owned business.

Makers, Shopping, Winter Holidays

Elsewhere Online

Portland Made

The Portlanders behind the brands you love.

Shop Local Makers

Take home a uniquely Portland souvenir with products made by these local crafters.

More Shopping
Peruse handcrafted leather products at Tanner Goods, including   wallets, bags, belts, guitar straps and even chairs.

Shop for Made-In-Portland Goods

These companies churn out consistently cool made-in-Portland products, from fashionable swimwear and accessories to leather goods and lighting.

The Jade Night Market returns every summer with food, entertainment and shopping to celebrate the diversity and culture of communities who live and create in Southeast Portland\'s Jade District.

Shopping Events in Portland

Portland's shopping scene offers colorful bazaars where you can score locally-made goods at unbeatable prices. Better bring an extra suitcase!

Browse bestsellers at Powell\'s City of Book\'s PDX outpost.

Shop Local at PDX

Browse Portland brands like Nike, Pendleton, Columbia and Powell’s without leaving the airport.

Beach Bones pieces feature organic lines and translucent colors.

Portland Jewelry Designers

Shop these Portland jewelry designers for beautiful, wearable art that exudes personal expression with a local touch.

The Martinez family handcrafts heirloom-quality leather at Orox.

Luxe Local Leather

Portland artisans are using high-quality, beautifully tanned and sustainably dyed leather for their goods, crafting pieces that will last for decades.

Portland hairdresser Nelly Ayala, co-creator of Paz Hair Lounge, at My People\'s Market.

My People’s Market Spotlights Local Entrepreneurs of Color

My People’s Market showcases local entrepreneurs and makers of color, connecting them with industry professionals and consumers.

Maria Vashakidze prepares her magical products at Seagrape Soap.

Portland’s “Mystic District”: Three Magical Shops in One City Block

Whether you’re curious about crystals, dreaming of divination decks or just seeking sweet-smelling soap, Portland’s Mystic District has the store for you.

Savor locally made treats, like the Habanero Caramel Crown by Alma Chocolates.

Portland Candy Makers and Chocolatiers

These four Portland candy artisans craft unique sweets, be they creamy cacao confections, rainbow-colored candies or salty-sweet treats.

Stroll through skeletons and other oddities at North Portland\'s Paxton Gate.

Do Your Holiday Shopping During Little Boxes

Skip the Black Friday frenzy (and the sales tax) in favor of a fun, locally made alternative: Little Boxes.

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