Shopping season is in full swing and you still have time to get those packages in the mail or plan some special surprises! Here are a few unique-to-the-Pacific-Northwest gift ideas that have been crowd pleasers for me in years past: A few locally made goods and a few outings that are great for holiday memory making.

Bags & Wearables from Alpine Sea Co. | This husband/wife design duo based in Hood River, OR started Alpine Sea Co. after losing their corporate design jobs during COVID. The result? The world’s cutest storefront featuring their handmade bags, backpacks and so much more! You can’t go wrong with their best seller – the Medium Pocket – which can be worn in a variety of hands-free ways to carry around the basics. Pick your color and customize the strap!

Vintage Finds at Memory Den | Have you been to “Portland’s Largest Vintage Mall” in the Central Eastside Industrial area? Because you could spend a whole day roaming the 140 vendor, 2-level myriad of secondhand clothes, shoes, furniture, party decorations, locally made candles & crafts, art, toys, houseplants, oddities … you name it! With a little sleuthing, this is the spot to find vintage glassware for the mixologists in your life or mid-century platters for Christmas cookie spreads.

Clothes for the Ladies at ADORN | Body-positive boutique in the Portland fashion scene that has you covered for everything from holiday parties to brunch with your BFF. 3 locations to choose from (NE Fremont, SE Division and Lake Oswego).

Outings About Town | For the people who have enough “stuff,” why not give tickets to a fun night out? Here are my recent favorites – see if their calendars have anything that suits your gifting needs: Alberta Rose Theatre (Live music including Candlelight Concerts), Hopscotch (Immersive art exhibits), White Bird Dance Company (Stunning performances at classic Portland performance venues) or how about gifting membership to the Portland Art Museum?

Stuff That Disappears (Quickly!) | Fiery foodies that like a little kick would love a jar of Mama Lil’s Pickled Peppers to level up their sandwiches, pizza and avocado toast. Available in Fred Meyer delis or check out the “Endless Peppertunities” on their website. And for your cocktail enthusiasts, you can’t go wrong summoning the Volcano Goddess with a gift card to Hale Pele – the tropical tiki bar located on NE Broadway.

Happy Gifting & Happy Holidays!