Even if you’re not one of those people that allow Christmas to start the day after Halloween, you might have to admit that this year it’s been creeping in– with recommendations to shop early, you might be compiling a list already! If your holiday gift list is looking slim so far, we’ve rounded up the best recommendations from local Portland stores for the whole family– Dad, Mom, Big Kid, and Baby. Read on for some great ideas from great local places to check out!
Dads:
Staghorn Fern from Pistils Nursery
Get your plant dad a stunning Staghorn Fern Plaque to grace his wall-- these large antler-like fronds are like a piece of living taxidermy: a dramatic statement for any man cave or living room! Local plant gurus Pistils Nursery have been in business for 20 years, sharing the gift of green and gently encouraging those with blacker thumbs. Their flagship store on Mississippi, along with a new location in Slabtown showcase everything from rare and unusual plants to the coveted swiss cheese monsteras, along with chic planters, pots, and accessories. If Dad is still growing his plant passion, try a ZZ Plant (otherwise known as Zamioculcas amiifolia). One of the most low maintenance houseplants around, this is a great "set it and forget it" plant -- at least for a few weeks at a time.
Vintage Trail Blazers Jersey from Laundry
Tucked into Old Town/Chinatown, Laundry is like a candy store for the sports-loving Dad in your life. Full of thoughtfully curated vintage merch (like jerseys, caps and tees) from a wide variety of sports and sports brand, you can cross a few things off your list here in no time. For the Blazers fan, find Damian Lillard and Andre Miller jerseys, or go further afield with a bright orange Netherlands soccer jersey, among hundreds of others. And they have kids sizes, too!
Laundry
140 NW 4th Ave
Portland, OR
Online: laundrypdx.com
Scientific Heroes Glassware from Boys Fort
Maybe you have absolutely zero idea what Dad wants-- that's totally normal. Hop over to Boys Fort, where you'll find dozens of options for the Dad who has everything. Formerly downtown, they've moved their store into Urbanite on SE Grand Ave but kept it packed full of goodies, like leather wallets, unique decor, stylish Portland maps, books, hot sauce, and even an Albert Einstein pint glass, all geared toward the modern Dad. If you're still at a loss, ask them to help-- you'll walk away with an expertly curated set of gifts in no time.
Inside Urbanite
1005 SE Grand Ave
Portland, OR
Online: boysfort.com
Gifts for Moms
New Planner from Little Otsu
For the Mom brimming with ideas, plans, schedules, or creative brainstorming, head to Little Otsu to get her all decked out. You'll find beautiful paper goods and from all over the world that will make her home office pop and inspire! Get her set for 2022 with this vibrant planner from England, or brighten up her desk with a colorful Italian stapler.
The Hottest Fashions from The Yo! Store
A vibrant store melding color, vintage, adults, kids, European style and American fun into one warm experience, the Yo! Store is ready to knock a few things off your list. Founded in 2016, they've been sourcing quality goods from small independent makers worldwide for years, culminating in a store that's like having your best friend say "here, try this."
You'll find clothes (quilted jackets! stylish sweatpants! polka dot sweaters!), jewelry, bags, and colorful socks for mom, but don't stop there. Stuff her stocking with nail polish and candles before moving on to the kids sections, where adorable clothes, books, and toys await.
The Yo! Store
935 NW 19TH Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: yoportland.com/
Doug Fir Chai from Roots and Crowns Apothecary
Get mom a warming blend of tea with chai spices, complete with foraged Doug fir tips at this home brewed apothecary. You'll also find hand crafted brooms, candles, artwork, and journals alongside the house line, full of rose-scented face serums, mineral makeup, herbal tinctures, and bitters.
Roots and Crowns Apothecary
1812 NW 24th Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: rootsandcrowns.com
Gifts for Kids
Cheeseburger Pillow from Black Wagon
This Mississippi Street store is chock full of fun, for kids ages 0-14 (and up)! Even the most teen of pre-teens won't be able to resist this soft cheeseburger floor pillow-- they're designed for all ages, tough enough for interactive play yet cozy enough for catching up on their favorite shows, games, and creative activities.
Or test their skills on Christmas Day with a wooden pinball set, along with a huge variety of puzzles, games, and musical instruments next to a whole wall of adorable clothes.
Black Wagon Kids
3964 N Mississippi Ave.
Portland, OR
Online: blackwagon.com
Anything from Hello! Good Morning!
This adorable store has found a new home inside Cargo, an import shop that's been in business for over 20 years (and is worth checking out in it's own right!). With a background in animation, owner Amy has expertly curated the small space so that everywhere you look there's something bright, colorful, amusing, and whimsical. Bright journals, kids books, vintage toys, ceramics, and even those rubber finger monsters mingle together in a fun and inspiring space. Your only problem will be which things to bring home with you, and which leaves to come back for later!
Hello! Good Morning!
Inside Cargo
Online: hellogoodmorningkids.com
Wooden Gnome Home from Spielwerk Toys
Being a kid is hard work sometimes, and Spielwerk gets that. That's why they stock their store with all the best tools of childhood: toys, games, puzzles, and more that helps kids think creatively, solve problems, and goof around. Find your child's new favorite friend here with a wooden gnome home, or a whimsical fairy doll. And stay tuned-- they're working on launching their own line here in Portland!
Spielwerk Toys
3808 N Williams Ave Ste 121
Portland, OR
Online: spielwerktoys.com
Gifts for Babies
Board Books from Green Bean Books
Portland, Oregon
Woodland Activity Blanket from Grasshopper
Portland, OR
Online: grasshopperstore.com
—Katrina Emery
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