With winter in full swing and Thanksgiving almost here, the holiday season has officially started! Not only is it a great time to bond with family and friends at Yuletide gatherings and events, but it is also when we have the opportunity to show our gratitude to those who mean the most to us. Whether you spend $10 or $100 or more, it is the intention behind the gift that matters most. Our gift guide features some of our favorite Oregon products and stores so you can find a gift for every special person in your life this season. Here are 23 gift ideas for 2023, plus a few bonus items from our neighbors in Washington.
The foodie
23. The Olympia Provisions Euro Charcuterie Box ($160) not only makes a great host/hostess gift, it is a delectable assortment for the foodie. The spread includes an assortment of European salami, pate, cheese, homemade pickled vegetables in addition to olives, crackers, and more.
Details: 107 S.E. Washington St., Portland, and olympiaprovisions.com
22. Damascus Treats owners Carolyn and Maz Suliman met in Rome in 2010 and have always wanted to start their own business. They finally made the leap earlier this year with the hopes of sharing their delicious baklavas with the community. Hailing from Damascus, Syria, Maz thought it was only natural to name the business Damascus Treats. The couple uses a traditional family recipe handed down from generations to make the deliciously flaky Middle Eastern treats. Orders come in 24 or 48 pieces. Prices start at $60.
Details: DamascusTreats.com
21. Durant Olive Oil’s Extra Virgin Olive Oil Trio Box ($22) makes a great stocking stuffer, office gift exchange, or hostess gift. Best known for their Willamette Valley winery and farm, Durant grows its own olive crop, mills on-site and bottles weekly to ensure freshness, managing the artisan olive oils from start to finish. Guests can book an olive oil tasting at the farm shop, brimming with goodies.
Details: 5510 N.E. Breyman Orchards Road, Dayton, and shop.durantoregon.com
Outdoor gear
20. Leatherman has been making tools since 1983, and as a celebratory nod to its 40-year anniversary the Portland company recently released ARC, a compact multi-use tool ($229.95) which is great for camping, traveling, and everyday use. If that’s a little steep for your budget, the Rev and Micra multitools come in at $49.95.
Details: leatherman.com
19. I have been wearing BOGS for over 10 years now and I absolutely love them. They are the ultimate performance work boots to have for mucky weather. The Classic II for women ($125) is waterproof and has an adjustable calf strap for ultimate fit and comfort. This best-seller is also available in the men’s version ($140). The Portland-based brand’s main line offers a variety of practical rain boots that are both functional and stylish such as the adorable Classic Mary’s ($120), which are any easy pull-on style, or the Holly Lace Leather ($170).
Details: bogsfootwear.com
18. For the intrepid hiker, you cannot go wrong with the Danner’s Cascade Crest ($350) for men and the Mountain 600 Insulated ($220) for women. Both come with OrthoLite footbeds for support and comfort, as well as Vibram outsole grip support to help with those challenging hikes. Best of all, they are waterproof and will carry you through all types of intense weather.
Details: Stores throughout Oregon and danner.com
Wanderlust traveler
17. RUMPL’s Sherpa Fleece Blanket in Lakeside Plaid ($60) is great for outdoor adventures such as van camping or just to cozy up with at home. The Portland-based company also has a selection of Nanoloft travel blankets that are easily packable and stain resistant. The best part? All their products are machine-washable.
Details: rumpl.com
16. Stop by the iconic Filson store in downtown Portland to pick up their Medium Duffle Bag ($595) for your travel friend. The special edition is a collaboration with musician Chris Stapleton and is made of the brand’s staple water-resistant rugged twill fabric. With multiple stow pockets, an adjustable shoulder strap, and lots of room, this bag makes for a great travel companion.
Details: 526 N.W. 13th Ave., Portland and filson.com
The book lover
15. Gift your favorite home chef with the Oregon Wine + Food Cookbook ($39.95). This practical and informative collection of recipes is written by Oregon authors Danielle Centoni and Kerry Newberry. They take us on a journey with stunning pictures and easy to replicate recipes, with commentary from notable winemakers.
Details: Oregon Wine + Food
14. For those who want to learn more about farm life and the land we inhabit, A Little Bit of Land by Jessica Gigot ($22.95) is an essential read. Gigot’s moving memoir is a reflection on her time spent learning about agriculture, sustainability, and gender roles attached to the farming industry. As she revisits her journey from southern Oregon to Washington state, readers follow Gigot through the trials and tribulations of farm life.
Details: https://osupress.oregonstate.edu
Pet parents
13. The Variety Meal and Treat Pack for dogs ($52.95) from Portland Pet Food Company is sure to please your four-legged friend. The bundle includes five human-grade meals, along with two bags of treats. The biscuits are baked twice to create a nice texture for your pooch. For your feline friend, the company also carries gift bundles ($40.68) for even the pickiest eaters.
Details: portlandpetfoodcompany.com
12. Pups will rejoice at the comfort of Pendleton’s Yakima Camp Dog Bed (prices start at $119). Using the brand’s iconic design and crafted with Berber fleece, this bed is portable and easy to clean.
Details: 210 N.W. Broadway, Portland, and locations statewide, pendleton-usa.com
Sophisticated fashionista
11. Portland Leather Goods Small Circle Crossbody ($88) is the ideal wardrobe staple for your stylish friend. With over 14 colors to choose from, you might snag one for yourself.
Details: 808 N.W. 23rd Ave., Portland, and portlandleathergoods.com
10. Splurge with Pendleton’s Bridge Creek Archive Blanket Coat ($599) to keep the stylish woman in your life toasty all winter. Made from a warm virgin-wool blend with a stunning novelty pattern, the coat is unlined for comfort, and made in the United States. This is the perfect coat whether you are going to the theater or running errands during the weekend.
Details: 210 N.W. Broadway, Portland, various locations statewide and pendleton-usa.com
9. Both men and women will love the Westerley Sweater (prices start at $269), which made its original debut in the early ‘70s and made its claim to fame when Jeff Bridges wore his own Pendleton Westerley in the movie “The Big Lebowski.” Made of lambswool for warmth and breathability, this is not only a wardrobe staple for your most fashionable friend, it will last for years to come.
Details: 210 N.W. Broadway, Portland, various locations statewide and pendleton-usa.com
All that sparkles
8. Present her with the Landscape Moon Necklace ($78) from Bronwen Lodato’s jewelry line. The Bend artist’s brick and mortar and online stores offer delicately crafted items from earrings and necklaces to bracelets and rings. It is a perfect gift for your sweetheart!
Details: 124 N.W. Minnesota Ave., Bend, and bronwenjewelry.com
7. TOBY POMEROY™ creates sustainable and responsibly sourced fine jewelry. Gift your loved one a pair of Petite Eclipse earrings, offered in 14-karat, 18-karat, or rose EcoGold metals. They are lightweight and dangly – perfect for any occasion. Prices start at $190.
Details: Showroom, 311 S.W. Madison Ave., Corvallis; visit tobypomeroy.com for more retailers
Fun for the little ones
6. Portland children’s author, Josh Cleland’s personalized gift books (starting at $39.99) are fun for young children learning to read. The gift giver customizes the book so the recipient becomes part of the story as the main character. There is even a prompt to upload a picture of the little one at the front of the book. With nine titles to choose from, including “Name-O-Saurus,” “Hooray it’s your Birthday,” and “The Elf Who Saved Christmas,” these books provide hours of learning and entertainment.
Details: wonderbly.com
5. Red Clouds Collective’s Little Clouds Jacket ($135) is made-to-order and handcrafted in the company’s Portland headquarters. Pair the jacket back with the brand’s adorable Organic Cotton Canvas Overalls ($125). Kids will love how soft and comfortable each piece is, and parents will appreciate how easy they are to clean.
Details: redcloudscollective.com
Wellness and well-being
4. Give that special someone a Beauty Ceremony experience at Stacey Lum’s wellness studio in Bend. Treatments integrate a customized facial with energy healing to facilitate an authentic, transformative experience. Lum, a former yoga teacher, has traveled all over the world to perfect her craft. She uses sound healing, crystals, tarot cards and Thai poultice during her services. Each treatment is customized to the individual client, so no two experiences are alike. This is a thoughtful gift for mothers, daughters, sisters, and besties. Prices start at $365 for first time clients.
Details: 550 S.W. Industrial Way Bldg. 2 Suite 100, Bend, and staceylum.com
3. Nectar Cloud Incense Patchouli Incense Cones ($14) make a nice addition to a yoga or meditation practice. All natural and handmade in Corvallis, they make an ideal wellness gift. Best of all, they are completely free of chemicals and fillers.
Details: nectarcloud.etsy.com
Oenophiles rejoice
2. Willamette Valley Geological History of Soils Map ($60) showcases the diverse terroir of the Willamette Valley’s vineyards. Measuring 24″x36″, it is perfect for hanging.
Details: willamette-valley-wineries-association.myshopify.com/
1. Harry and David’s Wine and Cheese Picnic Tote ($63.95) is an excellent selection for the wine connoisseur. This sturdy canvas tote carries up to two bottles of wine, along with the smartly designed compartments for charcuterie ingredients and cutlery. My favorite part about this tote is the flexible carrying options – it has top handles, along with a shoulder strap option. Included in the tote is a cutting board, stainless steel cheese knife, and corkscrew.
Details: harryanddavid.com
From Washington
As a bonus here are some top picks from our neighbors to the north.
Give them MìLà’s Full Experience Gift ($139) If you have never had MìLà’s soup dumplings from their original brick-and-mortar restaurant XIAO-CHI-JIE in Bellevue, you are missing a culinary adventure to be had in about 11 minutes in the comfort of your home. The bundle includes 50 soup dumplings, a noodle flavor, three artisan sauces, and a bamboo steamer. With easy-to-follow instructions, this one will impress the foodie in your life.
Details: eatmila.com
Coffee lovers will be delighted to receive Fonté Coffee Roaster’s Gourmet Trio Set ($48). The trio includes a collection of Seattle’s best selling roasts such as the F2, Portofino and Bin16 blends.
Details: fontecoffee.com
The 4-Year Royal Cider Gift Box ($80) from Nashi Orchards on idyllic Vashon Island is a limited edition release. Aged to perfection, the cider is crafted with 100% Manchurian Crabapple and strengthened with cider brandy before being aged for four years. Nashi also offers gifts without alcohol, such as the Non Alcoholic D’Anjou Perry ($42) or the Non Alcoholic Sparkling Korean Giant Perry ($42).
Details: 16906 107th Ave. S.W., Vashon, and nashiorchards.com
The Dasche L3 jacket ($190) from Beyond Clothing makes a great gift for both men and women. Water repellent, breathable, and lightweight, this makes a great hiking or running jacket for winter weather. The Seattle apparel company focuses on sustainability and minimizing the impact on our environment.
Details: 6363 Sixth Ave. S, Seattle, and beyondclothing.com
— Jean Chen Smith, for The Oregonian/OregonLive