Portland’s Best Novelty and Gift Shops

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December 9, 2009 by | Comments (1)

Bringing blankets of frost and festive tunes, December’s arrival always reminds me of my favorite holiday traditions. Caroling, Christmas tree cutting, homemade cider, and … gifts … oh my. The search for fun and original presents takes time and money, two things I’m running short on this year. Feeling similar sentiments? Never fear, CRAVE is here! We’re bringing you the scoop on Portland’s most spectacular gift shops, where you’ll find presents to knock the socks off all the lucky ones on your list.

Rose Garden Store The closest place to botanical bliss resides here, inside the International Rose Garden in Washington Park. This gift shop stocks so many products bearing Portland’s prized flower, you may find yourself a little rosy when faced with such a selection! The Rose Garden Shop offers internationally sought after products like the acclaimed Rose Thè, as well as those featuring local talents, such as stationary, photography, soaps, jellies, and hand-painted ornaments produced by local artists, even the craftsmanship of a 101-year-old Portland native! The gifts found in this shop are sure to be quintessentially Portland-esque, and since the proceeds benefit the upkeep of all three Portland rose gardens, it’s like you’re giving a gift to the whole city! Aren’t you thoughtful?

Presents Of Mind Opened in 1989 on historic Hawthorne Blvd., Presents of Mind is a one-stop shop for quirky, trendy, fun, and cool gifts. But shoppers beware…it is far too easy to spend an entire afternoon chuckling at clever cards, sniffing candles, and trying on the undeniably cool clothing. Presence of Mind has counters, cabinets, nooks, and crannies full of perfect gifts for all kinds of occasions! We’re positive you’ll be dazzled by the jewelry, and bowled over by this treasure trove of trinkets, but we think the best part of Presents of Mind is its support for local designers and eco-friendly products. Stop in at 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd!

Christmas at the Zoo As you walk through this shop’s renowned red door, you enter a paradise of every plush and hand-painted item conceivable. Christmas at the Zoo is a true collector’s heaven, as it stocks numerous dolls and stuffed animals down to the rarest of species (even armadillos, aardvarks, sea dragons, and a seven-foot tall grizzly bear!). This shop also has over twenty Christmas trees assembled year-round, brimming with hand-made ornaments, crafted by artists from all over the world, including a large collection of Patricia Breen’s pieces. Located on NW 23rd Ave., Christmas at the Zoo has gifts to please people of all ages, and offers a great place to bring children, and enjoy their awe as they explore this fantasy of creatures and fun.

Portland Art Museum Shop Located inside the Portland Art Museum, gifts from the Museum Shop will impress even the pickiest of people on your list. Items in store include posters, prints, and catalogues related to current exhibitions, as well as jewelry, journals, coffee table books, toys, and home décor of spectacular variety. Exploring this shop is a treat in itself, as each item discovered seems to tell a unique story. One can find gifts for little ones, intrigued by Egyptian snap bracelets and ‘ancient’ rocks, as well as gifts for friends and significant others like CD’s, accessories, and home goods. Gifts found here are thoughtful and distinctive, not to mention that visiting this shop is a great excuse to drop into the museum itself! Located at 1219 SW Park Ave., the Portland Art Museum is a spectacular attraction for visitors and permanent residents alike!

There you have it ladies, gift-giving anxiety is a thing of the past! Just remember, when word gets out about what a great shopper you are, you may find yourself with a few new friends trying to squeeze onto next year’s list!

One Response to “Portland’s Best Novelty and Gift Shops”

• Pam Says:
  
  December 22nd, 2009 at 4:39 pm

  Have you been to Stella’s on 21st? It’s my favorite place in the NW.
  http://www.stellason21st.com
  The website doesn’t do the store justice. Must see live!
  Aloha

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