Holiday gifts with a Portland twist
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Portland is chock-full of creative folks — and that, among other things, translates to great holiday gifts.
Worthy of your time: We compiled a short list of local gems after eyeing them through this critical lens:
- If you sent them to out-of-town friends, would that tempt them to visit?
Pro tip: All of these are wonderful gifts for loved ones here too. Or treat yourself!
🍫 Just one truffle from Creo Chocolate is a grand gift. Give a chocolate lover the yuzu gimlet and they'll want to come for a Creo factory tour. Throw in a candy cap mushroom truffle and they'll be packing the U-Haul.
- Around $3.50 per truffle — you can build your own box online or compile smaller versions in person at the NE Portland shop.
🍋 Quince cranberry chutney or one of the other handmade varieties from Cardamom Hills Trading.
- Owner Sophie Rahman draws on family recipes from her Indian and British heritage, using Pacific Northwest produce for new combinations. Prices are $11.99 per jar or a three-jar gift pack for $35.
😋 Or give the gift of an "Indian soul food" meal at Bhuna.
🎭 Theater tickets to the spring shows at Portland Playhouse will give rich fodder for great conversation all year.
- Anna Deavere Smith's "Notes from the Field" tells true stories of the intersection of prisons and schools, while "Passing Strange" traces the youthful explorations of singer and songwriter Stew.
- Individual tickets run $5-$60, depending on various discounts.
📚 The many wonderful books about our lovely corner of the world or by Portland authors make terrific gifts. This 2023 update to a classic Forest Park guide will also get you — and any visitors — out into one of the biggest urban forests around.
- $22.95 from Oregon State University Press.
🧵Go glitzy with a made-to-measure leather jacket, vest or pants from Portland's iconic Langlitz Leathers.
- With a base jacket price of $1,200 plus a year wait time, maybe give this gift twice — take your loved one's measurements this season and have the items delivered next time around.
- Once outfitted, hit our scenic highways.
🚍 And for Portland transit fans — who knew TriMet inspired so much creative merch?
- The agency just needs a holiday sweater.