If you’re anything like me, you waited until the last minute to find the perfect gifts for everyone. Every year I tell myself I will be more prepared and I’ll have my shopping done by the beginning of the month. Every year I prove myself wrong and I’m scrambling to find just the right things! Now more than ever it’s so important to shop small, shop local, and keep our amazing city going. Thankfully, Portland has plenty of local shops and here is a list of some my favorites for last minute shopping.
Orox Leather
Orox leather spans four generations of leather makers with roots beginning in Oaxaca, Mexico. The name Orox represents the merging of their past (Oaxaca) with their present (Oregon). Craft leather making has been a skill that was passed down in this family from generation to generation. From their grandfather making custom leather gloves for his baseball team, to his son moving to Japan to perfect his skills. Now the family has made a home in Portland and they are mixing together contemporary designs with elements of the family heritage.
- Tue- Sun 12-5
- 450 NW Couch St, Portland, OR 97209
- https://www.oroxleather.com/
Magpie Metals
In this shop you will find beautiful handcrafted jewelry that is made in-house. While you’re here you may also shop for handmade ceramics from local artists, cards, home goods, and decor. They focus on sourcing from local and handmade artists as much as possible.
- Wed- Sun 11am -6 pm or by appointment
- 7650 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97219
- https://www.magpiemetals.com/
Rustek
Rustek is inspired by their love of nature. Their handcrafted wood phone cases and skateboard decks are inspired by the beauty and geometry found in wilderness. Thanks to their mobile workshop, they are able to make their products out in nature! They use a 20’ trailer to do their crafting, and while they say their spirit is to always be on the move, they are currently planted here in Portland.
- Currently offering online ordering
- https://www.rustek.co/
Fancy That Candle Bar and Gifts
This shop allows you to create your own personalized gift basket or choose from one of their thoughtfully crafted options. If you’re not looking for an entire basket you also have the option of buying single items. ‘Fancy That’ gifts range from traditional to sassy and are sure to bring a smile to whoever receives them. If you have someone who values experiences they offer private candle workshops to create your own masterpiece.
- Online or by appointment
- https://www.shopfancythat.com/collections/workshops
Blendily
Blendily creates a variety of handmade botanical products for self care from head-to-toe. They use fresh plants and flowers that they grow and gather themselves as often as possible. For rarer ingredients they source directly from farms that honor the land they cultivate. The flowers, herbs, oils, butters, waxes, hydrosols, extracts, and essential oils used in their products are all on display. Each and every product is hand-made in the store.
- 7 days a week, from 10am to 6pm.
- 1532 NE Alberta St 97211
- https://www.blendily.com/
Hopefully this list of shops will help you finalize your shopping for the holidays. We had a ton of fun putting it together and going out to support these local business owners. If we missed your favorite shop, let us know in the comments! If you didn’t find something here that fits the bill, there is a much more extensive list over at http://shopsmallpdx.com