The Best Gifts Come From Small Boxes—and Businesses!

Thanksgiving is over, the leftovers are nearly gone, and your gift list hasn’t gotten any shorter. This is the perfect time for a reminder that small businesses need your support! Small businesses can’t compete with the flashy ads and deep discounts that the big chain stores offer, but they are all heart and often have the most thoughtful gifts. Plus, when you shop small, you’re supporting your neighbors and friends—and maybe the same people who patronize your own business! We’d love to hear who your favorite small businesses are this holiday season, and we thought we’d share a few of our own.

We’re fortunate to have locations in Portland, Clackamas and Beaverton, where there are loads of restaurants and shops to choose from. A gift card to one of your top choices can introduce someone on your list to a new favorite of their own. And we suggest checking out these spots, as well:

Portland

Presents of Mind is our year-round gifting go-to! Located right across the street from Portland Cider House on Hawthorne Boulevard, PoM is chock-full of creative, unusual and thoughtful gifts for all ages and every budget. You’ll find armloads of stocking stuffers, from jewelry and tiny art pieces to actual stockings, along with lush body care products, conversation-starting housewares and unique apparel. 

3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd. 

Clackamas

Great Harvest Bread Co. is one of our local bakery treasures. Maybe bread isn’t the first thing that you think of when gift-shopping…which makes it the perfect gift idea! Great Harvest knows that your loved ones love baked goods, and they’ve created beautiful baskets with various sweet and savory bread options, cookies, jams and dessert bars for you to choose from. Perfect for a party host, Secret Santa, or really anyone who loves gluten. 

8926 SE Sunnyside Rd.

Beaverton

Forager Vintage speaks to our desire for eclectic, creative gifting options that can’t be found anywhere else. A carefully curated resale apparel selection is paired with a wide assortment of vintage, new and locally crafted body care, jewelry, accessories and home goods. You’re sure to find something for your most challenging giftee—and probably for yourself, too. 

12570 SW Broadway St.

Everywhere

We’ve been told that our cider makes a pretty great gift, too! But choosing which kind to give can be overwhelming. That’s why we recommend gifting the Portland Cider Club! The winter shipment will include one can each of Community Cider, Grapefruit Gimlet, True Brut and Imperial Dry, and two cans each of Santa’s Sauce, Cranberry Mule, Cinnamon Roll and the debut of the brand-new cans of English Pub Cider! This is a gift that keeps giving, and is especially loved by former Portland residents. We ship to 40 states, and love to spread the cider love across the nation. The sign-up deadline is December 3rd, so don’t wait! 

www.portlandcider.com/pdxciderclub 

If you’re still seeking something extra-special for your loved ones, be sure to check out your local farmer’s market, comic shop, independent book store, or art gallery. This area is full of delightful small businesses, and getting to know them now will make all your future gift hunts simpler!