I can’t tell you how many times I’ve googled “Portland gift guide” only to leave with more questions than answers.
As a life-long Portland local, I’ve spent many birthdays and holidays in search of good Portland-themed gifts for loved ones and acquaintances alike.
To make life easier, I finally decided to compile and list all the best Portland-themed gifts I’ve come across over the years.
I also reached out to a handful of friends and asked about their favorite Portland gifts and things they would re-purchase. The end result is a robust list of 20 items we agreed we would love to gift and receive.
Best Portland Gift Guide
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#1. The Happy Lamp
After living in Portland for more than 20 years, I’ve found ways around the gloomy and gray winter seasons. My secret? This life-changing lamp that doesn’t leave my side for 8+ months of the year.
Seriously, during the fall and winter months (let’s get real, spring is on the list too), I turn on my Happy Lamp first thing in the morning (even before coffee – which tells you everything you need to know!) and keep it on until I go to bed.
It was recommended by my therapist who enlightened me that Portland has the third most depressing winters in America.
She told me to pick up a Happy Lamp in a way that seemed non-negotiable and now I can’t remember what I did before it. It’s a lifesaver while living in Portland and I’ve been using mine for the past 10 years.
The best Portland gift for folks that don’t plan to leave Portland anytime soon: The EPIC Happy Lamp.
#2. A classic map of Portland
Who doesn’t love receiving a map of their hometown? This is my favorite Portland-themed gift to give out to friends that move out for one reason or another.
But you don’t have to live outside of Portland to own one of these bad boys. In fact, I currently have two maps in my Portland apartment. Here’s my favorite one.
I also have this cool Oregon map, which works as a great conversation starter because I’ve traveled the state extensively.
P.S. Have you done a proper 7 (Breathtaking) Wonders of Oregon road trip yet?
#3. Six Seasons Cookbook
As a Portland local I take great pride in the high quality produce and restaurants available at my fingertips (my credit card statement can confirm this).
One of my favorite Portland restaurants is easily Ava Gene’s – and the head chef is finally spilling the beans!
Six Seasons is, hands down, the BEST Portland cookbook on the market. But don’t just take my word for it. Six Seasons was named Best Cookbook of the Year by 10+ renowned publications.
If you’re interested, you can read about my 10 favorite Portland cookbooks here.
#4. Sunrise Mug from Wolf Ceramics
I was first introduced to Wolf Ceramics at a charming coffee shop in Downtown Portland. I was so impressed by the design and quality feel of the mug that I purchased one on the spot.
Wolf Ceramics was started in 2016 in Portland by an artist native to Oregon, Sarah Wolf. Her work sells out very quickly so you’ll want to join the email list to get notified of restocks. In any case, her website is definitely worth a look!
#5. Classic Portland Beanie
Like most Portlanders, I live in a beanie from October thru April. The one I reach for most is this comfortable and soft Portland beanie.
It’s held up tremendously for the past two years and I love being able to represent my favorite city while traveling!
Bad hair day? You wouldn’t even know it! Typical Portland behavior? You bet.
#6. Oregon Serving Board
One of my favorite ways to spend an evening with friends is huddled around a charcuterie board. This Oregon serving board is the one I use 100% of the time.
The reason? It’s a great conversation piece because our friends never fail to point out all the places they’ve visited in the state. It’s a ton of fun!
My mom gifted this to my mother-in-law a few years ago (who lives in Atlanta, Georgia) and I love seeing it during the holidays because it reminds me of home even when I’m far away.
It’s a great way to commemorate a trip to this beautiful state as well and never disappoints.
#7. Honey Mama’s Chocolates from Portland
Make no mistake, Portland doesn’t have a shortage of incredible chocolatiers, but none is more memorable than Honey Mama’s.
What sets this brand apart from the rest is that the chocolates are sweetened with raw honey and are free from refined sugar, dairy, eggs, soy, gluten and grains.
But the best part? They taste divine! Seriously, these are my absolute favorite chocolates in the world (and I’m not vegan!!).
In fact, one of my friends recently relocated to New York and asks me to mail these to her during the holidays.
The creative flavor combinations ensure that you gift this year after year without the recipient getting bored. I usually grab 5 flavors and tie them with a pretty bow — it’s a great gift for coworkers.
Another great classic Portland chocolatier is Moonstruck Chocolate. Between the creamy chocolates and beautiful packaging, this is a fail-proof Portland gift.
Best Portland gift for your sweet-tooth friend: Honey Mama Chocolates (try all the flavors!).
Image courtesy Honey Mama’s
#8. Portland Coasters
Nothing says “I love Portland” like a coaster. And let’s get real – who can’t use more coasters in their house?
I don’t know about you but the amount of craft beer in my tiny apartment fridge never seizes to surprise me so coasters are essential in our home.
These are the coasters we use and love.
#9. Coffee from Portland
Coffee is quite possibly the most perfect Portland gift. We’re known as one of the best coffee cities in the country for a reason!As such, it’s hard to think of a better gift than coffee.
Portland has way too many great coffee shops to list in this post, but I did a quick run down of the cream of the crop if you’d like to read: The 15 Best (& Most Charming) Cafes in Portland, Oregon.
As for the best coffee beans in Portland? I’m a diehard believer in Coava and Stumptown.
#10. Portland Whiskey Glass
A beautiful handmade whiskey glass with Portland’s map on it is the perfect statement piece for an adult that loves Portland.
These are a conversation piece in our home, so we’ve learned to start gifting them for birthdays and holidays (and we always get invited back, which tells you everything we need to know about these pretty little things).
These are the exact Portland whiskey glasses we have in our home.
#11. Pendleton Wool Throw
If you’re looking to impress someone with a high-quality Portland gift that will last a lifetime, look no further than the iconic Pendleton blankets.
We spend most of our evenings watching Netflix with our favorite Pendleton throw draped over our legs. It’s beautifully made and so cozy. I can’t recommend this enough!
#12. Portland Bridge Poster
Portland is known as Bridge City because there’s so many bridges around, it’s like we can’t stop building them.
These bridges have earned Portland the apt moniker of Bridge City (or the lesser known Portland nickname of Bridgetown).
To that end, nothing says committed like a Portland bridge poster (here’s another great option). Because are you really a Portlander until you have one of these in your home?
#13. Oregon Homesick Candle
This cozy Portland gift came highly recommend by my friend Tamara who gifts them to all her coworkers every year like clockwork.
Emitting pleasant scents of Pine, Hazelnut and Maple, this candle is sure to bring back memories of our beloved state, especially for someone that recently moved to a different state.
#14. Earrings from Portland
I first saw these earring at a local “made in Portland” shop and was taken aback by the quality and fun variety! So much so that I promptly purchased 4 sets of these earrings! But can you blame me? There’s so many fun designs — it’s impossible to choose just one.
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In fact, these earrings have become the most complimented jewelry I own. So if you ever need an extra pep in your step, or want to bring joy to a close friend, look no further than these earrings.
Plus, they’re 22 karat gold and have hypoallergenic posts. Big win! Oh, and before I forget — yes, this is a womxn-owned business.
#15. Personalized journal
You never know when the next million dollar idea will strike, be prepared! These hand-made, high quality letter journals are butter soft and stand the test of time (I’ve had mine for 6 years!).
And since Portland are notorious for being introverted, this gift will be appreciated by almost anyone.
#16. High Quality Reusable Mug
You’ll seldom catch me with a paper cup. I carry this beloved coffee mug (designed in Bend, Oregon) everywhere I go — as do most Portlanders.
In fact, I own 12 different reusable mugs (all HydroFlask because it’s the best brand I’ve found so far).
#17. Smith Tea
Smith Tea is my favorite tea made in Oregon and I never fail to stock up during the holiday season. I love handing boxes out to acquaintances because it’s a thoughtful gift that will definitely get used.
The high-quality loose leaf tea comes in beautiful tea bags and oftentimes feels like exactly what the doctor ordered.
#18. Portland Mug
Can you ever have enough mugs? I don’t think so. This Portland mug is a great quick last minute gift, especially when paired with the tea mentioned above!
#19. The Chemex
Portlanders take appreciation for coffee to the next level. After living in Portland for so long, it’s hard to imagine tolerating bad coffee.
And with so many phenomenal coffee shops to choose from, it’s a disservice not to use the best brewing method on the market.
We’ve tried everything from french press to pour overs and aero-press. The Chemex reigns supreme, not even a competition in our minds. This is a great gift for special someone like a close friend or partner.
#20. Portland Rose Candle
If all else fails and you’re still having a hard time finding a Portland-themed gift, why not gift the smell of roses?
This is my favorite candle! Unlike most rose candles, these hand-made candles actually smells fresh and real. Which makes sense, considering there’s no chemicals.
These are hand-poured and soy wax and so, so good! I’ve repurchased these more than 10 times. They’re made in Bend, Oregon, icing on the cake!
Portland Gift Guide (Post Summary)
In sum, here’s a quick rundown of the best Portland gifts.
- The Happy Lamp
- Portland map
- Six Seasons Cookbook
- Portland beanie
- Chocolates from Portland
- Mug from Wolf Ceramics
- Oregon serving board
- Portland coasters
- Coffee from Portland
- Portland whiskey glasses
- Pendelton Blanket
- Portland bridge poster
- Oregon homesick candle
- Portland earrings
- Personalized Journal
- Reusable Mug
- Smith Tea
- Portland Mug
- Chemex
- Rose candle
Have a Portland gift idea to add? Help a fellow Portlander out! Leave your ideas in the comments below and I’ll make sure to update this as we go.
And there you have it, a true Portland gift guide written by locals. I hope you enjoyed! Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions below. 🙂
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Until next time,
Antonina
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