HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2013

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Frantic about your growing holiday shopping list? Take a deep breath and consult our handy guide. The perfect gift is out there.

By Eden Dawn December 2, 2013 Published in the December 2013 issue of Portland Monthly

For Him

Dad can’t handle another tie? Good—you can do much better.

1. The Bridgetown Forge/Hand-Eye Supply Nata Hatchet might look too pretty to use, but local blacksmith Arnon Kartmazov’s traditional Japanese hatchet is meant for business. $220 at Hand-Eye Supply

2. Fill up in style with the Loop, a glowing crystalline beer growler. Each vessel is unique thanks to a special glaze and wood flames from the kiln. $130 at Portland Growler Co

3. The soothing aroma of Face of Danger After-Shave Elixir from Fieldworks Supply leaves a freshly shorn face with hints of calendula, witch hazel, and nutmeg. $18 at Grand Marketplace

4. Pendleton’s Portland Collection Bandon Pea Coat features 82 percent virgin wool, leather buttons, and a classic cut for timeless dapper style. $498 at Shop Adorn

5. Local band Houndstooth’s five-piece ensemble mixes classic rock with shoegaze on its addictive debut LP, Ride Out the Dark. $14 at Everyday Music

6. For the technological Renaissance man, Good Book 5’s leather combination of sketchbook, wallet, and iPhone case covers all your pocket needs. $60 at Red Clouds Collective

For Her

Completely befuddled by women’s fashion? It’s easier than you think.

1. Battle makeup sprawl—and take it on the road—with Tory Burch’s expandable leather Brush Roll Set. $150 at Tory Burch

2. Each of Altar’s six Botanical Mood Mixers is a “collage” of fruits, vegetables, botanicals, spices, and teas that will add a deep layer of flavor to any martini. $20 each at Zupan’s 

3. Keep her feet warm, dry, and stylishly elevated with Sorel’s vulcanized rubber–soled and felt-lined Medina Rainboot. $200 at Sorel

4. Caravan Pacific’s elegant, handcrafted ceramic White Deca Vessel transforms with the addition of succulents, herbs, or sedum. $30 at Red Sail

5. The textured, nubby knit of designer Laura Irwin’s chunky Snail Twist Cowl feels like a warm hug on a chilly winter day. $110 at Haunt

6. Give in to relaxation and be transported with the enchanting sounds from Pure Bathing Culture’s Moon Tides. $14 at Everyday Music

For a Friend

No idea what to buy that coworker you pulled for this year’s Secret Santa? Wow the whole office with these local finds.

1. Encourage good vibes with the heavenly smells of elder flower herb, yarrow flower essence, and sandalwood oil in Magic Hour’s Water Candle. $15 at Summerland

2. Moonstruck’s Oregon Distillers Collection combines two of Portlanders’ favorite things—chocolate and locally made liquor—in one neat little package. $20 at Moonstruck

3. The cinnamon, oaky notes of Eastside Distilling’s award-winning, barrel-aged four-year Burnside Bourbon make it perfect for sipping or mixing. $28 at Eastside Distilling

4. Imperium, the second release from local band Blouse, features lush, vibrant tunes full of sultry ambience. $15 at Everyday Music

5. Housework goes from mundane to merry with whimsical (and perfectly absorbent) screen-printed tea towels from Oh Little Rabbit. $10 each on Etsy

For the Kids

Big or little, it’s hard to keep up with what the kids are into these days. We offer help.

1. This is the only time it’s acceptable to wear matching outfits with your child: Baby Wit’s duo of T-shirt and onesie featuring Godzilla attacking the Steel Bridge. $38 at babywit.com

2. There’s no fighting it: teen boys (and, yes, 30-somethings, too) will covet creepy things for all eternity. Keep them happy with Paxton Gate’s framed tarantula. $65 at Paxton Gate

3. Prepare the adorable meter for overdrive with Hoo Hats’ upcycled, felted-wool owl-themed caps. $38 on Etsy

4. Maple XO’s super-stylish Belt and Buckle Set features a leather belt with a buckle made of the scraps from skateboard manufacturing. $98 at MapleXO

5. A collaboration between designer Brendan Budge and Spielwerk Toys, this special-edition bow-and-arrow set will entertain the little troops for hours—with little danger of anyone losing an eye. $68 at Spielwerk Toys

6. Let their lips do the talking with off-kilter hues like the Purple Cloud and Snow Queen from Portland Black Lipstick. $15 at Yo Vintage 

7. When the lights go out, planets, moons, asteroids, and swirling star clusters shimmer on Make It Good’s glow-in-the-dark Solar Leggings$52 at Mag-Big

8. Help unleash teen angst with the Thermals’ Desperate Ground, a celebrated release the band describes as “loud, fast, incredibly scary, and undeniably catchy.” $14 at Everyday Music

Last-Minute New Seasons Saves

• Stunning, spiky succulents are inexpensive, are easy to care for, and will provide your recipient with a constant reminder of how thoughtful you are. $6

• Give the gift of a sweet scent with local company Pacifica’s roll-on perfumes, made from natural grain alcohol and essential oils. $13

• Your tongue-in-cheek pal will cherish a pair of Sock It to Me’s funky socks, with prints of bikes, rainbows, and flying bonsai from the aisle ends. $10

Hostess Gifts Under $30

• Just handing over flowers doesn’t cut it anymore. Jpants Desktop Terrarium Kits provide just the DIY spin you need. $20 at Mag-Big

• Get the party started (and vie for favorite-guest status) with a bottle of Argyle’s Vintage Brut, boasting notes of lemon peel and strawberry pith. $27 at Division Wines

• Your hosts will remember you fondly every time they use one of Berkley Illustration’s quirky bottle openers. $6 each on Etsy

More Gift Guide Goods

• Check out our quirky gallery of only-in-Portland gift options, full of one-of-a-kind gifts straight out of Portlandia.

• The Art of DIY GiftingOpt out of the season's shopping rush with this tasty gift for everyone on your list—cardamom shortbread cookies tied up with a Made in Portland gift tags!

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