Oh, 2021. Another tough year. Better than 2020? Maybe in some ways. We finally got a vaccine for a virus that has wreaked havoc on our lives. By late spring we saw hints of "normal life" on the horizon and even briefly shed our masks. However, as summer heated up (literally, we had a record breaking "heat dome" early in the summer - global warming much!?) we realized that the Hot Vax Summer of our dreams was just that...and back to the mask routine we went.
We're still struggling with fighting new strains of this terrible virus (oh hello Omicron), as well as struggling with the terrible grips of White Supremacy in this country. So many of us were hopeful that by 2021 we would have figured out issues like systemic racism, gun control, reproductive rights & climate change, not to mention the incredible local struggles with houselessness for so many in the Portland area - tied to the lack of available mental health & addiction services. Unfortunately, it continues to be a long & drawn out fight to make improvements on these issues. Here's to the hope that more progress will be made in 2022!
In the meantime, we're grateful that due to the vaccine we're able to safely gather with friends/family this year for the holidays. Zoom parties were alright last year, but it's not quite the same as gathering together in-person with your loved ones. If you are still looking for some last minute gift ideas for those on your list, holiday party gift ideas, or something for yourself (because you've survived the last 2 years & you deserve it!), check out some great local gift ideas below!
Wish List 2021
Here is a round up of some of our favorite local gifts:
Because we all need a bit of sunshine & self care this time of year! Launched in 2015, With Love From PDX offers Portland's most adored brands and artisan goods in super gift-able boxes.
Kiriko Made is a Portland based Japanese textiles and apparel brand forged from the spirit of Mottainai; a Japanese value that embraces one to waste nothing and recycle everything.
Each pair of earrings is handmade by Kristin, the owner and creator behind The Baked Clay Studio, in a tiny studio in downtown Portland. These earrings are lightweight pieces of art, that you'll wear all day!
Ready for a fun club that you can enjoy from the comfort of your couch? Every season you’ll receive a high quality beautiful mug handmade with love! Each piece is thoughtfully designed and lovingly made by Katie M Mudd in Portland, Oregon.
Nails done. Hair done. Everything did. Everything BIG... including this magnum of 2019 rose.
Get yourself (or your bae) a bottle of this uniquely shaped magnum, post a pic on Instagram with the hashtag #OhUFancyHuh, tag @abbeycreekwine. Located west of Portland in historic North Plains, The Crick may seem unexpected but that was intentional. The Crick is about community!
The Wellness Trio Gift Set is a perfect way to discover Make & Mary. Enjoy the calming, soothing, and rejuvenating effects that each product has to offer. Make your natural skin care a ritual anytime of the day. Make & Mary products are custom formulated and crafted in-house with ingredients from local and regional sources. They are also a women-owned and founded Latina brand relying on their roots in ancestral healing.
Who’s making history? Send the perfect message with this fashion quote tee. Kamelah Adams, referred to as Mimi by close friends and family, is a NE Portland Ore. native, raised in the historic Albina district, a community rich with the people and voices of the city’s Black heritage. While working as PTA Vice President for Racial Equality and Inclusion, she became increasingly aware of the systemic effects on children of color, especially black boys. She saw the need for more social justice based conversations and realized people can start these by wearing their beliefs on their shirts, which led her to create Mimi’s Fresh Tees, LLC in 2018.
Leopard Jasper stone earrings set in brass bezel with sterling silver posts.
In nearly every culture across the globe, humans have met the urge for self expression with storytelling and adornment. Ancient cultures used metals, precious stones, and textiles to express their stories and pass on their legends. It is just this spirit that motivates Mexican-American jewelry designer Lindsey Alonzo.
Your story matters too! Shower yourself with a moment of pause & some gentle reminders to walk through these days with intention. These are also perfect for folks who want to give a bit of love too!
Attic Journals is a burgeoning business that works hard to be as sustainable as possible from their studio in Portland, Oregon.
Planner pad designed in the Pacific Northwest and printed in the USA on recycled paper. Yellow + gold SUNSHINE ON MY MIND pencils come as a set of 6 No. 2 hexagon pencils with gold ferrules and red erasers. Everything from Graphic Anthology is designed and printed in the USA on recycled papers with a kindness first policy.
Hopefully you'll find some ideas to inspire you here. Don't forget to shop local this holiday season & whenever you can! We wish you the happiest holidays. Here's to an even better 2022!
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