$50 sure doesn’t stretch as far as it did when I first started these posts pre-pandemic, huh? But don’t worry, I’ve got you. After scouring the Internet and pounding the pavement, I’ve rustled up 50 bangin’ holiday gifting ideas for under $50 that are mostly local(ish) AND will cover everyone on your gift list. Small businesses have been HEROICALLY hangin’ in there for the past few years, and honestly, I think a lot of their continued survival has to do with how we’re re-evaluating the ways in which we shop. Who we choose to spend money on. I know my fellow Portlanders have really focused hard on supporting local over the years, and y’all, it works.
Okay, so into the juicy stuff. When compiling this gift list, I like to focus on mom + mom stores, Black-owned businesses, and womxn entrepreneurs…there’s also gonna be a couple of familiar faces from previous years. Featuring minority makers is a really simple way to help level out the playing field, because financial stability and success is still stacked against anyone who isn’t a white man in a suit *cough*. I also like to include a variety of price points, and for many of these, you can pick up in person while running errands to save yourself the shipping.
Oh, and yes – I’m doing another giveaway where you can win something fantastic from this list, your choice*. So make sure to follow me on Instagram for details, and give these artists and creators a follow on their social media, too.
1. Mister OK’s Essentials asks you to experience the vibes, and I’m here for it. They focus on body and home products that purify the air and soothe the skin. I love their hydrating Bahdee balm for just $12, which is perfect for slathering on after a long soak in the tub. A Black-owned business and made right here in Portland.
2. Highlyte Your Life. You can find this local Black-owned co. on Insta, or shop their website for cool urban fashion that makes a big statement – like this Black to the Future hoodie for just $40 (and bonus, free shipping).
3. How Sweet It Is. This is a wife + husband-run small batch confectionary crew, and nothing stuffs a stocking better than sweet treats for your loved ones. Ingredients are also sourced locally in Portland, which is always a bonus! Try the limited edition rosemary pecan brittle bites for $35, or send a gift card instead.
4. Spa kits, sugar scrubs, and seasonal offerings – Earth Muffin Magick lovingly handcrafts self-care products for the earthy witch in your circle. I was drawn to the Samhain Rejuvenating Bath Soak, but there’s plenty to chose from (and yes, it’s another rad Black-owned business).
5. Little Roots PDX has the cutest items for gifting, owned and operated by a Chinese woman in Portland. Plants and bug taxidermy are super popular right now, so I doubt you’ll struggle to find a recipient for these. Tiny ceramic Pokemon planters and adorable cacti with cowboy hats are under $20 each, and you can pick up items locally, too.
6. Get you some vibrant, colorful, Mexican-inspired jewelry from Skye Eclisse, and thank me later. Y’all know I’m into statement earrings, and I love love love these. Check out the Frida Kahlo and festive holiday offerings at her Etsy.
7. Urbanfarmlette makes dried botanical wreaths that’ll bring a punch of joy to every front door – and you know that’s my jam. I love the Sparkles wreath for $45, and I’m pretty sure you know someone who will, too. Pick up in Portland or Eugene.
8. Crystal Ball Botanicals creates small batch products for your skin, hair, and everything in between. Try their face and body serum for $25, containing solar infused calendula, rose bud and frankincense resin EVO, sweet almond oil, and lavender essential oil – ideal for all skin types.
9. These punch needle kits from SoojandJef are outrageously cute, and such a cool project idea for doodling away as you digest your holiday feast on the sofa. Loads of great modern designs – like this fried egg kit for $40 – on their website.
10. Petrichor Leather Co. is straight outta the ‘Couv, and while they have incredible leather bags and other more pricy gift options, you can give your leather lovin’ people some deliciously scented balm for just $3 to revitalize their existing leather ware. They also have custom options, and templates for crafting your own hide designs.
11. Something we can’t get enough of in 2022 is billionaires publicly owning themselves, and Optimistic Soap has a Billionaire Tears bar for $8 that’s a rad stocking stuffer and “delightfully scented with the salty tears of the 1%.” There’s a huge range of bars, and best part? The owner donates a percentage of her profits to important causes.
12. Chakralot is a duo of Portland chocolatiers who sprinkle a little alchemy to their product to create a “chocolate meditation”. Their chocolate boxes and sleep butters hover around the $25 mark, and there’s even products specifically designed for kids.
13. Art By Jenn is gonna blow your mind with her kitsch candy-sweet illustrations, and I dare you to walk by without buying an art print, magnet, or sticker set ($4+). Jenn is Hmong American, and her cultural identity is proudly featured in her beautiful work.
14. Ten 2 Midnight‘s sun catchers will brighten any space (imagine these nestled in with your houseplants), and the mini catchers are super affordable for around $20, and the standard sized ones are just under $50. I love the PNW-themed mountains, or this camping one.
15. Essance Skincare is BIPOC-owned and offers a delightful selection of organic, vegan, GF, plant-based product. From lotions to make-up, you can spoil your buddy (or, y’know, yourself) with some lush self care made with exciting ingredients. A Revitalizing Facial Travel Kit is $33, and an ideal gift for your jet setting folk, but there’s Body Care gift boxes and other great individual items for just under $20.
16. Latina-owned Kate Mudd Ceramics has lovely coffee cups for sale for around $40, but I think your friend’s fave monstera would really love a groovy ceramic trellis stake for support, for just $25.
17. Speaking of ceramics, Side Hustle Designs self-describes as “a gal making ceramic treasures inspired by nature and geometry”, and your bosom buddy can’t live without these pretty little layer studs for $38.
18. Try out some forest remedies from The Herb Shed, a native-owned Oregon company bringing cultural, spiritual practice into their products. I’m sure you know someone whose holidays are complicated due to family history, so maybe the Sweetgrass spray – traditionally believed to provide “grace to allow forgiveness and letting go” – is exactly what they need. 4oz is just $19.
19. The mother-daughter team from Hibisbloom create “West African inspired PNW made” mixers that are ideal for holiday cocktails, both boozy and virgin. The Sahara Breeze White Hibiscus concentrate syrup is $15, and sounds absolutely delicious.
20. Exilior is an Oregon family business with Kenyan roots, bringing community and activism into a historically colonized marketplace. Their fair-trade products are a feel good buy for the coffee lover on your list. Each of their blends clearly advertises which important cause you’re contributing to – wildlife, farmers, education – but of course I’m going to recommend Binti, which supports women empowerment. For $15 a bag, you can buy at least two, right?
21. I’m low key obsessed with the beautiful prints from Mantis Shrimp Monocles, and you will be, too. For $30 you can gift a gorgeous piece of fine art that’s both timeless and modern. Take a look at Significance of an Orchid ($30) and tell me I’m wrong.
22. Good Enough Felting offers felting kits ($49), cute-as-a-button pincushions for your sewing buds ($40), and seasonal ornaments – check out her Etsy for what’s in stock, including this adorable lion ornament for just $40.
23. Pakhye Goods Jewelry has long been a fave of mine, and I always get compliments when I wear her pieces. If you’re a fan of Multnomah Falls, her necklace ($50) can take you there, minus the obnoxious crowds.
24. Iconic St. Johns-based woman-owned bakery Sweetheart is closing for good next year, but you can still get your delicious goodies until Dec. 22. Her Lil’ Meringue Mushroom Box is the cutest gift you can give for the sweet tooth on your list – it’s $40, and available for pick-up in St. Johns.
25. StudioCatawampus is kinda famous for her art (and tattoos at Oak Iris), and she has a new piece ready for the holidays. Get the baker in your life this adorable Prairie Dog chowing down on a cookie print for $30.
26. Feistykitty3D creates 3D-printed pieces that will delight both adults and kids, at really affordable prices. Right now they’re selling their LGBTQ+ range of pride dragons for $15, with $5 going towards The Q Center. I love that they feature versions for Intersex, Demisexual, Nonbinary, and more, to be sure that everyone’s colors are represented.
27. We all know a boba tea fanatic, and BBTea Jars has got you sorted for eco-friendly options. Reusable – and with the ability to customize – I’m pretty sure you can find a happy home for this neat tumbler at $25.
28. I dare you to not find something cool and fun to gift at Mantel, a local favorite in the Kenton neighborhood. The owner sure knows how to curate, and her flat shipping rates are super reasonable if you can’t pick up in person. Take a look at this beautiful one-of-a-kind handblown glass ornament for $40 – it’s bound to become a family heirloom.
29. Stop by another Kenton staple, Woo, for ritual items, crystals, tea, jewelry…everything for your witchy teen (or grandmother). A very popular item is the Modern Witch Tarot Deck ($18).
30. Christopher McMurray is a St. Johns artist and musician who creates striking urban art. Fill a feature wall with this collection of postcards for $40, or send to your art-loving friends.
31. Get your cottagecore on with Do Better Press, creating resin jewelry that’s geeky and fun. Love these snail earrings for just $15!
32. Want to fill your loved one’s home with cozy holiday candles? Portland Candle Company has a variety of delicious scents, including Figgie Lime, and Sweet Hazelnut (or Filbert, if you’re PNW) for $25.
33. Siren’s Song Stitchery offers “modern hand sewn embroidery art and design from a unique point of view”, perfect for making a statement (but also, make it cute). Prices vary, but reach out to this Black-owned badass businesswoman for sale info. I love the “No one is illegal on stolen land” piece.
34. Valentine Barker at ChalkyHeart is a local Black artist whose cool modern illustrations have activist superhero vibes. Prints are $10, and there’s a theme for everyone on your friends list.
35. Amelia on Alberta St. has long been curating local artists (and also makes awesome clothing, including plus size threads). Right now you can get their thermal nail polish line, including this luminous blue Inglorious Buzzards that changes hue with your temperature, for $22.
36. Seagrape Apothecary are a Portland staple for all things witchy, and you can surprise a buddy with their Abundance Candle ($45) to set them off right for 2023.
37. NikoWare was one of the more popular entries from my previous lists, and they’re still throwing those rad boob planters. Right now there’s some on sale for $25, so what are you waiting for?!
38. Pigeonheart Designs is one of my favorite local jewelers, and guess what? She’s now making ~glamorous~ dog tags for your precious pups. For $48, your best friend will be the coolest canine on the block. Obsessed.
39. If Renazerbean’s art feels familiar, it’s because you’ve likely seen it around. You can adorn your loved ones’ walls with a contemporary print that’ll get lots of compliments for cheap. For example, this gorgeous hoya print is $35.
40. If you’re not ready to pull the trigger on Kate Blair Stone’s bonkers cool wallpaper, you can freshen up your table with her vibrant Grains + Radicchio coaster set for $24.
41. Local ceramicist SeahagStudio makes quirky pottery in St. Johns. A banana slug magnet or planter accent is ideal for your very peculiar persons to gift ($25), and if you buy off this list (mention me!) you can get a sardine can to hang on your wall for $50 (usually $65).
42. You thought I wasn’t gonna feature my Pops’ Oregon-caught-‘n’-canned tuna, huh? We do currently have gift sets for $50, shipped, and you can give Sacred Sea Tuna a follow while you’re at it.
43. Chubby Lil Mermaid has got you for sweet treats, and you can gift a special bestie their cookie club one-off delivery of delicious cookies for $50. They also do nerdy holiday cookies, fun confections (Earl Grey cotton candy), and flavored popcorn (try the dill pickle…).
44. Bold, beautiful prints at Abby Williams Studio will catch your eye, and I love this Origin, Seaform print with gold accents for $27. She also sells stunning abstract Yachats, Newport, Cannon Beach, and Rockaway-inspired prints for coastal cabin decor.
45. Allburnwax has a new hand poured dark roast soy candle that will fill the home with the warm notes of coffee, and is there anything better than coffee, really? At $8 each, you can stuff quite a few stockings with these, and keep a couple for yourself, as well.
46. Make Emilia’s pottery is whimsical and unique, and you can surprise a friend with a festive hand drawn skull tumbler for $42.
47. Say “I Love You” in ASL thanks to Sarah Land Wehr and her adorable gift cards. There’s loads of cool stuff in her Etsy store, but you can get those cards for $20 a set!
48. Tall Grass Pottery makes super sweet ceramics, but I did a double take over these ridiculously cute strawberry ornaments for $26.
49. Don’t leave your friends with food allergies off the shopping list – Rys Sunbutter offers “tasty alternatives to peanut and tree butters”, and they’re GF and vegan, too! Seasonal sunbutter gift packs are $20, and feature their sea salt, cocoa, and chai flavors.
50. Natural incense, herb bundles, aromatic fire starters…Silver Willow has an impressive range of affordable natural items to cover all your bases. Gift a little magic this year, like an Artemis Dream smoke medicine herb bundle for $9.
Whew! We did it again! I hope this list helps make shopping local way easier for you this year, and that you found lots of items that you can gift to your friends and family (and, y’know, yourself).
Like last year, we’ll be running a little competition where you can win an item of your choice from this list, but you gotta follow me on Instagram for details on that. Remember to get your shopping in early – especially with small businesses – so you’ll have everything you need on time for the holidays. Have fun, and lemme know what you get!
* Depending on availability and price changes, of course. Many of these gifts are one-offs or dependent on what’s in stock, and may have sold since the time of posting this list.
