This is Wayfair’s biggest (and best) Black Friday sale to date. | Photos provided by Wayfair
We asked, and you answered: The key to impressing guests is “setting the perfect vibe.” Before welcoming family and friends into your home this holiday season, consider these five tips to enhance the vibe in your spaces — at up to 80% off.
Now until Sunday, Dec. 1, you can snag the lowest prices of the year during Wayfair’s extended Black Friday sale. Psst... Check back on Dec. 2 for Cyber Monday deals, too.
Pro tip: Warm lighting makes for an extra-cozy atmosphere. These dimmable Edison light bulbs will do the trick.
3. Minimize clutter
Storage doesn’t have to be an eyesore. You can tuck away miscellaneous items (think: books and games) in this extendable coffee table and store shoes in this natural rattan shoe storage cabinet that always seems to be trending online.
Olio Nuovo Festival | 10 a.m.-4 p.m. | Durant at Red Ridge Farms, Dayton | Free | Enjoy a tasting of freshly milled olive oil, take a tour, do some early holiday shopping, and enjoy locally made culinary goods.
Portland Flea | Through Sunday, Dec. 1 | 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Locations vary | Free | Hunt for treasures among the 80+ vendors selling accessories, clothing, vintage items, home goods, and food + drinks.
Danny Elfman’s Music from the Films of Tim Burton | Through Sunday, Dec. 1 | Times vary | Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall | $25+ | This composer is responsible for the score behind some of your favorite movies like “Beetlejuice,” “Batman,” and “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”
Sunday, Dec. 1
Portland Adult Spelling Bee Competition | 6-8 p.m. | Advice Booth | $10+ | H-I-L-A-R-I-O-U-S, hilarious. That’s what this single-error elimination bar competition is bound to be, with cocktails and cash prizes to boot.
Tuesday, Dec. 3
Indie Film Series | 6-9 p.m. | Kennedy School Theater | $8 | Join the Portland Film Festival as they screen two works from local directors: “Sing to Me Sylvie” and “Feelings Experiment.”
Plus, you can still expect visits from Santa, the Grinch, vignettes from Whoville, and music from the Singing Christmas Tree Choir that will blow you away.
Have you been eyeing our guide to 50+ volunteer opportunities in Portland? You’re not alone. According to a new study by AmeriCorps, formal volunteering and informal helping (think: helping your neighbor rake the leaves) are on the rise again after dipping in 2021 due to COVID-19.
Civic
There will be at least 40 women serving in the Oregon Legislature next year — up by four people compared to 2024. They will be part of the 2,450 women in state legislatures nationwide (or ~33%), setting a new record. (AP News)
Drink
$6.81. According to an airport beer price study, that’s the average cost of a domestic beer at Portland International Airport — the No. 2 most affordable beer across the 50 busiest US airports. Check out our airport guide before you board.
Ranked
Retirees welcome. Portland is the No. 27 top place to retire, at least according to a study by US News & World Report. Check out some of our favorite activities for retired locals.
Number
$1,516. Per WalletHub, that’s the average 2024 holiday budget of a Portlander. The research calculated the max holiday budget for 550+ US cities using metrics like population, income, age, and ratio of savings to monthly expenses. Pro tip: Start with our gift guide.
Try This
Good news: Portland’s Singing Christmas Tree returns to Sunset Church today through Sunday, Dec. 8. Featuring seasonal favorites like vignettes from Whoville, the award-winning Jefferson Dancers, and music from the Singing Christmas Tree Choir, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Happy holidays.*
Arts
Literary Arts + The Moth are bringing a new lineup of storytellers to Portland on Tuesday, Dec.10 at the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall. The Mainstage is the quintessential Moth experience: a two-act show where the storytellers + a notable host share true personal stories, without notes. See how to experience it live.*
Shop
Visit MiaDonna at Bridgeport Village to discover bigger, better diamonds — without the high cost to you (or the planet). Save on holiday favorites like a 5-ct Lab-Grown Diamond Tennis Bracelet for $1,695, or 2.0-ct 5 Stone Classic Lab-Grown Diamond Band for $995. Start shopping.*
Home
The easiest way to clear out your clutter before the holidays is help from Habitat for Humanity ReStores. Donate everything from appliances, furniture, lighting, building materials, and more. Bonus: Standard donation pickups are only $20 this month.Schedule a pickup.*
Wellness
The stress of the holidays can put a strain on our most important relationships, but couples counseling can help bring you closer together by learning tools for better communication + connection. Email the Couples Clinic of Portland at couplesclinicpdx@gmail.com or view their team to find a counselor + schedule a session.*
Finance
Did you know some credit cards can actually help you get out of debt faster? (Yes, it sounds peppermint-mocha nuts. But it’s true.) The secret: Find a credit card with a “0% intro APR” period for balance transfers. Here are hands down some of the best.*
Health
Remember all the scammy weight loss ads from the ‘90s that promised “magical results” (but never delivered)? Well, thanks to Hers and GLP-1s — the ingredient behind Ozempic® and Wegovy® — we’re not that far off. Start your weight loss journey. Read website disclaimers for important consumer information.*
Holiday Pick
For a limited time, you can give the gift of a lifetime of languages for less. Think: Forever access to all of Rosetta Stone’s immersive + engaging lessons at more than 60% off. Snag the deal.*
Category (Paid)
Shop
🛍️ Your weekend agenda: Shop for something dazzling (and score perks)
Presented by MiaDonna
Shopping spree not on your radar this weekend? It should be. | Photo provided by MiaDonna; GIF created by 6AM City
Looking for an excuse to treat yourself this weekend?
Visit MiaDonna at Bridgeport Village and be one of the first 50 shoppers to snag a goodie bag filled with silver stud earrings and treats from Lush, Glow Gifts, Peet’s Coffee, and more.
Enjoy refreshments from Straightaway Cocktails, Ponzi Vineyards, and Sprig & Spread while you browse a curated selection of fine jewelry.
Plus, score exclusive gifts for purchases over $1,000, including a Tumi Jewelry Portfolio, a Station Necklace, and a Bolo Bracelet.
Get ready to shop ‘til you drop at these local small businesses. | Photo by @bonniethunders of @secondhandpetsupply
Small Business Saturday, an initiative dedicated to celebrating and supporting small and locally owned businesses + the impact they have in our communities, is on Saturday, Nov. 30.
The day falls between two of the biggest shopping days of the year — Black Friday and Cyber Monday — and has become an annual shopping tradition for many since its establishment by American Express in 2010.
If you’re looking to join in on the festivities this year, check out our list of some of our favorite small businesses in town — and some extra suggestions from our PDXtoday followers:
The Baked Clay Studio | Make a statement with these vibrant polymer clay jewelry pieces.
Rose City Book Pub | A delicious recommendation from @juliettabekker: “It’s the most welcoming place! Great environment for independent creative work, reading, socializing and events, plus hearty food.”
Secondhand Pet Supply | From one pup owner to another — this shop is a great place to pick up treats for your best furry friend.
Azar Indulgences | It’s hard to go wrong with a chocolate bar as a gift, and this Lebanese shop gets fancy with decadent options like the Dubai Pistachio-filled chocolate bar or blueberry Turkish delight.
Want to share some more small business love? Make sure to tag your favorite local businesses in the comments of our post.
Reminder: Shopping + supporting small isn’t limited to just this day — we love letting our local businesses shine all year long in our collection of City Guides.
Yourfavorite thing on Oprah’s Favorite Things list for 2024. We’re seeing goodies like fluffy mittens and paint-by-numbers portraits. Psst — Oprah’s also picked finds from small businesses, like a hot chocolate collection made by Asheville, NC’s French Broad Chocolate.
If you’re looking for some other ways to shop small today, the Portland Saturday Market will be hosting 150+ artists, 10 different food vendors and trucks, and two live music performances. Check it out — no matter the weather — starting today at 11 a.m.
