Consider our 2025 gift guide your newest cozy holiday read. | Graphic by 6AM City
Happy holidays, Portland. We’ve spent hours curating our collection of 2025’s best holiday gifts. Read on for 90+ gift ideas, including local finds.
Gifts for your significant other
Local pick: Date night pottery class | $75+ | Create something beautiful together at this studio and ceramics shop.
Shiatsu foot massager | $79.99 | Nothing says “I love you” like a foot massage — give your hands a break and gift one complete with heat, vibration, and rolling compression.
Barefoot Dreams blanket wrap | $178 | This wrap might just be the softest thing they’ve ever draped around them.
Full-zip flannel jacket | $36.99 | Flannel, cotton, and fleece combine in this ultra-soft hoodie.
Gifts for parents
Snack organizer | $36.95 | Kids will love this snack spinner’s push button and slidable compartments — and parents will love how it makes snack time stress-free.
Car backseat organizer | $25.99 | Gift parents peaceful car rides thanks to a two-pack of car organizers complete with clear tablet holders.
Local pick:“The Bunny Ballet” | $18.99 | Pre-order a signed picture book from this award-winning Portland author and receive a free print by the illustrator.*
Gifts for retirees
Local pick: “Oregon’s Ancient Forests: A Hiking Guide” | $27 | Help your loved ones make the most of their extra time with this guide to exploring the magical natural corners of our beautiful state.
Local pick:OMSI Memberships | Holiday Membership Sale | Early Bird Savings 20% off Nov 22-Dec 1 and 15% off Dec 2-Jan 5 | An OMSI membership opens doors to science adventures and enriching educational experiences year-round.*
Gobble Up Portland | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | The Redd on Salmon St. | $2 | Shop, sample, and savor 100+ vendors at this foodie-focused holiday market with artisanal eats, kitchenware, food trucks, book signings, and more.*
Frybread Fest | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Director Park | Free
The ballots are in, and Portland voters approved a $400 million tax levy that will help maintain and repair public parks. The estimated impact on property owners is $1.40 per $1,000 of value. See other election results. (KATU 2)
Sports
Alex Sarama, assistant coach with the Cleveland Cavaliers, will be the Portland Fire’s first-ever coach. Add to calendar: The WNBA team will start their inaugural season in May. (The Athletic)
Announced
Speaking of new women’s sports teams, the Portland Cherry Bombs FC will also join the USL W League in May. With a name inspired by the 1990s’ riot grrrl movement, the team’s venue + schedule are TBA. (KGW 8)
Community
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11. Expect various closures for this federal holiday commemorating people who have served in the United States Armed Forces. This year’s Veteran’s Day Parade has been canceled, but organizers aim to return in the future.
Number
67%. That’s how much homelessness increased in Multnomah County in the last two years, according to a recent report. If you’d like to lend a hand to unhoused Portlanders or other locals in need, Oregon Food Bank is asking for support with food + monetary donations. (FOX 12)
Portlander
Curtis Robinhold, Executive Director of the Port of Portland, is a TIME100 Climate Leader. Robinhold was recognized in part for work updating Portland International Airport to become more climate- and energy-friendly.
History
November is Native American Heritage Month. There are 574 federally recognized tribes across the nation — and 10 in Oregon. Scroll down to learn more.
Listen
The Playoff Committee ranked Oregon at No. 9 — but could this spot put them on the perfect path? Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Oregon Ducks with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Health
Discover sharper hearing and a sharper mind with the Horizon IX hearing aid. Known as “a time machine for the brain,” it supports mental engagement and enhances your cognitive vitality. See if you qualify for a 45-day no-risk trial.*
Shop
If you’re a Costco shopper, you know about the $1.50 hot dog. But are you in on these other 10 lesser-known hacks all Costco shoppers should know about?*
Finance
Score a lucrative signup bonus and up to 5% cash back with this credit card that experts can’t stop raving about. With perks you don’t see every day and a $0 annual fee, it will be a serious upgrade to your wallet. Learn more + apply.*
Asked
Which of these is a federally recognized tribe in Oregon?
A. Bridgeport Indian Colony
B. Burns Paiute Tribe
C. Nez Perce Tribe
D. Cowlitz Indian Tribe
Take in the splendor of ZooLights with your fellow adults at the 21+ BrewLights event. | Photo by Michael Durham via Oregon Zoo
Your calendar is about to be stuffed more than a Thanksgiving turkey. Send these events to a friend to start making plans now.
Chrysanthemum Festival | Friday, Nov. 7-Sunday, Nov. 23 | Times vary | Lan Su Chinese Garden | $16+ | The blooming, show-stopping plants create displays in the garden, with special events like Nights of the Golden Flower on certain dates.
Portland Book Festival | Saturday, Nov. 8 | 10 a.m.-6 p.m. | Portland Art Museum | $18+ | Stacey Abrams and Rebecca Yarros are just two of the 100+ authors slated to speak at this year’s fest.
BrewLights | Friday, Nov. 14-Saturday, Nov. 15 | Times vary | Oregon Zoo | The 21+ version of ZooLights, this beer festival allows adults to take in the spectacle with bevs, food, and live music.
Wine Country Thanksgiving | Friday, Nov. 21-Sunday, Nov. 30 | Times vary | Locations vary | Cost of purchase | The Willamette Valley comes to life with tastings, holiday markets, workshops, and more.
The fun doesn’t have to end here. After reading the newsletter, head over to our games page. Games refresh with new challenges every day at 6 a.m. from crossword puzzle to Sudoku to themed word search.
A taste of the Big Easy is gaining popularity across the country, according to the New York Times. The Obituary is a martini made with gin, vermouth, absinthe, and lemon zest, and is experiencing a renaissance.
This has me wondering: what would a signature Portland cocktail look like? I’m thinking something with Early Grey, but let me know if you have any ideas.