The holidays might look different for a lot of people this year. With the pandemic still in full swing, gatherings may not happen the same way they have in the past. But perhaps now more than ever, we’re ready to embrace the joy of the holiday spirit. Choosing a perfect holiday gift for someone special on your list will be a lot easier with this handy guide.
The team at Julia Monaghan Real Estate is eager to celebrate the holiday season. If you’re looking to buy or sell during this time, reach out today. It’s still a great time for real estate in Portland, OR, and surrounding areas.
The Perfect Holiday Gift Guide for Your Whole List
Whether you shop for everyone you know or just a few special people, sometimes it can be challenging to find the right choice. And many shoppers are trying to avoid big retailers this year, focusing on small businesses instead.
With that in mind, here is our guide to choosing the perfect holiday gift for everyone on your list.
For the Fashionista
With four locations in the Portland Metro area, Mapel Boutique has become the go-to spot for women’s clothing. The fashion lover on your shopping list would love a comfy sweater, a beautiful dress, or a gift card to spend on herself. To make it extra special, give her a personal styling session before she shops.
And, of course, fashion isn’t just for women. For anyone who enjoys high-quality clothes that look great, check out Frances May. With items for men, women, and kids, this shop lets you splurge on just about anyone.
For the Homeowner

Give a loved one a beautiful and functional ceramic piece for their homes from Theresa Arrison. From fruit bowls to sponge holders, these captivating items elevate the ordinary and mundane.
For anyone who enjoys doing home improvement projects, Rejuvenation offers plenty of options. With decor and furniture and hardware, Rejuvenation has something for every homeowner to enjoy.
For the Outdoorsy Adventurer
The Pacific Northwest is a prime playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Biking, hiking, camping, skiing, and paddleboarding are commonplace activities in this neck of the woods.
For anyone on your list who enjoys heading into the woods whenever possible, check out Snow Peak. They have everything you could need for high-quality outdoor living. From tents to stoves to chopsticks, Snow Peak offers luxury living under the stars.
To keep your outdoorsy loved one warm and fashionable, take a look at Wild Outdoor Apparel. Wild offers made-in-the-USA items that take you from the mountains to the bar in style. And with free shipping within the US, Wild items are perfect for anyone on your list around the country.
Do you have any biking enthusiasts on your list? The perfect holiday gift for any bicyclist is a Zivot bike rack. Made in Portland, OR, these wood bike racks mount to your wall for easy bike storage.
For the DIY Types

Everyone knows at least one person who is always up to the challenge of learning how to do something new. For those individuals, kits and classes are excellent gifts.
For a unique DIY experience, consider a kit from Klum House. The recipient receives everything they need to create a stunning Pendleton Wool bag. Klum House also offers online classes if that is more up their alley.
Portland-area Fancy That offers candle-making bars and workshops that are a fun option for kids and adults. This gift is sure to please a lot of different people on your holiday gift list.
If you have a food lover and chef on your list, consider signing them up for a class at Collective Kitchen. They can choose from options including:
- Macarons
- Floral Centerpieces
- Biscuits and Gravy
- Pasta
- Pies
To make the gift extra special, sign up with them so that you can enjoy some time together. Bon appetit!
For the Wine Connoisseurs
The Pacific Northwest is well-known for its wine, especially pinot noirs. Wineries such as Domaine Serene and Hawks View offer incredible gift options as well as tasting rooms for a fun outing. Their wines make excellent host and housewarming gifts, as well.
A set of stunning wine glasses is another perfect holiday gift to offer. Mazama carries beautiful, hand-blown glasses that look incredible in any home.
For Those Who Enjoy the Finer Things
Some of your gift recipients seem to have everything. Seek out unique offerings for the hard-to-shop-for people on your list.
Jewelry lovers will be blown away by the creations from Nested Yellow. These stunning pieces are sure to please.
If you have a plant enthusiast who can’t get enough fresh flowers and greenery, take a look at Arranged and Rooted. You will be able to brighten your loved one’s day with a beautiful living creation.
Thrill the old-school music lover on your list with gifts from Vinyl Resting Place. They can go shopping for actual records to enjoy on their turntable this holiday season.

For Kids and Fur Babies
If you’re shopping for children this year and want to avoid big chains and retailers, Thinker Toys is the perfect store. Whether the kiddos on your list are into science, make-believe, puzzles, or building, you’re sure to find the ideal choice.
And if you live close enough to that special child, consider giving them a day together exploring Thinker Toys and its quirky Multnomah Village neighborhood. With coffee shops and other fun stores, you can enjoy a great time together.
When you need gifts for your own pooch or a dog-lover on your list, head to House Dogge. Featured as one of Oprah’s favorite things, House Dogge offers everything from collars to hoodies to keep your pup in style.
For Experiences and Memories
Sometimes the best gift isn’t a physical item. Consider spoiling your loved ones with some self-care. Local massage therapist, Jenelle Woodlief, offers expert care in her practice. Your friends and family will love the chance to indulge in some much-needed pampering.
If you’re looking to offer someone a completely personal gift, consider a family photo session. Too often, people put off doing photos of their family due to time or budget constraints. A session with Jamie Wegner Photography is one of the most perfect holiday gift options you can give.
Holiday Cheer to End the Year
Even if you’ve had to adjust your holiday shopping this year, we’re sure you can find something to enjoy from local small businesses. And if you aren’t in the Portland area, be sure to support small biz owners in your part of the country.
Julia Monaghan Real Estate is proud to be part of the community in West Linn, OR, and surrounding neighborhoods. If you or someone you know is looking to buy or sell a home, let’s connect. I’d love to be of service during the holidays and beyond.