holiday gift guide 22
The Modern Minimalist Holiday Gift Guide 2022
The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the annual search for the perfect gift. The type of gifts you choose may vary from person to person depending on each individual’s needs and interests, plus the nature of your relationship. With more options available now than ever before, it can be hard to choose the right gifts for the people on your list.
I think every gift falls into one of three categories: (1) sentimental; (2) functional; and (3) experiential. This year, I am prioritizing gifted experiences over material things, though I do have some favorite stores where I routinely shop.
Here are some of my favorite places to do holiday shopping in Portland (including stores that have online shops), experiences to give to or share with others, and tmm standbys.
where to buy gifts in Portland
It’s especially hard to make a case for buying all your gifts from online retailers or big-box stores when you live in a city like Portland. Below are some of my favorite Portland gift shops. Even if you don’t live in the Portland metro area, I encourage you to check out their websites—many of them have online stores and ship throughout the United States.
for the colorful one in your life
Photo by Woonwinkel
This vibrant, fun, and modern home furnishings and gift shop carries everything from furniture to textiles to gardening goods.
for the bohemian in your life
Offering new and vintage home furniture, décor, and personal items, Beam & Anchor curates items that will make your loved one’s home feel like a sanctuary.
for the artist in your life
This woman-owned and operated store specializes in playful local artisanal wares with a minimalist aesthetic. Mantel carries gorgeous glassware, ceramics, candles, jewelry, and more items that are perfect for the artist in your life.
for the reader in your life
This iconic bookstore features every nearly type of new, used, and rare book you can think of. Thanks to its legendary status, a book from Powell’s is an especially great gift idea for any out-of-town readers in your life.
for the eclectic person in your life
Photo by Artifact
Artifact is a consignment store that sells effortlessly cool vintage and modern clothes, home items, art, and more.
Local Markets
To find something truly unique, try the Portland Saturday Market (open March 5th through December 24th), the Portland Night Market (December 1st through 4th), or one of Portland’s holiday markets.
for the kiddos (and mom too) on your life
I recently visited Yo store after hearing such buzz about it. This woman owned shop has all the kiddo clothes + toys, as well as candles, jewelry, clothes, books and accessories for mom too.
for the plant lover in your life
A black-owned and family-operated business with an earthy flare, ECOVIBE features a wide variety of houseplants as well as décor and gifts. What’s more, ECOVIBE donates a portion of its online sales to local nonprofits that do environmental and social change work. So if you are planning to do your holiday shopping online, this is the place to do it!
for the crystal lover in your life
This woman-owned business features all kinds of local vendors and transformative goods, from crystals to books to tarot decks. Psychic Sister also has a great selection of vintage clothing.
A BIPOC and woman-owned gift and magic shop, Woo Pdx has a wide selection of spiritual tools like crystals, altar items, organic bulk herbs, teas, and tarot decks. They also do consignment!
for the writer in your life
This fun and colorful woman-owned operation specializes in one-of-a-kind greeting cards, paper goods, office items, gifts, and art.
To see more of my local favorites, check out my Portland local business highlight.
experiences you can gift
Some people are more minimalistic than others and prefer doing things over having things. Maybe they already have all of the items they need, or they’re about to move, or they live in a small home that they don’t want to add clutter to. For people like this, a workshop or wellness session can be the best type of gift. Here are some of my favorite experiences to give to and share with my loved ones.
for everyone in your life
I cannot recommend sensory deprivation tanks enough for physical, mental, and emotional restoration. A few sessions at my go-to spot, Float North, is something I believe everyone should be gifted at least once in their life. Float North recommends gifting new floaters a 3 Float Pack Gift Card so they have a chance to get used to the process. Float on!
for the culinary expert in your life
Take your favorite foodie on a wine and/or olive oil tasting tour for an experiential gift you can enjoy together. My favorite Oregon winery and olive oil mill is Durant at Red Ridge Farms, which features all of the above plus a gift shop and nursery in a bucolic setting.
for the workaholic in your life
Self-Care
A facial, massage, or healing session can be a great gift for anyone, but it may be especially fitting for that person in your life who never seems to make time for themselves. Some of my favorites places to relax and unwind are:
Robin Skin Studio, which provides skin care services like LED light therapy and micro-needling.
Cupping Studio for cupping, chiropractic care, and acupuncture. Mention the modern minimalist for your first 15 minute cupping free!
Root Whole Body, which specializes in naturopathic medicine, infrared sauna sessions, massage, and acupuncture.
for the spiritual person in your life
A Session with an Astrologer or Medium
It is no secret that I am fascinated with astrology and spirituality. A session with a legitimate astrologer or medium is a great gift for any spiritual seekers you know who may be open to this category of healing.
For an incredible natal chart reading, I recommend Rosa Theodora, a highly regarded astrologer that I meet with at least once each year. To see what I’ve learned about myself through my natal chart, check out this post where I do deep dive into my sun, moon, and rising signs.
To help your loved one connect with spirit and their ancestors on the other side and receive a tarot reading, check out Kelli Clair of The Spiritual Messenger, a psychic medium that I see several times per year.
for the adventurer in your life
For another experiential gift idea, check out the craft and wilderness workshops Wildcraft has to offer. They host everything from textile classes to wreath-making workshops to mushroom foraging excursions.
This 12-acre urban oasis is one of my favorite places to spend an afternoon with friends or family. The Portland Japanese Garden is full of trees, plants, streams, and pleasant walkways and offers great views of the city and Mt. Hood. You can purchase tickets and make a reservation at the onsite Umami Café online.
for the crafty person in your life
A Pottery Workshop
A hands-on workshop or membership at a studio like NOLA Clay or The Mudroom makes an unexpected gift for crafty loved ones.
for the fitness enthusiast in your life
An Alternative Fitness Class
A new kind of fitness class may be just what the athlete in your life needs after the holidays. Try gifting a class or membership at a pole dancing studio like AERO Space or a circus arts studio like Afterglow Aerial Arts.
for the tea lover in your life
Afternoon Tea
Is there a tea lover on your list? Treat them to Lovejoy’s or Doja Tea Lounge for a cozy afternoon tea experience.
tmm favorites
Thanks to my work as the modern minimalist, I have a few more brands and offerings to recommend for your resident homebodies and organizing enthusiasts.
for the homebody in your life
Photo by Parachute
Robes, towels, sheets, blankets, furniture—Parachute has it all, and they do it with style. We love their linen sheets, duvets + shams for bedding. My top recommendations are their Waffle Towels and Cloud Cotton Robe.
for the organized (or not so organized) person in your life
If someone you know loves home organizing or has expressed a desire to get organized, Sortjoy is an earth-friendly company with beautiful, functional organization solutions. I highly recommend their original, wide, and long Sculpted Bins with clip-on Labels for exposed shelves or cubbies and closets. Use code TMM to get 10% off your purchase.
The Modern Minimalist Digital Declutter Mini-Course
My digital declutter mini-course is now available on Teachable! This course includes tips for minimizing your inbox, computer, and smartphone files and gives participants access to my digital declutter workbook.
The Modern Minimalist Method Workbook
My PDF workbook is another great option to help a far-away friend or family member reach their modern minimalism goals. The workbook teaches you how to visualize, minimize + energize your space and includes journal exercises for deep reflection.
wrapping up (pun intended)
No matter what you buy (or don’t buy) for your loved ones this year, you can always show up for them by giving them your time and attention.
While gifting one-of-a-kind items and memorable experiences can be a great way to show your love, thoughtful cards or letters, acts of service, and quality time spent together are just as valid as any of the ideas I’ve shared above.
Whatever you choose to give to others this year, choose it with intention and you can’t go wrong.
Happy holidays!