The shopping opportunities in Portland, Ore., are incredible, because they literally have a bit of everything: from large fabulous malls to streets lined with boutiques to sprawling outdoor markets. Plus, there's no sales tax in Oregon!
NW 23rd continues to be the most popular area when it comes to shopping. This street is lined with adorable independently own boutiques on both sides.
Along here are shops dedicated to shoes, antiques, clothes, jewelry, Moonstruck Chocolates and more. (An assortment of Moonstruck truffles makes a delicious gift.) Plus, you'll find a few popular chains like Williams Sonoma, Lush, Pottery Barn and Urban Outfitters.
Portland's Saturday Market, one of the best spots for holiday shopping in the city — Photo courtesy of Meagan Shamy
Also one of the most popular places to shop is the Portland Saturday Market. The market stays open until Christmas Eve, and it's an ideal spot to find a unique gift.
This is the largest continuously operating open-air arts and crafts market in the U.S. All wares are hand crafted, and the artist is on hand to tell you about each item. You'll find paintings, photos, glass vases, wood carvings, stoneware, jewelry, clothing, hats, bags, stationary, other home décor, kitchen utensils and leather goods at the market.
Rogue Brewery has a stand here, too, usually near the live music. A bottle of their beer makes a great gift.
Rogue beers — Photo courtesy of Meagan Shamy
The Pearl District is also one of the top spots in Portland to shop. This is where you'll find one of Portland’s most famous stores: Powell’s Books. Here you can pick up a cookbook created by one of Portland’s best chefs, like Pok Pok or Toro Bravo.
This is also the area that you will find an Anthropologie, REI, Keen Footwear, Lululemon, North Face and many more recognizable stores.
As you walk around the Pearl District, be sure to pop into some of the art galleries; one-of-a-kind art is always a unique gift.
For a more traditional shopping experience, visit Pioneer Square Mall, home to hundreds of stores. They practically house every brand name store there is, from Tiffany & Co., Apple, Disney, Macy’s, BCBG, Microsoft and H&M to Moonstruck Chocolate and a Made in Oregon store.
Made in Oregon stores are packed with all kinds of goodies made right here in Oregon, including blankets, wine, candles, coffees, teas, chocolates, beers and more.
Another stellar mall is Washington Square. They have a Lego store, which is great fun for children. They also feature stores like Nordstrom, Lucky, Apple, Hanna Andersson, Pottery Barn and many more. (The best part of shopping here is probably dining at the Cheesecake Factory.) From mid-November until Christmas Eve, they have an incredible Santa headquarters experience presented by HGTV.
