• Child’s Play

    by  • November 18, 2012 • 0 Comments

    Whether you are shopping for your kid, a kid in your life, or the kid-at-heart, shop Little Boxes on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! With 170 participating stores, there are several ways you can shop for everyone on your Christmas list while still shopping and supporting local! Little Boxes like Black Wagon (girl and boy clothing bottom left), Branch and Birdie (red elephant shoes), Screaming Sky Gallery (plush pocket bear), Oodles 4 Kids (Olivia doll), Etcetera (forest critters top left), woonwinkel (big ted plush toy bottom right) offer a variety of unique, locally made, or personal items! The more of these stores you visit on November 23rd and 24th, the more chances you have to enter to win our raffle to win a prize like a Shiny Kazam balance bike from SpielWerk Toys!

    Gift Giving Guide: Mother-in-Law

    by  • November 16, 2012 • 0 Comments

    Every holiday season there are those certain people on your shopping list that leave even the savviest gift-buyers panicked and uncertain, often leading to hasty decisions and pit-stained shirts (hey, those shop lights are hot!). Some people just seem impossible to buy for: distant cousins, Aunt Bev’s ex-husband who still attends family gatherings, tweens (ZOMG!). There are so many high expectations around the holidays and the last thing you want to do is disappoint or give into the pressure of finding the ever-elusive “perfect gift.”

    Luckily, we understand and are here to help with options for where to shop for the most perplexing names on your list this holiday season*.  Enter these shops with our suggestions and an open mind, and don’t hesitate to ask who is working for help, too. We’re all in this together!

    *December shopping is not the only time to use this info! File away these suggestions for birthdays, anniversaries, and “just ‘cuz” occasions.

    If you’re shopping for your MOTHER-IN-LAW (MIL)

    No one woman can incite as much anxiety as the MIL. Gaining approval from your partner’s mother is the ultimate holiday miracle.  Wow her by showing you DO listen when she blabs, er, explains, all about her latest Pinterest-inspired project and with your support of the local economy.

    The Crafty MIL:
    Whether homegirl is already a pro or just dabbles while watching the telly, these retailers have options for all-levels of craftastic:

    YARN, FABRIC, & SEWING
    Happy Knits 1620 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214
    Yarnia 4183 SE Division Street, Portland, OR 97202
    Modern Domestic 1408 NE Alberta St. Portland, OR 97211 (pictured)
    Twisted 2310 NE Broadway St. Portland, OR 97232

    ART SUPPLIES
    Muse Art and Design 4220 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97215

    SCRAPBOOKING, STAMPING, JEWELRY-MAKING
    collage (2 locations) 7907 SE 13th Ave., Portland, OR 97202 & 1639 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211

    The Homebody MIL:
    Takes “home is where the heart is” seriously, very seriously. She’s always redecorating a room of the house or undertaking a remodeling project and is an expert at creating a cozy, welcoming abode.

    TEXTILES, FURNITURE, MODERN HOME ACCESSORIES
    woonwinkel 935 SW Washington, Portland, OR 97205
    Manor Fine Wares 907 NW 23rd Ave. Portland, OR 97210 (pictured
    Perch Furniture 923 NW 10th Avenue, Portland, OR 97209

    FANCY CANDLES AND VINTAGE INSPIRED DECOR
    Flutter 3948 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97227
    Eden 221 NW 11th Ave., Portland, OR 97209

    ANTIQUE FURNISHINGS AND TCHOTCHKE OBSESSED 
    Stars Antiques Mall 7027 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97202
    Stars & Splendid Antiques Mall 7030 SE Milwaukie Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97202
    Crow 7425 N Leavitt Street, Portland, OR 97203

    HOME, GARDEN & LIFESTYLE:
    digs inside & out 1829 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211
    Pistils Nursery 3811 N Mississippi Ave., Portland, OR 97227

    The In-Need-of-Pampering MIL:
    Recently retired? Doesn’t make time for herself? Treat MIL to a delightful surprise just for her to enjoy.

    NEW ACCESSORIES FOR WINTER
    Bonnet 412 NW 11th Ave. Portland, OR 97209 (pictured)
    Clogs-N-More (4 locations) 6809 SE Milwaukie Ave., Portland, OR 97202; 617 NW 23rd Ave., Portland, OR 97210;  3439 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland OR 97214; 2006 NE Broadway, Portland OR 97232
    Ellington Handbags 1211 NW 23rd Street, Portland, OR 97210

    JEWELRY
    Salty Teacup 7315 N. Alta Ave., Portland, OR 97203
    Stella’s on 21st 1108 NW 21st Ave., Portland OR 97209
    Presents of Mind 3633 SE Hawthorne Blvd., Portland, OR 97214

    COMFORTING LIQUID TO BE SAVORED WITH GOOD BOOK
    Clive Coffee 79 SE Taylor St Suite 100 Portland OR 97214
    Townshend’s Division St. Teahouse 3531 SE Division St., Portland, OR 97202
    Mr. Green Beans 3932 N Mississippi Ave., Portland OR, 97210

    This is by NO MEANS an exhaustive list! Ideas of your own? Share ‘em in the comments! And remember to tag all your Little Boxes shopventures #LittleBoxes2012.

    This shop guide was brought to you by guest blogger Anna Reed. 

    Anna is a nonprofit professional by day, part-time shop girl on the weekends, and occasional freelance writer who enjoys coffee, jewelry, shopping local, and Instagram.

    West Side Girl, East Side Shops

    by  • November 14, 2012 • 0 Comments

    *This post comes to us from one of our favorite Portlanders, Suzy of sulu-design.  Thank you so much for taking the time to tell us your preferred LB 2012 route!  All photos provided by Suzy.*

    I’ve got a threefold mission for my day of Little Boxes: Find a few perfect holiday gifts for loved ones, treat myself to something lovely, and check out a few new-to-me shops in areas that I know but don’t necessarily frequent.  Living in NW Portland, I make my way to the wonderful shops in NW, the Pearl, and Downtown/West End pretty regularly.  I’m taking my Little Boxes route to the East Side.

    Breakfast: J&M Cafe.  I’m going to need serious sustenance for my day’s mission, and J&M’s breakfast burrito will provide just that.  Consistently great food, friendly service, and a comfy atmosphere in an old, light-filled brick building make J&M one of my favorite spots in the city.  And it’s the perfect starting point for a morning of shopping on East Burnside.

    First LB Stop: Machus.  I can definitely find some thing my husband will love here – a gorgeous leather wallet, a pair of amazing jeans, a great sweater or coat.  Modern and edgy meets classic at this shop, making the pieces cool yet wearable.  Right up my guy’s alley.  And there’s always a women’s rack, in case I need a diversion.

    Second LB Stop: Check out newly opened Victory.  Start a Christmas wish list.

    Third LB Stop: Lille.  Time to treat myself to something lovely… because everything in this shop is just that.  Might find something special for a close friend, too.

    Lunch: Bunk Bar.  Refuel with a beer and a sandwich (yes, I need to eat again already – shopping takes a lot of energy).  Roasted pork loin with Brussels sprouts on a chewy roll?  Please and thank you.  Head next door for some caffeine at Water Avenue Coffee.  Full belly?  Check.  Time to head down Belmont.

     

    Fourth LB Stop: Palace.  One of my favorite Portland shops, Palace will have something for my brother and sister, for my husband, for my friends, for the gift exchange at work… and for myself.  I love the mix of vintage and new clothing here.  Palace also stocks gorgeous jewelry, unique fragrances and body care products, a crate of good vinyl, and a cute little selection of housewares.  I could live in this shop.

    And there are several other Little Boxes gems to check out nearby.  I, however, am heading to Montavilla…

    Fifth LB Stop: Branch and Birdie.  Here I can find sweet little clothes and toys for my niece and nephews, a sweater or jacket that my sister will love, a little treasure for my boss, and housewares that will impress my in-laws.  This shop has it all.

    Sixth LB Stop: Union Rose.  Everything in this little boutique is made in Portland, including (full disclosure here) sulu-design jewelry designed by yours truly.  I’ll find some pretty accessories for my mom here.  And if I haven’t already found enough for myself, I might pick up a locally made skirt or dress for a holiday party.

    Seventh LB Stop: Maven Collective.  I haven’t been able to make it in to this new shop yet.  Peeking in the window, I’ve seen cool vintage finds that my dad would appreciate.  My husband would dig the old leather bags I saw hanging on the wall.  And there are lots of neat little potted planters that would make great hostess gifts or treats for my neighbors.

    Dinner: Country Cat.  Serious comfort food.

    Then it’s home to burn some Balsam Fir incense that I picked up at Palace (our place is going to smell like a Christmas tree even if there’s not one in the apartment yet), turn on some music, and start wrapping.

    Thank you so much, Suzy!  I seriously want to take your route RIGHT NOW! xo~LB

    Gift Giving Guide for Dearest Dad

    by  • November 12, 2012 • 0 Comments

    Dearest Dad,

    What would you like for the holidays this year other than: power tools, a flat screen HD TV, or a freezing cold camping trip on Mt. Hood? How about some classy accessories like a tie from MACHUS, socks from Sock Dreams, and a pocket watch from Duchess Clothier? Oh! I know, how about the Breakfast in Bridgetown book at Pacific Northfresh (if you pick out one of the restaurants I’ll treat you to breakfast in the new year). I just want to get you something that you’ll love and finally realize that I’m the favorite kid. Is that too much to ask?

    GIFTS FOR DAD
    1. Argyle Socks at Sock Dreams

    2. Lovejoy Esspresso Blend Coffee at Clive Coffee

    3. Pocket Watch at Duchess Clothier

    4. Cuff Links at Radish Underground

    5. Apolis Chambray Tie at MACHUS

    6. Breakfast in Bridgetown book at Pacific Northfresh

     

     

    This gift guide for Dad was provided by Barrie Chan:
    Hi! I’m Barrie! Portland has been my home for two years now and I couldn’t be happier! I’ve been going to school to receive my BA in Fashion Marketing and I’ll be graduating in March (fingers crossed!) When I’m not in school I’m working with some of the coolest people I know over at betsy & iya. I’m still exploring this quirky town, and the more I find out the more I like it.

     

    A Stylish Combination… Little Boxes and 170 local shops

    by  • November 10, 2012 • 0 Comments

    This year, not only are we trying to build a better Black Friday, we’re trying to build a better looking Black Friday and Small Business Saturday! There are 170 participating stores from Sellwood to St. John’s, with unique and local art, furniture, clothing, accessories, toys, and home goods to help you find amazing holiday gifts this year.

    Shop Little Boxes like Silkwood, Aylee & Co., Suite 6 Boutique, Leanna NYC, Aylee & Co., Sweet Jayne, Parallel, Cloth and Canvas and Stella’s on 21st and you could win a shopping spree for yourself! That’s right, there are 3 shopping spree prizes you could win this year for either $600, $400 or $200 (as well as 87 other amazing prizes). To enter the raffle, simply visit any of the participating stores. There is no purchase necessary to enter the raffle.

    But the more you shop, the more you are rewarded. With one purchase at a Little Box you will get a stamp on your map, which becomes a 10% off coupon at the next Little Box you visit. Increase your odds, as each purchase earns you a stamp on your map and if you get 4 stamps on your map, you get 15 extra entries in the raffle, with 8 stamps you get 20 extra entries and with 12 or more stamps you get an additional 30 raffle entries!

    So, will you be shopping for yourself or for gifts this year?

    Shops and items pictured include:

    Silkwood (top left) 809 NW 11th Ave Portland, OR 97209

    Suite 6 Boutique  (geometric earrings, top right) 2641 NE Alberta St., Portland, OR 97211

    Leanna NYC (beaded necklaces, middle) 402 NW 12th Ave., Portland, OR 97209

    Aylee & Co. (silver necklaces, top middle) 1408 NW 23rd Avenue Portland, OR 97210

    Sweet Jayne (middle right) 1914 NE Broadway St., Portland, OR 97232

    Parallel (convertible clutch, bottom left) 1016 SW Washington St, Portland, OR 97205

    Cloth and Canvas (original acrylic painting, bottom middle) 4225 NE Fremont St. Portland, OR 97213

    Stella’s on 21st  (Gads over-the-shoe rain boot, bottom right) 1108 NW 21st Ave., Portland OR 97209

     

    Win more than just great presents this Black Friday and Small Business Saturday

    by  • November 9, 2012 • 0 Comments

    It’s crazy to think that Thanksgiving is only 2 weeks away! Where has the time gone? Feels like just yesterday I was putting my summer sandals away, and bring out the fall boots, and now its almost Thanksgiving? But that means its almost Black Friday, Small Business Saturday (and 5 weeks until Christmas, yikes!)… and Little Boxes! The 2 day Portland-wide shopping event in which the more you visit participating Little Box stores the more chances you get to enter into an amazing raffle and win prizes like an iPad with grove case, a $600 shopping spree, $100 Gift Certificate for a facial and pedicure at Akasu Hair Studio and Spa, or a Private Shopping Party at Garnish.

    Shop Little Boxes like Twill (pictured top left), Zenana Spa and Wellness Center for Zoya nail polish, Butterscotch for b.ella socks, Lena Medoyeff Studio, Zahara Boutique, Vintalier (vintage boots, pictured), PALACE, ZimZim (card, bottom left) and Little Things for your holiday gifts and you could walk away with a prize for yourself!

     

    Shop. Play. Win.

    by  • November 5, 2012 • 0 Comments

    There’s nothing wrong with a little personal shopping while searching for the perfect presents, am I right!?  One for you, one for me?  This is a perfect opportunity to up the ante a bit in our own closets, donate the things we no longer want/need, buy some amazing gifts, create helpful wish-lists to give to our husbands/mamas/papas/etc, and maybe win something (beyond the best shopping experience EVER) along the way.

    Shop at Little Boxes like:

    And enter to win one of our amazing prizes like (8) a gift certificate to Tasty n Sons!

    Shop. Play. Win. … Best. Shopping. Ever.

    See you there!

    xo~All your favorite Little Boxes


    Plan your route

    by  • November 2, 2012 • 0 Comments

    The list of amazing Little Boxes keeps growing! In 2011, the first year of Little Boxes, we had over 90 stores participate. For 2012, we have over 150 stores!

    Those 150+ stores canvas all areas and neighborhoods of Portland. Even more, those 150+ stores encompass a wide variety of shopping experiences and fantastic gift ideas! From NW 23rd, The Pearl, Mississippi St. to Produce Row there are so many great stores and neighborhoods to explore on both Friday and Saturday (10am-7pm), what will your route be?

    You can start out Friday in NW by visiting Ellington Handbags (2 & 5) to pick out a casual-chic handbag that can be the perfect companion for your shopping adventure throughout the city.  That handbag purchase will get you one entry into the raffle and a stamp on your map unlocking a 10% discount* at the next Little Box.

    From Ellington, you can head down into the Pearl and visit Be Smooth (6) and Halo Shoes (7) to beautify both your soul and your soles. Both of those visits will get you 2 more entries into the raffle. Show that stamp on your map and receive a 10% discount at either location.

    After a relaxing Friday evening, venture out on Saturday, visiting grayling jewelry studio (3 & 8.) on the east side to find beautiful arrangements to accessorize your outfit, and Emerald Petals (4) to find beautiful floral arrangements to accessories your home! Both visits get you 2 more entries into the raffle for a total of 5 entries.

    Even better if you made 4 purchases during those 2 days, you would earn 4 stamps on your map and 15 bonus entries into the raffle! In total, those 20 raffle entries will help your chances at winning one of our amazing raffle prizes like a $25 Gift Certificate to EaT: An Oyster Bar.

    So where will you shop? With 22 days until Black Friday its time to plan your route!

    *Some exceptions to the 10% discount may apply. Additional discounts may not apply.

    Shop Friday and Saturday. Win Brunch for Sunday.

    by  • October 31, 2012 • 0 Comments

    This Black Friday, we’re offering a different, fun and rewarding way to shop Black Friday. The 2 days after you have eaten all the turkey, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie you can handle — Friday November 23rd and Saturday November 24th — visit any of the 170 participating Little Box stores and enter our amazing raffle! Everybody’s allowed one raffle ticket per Little Box they visit and there’s no limit to how many times you can enter. The more stores you visit, the greater your chances of winning.

    Shop Little Boxes like (1) Parallel Portland, (2) Collage (3) Tilde (4) The Shoe Store. (5) Grasshopper, a children’s store or (6) Union Rose anytime between 10am – 7pm Friday and Saturday and you could win any one of our fantastic raffle prizes, like a $50 gift certificate to Toro Bravo (pictured), a $50 gift certificate to Ristretto Roasters or a $50 gift certificate Tasty n Sons!

    Make your odds even better! Make a purchase during the event and earn bonus raffle entries. Each participating store will have Little Box maps during the 2 day shopping event. With each purchase you’ll get a stamp on your map. Collect four stamps and you get 15 extra entries in the raffle. Eight stamps and you get another 20 extra entries. 12 or more stamps and you get an additional 30 raffle entries!

    BONUS: One stamp on your map will unlock a 10% discount* at the next Little Box you visit.

    *Some exceptions to the 10% discount may apply. Additional discounts may not apply.