This holiday season, we’re absolutely thrilled to bring you a gift guide that’s all about the magic of shopping small and supporting local women-owned businesses! These amazing business owners—some of whom have been part of Xcelerate Women’s programs and some who just believe in the beauty of giving back—have each contributed to our Give!Guide campaign with incredible in-kind donations and gift incentives. And get this: they shared their 2024 go-to holiday gifts with us!

From cozy finds to delightful treasures, explore their personal picks and discover something special while supporting our transformative community!

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Alex Gamboa Grand

Alex is the Co-Founder of Way of Being, a SE Portland shop offering low-waste, sustainable alternatives to everyday essentials.

“This season I’m looking forward to gifting a super easy combo of Oregon-made products that anyone can use and fits that $25 and under budget! A bar of Camamu Hand & Body Soaps ($7) from Portland-based Camamu Soaps plus either a Soap Saver Bag ($8) or a Soap Saver Pouf ($18) from Eugene-based Marley’s Monsters — organic cotton alternatives to those plastic netted sponges so many of us are used to using. Help your friends and family bathe in a way that’s good for the body, earth, and soul.” - Alex Grand

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Alison Osborn + Mackenzie Gray

Alison and Mackenzie are the owners of Makerspace Sellwood, a beautiful space in SE Portland to learn, shop, and commune. They offer no-experience necessary, project-based creative workshops.

“Our go-to gift is a curated gift box filled with locally made self-care items. We would include a soy wax candle by Borough Home, a clay face mask and body oil by Bell Mountain and a gift certificate to enjoy a workshop experience here at Makerspace Sellwood. We believe in self-care for all and an excuse to slow down from our tech-fatigued lives.” - Alison + Mackenzie 

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Angela Arevalo Smith

Angela is the Founder and owner of Baan de Sol, an artisan-made clothing and lifestyle brand that supports small communities in Thailand. You can find Baan de Sol at Origin Story, a brick-and-mortar shop in Portland’s Northeast side.

“Baan De Sol’s handwoven scarves are my go-to holiday gift this season. Crafted from hand-spun, organic cotton and plant-dyed in collaboration with artisans in Northeast Thailand, these scarves are soft, cozy, and full of vibrant color. They add the perfect touch of warmth and craftswomanship to any wardrobe—making them an ideal, meaningful gift.” - Angela Arevalo Smith

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Ronnie Malka

Ronnie and her husband David are the owners of Malka Diamonds, a one-stop jewelry store in NW Portland that specializes in custom jewelry and vintage rings.

“Dainty necklaces, like the Diamond Mini Chevron and the Evil Eye Choker, that can be stacked are a great go-to gift idea for this holiday season. At Malka Diamonds we have a large collection of unique pendants, vintage chains, and stunning diamonds and gemstones.” - Ronnie Malka

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Vajra Alaya-Maitreya

Vajra is the owner of Monochromatic, a boutique in NE Portland that is committed to providing pronoun-inclusive, ethically made clothing with a playful workwear vibe.

“Well our favorite of all favorite gift item is a good sweater. Nothing is better than being cozy and warm in the winter and feeling adorable while you do it. For little gifties though, we love the gift of a cozy hat, a beautiful scent that brings you back to place and time, or a candle to bring some warmth and welcome on these long PNW eves.” - Vajra Alaya-Maitreya

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Stephanie Sheldon

Stephanie is the owner of Happy Anyway in SE Portland and she is creating an experiential retail experience like no other. More than a shop – Happy Anyway is a salon-style gathering place where community meets creativity.

“My go-to gift this holiday season is the reversible vase paired with the Live Your Values Deck. I love this colorful combo because for under $60 you're able to give two gifts - one that focuses your attention on the beauty around you and one that points you to the beauty within! The vase holds a single stem or can be flipped over to hold a small bouquet. The deck helps you get clear about your lived values and then suggests how to use them to help guide your decisions.” - Stephanie Sheldon

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Anna Louise

Anna is the owner and curator of the lifestyle vintage shop, Experimental Vintage, where you can find vintage rugs and unique finds to create comfort in your home.

"My go-to gift is something vintage! Either a small piece of original art, a functional textile like a tiny rug or quilt, or another useful houseware like a pottery mug. Shopping vintage means a sustainable, one-of-a-kind gift." - Anna Louise

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Kristin Van Buskirk

Kristin is the owner of Woonwinkel, a colorful and creative home and gift shop in Downtown Portland.

“My favorite holiday gift this year is a colorful insulated canteen because anyone can use it - at their desk, at the soccer game, out on a winter hike, or even just parked on the sofa for a lazy Sunday.” - Kristin Van Buskirk

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Audrey Barerra-Merwin

Audrey is the Founder and owner of Soluna Collective, an eco + ethical clothing company. They design all the patterns in-house and work with artisans in India and Peru. You can find Soluna Collective at Origin Story, a brick-and-mortar shop in Portland’s northeast side.

“My go-to holiday gift from our collection is our Cozy Beanie. It's a piece I wear almost daily in the cooler months, and it keeps me so warm! It's easy to package and ship for loved ones near and far and is the perfect addition to any outfit. It's knit using super soft baby Alpaca yarn from Peru. I hope you love it as much as I do!” - Audrey Barerra-Merwin

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