Holiday wish lists can be hard on the wallet. That explains why Portland's lack of a sales tax (typically 8-10 percent in metropolitan areas) makes it an attractive shopping destination.
This year, visitors can find a growing number of tax-free options in Portland, as temporary shops fill vacant downtown properties with local gifts ranging from jewelry and clothes to cards and toys. Current downtown pop-up boutiques include Crafty Wonderland, with jewelry, clothing, art and housewares (802 S.W. 10th Ave.); Sons and Daughters, featuring designer vintage clothing and local designs (902 S.W. Morrison St.); Flurry, specializing in sustainable and recycled clothing and handmade gifts from the Portland Japanese Garden (750 S.W. Yamhill St.); Downtown Artistry, offering handcrafted toys, wrapping paper and a workspace to make cards and gifts (940 S.W. Morrison St.); and Cloth/Gold Factory, home of one-of-a-kind jewelry made on-site (723 S.W. Salmon St.).
In addition, Portland visitors craving all things artsy can head to the two-day Crafty Wonderland Super Colossal Holiday Sale at the Oregon Convention Center. The annual bonanza of the handmade features 200 vendors and interactive craft activities (Dec. 11-12 from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.).
Procrastinators can find relief at the Festival of the Last Minute, offered by the Portland Saturday Market and open daily, Dec. 16-24, at Waterfront Park and Ankeny Plaza.
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