Perfect Gifts to Give the Brand New PDX Homeowner This Holiday Season

Welcome to Your New Home in Portland!

My Friends Just Bought Their First Home in Portland! What Should I Get Them?

If you’ve been living in Portland for a while, then you already know that our fair city has everything you’d want in a hometown. The food is great, the people are friendly, the arts scene is fantastic, and we’re only a short drive away from some of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the country. All of that has inspired many newcomers to the city, while also compelling many long-time residents to put down more permanent roots with the purchase of their first home.

So maybe you know someone who has recently purchased a home in Portland, or you’ve got a friend who has relocated from one great Portland neighborhood to a brand new one across town. If this is the case, then you should definitely commemorate the big life step by giving them a gift they’ll cherish and remember.

Read on for our guide to ten perfect gifts you’ll want to give any brand new homeowner, whether they’re new in town, or just settling in after being here for years.

Tickets to a Local Portland Event

If you’re a seasoned local, then you probably have your calendar marked with all the best upcoming events. What better way to help your friends celebrate their newfound status as residents of your fair city than to give them tickets to an event you’re sure they’ll enjoy?

This time of year, a holiday-themed happening might be the best choice, but this is Portland. There’s something fun to experience any time of year.

Barware

If your friends are the sorts who love to entertain, then you can’t go wrong with some quality barware. And if it’s locally made, even better. Check out these hand-thrown, Portland-made whiskey tumblers from covet & ginger, or this recycled skateboard bottle opener from Maple XO. Or stop by our favorite place, Canoe, located in downtown Portland. There, you’ll find a truly great selection of lovely glassware and more!

Recycled Skateboard Bottle Opener from Maple XO

A Gift Certificate for Your Favorite Local Business

You probably have the lay of the land at this point, so you know where all the best local businesses are. Give your friend a gift they’ll love and a chance to get to know their new city better with a gift certificate for your favorite local vintage shop, breakfast joint, chocolate or dessert store, or housewares emporium.

A few of our favorite places include Red Sail, Alma Chocolates, CORD, Guardino Gallery (for some amazing local art), and Digs Inside & Out.

A Solid Multi-tool for Around the House

When you own your own home, you can’t just call the landlord when fix-it issues rear their ugly heads. You either have to pay someone else to do it, or roll up your sleeves, fire up YouTube, and learn how to hack it on your own.

If you’re going to get any real work done, then you’ll need to have the right tools for the job. Having a solid multi-tool in your back pocket can save you time and trouble, and help you get smaller jobs done in a jiffy.

Leatherman Tread Multi-Tool, a Perfect New Homeowner Gift!

Sure, you could go with a Swiss Army Knife, but we’d recommend an engraved Leatherman Tread multi-tool. Why? Because it’s a multi-tool that doubles as a stylish bracelet, and it just happens to be made right here in PDX! Getting things done in style is what we’re all about.

A Home-Cooked Meal

Moving can be stressful, and with all the blood, sweat, and tears that your friends are likely to shed on moving day, there’s a strong chance that they’ll forget to eat dinner… until you show up with a piping hot, home-cooked meal!

If you’re not much of a cook, don’t worry – just pick up some takeout on the way over from one of the many new PDX businesses that offer home-cooked food on the go, like Taste Unique on SE Division or New American on North Killingsworth. Remember, it’s the thought that counts.

Coffee Gear

Here in Portland, we take our coffee very, very seriously. So what better gift for a newly minted Portlander than some fresh, locally roasted beans from Ristretto, a new pour-over coffee maker, and a couple of Portland-themed coffee cups?

Coffee from Ristretto Roasters

Your Undying Help and Support

Acclimating to a new city can be difficult, and new homeowners find themselves overwhelmed with moving and getting situated. Perhaps one of the best things you can give a brand new homeowner is your help and support, whether it’s moving an armoire or picking out paint swatches from places like Miller Paint, which has been locally owned and operated in PDX since 1890!

Houseplants and Terrariums

Bringing plants into a home improves air quality and promotes an atmosphere of relaxation. For a new twist on a classic housewarming gift, give a stylish hanging glass terrarium like the ones you’ll find on SE 28th at Artemisia. Or for an even more personal touch, you can design it yourself at Roosevelt’s Terrariums.

A Beautiful Local Tree

If your friend’s new yard is looking a bit barren, then a native tree might make an excellent gift. We’re big fans of Magnolias, but you can find all sorts of wonderful native varieties at Portland Nursery’s local tree guide.

Portland's Own, Friends of Trees

But what if your friend doesn’t have much of a yard for planting a tree? Never fear! You can dedicate the planting of a brand new tree through Friends of Trees, a local nonprofit “nonprofit whose mission is to bring people together to plant and care for city trees and green spaces in Pacific Northwest communities.”

A Night on the Town

The process of closing on a home is exciting, but it can also wear you out. Once it’s all said and done, your friends could probably use a night out on the town. Just be prepared – drinks are on you!

Some of our favorite Portland places include Ava Gene’s, Bar Avignon, Le Pigeon, Milk Glass Mrkt, The Country Cat, DOC, Paley’s Place, Ciao Vito, Zilla Sake, Renata, and Baby Doll Pizza for the best NY-style pizza in town!

Welcome to Portland, New Homeowners!

We hope your newly arrived homeowner friends love Portland as much as we do, and with you by their sides, they’re certain to see its many charms. Tell them we at Urban Nest are glad they’re here!

[Photo Via: Wnupc; MapleXO; AllOutdoor; PDXFood&Drink; Friends of Trees]