“Southwest Meets Pacific Northwest” is this boutique’s motto, and the window display beckons you to come inside and see the array of interesting things up close. The store’s footprint is small, but its height is impressive, with vaulted ceilings and a clean light that feels as though there’s open sky overhead. The shop focuses on U.S.-made artisan goods, including pottery, leather goods, apothecary items, teas, honeys and syrups, as well as textiles like pillows and blankets. Owner Lori Cano has many recommendations for discerning shoppers: the Los Poblanos organic lavender cocktail set from New Mexico with lavender syrup, lavender sugar, lavender salt and a copper jigger, already boxed and ready to put under the tree ($72); adorable woodland animal cards from Vermont ($5 each or $18 for a six-card set); Portland-made Penrose Candles in ceramic vessels with black walnut lids and wood wicks ($36); seasonal teas from Texas-based Tea Sip ($20 to $28); organic cloth tea towels ($18) and napkins ($40 for four) from June & December in Michigan; handcrafted charcuterie boards ($100 to $350), black walnut icicle ornament sets ($15 to $20) and tabletop tree sets (around $50) from Portland woodcrafter Hammered Thumb; Wildwood chocolate bars from Portland ($13) in flavors like salted caramel, marcona almond and cherry confit; and Holm toffee from Bend, Ore. ($10). If you’re not able to visit the store in person, some items can also be purchased online.
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Most Everything Vintage
815 Washington St., Vancouver; 360-449-2130; www.facebook.com/Most-Everything-Vintage-217466088264571/. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday and Monday.
For one-of-a-kind gifts with a sophisticated vintage twist, try Most Everything Vintage, which just celebrated its 11th anniversary as a “vintage lifestyle boutique.” The store has things you can’t get anywhere else, like the proprietary Owl’s Nest line of candles and sprays to freshen your mask, room and body ($7 to $19). Owner Alisa Tetreault handmakes many items herself, like the clever “phone scarves” with a hidden pocket for your cellphone or passport ($42), upcycled vintage jewelry bolo ties ($19 to $35) and masks and mask accessories ($5 to $14). Buy a distinctive necklace created from vintage elements by local jewelry artist Humblebug. Treat yourself to owl-shaped chocolates from Vancouver chocolatier Fleur or indulge in Clark County-made Vance Family Soy Candles ($7 to $19). The front half of the boutique has a clubby, masculine feel, where you can find men’s bath and body products from France, Australia and Michigan, including solid colognes ($15 to $55). For a classic look, find hats by Bailey, haberdasher since 1922 ($50 to $150), ties and accessories ($8 to $35), Italian-made socks ($12 to $15), dress shoes ($25 to $55) and lovingly reconditioned vintage men’s apparel ($12 to $150). The shop also stocks hand-tooled leather wallets, passport covers and toiletry bags ($15 to $115). Just for fun, keep your eyes peeled for the shop’s flock of vintage and artisan owls.
Not Too Shabby
1515 Broadway, Vancouver; 360-695-5174, www.nottooshabby-vancouver.com. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 p.m. Sunday.
This boutique has been a local shopping destination for 21 years. Owner Reshell Douglas takes pride in the long-term relationships she’s developed with customers and the warm attention she and her staff give to each shopper. What’s more, the store is a great place to find gifts for many interests. The little ones on your list might enjoy the “Night Night in Washington” board book ($9.99), All About Washington flash cards ($14.99), or the hardbound children’s book, “I Love the Mountains” ($16.99). Cooks will savor Durant olive oils and spices from Dundee, Ore., ($29.50) or a boxed trio of oils flavored with jalapeno, basil and lemon ($24.50). Try on a festive velvet embroidered top ($130) or a powder blue wool blend winter coat ($175). Stay warm with a plaid scarf ($29.99) or a pom-pom hat ($19.50). Find the perfect holiday greeting in the store’s noteworthy card and stationery area, featuring made-in-the-Northwest cards ($4.50 to $6.50). Jewelry collectors will notice the line of SHIFT jewelry, handcrafted by store employee Deborah Funches, who will be in the store on Dec. 17 and 18 to answer questions and take custom orders. Finally, Not Too Shabby offers a singular service for local customers: a gift hotline. Send a text message to Douglas at 360-773-4520 with a description of your recipient and your budget and she’ll create a custom gift basket. Pick it up from the store or have it delivered in Vancouver for free.
