Grateful Hearts, Local Finds: The Art of Thoughtful Giving
Hey there,
As I write this, Thanksgiving is tomorrow. How in the world did this happen? Weren’t we just carving pumpkins and handing out candy the other day? My mom told me this would happen—that time would fly by as I got older. She’s right about so many things, it’s borderline annoying. 😝
But this is the season of gratefulness, and truth be told, I learned from her to practice it year-round. As a small business owner, I really have to work on this—a lot. One of the ways I do is by losing myself in a creative process, and that includes gift-giving. I’m mindful of being grateful for the uninterrupted time to consider what to give, the joy of shopping for the gifts, and the deep friendships I’m fortunate to celebrate.
Gratefulness, like beauty, can be found in everyday things.
Recently, I put together a housewarming gift for dear friends and was reminded of how meaningful it is to shop locally.
(Fun fact: Did you know that when you shop locally, about 67% of your money stays in your community vs. 14% when you shop online with a big-box, no-personality, doesn’t-give-a-crap-about-you retailer? Just something to keep in mind.)
We wanted to give a gift filled with items that are traditional symbols of good wishes for a new home. After some research, we started with a vintage basket found at The Antique Boutique in Sellwood and filled it with local delights:
Wine: Jachter Family Winery’s gorgeous Pinot – “May you always have joy and never go thirsty.”
Candle: Lord Design (shameless self-promotion!) – “May you always have light through the darkest times.”
Honey: Oregon Growers Wildflower Honey (New Seasons) – “May your life always be filled with sweetness.”
Bread: Grand Central Bakery – “May your house never know hunger.”
Salt: Jacobsen Salt (New Seasons) – “May there always be flavor and spice in your life.”
Olive Oil: Costa d’Oro (not local, but purchased at New Seasons) – “May you be blessed with health and well-being.”
(The cotton kitchen towels were also from New Seasons for convenience, but I encourage you to shop local for those too. We have great gift shops like Indigo Traders, Kitchen Kaboodle, Hoppe Shoppe, Manor Fine Wares, Woonwinkle, and Cargo—just to name a few.)
The symbology of each item was explained in a handwritten note on a postcard from local artist Catherine Freshley, who, by the way, has a new gallery location with gifts of all sizes and price points.
These small, carefully chosen items created a gift full of heart—a reflection of the warmth I wanted to share. The beauty of a gift like this is its simplicity. It doesn’t have to come from far-off places or online orders. With a bit of thought, you can create a meaningful holiday or hostess gift using items from your local grocery store, favorite boutiques, or even things you have on hand.
I’ve also gathered some unique vintage items at the studio, so if you need a little help putting a gift together, let me know. Not just for the holidays but throughout the year—send me an email, and we’ll see if I have something that might work!
I encourage you to focus on the process of selecting gifts that celebrate not only the recipient but also the communities and makers around us. It’s a way to share a little extra love while keeping things close to home—a thoughtful gesture for a time when connection matters most. And yes, you get to have a little fun in the process.
This season isn’t just about the gifts we give but the spaces we create. Whether it’s setting the table for loved ones, adding an extra blanket to a guest bed, or simply lighting a candle as the sun sets, these small acts invite connection and remind us of what matters most.
You know, times like these, when you dutifully have your head down in prayer and your two older sisters see it as an opportunity to steal your drink. 😂
I’m endlessly grateful for all of you. Whether we’ve connected through a project, a message, or this newsletter, your kindness and encouragement mean so much to me.
As we embrace this season of gratitude, my hope is that you find joy in crafting thoughtful moments for others—and for yourself. Let’s celebrate the beauty of keeping things local, personal, and filled with heart.
'Til Next Time
— Arlene