Source: Pinecone+Chickadee Facebook
Pinecone+Chickadee
When observing the merits of a coastal city as vibrant and diverse as Portland, Maine, it’s easy to understand why so many people flock to this fantastic destination—both to visit and inhabit.
And, yes—the burgeoning, exciting dining scene here receives myriad accolades every year, justifiably so.
But also rave-worthy are the shopping options—particularly places that cater to folks looking to find that perfect gift for a specific occasion.
Portland is bursting with all manner of unique establishments full of local, handmade items, worldly tchotchkes, artwork, home goods, linens…you name it, you’ll find it.
I’ll give you some brief overviews of some of my favorite gift shops, as well as a list of establishments that have a more specific product focus.
Map of the Best Portland Gift Shops
Let’s be real, Portland is a maze, which is why we’ve pulled together this useful map of the gift shops listed in this article:
Pinecone+Chickadee
If not just because the shop’s name is so stinkin’ adorable, you need to add this place to your shopping agenda—because chances are it will eliminate the need to go anywhere else.
Complete with the shopkeepers’ signature line of clothing and accessories, you’ll also find a full complement of exclusive gift ideas from around the globe, including home goods, stationery, jewelry, artwork, books, and unique vintage items.
Location: 6 Free St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Pinecone+Chickadee
Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine
The name says it all. This shop is a curated collection of unique, handcrafted items—Maine-made, one and all.
You’ll find no mass-produced, soulless gifts here—only beautifully handmade items like clothing, food, jewelry, home goods, and accessories, all made by only the best artisans and crafters in the state of Maine.
Location: 35 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Lisa-Marie’s Made in Maine
The Blue Lobster
Celebrating the uniqueness of every individual—much like the blue lobster, which is a one-in-a-two-million occurrence—The Blue Lobster’s motto is “lucky to be different.”
Calling themselves “Portland’s original brand,” this whimsical apparel shop has plenty of self-branded clothing and products, as well as a host of other gift ideas. Think barware, stuffed animals, kitchen items, bags, and ornaments…just to name a few.
Location: 177 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Blue Lobster
Shipwreck & Cargo
Creative coastal décor and gifts are what you’ll find at Shipwreck & Cargo. Whether you’re adorning your seaside home or searching for the perfect boat-or-beach-motif gift item—if you can’t find it here, you’re not gonna find it anywhere.
Just look for the life-sized pirate figure and the giant, steamship smokestack out front on the sidewalk.
Location: 207 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Shipwreck & Cargo
Something’s Fishy
For high-quality, lasting Maine gift items and clothing, Something’s Fishy offers well-made products that will stand the test of time and daily wear.
With the big, blue fish outside and an expansive array of products inside, this welcoming shop is dog-friendly, too—so Fido can come in and pick out his own doggie toy while you track down the perfect gift item for that special someone.
Location: 32 Exchange St #5020, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Something’s Fishy
Darby Jones
This next-level gift shop features a carefully curated collection of “desirable nonessentials.”
Looking for the perfect leather satchel bag to fit all your stuff? Check. A Ted Lasso mug for your fanatic roommate? They’ve got you covered. A craft cocktail infusion kit for your cocktail-snob sister? Yup—Darby Jones has that, too.
Bonus points: The shop owner is an expert gift-wrapper, too.
Location: 502 Stevens Ave Unit 1B, Portland, ME 04103
Website: Darby Jones
Cool as a Moose
Pride-of-place, high-quality apparel is the specialty at Cool as a Moose…but you’ll find so much more here than super-comfy sweatshirts, t-shirts, and hats.
To name just a few: Mugs, ornaments, stickers, glassware, candles, totes, jewelry, stationery, and banners—many featuring the store’s mascot, Hermie the Moose.
Location: 388 Fore St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Cool as a Moose
juju
A truly unique shopping experience, juju schedules one-on-one shopping appointments to help you find a bespoke “special protection and healing bundle.” For instance, the Solace Bundle: A handmade mug, saffron latte mix, and a soy candle.
There is also the option of locally-grown, colorful bouquets for pickup or local delivery, and an extensive selection of made-by-women greeting cards.
Location: 654 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: juju
Ports of Call
If you still haven’t found that perfect Vacationland knickknack for Uncle Ferdinand, you’ll undoubtedly find it here.
This diminutive shop carries all sorts of nautically-themed gift items, from model sailboats and vintage décor to Maine-centric clothing, bags, and dishware.
The store itself even gives the sensation of being below deck on an old schooner, complete with worn wood floors, exposed ceiling beams, and antique lanterns.
Location: 83 Commercial St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Ports of Call
Abacus Gallery
Part art gallery, part gift shop, Abacus is the place to find gorgeous, artsy gift items created by Maine artisans.
The perfect blend of whimsy and elegance, everything your eye lands on is certain to delight.
Jewelry, lighting, sculptures, prints, and so many other beautiful baubles await your perusal—and if you’re like me, you’ll probably find yourself leaving with far more than the one gift you walked in the door looking for.
Location: 44 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Abacus Gallery
Fitz & Bennett Home
Despite the name of this fun establishment, there is far more on offer at Fitz & Bennett than home goods.
Another dog-friendly spot, this delightful store is a mashup of “steals and splurges,” and you’ll find quirky gift items (a corgi hair clip or daisy-shaped prep bowls) alongside beautiful linens, dishes, and totes.
Location: 43 Silver St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Fitz & Bennett Home
Old Port Card Works
Advertising “fun and laughter since 2010,” this bit-of-everything shop—which also features an adjoining candy store/cheese shop—could probably help you cross off every gift need on your shopping list.
And, yes—they have so many greeting cards, chances are you’ll be overwhelmed. But there are also laugh-out-loud novelty items, Maine gifts, and nostalgic candy brands on offer here.
Location: 3 Moulton St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Old Port Card Works
Gus & Ruby Letterpress
In addition to being an upscale, much-talked-about custom design and print studio, Gus & Ruby also features a hand-picked selection of unique gift items for the home.
You’ll find jewelry, masks, puzzles, candy, stickers, totes, storage options, journals—and far too many other products to list here.
Location: 28 Exchange St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: Gus & Ruby Letterpress
The Merchant Company
Abundant with “local goods made by hand and with love,” The Merchant Company is all about supporting local artisans who favor sustainable design methods.
This bright and spacious shop features a tantalizing array of gift-worthy, handmade goods like clothing, prints, pottery, sculptures, and jewelry…and chances are you’ll find a few take-home prizes for yourself!
Location: 656 Congress St, Portland, ME 04101
Website: The Merchant Company
I’ve barely scratched the surface of Portland’s veritable well of gift shops, but time and space have grown short.
Take heart, though, because below is a sizeable list of fantastic stores, all worthy of your attention—and their names are indicative of the gift genre you can expect to find at each spot.
And be sure you don’t dismiss a shop out of hand just because you’re not interested in, say, toys; I suggest perusing these websites, first, as almost all of these establishments feature far more than the name of the store implies.
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