Alberta Shopping For Elves

Grasshopper - My “go to” spot for birthday presents, Grasshopper is a welcoming, open space with a friendly staff and a generous play area. The price range is a little high for those on a budget; it can be a great place for grandparents to splurge on a special gift. Kara Larson, the owner, first opened Tumbleweeds next door, and then opened Grasshopper for her lovely kid’s clothing line, Wild Carrots (fun prints and a DIY aesthetic) though she also carries a nice variety of other designer brands such as Kiwi Industries (cute sweaters), Tea, Cotton Caboodle, and Zutano. She has great taste in toys, focusing on natural materials (like the Plan Eco House, a wooden dollhouse that has a wind turbine and solar panels on the roof) and fun and intelligent design. 
Grasshopper
1816 NE Alberta 
503 335 3131

www.grasshopperstore.com

Green Bean Books - I can’t say enough about this wonderful space. Opened earlier this year, Green Bean Books has quickly become one of the neighborhood’s favorite family spaces. Jennifer Green was an teacher at Markham Elementary for ten years before fulfilling a long timedream of opening a kids’ bookstore on Alberta.”Reading was always my favorite part, as a teacher" she says. Green Bean carries a nice selection of kid’s books as well as vending machine facial hair (really, too cool!) and other fun knicknacks. There is a cozy reading area and sale shelf (by the back door) chock full of fabulous deals. Jennifer leads a reading time (walk-ins are welcome) every Tuesday from 11:00 to 11:30 am.

Green Bean Books

1600 NE Alberta

(503) 954 -2354

www.greenbeansbookspd.com

Mimosa Studios The perfect place for your favorite elf to make his/her own fabulous DIY gift. A favorite for birthday parties (they can host parties for adults too) and for handmade gifts for grandparents. Kids (and adults) come to Mimosa to glaze and/or paint the ceramic tile/ statue/ christmas tree ornament of their choice. A fun activity and a Christmas present - two for the price of one! Prices range from $5 for a tile to $56 for a large platter. The kilning process is free, and the piece is usually ready within four days of painting.

Mimosa Studios

1718 NE Alberta

503 288 0770

www.mimosa-studios.com I

Igpei Toys- The other half of the Origin Flowers retail space, this toy store was (amd still is) the brainchild of owner Beka Ambler’s son Isaac ‘s son (age 12 at the time of opening) and retains a true sense of fun. Nothing here is too expensive, too precious, or too educational. There are many small wonders. A great place for elves to shop for other elves. Check out the dinosaur flyers and cutie kid rings. And who doesn’t need a new piggybank these days? Depending on how much your allowance is, you might have some left over for Beka’s pretty flowers.

Igpei Toys

1534 NE Alberta

503 775-9599

Plan ahead: All these businesses are within 4 blocks, from Igpei on 15th to Grasshopper on 18th. Easy walking for short legs!