From Nike to Harry & David: Top Ten Gift Ideas from Oregon

Oregon is home to thousands of companies who offer unique and superior products. Why not do your holiday shopping "in Oregon" this year. Here are just a few of the quality gifts and products you have to choose from:

1. Nike Shoes Do you have a "Just Do It" kind of person on your Christmas list this year? If so, you can't go wrong with a pair of Nike tennis shoes. Nike is headquartered in Beaverton, Oregon and had its origins at the University of Oregon when track coach, Bill Bowerman used his wife's waffle iron to create a better running shoe. Since then, Nike has become an industry leader in sports wear and athletic equipment. For the serious runner in your life, customize your own Air Zoom Moire+ Shoes which can work with your iPod Nano to give you instant feedback on your running speed, distance and calories burned directly in your ear. If you are in the Portland area, drop by Niketown on 6th Avenue for a total Nike experience and a huge selection of Nike apparel and shoes.

2. Columbia Sportswear For high quality outer wear and apparel, Columbia Sportswear is your answer. Over the years, Columbia has emerged as a leader in the industry. Perhaps you've seen their advertising with founding mom, Gert Boyle, pictured as a tough-as-nails mom who's high standards for her own boy's outdoor warmth was the core of the company's outdoor gear. Columbia has developed their own breathable, waterproof coating called Omni-Tech and is the 2nd largest user of breathable, waterproof fabric. Columbia also developed the "Interchange System" where shells and liners could be zipped together or worn separately for 3 or even 4 different coats in one. Columbia stands behind their coats. My husband discovered a problem in his 15 year old Columbia jacket. He followed the directions for returning the jacket to their warranty department and in a few weeks, the jacket was returned to him, repaired.

3. PAC 10 Sportswear Show your support of your favorite Oregon PAC 10 team by giving University of Oregon Duck and Oregon State University Beaver sportswear. Stadium blankets are a great gift because they can be used at home or at the game, and during the winter months, you just can't go wrong with a blanket. You can visit the Beaver Shop and Duck Shop, located just blocks from each other on 1st Avenue and 2nd Avenue, or order online. For your littlest Duck or Beaver fan, try children sized t-shirts and sweatshirts, or mini footballs and pom poms in school colors.

4. Harry and David Gift Basket Harry and David is located in beautiful Medford, Oregon. Founded in the early 1900's they were the first to offer high quality fruit by mail. Harry and David started out with 240 acres of pear orchards and has evolved into one of the premier companies for high end food and gift baskets. Besides quality fruit, you can choose from chocolate covered nuts and fruits, truffles, chocolate decadence cake and cookies. Harry and David also offers floral gifts and home décor. Give your friend or loved one a membership in a floral club for 12, 6 or 3 months. A gift from Harry and David will definitely make an impressive gift.

5. Pendleton Blankets Since 1893, Pendleton Woolen Mills has been manufacturing quality wool products. From wool blankets to keep World War I soldiers and sailors warm, to plaid shirts that became a signature look for California surfers, to the classic Indian trading blankets that have been an icon of the company since its earliest days, Pendleton is a classic American company that is also an Oregon company. Pendleton wool blankets are not cheap, but they are high quality and will be cherished for generations. Choose from classic Native American patterned blankets, pastel baby blankets, and blankets in the classic Pendleton plaids.

6. Danner Boots In 1936, Danner Boots moved to Portland, Oregon to take advantage of the large market of lumber workers who needed boots. Since then, Danner has become synonymous with outstanding quality. According to Danner's website, their boots are overbuilt to impress the experts who wear them. Danner manufactures boots for use in the military, at work and in uniform, but you can also get Danner boots for the outdoorsman on your gift list. Rugged hiking and hunting boots will surely be appreciated and I am not exaggerating when I say they will last for years. My husband has a 30 year old pair of Danner hiking boots that have hiked miles and are still in great condition. Several years ago, we were hiking around Yosemite and one of the young summer workers noticed my husband's well-worn Danner's with admiration. "Cool boots," he said and we noticed is much newer looking Danner boots. "Maybe mine will look like yours someday."

7. Books The book lover on your gift list will love "Oregon Coast" photographed by Rick Schafer with essays written by Jan and Jack McGowan. More than just a coffee table book, the essays will take you on an armchair tour of one of the most beautiful parts of Oregon. The photographs are inspiring and breathtaking.

8. Music Oregon has several musicians to claim as it's own. For a blues fan, pick up any CD by Curtis Salgado, who's chance meeting with John Belushi in Eugene, Oregon in the 70's inspired the Blues Brothers. If rock is more your cup of tea, try anything by Everclear. Art Alexakis was originally from California, but moved to Portland before forming Everclear. If you're looking for music that is a mix of samba, classical and jazz, check out Pink Martini. Their songs have appeared in several movies (Josie and the Pussycats, Nurse Betty, and Mr. and Mrs. Smith, to name a few) and on TV (West Wing, The Sopranos and more).

9. Moonstruck Chocolates Moonstruck Chocolate Company was founded on the idea that chocolate should be an experience, not just a candy. Sold mostly at gourmet food retailers, you can also order on-line, or visit one of it's 2 Portland Chocolate Cafes where you can find chocolate beverages and desserts. Each Moonstruck chocolate is handcrafted and is practically a work of art. Customize your own box of Moonstruck Chocolates with 2 to 40 pieces. Choose from beautiful and delicious delicacies like Pure Gold, Honey & Drambuie in a bittersweet ganache topped with edible gold, or The Ocumarian, Pure dark chocolate, from the Ocumare valley in Venezuela, with a gentle glow of chili pepper. Moonstruck Chocolates are truly a decadent gift for the chocolate lover on your gift list.

10. Myrtlewood One of Oregon's beautiful natural resources is the Myrtle Tree. Growing on the Oregon coast from Florence, south to just inside the California border, Myrtle trees are evergreen trees with a dense and symmetrical conical shape. It takes 100 years for Myrtle trees to reach 14 inches in diameter log, which is the smallest the sawmills can use. These logs are then turned into beautiful bowls, candle holders and vases. Jewelry boxes, clocks and other home gift items are also built using Myrtlewood. Only 500,000 board feet of Myrtlewood are used each year and the unique items made from it's wood by skilled craftsmen can become treasured heirlooms. A beautiful salad bowl or candle stick holder would make a lovely gift uniquely from Oregon.

If you live in Oregon, you don't need to go far to find fabulous gifts for everyone on your list. If you do live out of state, all of these products are available on line. Have a very "Oregon" holiday season!