For planners tasked with the fun duty of “gifting” attendees gathering in the Pacific Northwest, there are countless products native to Oregon and Washington.
Washington
- Chukar Cherries: (509.786.2055; www.chukar.com) Made with love in Prosser, most recipients of these very popular chocolate-covered cherries consider them a big hit. While the cherries are its most popular treat, the company also sells a variety of other chocolates, nuts and dried fruits in either Chukar’s logo boxes or specialty tins.
- Wildfire Glass Studio: (425.806.3855; www.wildfireglassblowing.com) One of the Pacific Northwest’s most notable artistic offerings is blown art glass, made especially popular by the work of Dale Chihuly and his disciples. Founded in January 2004, Wildfire Glass Studio is located on the north side of Seattle. Among the affordable gifts available for purchase for group attendees are hummingbird feeders, paperweight globes, various decorative ornaments, and wine bottle-shaped cheese servers.
- Tim’s Cascade Potato Chips: (800.533.8467; www.birdseyefoods.com/tims) Manufactured in Auburn, Tim’s chips are sweeping the nation. With flavors ranging from lightly salted to hot jalapeno and wasabi, attendees would enjoy finding a bag of these snack treats in any Washington-specific gift basket.
Oregon
- Pendleton Whisky: (541.386.1588; www.hrdspirits.com) Before bottling this oak barrel-aged whisky, which is distilled in Canada, Hood River Distillers in Oregon adds pure glacier-fed spring water from Mount Hood. Small bottles of Pendleton Whisky labeled with the buckin’ horse logo are available for groups. The whisky is named for the nearly 100-year-old Pendleton Round-Up, one of the most prestigious rodeos in the world, which is held annually in Pendleton.
- Cagoule Fleece: (503.295.2663; www.cagoulefleece.com) These outdoorsy Pacific Northwest products, including hats and scarves, are made by hand in Portland. In keeping with the city’s progressive sustainability campaign, the fleece used for these items is made from recycled, two-liter soda bottles, and so nicknamed “bottle fleece.” The company sells quantities at wholesale rates, which are quite affordable.
- King Estate Winery: (541.942.9874; www.kingestate.com) Located near downtown Eugene, King Estate Winery offers a delicious menu of Oregon-grown wines, including signature pinot gris, pinot noir and chardonnay, as well as the King Estate Domaine series, made exclusively from organically grown estate grapes. When shopping for a group, ask which wines are offered in the smaller 375 ml bottle. Also keep in mind that King Estate has function space for receptions and meetings.
