Give the Gift of Oregon this Holiday Season

Governor Kate Brown Launched the “Give the Gift of Oregon” Campaign as Part of a Comprehensive Effort to Support Local Businesses Statewide

STATEWIDE – This year hasn’t been easy for local businesses, and they need your support now more than ever. In November, Governor Kate Brown announced the launch of the “Give the Gift of Oregon” campaign, part of a comprehensive effort to support local businesses statewide, which runs through December 31st.

“Oregon’s businesses are the backbone of our communities and our economy, and I am encouraging all Oregonians to shop locally this holiday season,” said Governor Brown. “Strengthening our economy starts here at home. One way Oregonians can help is to spend locally to keep dollars with our homegrown businesses that are run by our neighbors, family, and friends.”

For many, the arrival of the holiday season means it is time to make your shopping list. If that sounds a bit daunting, not to worry: You do not have to look far to find handmade and thoughtfully-curated gifts in Oregon.

COVID-19 guidelines by the Oregon Health Authority make shopping in person safe, giving you peace of mind. Wearing a face covering indoors (and outdoors when physical distancing isn’t possible) is required, and make sure pay attention to signs that may indicate direction of traffic. For counties in the Extreme Risk category, retail stores are limited to a maximum of 50% capacity. The safest option stills remains to be shopping online or using curbside pickup, which most of the included stores are now offering.

Oregonians will be able to find featured businesses across the state, along with gift ideas on traveloregon.com/giftoforegon. The campaign also highlights the Oregon Wine Board’s The Giving Season efforts, as well as the Built Oregon Marketplace, an online platform that provides consumers with an opportunity to discover products from Oregon makers.

Travel Oregon has gifts for every interest – from tasty treats made with locally-sourced ingredients to future guided tour experiences through Oregon’s most scenic landscapes (and everything in between) – from seven different regions in Oregon.

“Oregon’s local businesses are the bedrock of the state’s tourism economy – boutique Oregon accommodations, restaurants, coffee shops, breweries, wineries, attractions, tour operators, and retail shops that promote and sell Oregon-made products comprise the fabric of tourism in Oregon,” said Todd Davidson, CEO of Travel Oregon. “COVID-19 continues to have a devastating impact on these businesses and, now more than ever, they need support. We encourage Oregonians to shop local this holiday season and to share hope by giving the gift of Oregon.”

There are many “buy local” campaigns happening throughout Oregon, and this statewide promotion will highlight many of these during the season on social media with the #GivetheGiftofOregon hashtag. Oregonians are encouraged to share their support on social media by sharing their purchases or favorite local businesses and using the hashtag. Oregon businesses and communities can learn more about participating in the campaign by visiting Travel Oregon’s website: industry.traveloregon.com/.

While you can’t be with all your loved ones during the pandemic, you can certainly show your love with a Gift of Oregon. Regardless of how you choose to celebrate the holidays this year, remember to support your local businesses as part of spreading holiday cheer.