Lemon Tree

Elite '09

94

231

Nader A.

Portland, OR

5/31/2009

Lemon Tree is a cute little shop with gifts, trinkets, and curios - both locally and non-locally produced - located on the same Hollywood block as the Laurelwood Pizza Co.

It reminded me of a couple shops over on Hawthorne (such as Presents of Mind), or even a not quite so bizarre Bazaar of the Bizarre (http://www.yelp.com/bi...) with funny little gag gifts (electronic Yodeling Pickle anyone?), Obama action figures, "People's Republic of Portland" tees, and lots of funky, cute, and vibrant jewelry and knickknacks.

Outside they had a rack of trendy (but not terribly difficult to make) totes and purses that may or may not have been made by a prominent local designer (I didn't look at the tag, but I think they were the real deal).

The shopkeeper was a friendly and welcoming lady who didn't bug us as we walked around the relatively small space, but was quick to answer questions or point things out to us.

She won super cool points from me in the way she handled a potentially difficult situation where an obviously homeless fellow started loitering around those bags I mentioned earlier. There's no need to get all agro and treat the guy like garbage, she just went out there asked if he needed anything, and let him know that SHE knew he was there and had an eye on him - totally respectful, but taking care of the merchandise!

Prices for these types of gifts/novelty type shops are never where I think they should be - but you're generally not paying for the quality of the craftsmanship or materials, rather the cuteness and aesthetic qualities. And you CAN find some things made locally here, so that's a big plus!

We ended up walking out of there with a sweet little coin purse/wallet for My Lady ($4), and I'll definitely pop back in there to browse anytime I'm in the neighborhood.

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