Allport Editions

My Dad worked for Hallmark Cards for 40 years. Seriously, 40. And the other day when we were driving by Allport Editions, I pointed to this unobtrusive, hyper-​local card shop where only a week before I’d dropped $ 50 on beautifully handmade, Portland-​specific, one-​of-​a-​kind cards and said «hey Dad, this is what is putting Hallmark out of business.»
And it’s true. These guys do it and do it well. No one wants a generically written hyperbolic anniversary card when you can find something clever and handmade that is just as much of the gift as the gift itself. (You’ll feel that way too, once you pay over $ 5 for it.) Whether it’s a thank you card, gift wrap, or small eclectic gift you’re looking for, you’ll likely find it here and be oh so happy you did.

Ok. So, I remember when this place had their «grand opening» party last summer (?). I was drinking on a neighboring stoop watching people eat cake and go nutty over a card shop that’s inconspicuously nestled into a warehouse space across the street from the rear entrance of a Saab repair shop. I was so confused. Why a card shop HERE? There’s a whole world of retail cuteness, but two blocks away on 28^th. Why???
I walk my dogs by day after day, and this shop almost always appeared closed except for the sandwich board out front that seems to indicate they’re ready for the patronage of folks looking to fulfill some card needs.
Well, I finally stopped sucking at life and wandered in last weekend. I mean, I parked in front of the damn thing– –I might as well humor myself and walk ten feet through the entrance.
I’m not even the kind of gal who gets excited over cards. I normally only pick them up for people out of obligation. (Any who, I’m a terrible storyteller. Thanks for enduring this story.) The moral of the story is, I went in… and they have adorable, clever, handmade, funny, unique, and cute cards. They also have stationary and funny magnets. Even I (aka bitch who probably has one extra ovary and a wayward testicle that’s never distended) felt a bit whimsical and girly.
So, now that I’ve gone into this place… this secret card shop that’s in plain sight… I want everyone to discover its splendor.
So GO… if you were like me and you walked by every damn day with a scowl of skepticism… friggin’ go in. Buy a card. Smile.

Super cute selection of cards for every occasion. Also available to order cards online, but the storefront in Portland also has quite a bit of selection.