elsa + sam

I love this place. I stumbled across it searching for a last minute gift for my picky boyfriend and was met by the most delightful and helpful woman who took so much time helping me decide on a gift and pointing out all of the stores adorable and thoughtful kitchen tools. I am definately going back, this time to shop for me!

Elsa + Sam is the kind of 500SF space you could spend over an hour looking and still find something you missed. Every peice is choosen with such care, you want to take it all home. The staff is super nice and they have something to fit almost any budget.

I had no idea this place even existed. And I found it at just the right time. It saved my day.
Elsa + Sam is a super cute dishwear boutique over on Hawthrone. This little storefront boasts an array of artisan bowls, plates, glassware and the like from all over the world. All of the items in this boutique are design-​oriented and carefully crafted.
I was on a hunt around Portland for some Italian crystal glassware of a very specific variety to purchase as a gift for a friend who is into modern design. This is not an easy thing to find in Portland. Where’s a guy to go for this stuff?
Esla + Sam, that’s where.
I walked in the door and asked for Italian crystal, and was presented with numerous options as well as some cool designer Swedish crystal glassware. There were various porcelain options as well, including some really cool no-​handle tea cups and such. A great and unique selection, oriented towards a discerning eye.
The gift was a hit, the service was great, and I walked out a happy guy.
It’s definitely a niche store, but something Portland needs.

elsa + sam is a great addition to the new shops sprouting along Hawthorne and as I stopped in here yesterday I was so pleased to think we have this terrific resource! Who knew I needed some great new fabric coasters? I bought a set from a local designer & cannot wait to admonish The Big Man to ‘use a coaster!’
The dish wares, glasses, tea towels, and vases are delightful. I like that they are mostly made locally, have a very clean look about them, and are priced in such a way as to allow for purchases, but also to consider that these items are NOT mass-​produced. It’s a fine line & the owner strikes a good balance. A set of double-​sided fabric coasters, for example, were $ 24.00 (4 coasters), made out of sweet-​but-​not-​cloying vintage fabric. I currently have my eye on a set of octopus-​inspired dishes… must wait till after the holidays!
There are also selections of very unusual cards, letterpress, made by indie designers that you will be hard pressed to find elsewhere.
A highly recommended stop whilst on your way up or down Hawthorne!

This is the kind of store you want to spend your money in. The owner is so lovely and friendly, and the merchandise (mostly dishware) is generally right-​on. Yes, it will probably cost a bit more than you’d like, but not nearly as much as those knock-​offs at Anthropologie. Everything is from indie designers (local and non), and hopefully it should fill you with glee that you’re getting rad, arty dishes and towels instead of carbon copies.

This is the cutest new store on Hawthorne. The owner who I believe is named Elsa Sam is very sweet and has an amazing eye for design. She sells all artisan items that are somewhat modern, but very unique. Lots of kitchen towels that are screenprinted, jars, vases, glasses and mugs with cool hand painted or etched features. Check this place out. Super cute!