Himalayan Gift & Candy Store

I was once young and intrepid, I traveled the world and got down in the weeds in crowded markets and ate strange foods and bargained for mysterious talismans. I am so much older now and less flexible, but there are certain kinds of shops, certain smells, that bring those years of travel rushing back like a flood in a dry gulch. It was probably the smell of humble temple incense that caught me as I walked past 42nd Street Station in Portland. A small cluster of shops and a great little restaurant. That smell that speaks to me of wandering through bustling Asian markets and stopping by neighborhood temples, of monks mingling in the streets and of constant movement and change. That smell that pulled me into the Himalayan Gifts and Candy as surely as if I had been a fish and I had been hooked. Once inside it was like traveling to far off lands! Himalayan Gifts is absolutely packed with treasures both large and small, both rare and mundane. It is a labyrinth of curiosities and cultural icons. And there… sitting in the middle of this extraordinary collection like a ringmaster of a circus you find Daya! Counselor, Educator, Translator, Interpreter, Entertainer, Proprietor. And you don’t even have to climb to the top of a mountain to find him. The shop has a great collection of Buddhist statues, singing bowls, handmade paper, incense, amount countless other amazing objects. They have candy in jars in the window, educational books, beautiful cards, masks, trinkets, and through it all, wise Daya there to help and advise. To explain the background and history of of objects and their meaning. And maybe to offer a little counseling. He’s a good listener. This is one of those places where you can travel to other lands without leaving your own town. Where you can experience the welcome of the world by stepping off a sidewalk. You can smell a different universe by opening up a door. And isn’t that amazing.

My favorite place to go for incense. They have the handmade earthy smelling kind I like, plus all the classics. Lots of other nice items and candy too which is fun. I will go out of my way to make it to this spot. Highly recommend

Interesting and unique selection of cards for holidays and special occasions. Very affordable! Also home-made candies and gifts from far-away lands.

Himalayan Gifts and Candy has the best assumed selection of the finest Himalayan gifts, and candy, as well.

I will never shop here again. I recommend that no else does either unless you like being followed, watched and treated poorly.