When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC
Why Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC, founded in 2019 by Michelle Lewis and Charles Hannah in Portland, Oregon, stands out as a heartfelt hub for African Centered books, accessories, and gifts. This 100% Black owned business offers more than just products; it provides an inspiring space to celebrate and enhance cultural pride, happiness, and healing. The store focuses on high-quality items aimed to motivate and uplift customers, making it an ideal place to connect with friends over meaningful literature and unique cultural items. Besides offering a thoughtfully curated collection, Third Eye Books also serves as a community resource where customers can engage with local artists, authors, and events that bring the community together. Whether you are seeking to enrich your mind and soul, find the perfect gift, or simply enjoy a welcoming, culturally rich ambiance, Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts creates an inviting atmosphere to meet and reconnect.
Here's what people think of Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC
As of recent, Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC holds a 5-star rating based on 266 reviews.
Reviews consistently praise Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC for its exceptional customer service and commitment to quality products. Customers appreciate the store's strong cultural focus and how it encourages a sense of pride and connection to African and African-American heritage. Many highlight the curated book selection and the supportive community environment, emphasizing the friendly and helpful staff who enhance the shopping experience. Positive reviews also mention the business's dedication to uplifting and inspiring customers, making it more than just a retail location but a cultural sanctuary. On the other hand, any negative feedback tends to be minimal and often relates to challenges typical of small businesses such as inventory limitations or occasional delays, which are met with understanding from most patrons. Overall, the reviews reflect deep community appreciation with a strong endorsement of Third Eye Books as a go-to spot for culturally meaningful gifts and literature, fostering a unique and empowering shopping experience.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Sarah A.
I found this place on tik tok and decided to stop in during my weekend trip to Portland. I was so impressed by the large selection of books available by black authors. I was also able to chat quite a bit with the owner, Charles. He was great to chat with and I could tell that he’s very passionate about literature, life and black culture. I ended up purchasing two books that I’m super excited to read. Next time that I’m in the area, I will definitely be back!
Malcolm Earhart
Just take all my money. If I didn't have adult supervision I'd be building an encampment with all the books I just bought. I've already shipped a box, plus no room in my luggage for all this knowledge. I'm still plotting a solo return before I skip town. She gushed over speaking with the owner, who's a local civil rights activist at their holistic parlor around the corner. Brother behind the counter has plenty of recommendations that we took him up on. Highly recommend.
8BitBrewmaster
I was just talking to someone about how there wasn't much teen pregnancy in my social group when I was a teenager. And I told my friend that one of my favorite neighborhood shops where I got my shirts and rings and posters had free condoms in a bowl by the register. My friends and I stayed safe thanks to that little community service you offered. Thank you so much for that.
Special Kay
If you have not been to Third Eye Books, you are truly missing out! The customer service, the selection, the overall vibe all say “you are welcome here”. Run, don’t walk, to get there. I promise you will not be disappointed 😊
J B
Went in on my birthday yesterday to buy myself a few things, and get a copy of the Black panther Party graphic novel for my mom. I spoke with Charles, one of the owners, and we had an excellent conversation. He is very helpful and very welcoming, and holds space extremely well to make real connections with his customers. He's extremely knowledgeable about so many topics, especially the history of race relations in Oregon, which is one of the books I had gone there looking for. He's very good at making recommendations for what you're looking for, and is genuinely a delight to buy things from! Looking forward to returning again and again, hopefully next time I'll get to meet his wife who also owns the store and has a holistic healing business in the building next door! So great to see them thriving on Division, and in a storefront that has been on that street for a very long time. Old Division was such a different place than it is now, with so many massive newly constructed buildings with very little character. The building they are in is part of old Portland, as are they, and it is fitting that they are representing the important and wonderful history and legacy of black people in Oregon from an older building with a lot of character.
How to reach Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC
None
Website: None
Why Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC with your friends?
Choosing Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts LLC for a group meetup with friends or family offers a unique and enriching experience that goes beyond a typical social gathering. This highly rated bookstore and gift shop, located in Portland, Oregon, is a vibrant cultural hub founded by Michelle Lewis and Charles Hannah in 2019. Its focus on African-centered books, accessories, and gifts creates a welcoming space that inspires connection, learning, and celebration of diverse cultures. Rallying here means immersing yourselves in a supportive community environment where conversations about heritage, empowerment, and creativity can flourish. The shop’s carefully curated selection provides thoughtful gifts and reading materials that spark discussion and help build cultural pride. Additionally, the cozy and inviting atmosphere encourages groups to linger, explore a variety of stimulating topics, and share meaningful moments together. Whether you’re looking to discover powerful literature, find unique gifts, or simply enjoy quality time in a culturally rich setting, Third Eye Books is an ideal backdrop for memorable group experiences.
What activities and experiences does Third Eye Books offer for group meetups?
Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts provides a variety of activities and experiences that make it perfect for hosting a gathering with friends or family. The main draw is the extensive collection of African-centered books covering a wide range of genres including history, fiction, poetry, and social justice. This offers plenty for groups to browse and discuss, facilitating engaging conversations and shared learning experiences. In addition to books, the store features an array of unique accessories and gifts that reflect African culture and pride, such as art, jewelry, and wellness products. These items make excellent conversation starters or thoughtful presents for loved ones and can encourage group members to bond over shared interests in culture and creativity. The knowledgeable and welcoming staff at Third Eye Books can assist groups in making selections or learning about the significance of various products, enhancing the communal experience. The store’s ambiance—welcoming and motivating—also offers a relaxing setting for groups to meet, stroll together, and absorb the uplifting environment. Special seasonal hours further accommodate flexible scheduling, making it easier for groups to coordinate visits. Overall, Third Eye Books invites guests to connect deeply—through both commerce and culture—in ways that nurture relationships and cultural pride.
How does Third Eye Books inspire motivation and cultural pride for visitors?
A core mission of Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts is to motivate, inspire, and restore cultural pride in its customers. Founded intentionally as a space to support African-centered knowledge and creativity, the store’s offerings are designed to uplift and empower visitors through storytelling and art that reflect the beauty and complexity of African and Black experiences. The books available are not just for entertainment but also tools for deeper understanding, healing, and personal growth. By providing access to literature that centers Black voices, history, and perspectives, Third Eye Books helps visitors reconnect with their roots and view themselves through a lens of strength and resilience. Accessories and gifts amplify this by incorporating cultural motifs and symbolism that enhance a person’s sense of identity and pride. This nurturing environment is perfect for groups because it facilitates shared inspiration and encouragement among friends or family members. Whether diving into literature that confronts social challenges or exchanging gifts that celebrate heritage, visitors leave with a renewed sense of purpose and collective empowerment.
What makes Third Eye Books a perfect setting for cultural learning and dialogue?
Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts serves as a sanctuary for cultural learning and thoughtful dialogue, making it an excellent venue for group meetups that value education and meaningful discussion. The store’s deliberate focus on African and Black-centered content creates a rich dialogue space where visitors can explore historical narratives, contemporary issues, and creative expressions from often underrepresented viewpoints. This curated environment invites curiosity and encourages visitors to ask questions, share insights, and engage with diverse cultural experiences. For groups, this is an ideal platform to foster discussions that might not happen as naturally elsewhere—about race, heritage, identity, and social change. The pairing of books with unique gifts grounded in culture helps deepen understanding in a tactile, immersive way, allowing group members to connect ideas with physical expressions of culture. The staff’s expertise adds an educational layer, offering contextual information and recommendations that facilitate deeper conversation. Whether you come as a book club, friends interested in social justice, or family exploring their cultural roots, Third Eye Books creates a dynamic setting for collective learning and dialogue.
Why is Third Eye Books ideal for finding unique gifts that celebrate cultural identity?
When you want to find gifts that are thoughtful, meaningful, and culturally significant, Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts stands out as the perfect destination for group trips focused on discovery and sharing. Unlike mainstream gift shops, this store specializes in accessories and gifts that celebrate African and Black heritage, crafted to inspire happiness and healing. The selection includes books, art, jewelry, wellness items, and other culturally resonant products that carry stories and symbolism unique to the African diaspora. For groups, selecting gifts here becomes a collective journey of exploration and appreciation, as everyone can partake in learning about the cultural significance behind each item. The availability of these unique gifts makes Third Eye Books ideal for occasions where the goal is to honor identity and express solidarity with heritage, whether for birthdays, holidays, or community celebrations. Shopping as a group allows friends and family to share these special moments of cultural affirmation, and the supportive staff can offer personalized suggestions to enhance the experience. This makes Third Eye Books not only a retail space but a cultural gift hub that nurtures meaningful connections through thoughtful giving.
How does Third Eye Books support local community and entrepreneurship?
Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts functions as more than just a retail store—it is a community-driven enterprise that supports the local Portland area and Black entrepreneurship. Founded by Michelle Lewis and Charles Hannah, this Black-owned business exemplifies the importance of representation and economic empowerment. Gathering at Third Eye Books connects you with a space that actively contributes to family wealth building through small business ownership and local economic growth. By frequenting this store, groups participate in supporting inclusive commerce and celebrating community resilience. The store also collaborates with local artists and authors, often showcasing work that might not be found in mainstream venues. This support of local talent creates an inspiring ecosystem for visitors who value community solidarity and cultural expression. Group meetups at Third Eye Books thus become opportunities not only for socializing but also for endorsing meaningful business practices that uplift underrepresented communities. The collective momentum generated encourages ongoing cultural and economic investment—making each gathering feel impactful beyond just the immediate social experience.
What kind of atmosphere and customer service can visitors expect at Third Eye Books?
Visiting Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts guarantees an inviting, warm, and intellectually stimulating atmosphere ideal for groups wishing to spend quality time together. The store’s layout encourages browsing and lingering, with curated displays that showcase the rich diversity of African-centered literature and gifts. The environment is calm yet vibrant, creating a perfect balance where friends can explore in comfort and inspiration. Visitors consistently praise the attentive, knowledgeable, and courteous customer service provided by the owners and staff, who are passionate about their mission and eager to engage with customers. This personalized service enhances group visits by making everyone feel welcome, informed, and valued. Whether you need guidance selecting books or gifts or want to learn more about certain cultural items, the team is available to facilitate a deeper connection with the store’s offerings. This supportive environment nurtures group conversations and shared discoveries, turning a simple shopping trip into a memorable cultural and social experience.
How accessible is Third Eye Books for groups planning a meetup?
Located conveniently on SE Hawthorne Blvd in Portland, Third Eye Books Accessories & Gifts is accessible for local groups and visitors alike. The store’s hours typically run from mid-morning to early evening, with some extended hours during holidays to accommodate flexible schedules. This flexibility makes it easier to plan meetups that fit varied group needs. Its placement in a lively neighborhood adds options for dining or other entertainment nearby, allowing groups to extend their outing beyond the bookstore visit. Ample street parking and easy public transportation options make arriving with friends or family straightforward, which helps reduce the logistical hassles often faced with group outings. The store’s size and layout comfortably accommodate groups without feeling crowded, which means your gathering can enjoy an intimate yet spacious environment. Whether you’re coordinating a small book club, family day, or friends’ cultural outing, Third Eye Books provides the practical and welcoming setting you want for a smooth and enjoyable group meetup.