The Thousands

I first noticed this store because the name, ‘ilikebirds‘ reminded my friend of that Portlandia skit, “Put A Bird On It“. Well, apparently it sucks to be Oregon right now, because when ilikebirds are offering me this 1920s mallard, this sweetie Emperor parrot, and this pudgy little hoper then YES. I am going to put next level birds on all of it.

I am reluctant to classify ilikebirds under ‘homewares’ because the term fails to capture the curiosities here. Owner Tamara, ex-Garlands florist, collects genie bottles and thanks to her collection growing too large, ilikebirds is full of these glowing peculiarities from the 60s and 70s. Then there’s the cabinet of vintage perfume bottles, once part of the private collection of Ferdinando. The keenness of the florist’s eye is evident. Complementing these fancy intricacies are staid brown apothecary bottles and depression-era preserve jars.

There are serious things like an early 1900s King George V solid oak map drawer and Brazilian cowhides, which you will seriously desire. But recover emotionally if you can’t afford them because vintage 50s pyrex wares in ice cream palettes, baked enamel bread tins and early English coffee sets are impulse buy affordable, as are recycled Little Golden Books journals and… pretty much everything except the solid oak map drawer.

My favourite little knick knacks are probably the ilikebirds luggage tags – cream with red and white string ties, and picturing a cheery little chirper. You’ll be justified putting a bird on everything.