From serene sandy beaches and stark desert vistas to cerulean alpine lakes and dense redwood forests, California’s natural diversity is unmatched. It’s no wonder some of the world’s most impressive artisans and makers use the state as their muse. This year, fill your loved ones’ hearts (and their stockings) with one-of-a-kind gifts inspired by the California landscape.
Mountains
High-elevation ideas from the Sierra Nevada to the Cascade Range
Julia Szendrei Jewelry, Turquoise Rose-Cut Necklace, $68
Keep the beauty of Lake Tahoe’s water close to your heart with this sweet piece crafted by a local artisan.
El Buen Cacao, Variety Box, $40
Straight from the San Jacinto mountain town of Idyllwild, try the chocolate Yelp users have dubbed the country’s best.
Galactic Traveller, Juniper Bundle, $25
Tap into Mount Shasta’s legendary energy in your own home with this sweet-smelling juniper bundle thought to have protective powers.
The Mystery Lodge aka Iruai Wine Club, $162–$350 per shipment
Inspired by the French Alps, this Siskiyou County winery develops unique wines—plus a percentage of each purchase goes to the Shasta Indian Nation.
Parks Project Yosemite Spectradome Hook Pillow, $58
Let this decorative pillow conjure dreams of Half Dome, Mount Hoffman, and El Capitan.
Forests and Fields
Gifts harvested from golden fields and inspired by wild forests
The Jonsteen Company, Coast Redwood Seedling, $30
From the North Coast town of McKinleyville, give a loved one a mini-majestic giant to nurture and grow.
Temecula Lavender Co, Salt Scrub, $16
From the lavender fields of Temecula Valley, this fragrant jar is perfect for pampering.
Humboldt Hot Sauce, Spicy Set, $70
See how redwood country likes its heat levels with this hot-sauce set made in Humboldt County.
Valley Candle Co, Natural Onyx, $65
Scent your home with the fruits of the Central Valley in this sunset-inspired holder from Bakersfield.
Castello di Amorosa, Decanting Cradle, $4,250
This medieval-style device is for the discerning wine lover who already owns every other wine-related gift on the planet.
Beaches
Sun-kissed treats plucked from California’s 840-mile coastline
Annieglass, Ultramarine Water Sculpture Bowl, $619
Inspired by the Central Coast shore, this statement bowl crafted in Monterey creates a visual effect of perpetual motion.
Tradewind Seafood, Santa Barbara Uni Premium, $150
Gift a taste of some of North America’s finest uni, hand-picked from the Channel Islands.
Friends of Friends Hat Co., Baja Norte Hat, $80
The ideal beach accessory, this Encinitas-based hat store offers small-batch hats crafted by artisans.
Home/Work, Sk8 Cat Socks, $18
For the skater boy-turned-cat dad in your life, tap into Santa Cruz surf-style.
Inflight Surf Shop, The Bear Board, $1,120
Ensure your favorite surfer stands out on the break with a custom-made board from this Seal Beach shop.
Cities
Keepsakes nearly as thrilling as California’s busy metropolises
SFMOMA, The San Francisco Notebook, $20
Channel Kerouac, Tsui, and Eggers with this sturdy notebook that features a subtle impression of the City by the Bay.
Reparations Club, Tanya Holland’s California Soul, $35
Gift a gourmand with these 80 California soul food recipes conjured up by the acclaimed Oakland chef.
AJ’s Elixirs, Beard Bundle Kit, $50
City slickers and country boys will love a kit of personal-care products made in Sacramento.
Sugar Lab, Koreatown Collection Kit, $50
These too-cute-to-eat sweets are a love letter to L.A.’s K-Town.
Juiced Bikes, CrossCurrent X Ultimate Commuter Bike, $2,199
Make someone’s return to office life a little more fun with a sleek e-bike from this San Diego brand, intended for city streets.
Deserts
Presents that deliver California’s unique flavor of desert chic
SHAG Beach Towel Collection, $225
Pool days just got a little more fabulous thanks to this beach towel set from Palm Springs artist Josh Agle (aka SHAG).
The End, Handmade Western Concho Belt, $125
Get your cowboy on with a handmade vintage-inspired Yucca Valley accessory.
ZZIEE Ceramics, Patterned Tumbler, $30
Stamped red-clay tumblers will impress on your Zoom call—perfect to fill with a cup of Breakfast Bliss from Joshua Tree Coffee Co.
Trina Turk, Thurston Blazer, $488
Make a statement at any holiday party with this festive blazer from one of Palm Springs’ most iconic retail shops.
Death Valley Natural History Association, Pupfish Figurine, $8
Adorn a mantel with the rarest fish in the world, found only in the northern Mojave desert.
