Sure, you could gift another scented candle from a big-box store. Instead, why not choose something rooted in place and made by real artisans—a gift your loved ones will actually treasure and maybe even hold onto for years to come? For that, look no further than the Golden State.
This guide is full of unexpected surprises: a charcoal-dyed soap hand-dipped in Oakland, ceramics from the redwood coast, uni harvested by divers in the Santa Barbara swirl, and personalized olive oil. All made in California. All very giftable. All guaranteed to make you look like the thoughtful one this year and guaranteed to ship nationwide.
Lady & Larder DIY Cheese and Charcuterie Board, $215
Santa Monica
A gift basket that gets even better after unboxing? Yes, please. This California-curated set features Point Reyes’ award-winning blue cheese, sun-dried apricots from Hollister, and Malibu-harvested honey. Everything you need for a too-pretty-to-eat platter is included (including the board). And if you’re looking for the gift that keeps on giving, sign your loved one up for the Santa Monica company’s monthly cheese club.
McFadden Farms Bay Leaf Wreath with Chilies, $46
Mendocino County
From their organic family farm in Potter Valley, McFadden Farms provides beautiful estate wines throughout the year. For the holidays, they produce something special: fresh bay leaf wreaths. These stunning pieces, including garlands and swags, are handcrafted with fragrant organic herbs and vibrant red chiles. They also offer a unique dual function—elegant seasonal décor that transitions into year-round culinary use once dried.
Verve Coffee Seasonal Blend, $19.50
Santa Cruz
Nothing says the holidays quite like a seasonal blend of coffee. Support a sustainable, small batch (and the 2024 roasters of the year from Roast Magazine) by shopping at Verve from Santa Cruz. Known for their smooth blends (and past collaborations with the Grateful Dead) this special roast has notes of candied ginger, mulled wine, and dark chocolate.
Tower 28 Lip Trio, $28
Los Angeles
Named after a lifeguard tower in Los Angeles, this trio of “lip softies” promises irritant-free ingredients that will moisten your lips with a fun little hue.
Iruai Wine Shasta Cascade Red, $28
Etna
Recently dubbed a "California wine producer worth getting to know" for its "distinctive and fascinating” bottles by the New York Times, Iruai takes a natural approach to its winery, forged in the remote grape-growing territory of Shasta Cascade.
Sanny Ceramics Stein, $48
Mendocino
For the beer lover in your life, a distinctly modern version of a German-style stein. This gas-fired glass from Mendocino ceramist Jason Sanovich would look even better packaged with a bottle of nearby North Coast Brewing Company’s 35th Anniversary Ale ($9.95).
A Vintage Trail Map Bandanna $10
Auburn
A bandana that moonlights as a trail map—equally suited to tying around a ponytail or navigating the American River trails. Created by NorthFork Clothing, pick from seven classic California trails including: Auburn State Recreation Area (available both above and below Confluence), Cronan Ranch, Folsom Lake, South Fork American River, South Yuba River and the Olmstead Loop. Each square is available in mustard, pink, grey, cream, and blue.
All Roads Charleston Plaid Tablecloth, $210
Yucca Valley
Liven up a holiday spread with a charming tablecloth in an unexpected plaid. The 100-percent cotton style is machine washable, making it work as well for Tuesday dinner as it does for Christmas brunch. It comes from a Yucca Valley-based company that works with local and regional makers.
Custom Made Silver Rings $24–$168
Long Beach
Purchase a handmade, silver gemstone ring (or necklace) from Long Beach-based Hellbent Silversmith, or learn the art of silversmithing through a private workshop or four-week advanced course hosted by the owner.
Handmade Soap Sculpture, $62.50
Oakland
This sculptural soap set turns an ordinary sink into a seriously chic conversation starter. Founded by architect Mei-Lan Tan, Oakland-based Umé is known for thoughtful details and contemporary design. The jet-black Umé Daily Detox Set atop its button-shaped dish is just one of many colors and scent variations.
Gantri Kero Table Light, $248
San Francisco
Created in San Francisco, the Kero is a modern riff on the kerosene lantern, reimagined in clean lines and warm, diffused light. It’s functional, sculptural, and quietly full of personality—a room-changer of a lamp for the design geek in your life.
Yosemite National Park, Half Dome Puffin Vest Coozie, $22.95
Yosemite Valley
Keep their drink cold while looking cute and cozy in its own tiny puffer vest koozie. Even better: Every purchase supports the national park.
Santa Barbara Fish Market Uni Tray, $49.95
Santa Barbara
Hand-harvested by local divers in the cold-warm swirl of the Santa Barbara Channel, this uni is prized as some of the best in the world. Any seafood fan will love it served on warm toast, scattered over fresh pasta, or slurped straight from the tray.
Personalized Olive Oil from Flamingo Estate, $88
Ojai/Los Angeles
Grown in Ojai, this bottle of heritage olive oil from the fabulous Flamingo Estate offers a personalized bottle inscription. Send a note of love, joy, or something fun penned in a lovely script right on the bottle’s label. And if you’re still browsing, the beloved Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle is another great gift option as well.
Weld + Wool Durango Wool Cashmere Hat, $179 & Fixings Kit, $34
Temecula
Tap into your inner cowboy or cowgirl with an heirloom-quality hat that will remain a wardrobe staple wear for years. The Fixin’ Kit, also from Temecula, delivers the “hat bar” experience straight to your home, complete with trims and finishing touches so anyone can style a look that’s entirely their own.
Sparkle Geode Buddy, $24.99
Idyllwild
A pet rock with personality, a geode buddy makes for a clever white elephant gift, stocking stuffer, or little something for the kid-of-all-ages in your life, made by Wax Apothecary in Idyllwild.
Palm Springs Midcentury Butterfly House, $250
Palm Springs
From Palm Springs artist Tom Dolle comes a LEGO-style fever dream for anyone who lives for midcentury design. The 1,400-plus pieces click together to create a lucite coffee table, malm-style fireplace, miniature succulent garden, and more.
Under the Stars Paint Kit, $35
Twentynine Palms
For a little paint and sip event right in your own home, this acrylic kit from Earth & Easel Arte Studio in Twentynine Palms comes with a pre-traced canvas, quality paints, and step-by-step guidance to recreate a starlit scene from Joshua Tree.
Original Grain Charred Whiskey Watch, $349
San Diego
Veteran-owned Original Grain in San Diego creates rugged timepieces that pair stainless steel with reclaimed wood. This model features a skeleton dial, 40-hour power reserve, and finishings sourced from authentic whiskey barrels.
Sando Sauce, $16
Altadena
This delicious sandwich sauce—which also works amazingly on tuna, deviled eggs, burgers, and more—was concocted by cookbook author Molly Baz. The mayo-based spread comes in five different flavors: Dill Pickle Mayo, Hot Giardinayo, Miso Mayo, Tangy Dijonayo, and Original Mayo. Get a two-bottle pack for $16 or go all-in and get a holiday sampler package.
Hardwood Creations Chess Set, $195
Davis
Elevate their game with a handmade chess set from Davis–based artist David Levy. The solid birch board is accompanied by queens, bishops, and castles carved from maple and golden rosewood.
A Bottle of Carhartt Wine, $48
Santa Ynez
Did you know that Carhartt—makers of coveralls, beanies, and barn coat—also makes a mean varietal? Located in the Santa Ynez Valley (with a bumping tasting room in Los Olivos), you can pick up a bottle of Carhartt wine for your favorite hipster/farmer/friend who just loves well-made pants.
Coastal: 130 Recipes from a California Road Trip, $40
Central Coast
Dive into the flavors of California with 130 recipes and over 300 stunning photos that celebrate the coast’s magic and abundance. Created by chef Scott Clark, who turned his fine-dining skills into an unforgettable railroad-car diner in Half Moon Bay.
The Cactus & the Hawk Denim Work Vest, $325
Mammoth Lakes
This rugged-meets-refined vest from Mammoth Lakes delivers the kind of eternal cool that goes from mountain trail to urban terrace without missing a beat.
Fleks San Ysidro Slide, $120
Santa Barbara
Slip into something more comfortable: Soft leather, cushioned foam, and jewel-toned shearling come together in a pair of decidedly luxurious slides from Santa Barbara.
Magic Lamp Keychain, $8
Los Angeles
Celebrate the 100th Anniversary of Route 66 with this absolutely adorable keychain commemorating the delightful dining spot The Magic Lamp Inn. The inn—famous for its flaming neon sign and lounge singers—has long been a local favorite, and this charm lets you carry a little bit of Rancho Cucamonga with you wherever you go. Made from the retro motel and sign-afficionado Merch Motel.
Daniel’s Truth Discovery Scene Package, $24
Buena Park
Send your loved one a collection of delightful smells with this starter kit. The Buena Park-based fragrance brand uses a “croissant-layering” technique that allows all of their homemade scenes to be layered upon one another, or simply worn solo.