Can't quite figure out what to give your nephew this year? Stuck on what to put under the tree for your boss, or your brother-in-law? We feel your pain, and we're here to provide tidings of comfort and joy via this heavily curated California-themed gift guide.
From redwood forests to sun-soaked beaches, the state’s natural beauty is an inspiration for artists, makers, photographers, technologists, and more. Scroll down—you’re sure to find something special for every California dreamer on your list. (Looking for a California wine gift? Click here for 17 top-rated options.)
Gifts for: A Good Cause
Schweiger Vineyards 2014 Chardonnay, $25
Savor the flavor of Napa Valley’s Spring Mountain grapes while supporting relief for wildfire survivors. One-hundred percent of the purchase price of this fruit-forward chardonnay goes directly to the Camp Fire Victim’s Fund.
LuluSimonStudio California Love Sweatshirt, $39
Based in Concord, LuluSimonStudio is known for producing clothes and accessories with clever taglines. This cozy sweatshirt is all heart with 50 percent of the sales donated to the North Valley Community Foundation Camp Fire Relief Fund.
Sierra Nevada Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, price TBD
Legendary brewer and longtime Butte County resident Ken Grossman decided to help fire relief efforts in the best way he knows how—by crafting a specialty brew, Resilience Butte County Proud IPA, and donating 100 percent of the proceeds to the Camp Fire Relief Fund. The beer will be available for purchase at select breweries in late December, and in the meantime, homebrewers are encouraged to brew a batch of their own with this recipe.
Yosemite National Park Pine Candle, $34
Fill your home with notes of freshly chopped wood, granite, and lodgepole pine. This Parks Project candle brings the magic of a Yosemite camping trip right into your living room, with profits earmarked for preserving the park.
Indy Plush Great White Shark, $84
Help save this (often misunderstood) species, endangered on our Pacific Coast. Constructed in Los Angeles, all animals from Indy Plush are filled with 100-percent recycled water bottles and 15 percent of your Great White purchase goes to protecting these beautiful beasts.
Gifts for: Foodies
Cowgirl Creamery Coastal Celebration, $55
For the foodie who has everything, you can’t go wrong with this chevre-heavy gift basket from Cowgirl Creamery. Enjoy expertly crafted dairy from farms up and down the Northern Coast.
Mel Rice Ceramica Indigo Wine Cup, $36
Inspired by the Pacific’s wild waters and hand thrown out of porcelain in San Francisco’s Outer Sunset, we can’t imagine a lovelier way to enjoy a glass of vino. Pair with a subscription to the Sonoma Wine Shop Club or the Santa Ynez Valley Wine Club to ensure their cup never goes dry.
Temecula Olive Oil Company Sampler Pack, $27
Taste three flavors of sunshine in a bottle with best sellers pack from the masters at Temecula Olive Oil Company. Find your favorite flavor: Olivum (straight up goodness with a nutty finish), Citrus Reserve (co-milled with blood oranges), or Roasted Garlic Reserve.
Hangar 1 Fog Point Vodka, $134
Distillers at Hangar 1 in Oakland swear that one can taste the subtle scent of a San Francisco morning in this smooth small-batch spirit. That’s because mesh nets around the bay catch fog water which is then mixed with vodka made from California grapes.
Santa Maria Grills Tailgater and Gift Basket, $255
Santa Maria–style barbecue gets its signature flavor from tri-tip rubbed with spices, cooked over an open flame. DIY it with this mini grill which comes with leather cooking gloves, meat turner, spices, and special sauce.
Gifts for: California Style Lovers
Dôen Zuri Dress, $198
Coveted by fashion editors across the country, Dôen is a collective of female designers based in L.A. inspired by “nostalgia for the California of past decades.” This timeless, long-sleeved dress is perfect for winter.
Freya Cocoa Hat, $280
Diane Keaton-meets-Lone Ranger in this super stylish hat, crafted by two San Francisco–based artisans. Bonus points for gifting it with the company’s leather Poppy Travel Hat Box ($890).
Olive and Poppy Lucite Barrel Earrings, $34
These sweet little studs are made from reclaimed oak barrels used to age Napa Valley vintages. A lucite stripe perfectly complements the wine-stained wood.
Lejon Carson Belt, $58
This handcrafted belt will last a lifetime without breaking the bank. Based in Riverside County, Lejon specializes in leather goods like this one made from vintage bison hide.
Seavees Mariners Boot, $158
This sneaker-boot hybrid made out of waterproof suede is was inspired by old-school footwear created for the Mare Island Naval Shipyard. SeaVees have been made in Santa Barbara since 1964. Available in men’s and women’s sizes.
Vira Sun Lotus Sunglasses, $55
A completely unexpected gift for the yogi you love, these glasses, made in San Diego, feature beachwood arms specifically designed to stay put through her practice. Available in men’s styles as well.
ZB Savoy Wax Canvas Weekender, $199 (on sale)
Planning a weekend trip anytime soon? Stash what you need in this rugged duffle with leather accents made by San Diego–based ZB Savoy.
Gifts for: Tech Gurus
Google Home Hub, $149
The ultimate Silicon Valley success story, software giant Google gets in the hardware game. This smart assistant features a home screen so you can say things like, “Hey Google, what are the best restaurants in California?”
LSTN The Troubadour Headphones, $180
Based in Los Angeles, LSTN creates beautiful audio products that benefit the Starkey Hearing Foundation. These wireless beauties are made from vegan leather and real wood.
Gunnar Optiks Maverick, $60
Even if you can’t get your significant other to put down her or his laptop and phone, you can still protect their precious peepers with these aviator-style glasses. Gunnar Optiks, based in Carlsbad, boasts the only patented blue light blocking technology in the United States.
Waterfield Fused Suede Phone Case, $29
For that friend who considers their iPhone to be an extension of their hand (aka deserving of a luxurious glove). This case is made in San Francisco from butter-soft suede.
Gifts for: Someone Worth Splurging On
Orient & Flume Paperweight, $90-$460
So much more than a paperweight, any gift from Orient & Flume is a piece of life-lasting art. Designs from this Chico studio can be found in museums as prestigious as the Smithsonian and the Met, but are available for purchase too.
Peace Bicycles Dreamer, $700
Close your eyes and imagine cruising down the Venice Beach Boardwalk with the wind in your hair. Make that dream a reality for your favorite peddler with this classically chic commuter bike made in L.A. by Peace Bicycles.
A California vacation, priceless
As the winter weather sets in, there’s no better time to plan a vacation in the land of endless summer fun. Studies show that happy people prioritize spending on experiences, not things, and we couldn’t agree more. Head to Visit California for some serious inspiration (and a free visitor's guide).
CalPak Medora Three-Piece Luggage Set, $495
Los Angeles–based CalPak makes elegant luggage sure to inspire adventure. This sparkly three-piece set is one of their best sellers.
Weiss Standard Issue Field Watch, $950
After apprenticing with some of the best watchmakers in the world, Cameron Weiss embarked on a mission to bring back American watchmaking to the West Coast. The family-owned company produces signature timepieces out of their studio in Torrance.