For thousands of years, all across California, Native Americans have lived, thrived, and created exceptional goods. Today, talented Native designers, brewers, roasters, winemakers, and more are building on their ancestral history via their modern pursuits. Shopping from Native artisans not only supports their culture and legacy—it also means excellent gifts, thoughtfully crafted, for everyone on your list.
Séka Hills 2023 Olio Nuovo, $20
Sample what Sunset magazine calls “some of the best olive oil in the world.” Harvested from a sustainable farm managed by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation, this oil is bottled immediately after milling. The result? A peppery oil meant for drizzling. Séka Hills is committed to honoring and preserving the legacy of the Tribe’s Capay Valley roots.
Camins 2 Dreams 2018 Syrah, $55
The wife-and-wife team behind Camins 2 Dreams focuses on cool-climate wines. Born and raised in Catalunya, Mireia Taribó imparts a Spanish sensibility to their craft, while Tara Gomez imparts the perspective of her Chumash heritage. The Lompoc-based winery uses wild yeast to create natural wines like this vibrant Syrah.
Rincon Reservation Road Brewing Luiseño Hazy IPA, $20
Located in Valley Center in north San Diego County, Rincon Reservation Road Brewing is the first-ever tribally owned brewery in Southern California. While the brewery opened in 2012, the Rincon Band of Luiseño Indians have called this area home for more than 14,000 years. Sample the citrusy, dry-hopped IPA and other varieties, all available for shipping nationwide.
NWC Carving Hummingbird, $160
This striking hummingbird sculpture by Nelson McCarty is inspired by Northwest Coast Native culture. Hummingbirds are considered messengers and harbingers of good luck. This carving is sold by Los Angeles’ Autry Museum of the American West, which has a broad selection of Native American Art for sale at its gift shop.
Spirit Mountain Roasting Co. Spirit Blend, $14.50
Centered in the community of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, Spirit Mountain Roasting uses 100 percent Arabica coffee beans for all of its blends. Founder Tudor Montague uses his background in home-brewing beer to craft the perfect beans. Every bag is emblazoned with a Yuman warrior and features the Avi Kwa Ame mountain range.
NSRGNTS Urban Traditional Mug, $20
Founded by Native artist Votan Ik, the art collective and clothing brand NSRGNTS gets its name from the Zapatista rebel group. Los Angeles native Ik, who has Nahua and Mayan ancestry, centers his creations in street art and a devotion to his Native heritage. This bold mug is a no-fail, where-did-you-get-that conversation piece.
Urban Native Era “You Are on Native Land” Ribbed Beanie, $35
San Francisco’s Urban Native Era (UNE), was founded by Joey Montoya (Lipan Apache) with a mission to promote the visibility of Indigenous Peoples and raise awareness. The streetwear brand combines powerful slogans, including the bestselling “You Are on Native Land,” which features a minimalist aesthetic.
California Native Fused Glass Bowl, $45
Yurok tribal member and Hupa-Cherokee descendent of the First Nations people, Pauli Carroll was a jeweler and sculpture artist before being introduced to glasswork by her daughter, Carina King. Today, the mom-and-daughter duo craft one-of-a-kind pieces like this stunning bowl from their studio in Eureka.
Stone Multi-Animal Necklace, $88
Located on Morongo Band of Mission Indians land in Riverside County, the Malki Museum opened its doors in 1965 and has been a vital community resource ever since. Visit to see artifacts from the Tribes of Southern California, as well as a garden showcasing how plants were used as a source of medicine. Browse the gift shop for special items made by Native craftspeople like this animal necklace.
B. Yellowtail Sundancer Silk Scarf, $85
Award-winning designer Bethany Yellowtail is a citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Nation from the Mighty Few District of the Apsáalooke (Crow) Nation. She founded her eponymous Los Angeles-–based brand as a vehicle to express her heritage and unique artistic vision. This silk scarf is inspired by Star quilts, customarily given for big life events like marriages and births.
