From industrial lofts in Oakland to breezy studios along the Santa Barbara coast, the maker culture in California is as expansive and diverse as the state itself. Luckily for us, the fruits of Golden State creators’ labors make for exquisite gifts. This year, celebrate the season with inspired ideas created in California. You’ll impress your loved ones with impeccable taste while delivering a little piece of Los Angeles, Lake Tahoe, San Diego, or some other corner of the state straight to their door. There’s something for everyone on this list—plus a few surprises sure to delight. Gifts ship nationwide; items listed from the city of origin, north to south.
Redwood Forest Leather Journal from Many Hands Gallery, $69
Eureka
Inspire your favorite writer with a leather-bound journal that evokes the majesty of the North Coast’s soaring sequoias. The pewter button closure keeps favorite memories secure.
Lavender Sachets from Eko Creations, $12
Sierraville
Embroidered at the maker’s home studio in the Northern Sierras, these little bundles infuse any top drawer or linen closet with the scent of mountains in springtime. Each satchel is embroidered with flora from the Lake Tahoe region.
Pinnacles Fringe Pouf from High Camp Home, $245
Truckee
High Camp’s lead designer Diana Vincent is known for applying outdoor fabrics to indoor spaces. This quirky piece in neutral charcoal or caramel brings a cozy mountain feel into your living room.
Cedar Rose Smudge Stick from Among the Flowers, $16
Placerville
This beautiful bouquet of flowers was harvested in El Dorado County. Intended to be ignited at one end to cleanse a space, gift this lovely bundle to anyone in your life who might be ready for a reset.
Family Roundup Package from Yolo Land & Cattle, prices vary
Woodland
At nearly 100 pounds, this full quarter of beef will provide grass-fed goodness all year. Each package contains cuts like filet mignon, rib eye, and brisket, all cultivated on a family-owned farm in the Central Valley.
Caviar Sampler from Passmore Ranch, $175
Sloughhouse
For the epicurean who has everything: Harvested from 10-year-old sturgeon on a farm outside of Sacramento, this small-batch caviar screams luxury with every tiny spoonful. The gift set includes two ounces of select caviar and roe.
California Poppy Teapot from the California State Railroad Museum, $65
Sacramento
Fire up the kettle and travel back in time. This pretty little hand-painted pot is a recreation of the china once used during teatime on the Santa Fe Railway, which carried passengers up and down the Golden State.
Burly Trial-Size Six Pack, $32.95
Sacramento
This six pack of craft soda syrups made in California's Capitol City is perfect for the budding mixologist. Add flavors such as Real Deal Root Beer, Grapefruit Brûlée, and Pomegranate-Pink Peppercorn to cocktails. You can also build your own custom pack for just $1 more.
Plum Blossom Farm Felted Soap, $15
Cloverdale
Sonoma County farmer Carole Balala has created a forever home for her flock of sheep, and she uses their wool to create products such as felted soaps, wool dryer balls, and pet toys. She also offers all-natural bath and body products like lip balm, sugar scrubs, and candles.
Heritage Sheep Throw from JG Switzer, $625
Sebastopol
JG Switzer is dedicated to using only the finest natural fibers, like this locally sourced wool. Milled at a tiny workhouse within The Barlow, Sonoma County’s popular open-air market, this throw makes an instant heirloom.
Chardonnay + Ice Bag from Brown Estate, $60 and $15
Napa
Package up a round-bodied bottle and picnic-friendly tote from the first Black-owned estate winery in Napa Valley. If your oenophile prefers red, choose from one of Brown’s award-winning Zinfandels.
Adopt an Alpaca from Menagerie Hill Ranch, $150
Vacaville
Adopt your own alpaca—minus the responsibility—with this sweet package, which includes a photo, certificate of your animal’s genealogy, gift certificate to the farm store, and four free visits to the ranch to bond with your fuzzy friend.
Aruna Jacket and Hiroko Pants from Aliya Wanek, $320 and $210
Oakland
Give their work-from-home look a serious upgrade with this elegant set made from 100-percent cotton. Handmade in the Bay Area, every piece is available in sizes XS through 2X.
Horizon Walnut Rose Gold Watch from Treehut, $210
San Francisco
Crafted from wood and natural blue marble stone, this stunning timepiece lets him take some nature with him wherever he goes. This family-owned small business creates every piece at its Bay Area headquarters. For an additional $25, get it personally engraved.
Canned Craft Cocktails from Shelter Distilling, $18
Mammoth Lakes
This Sierra Nevada distillery offers a range of spirits, including gin, vodka, whiskey, holiday-spiced rum, and more. To create its canned craft cocktails such as Whiskey and Cola and Shelter Collins, Shelter uses fresh-squeezed juices, handcrafted house bitters, and real sugar. Note: Only available for shipping in California.
Color Splash Napkins from House of Cardoon, $18
Carmel-by-the-Sea
This vibrant gift shop is a local favorite thanks to a highly curated assortment of international decor. Owner Nora Lee Cavallaro also carries an exclusive line of California-made items like these indigo dip-dyed napkins sure to brighten any tablescape.
Gift Board Bundle from Stepladder Creamery, $50–$60
Cambria
Founded in 1871, Stepladder Ranch & Creamery has been family-owned and operated for generations. Deliver a Central Coast–style cheese course straight to a fromage-loving friend. This kit includes a cutting board, knife, and three signature flavors.
I Love You California framed art print, $50+
San Luis Obispo
A version of this vintage print is apparently hanging in the new Santa Barbara home of the recently relocated Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. You can own your own affordable version of the California-loving piece from San Luis Obispo–based Buen Dia Design.
The Cross-body Soft Brief from Make Smith Leather Co., $365
Santa Barbara
Traveling in style is as easy as throwing this satchel over your shoulder. Made from leather that strikes the perfect balance between butter-soft and durable by third-generation craftspeople at a family-owned workshop.
Luxury Gourmet Chocolates from Compartés, $75
Los Angeles
These iconic L.A.-made chocolates are like miniature pieces of sumptuous art, topped with intricate patterns in every color of the rainbow. The box inspired by the California coast makes your gift all the sweeter.
Muy Busy Bangle Set from Hija de Tu Madre, $56
Los Angeles
Respect the hustle with gold-plated adjustable bangles created by designer Patty Delgado. Three engraved bracelets read: “muy busy,” “make jefa moves,” and “yo quiero dinero.”
Neon Cowboy Hat from Neon Cowboys, $65
Los Angeles
While attending a country music festival after sunset, Asia Hall envisioned a cowboy hat that would glow like a neon sign. Her idea became a futuristic brand that merges fashion and tech into statement-making styles, and this hat showcases the signature look.
Minimalist Baby Yoda Fine Art Print from S Preston Art & Design, $70
Anaheim
The perfect art piece for the Star Wars nerd in your life, this print comes hand-signed by S. Preston, an Orange County–based artist specializing in sports and pop culture design.
Hinoki Body Oil from Wonder Valley, $85
Joshua Tree
A former California Olive Oil Council member and her husband turn locally grown olives into exquisitely packaged bath products. Infused with the scent of Japanese hinoki and Siberian fur, this luxurious elixir is self-care in a bottle.
Café Moto Go! Electric Bike from Electra, $4,500
Irvine
Save the planet while turning some heads with this stylish e-bike. Perfect for a leisurely pedal—or a zippy ride when you have the need for speed. This racer-inspired bike reaches top assisted speeds of 28 mph.
San Diego Brewery Craft Beer Gift Box, $103
San Diego
The stoke is as high as the ABVs in a curated set of hoppy potables. Celebrate the 12 days of Christmas in a spirited way with this assortment from some of the top brewers in San Diego.
Surfboard from Josh Hall, prices vary
San Diego
A longtime apprentice of surfboard designer Skip Frye, Josh Hall is now a shaping legend in his own right. His beautiful, hand-shaped boards are sure to be treasured and well-used by any wave lover in your life.
Wiggle Mug from Maek, $30
San Diego
Part art piece, part coffee mug, this vessel will impress every coworker on Zoom. Pair with a few bags of beans from nearby Bird Rock Coffee Roasters (starts at $16).
Find more ways to support small businesses through the holiday season by following the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) on Instagram (@californiaosba); its “Get Digital CA!” initiative includes digital pop-up festivals that showcase local and diverse small businesses through social media, creating neighborhood shopping experiences online.
