All 113 gifts from our holiday gift guide in one place
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Seeking holiday gift-giving inspiration but still browsing without specifics in mind? We got you. Here are all our suggested items from our 2025 Gift Guide in one big, filterable list. Merry scrolling! And if you want to do some in-person browsing for the perfect present, try visiting one of L.A.’s 101 great gift shops.
If you make a purchase using some of our links, the L.A. Times may be compensated. Prices and availability of items and experiences in the Gift Guide and on latimes.com are subject to change.
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Offerman Woodshop Yes Box
Home Decor $200 at Offerman Woodshop
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(Offerman Woodshop)
Picture a wedding ring, not in a typical box, but in a handcrafted, one-of-a-kind ring box from Offerman Woodshop. This box, made from salvaged walnut and elm, is not just unique, but also eco-friendly. It comes with wood shavings from sycamore, maple and walnut instead of tissue paper, an Offerman Woodshop logo and up to three customized metal-stamped initials (for $25).
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Gold Bug Handmade Bug Box
Home Decor $35-$45 at Gold Bug
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Got a bug lover in your life? This Bug Box, filled with beetles, stink bugs and grasshoppers, could be the perfect gift. Handmade and painted by Stacey Coleman, each box comes with 15 to 21 bugs crafted from paper, gauze and wire. Bugs can be placed in houseplants, flowers, on computer monitors or anywhere that needs a mood boost. And again, they come in a wooden gift box, so you don’t need to wrap them.
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Specks and Keepings crocheted fishline jewelry
Jewelry $35 at Specks and Keepings
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
When textile artist Debra Weiss isn’t quilting, weaving and creating clothing patterns, she makes time to crochet delicate, one-of-a-kind bracelets in durable fishing line. These waterproof bracelets are designed to be inclusive, adjustable to fit all wrist sizes and come in a variety of colors while featuring beads and hand-quilted fabric charms. Adjust the knot to customize the size.
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Wall for Apricots Field Day Candle
Home Fragrance $70 at Wall for Apricots
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(Missing Credit)
L.A.-based design studio Wall for Apricots collaborated with local candle maker Jennifer Rhee of LAIT Candles to create this custom candle, featuring calming notes of orris, green tea leaves, fresh grass and mint. Hand-poured in Rhee’s studio in West Hollywood, the soy candle comes in an elegant green glass jar that looks lovely when illuminated. It has two wicks and comes in a sturdy box perfect for gift-giving.
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Rami Kim Gussy Ring Dish
Home Decor $80 at Rami Kim Studio
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(Juliana Yamada / Los Angeles Times)
Inspired by her dog, Gus, Los Angeles artist Rami Kim creates whimsical ceramics that are certain to bring a smile to your face, just like her beloved white terrier. Measuring approximately 3-by-4 inches, each dish is hand-painted with an image of Gus and can be used as a salt dish, soap dish or catch-all for jewelry and other treasures. Made to order with a two-week lead time.
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OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil
Skin Care $52 at OSEA
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(Osea)
There’s much to like about Osea’s Undaria Algae seaweed-infused body oil. It’s vegan, aromatic with hints of grapefruit and lime and a non-greasy, post-shower moisturizer. Priced at $52 for the standard-size bottle, it’s also a treat for a gift recipient accustomed to drugstore brands. I liked that it shipped from Malibu within two days of ordering and arrived with two free samples — body wash and body butter — that would make fun stocking stuffers.
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Everybody.World Rugby Trash Polo
Apparel $78 at Everybody.World
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(Colin Sussingham)
Cropped with straight sleeves with no cuff, the Everybody.World Rugby Trash Polo is a reliable gift that can accommodate anyone who loves comfortable clothing. Made from heavyweight reclaimed waste cotton, the shirt has a boxy fit that makes it easy to throw on. Available in five colors and sizes ranging from small to XL. It washes well. (I tested it.) Here it’s shown with rib shorts.
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Minor Thread Oversized Weighted Eye Pillow
Accessories $34 at Minor Thread
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(Charlie Wright / Minor Thread)
Working in L.A.’s Arts District, artist Charlie Wright creates striking sachets and eye pillows made from colorful, recycled and vintage fabrics. The soothing weighted eye pillow, measuring 9.5-inches by 5 inches by 1 inch, is filled with whole flaxseeds and is available in lavender and mint or unscented. Depending on comfort, the pillow can be microwaved or frozen. The cover is removable for easy washing.
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Samar Grove Is in the Heart perfume
Fragrance $12-$55 at Samar
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(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
It’s hard to resist the thoughtful perfumes of Debbie Lin and Na-Moya Lawrence, who craft artisan scents for their company, Samar, in their Hollywood apartment. Their captivating unisex perfume, Grove Is in the Heart, which they describe as a juicy scent like “Trader Joe’s candied orange slices” (notes of bergamot petitgrain, mandarin, linden blossom, Indonesian sandalwood) won the hearts of the judges at the 2024 Art and Olfactory Awards and will likely win over your gift recipient’s too.
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May Lindstrom Skin the Blue Cocoon moisturizer
Skin Care $60 for 10ml at May Lindstrom
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(May Lindstrom)
A pea-size amount of this waxless, concentrated balm-to-oil formula is recommended on wet skin, but it smells and feels so good that you will want to add more. Created in the May Lindstrom Los Angeles kitchen lab, the Blue Cocoon formula is a soothing ritual for everyday dryness. It arrives with a handwritten note and a “made fresh date,” which indicates the exact date the product was made, ensuring its freshness and potency.
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AYR the Secret Sauce jeans
Apparel $245-$275 at AYR
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(AYR)
AYR’s vintage-inspired, straight-leg jeans have the feel of an American classic, with special details that make them feel like they were custom-made for you. The jeans are available in three inseam lengths, seven different washes, and feature premium cotton denim with a touch of elastane. True to AYR’s brand name (All Year Round), the jeans are a timeless gift that will carry your giftee through until next year’s holidays.
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Sea to Me Pacific Pillow
Home Decor $125 at Sea to Me
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(Arnil Pabalan / ACE Production)
For the person who really needs an ultra soft place to rest their head, there’s Sea to Me’s luxurious Pacific Pillow, handsewn in Los Angeles. Available in four color combinations, the 22 inch-by-22 inch pillow comes with a pillow cover made from Minky Fabric — an ultra-soft yet durable faux fur — and a hypoallergenic pillow insert. Dry cleaning is advised, but it can also be machine-washed in cold and dried on a low-heat setting.
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The Wooden Palate Aster Incense Holder with Arvin Olano
Home Fragrance $240 at the Wooden Palate
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(Aster Incense)
Designed by woodworker Eileen O’Dea of the Wooden Palate and designer Arvin Olano, this triangular incense holder is a soulful and functional catchall for the giftee who appreciates handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists. Made-to-order in fumed oak and ebonized oak by a small team, the lead time is approximately one week once the item is purchased.
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Surfers Jewelry Shortboard Bracelet
Jewelry $45 at Surfers Jewelry
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(Gevorg Sargsyan)
Inspired by the ocean, Jess Yen created Surfers Jewelry to capture “the essence of surfing” as a reminder of “self-love.” The jewelry, including the waterproof shortboard bracelet (in gold or silver), is designed for the active person on your gift list. They will also appreciate the shortboard and longboard necklaces, longboard bracelet and the innovative hair-tie hider cuff bracelet. Ensuring durability, every piece is ocean and pool waterproof and backed by a lifetime color warranty.
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Wolfum Olio Sage Serving Tray
Home Decor $90 at Wolfum
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(Wolfum / Annabel Inganni)
Wolfum’s birch Olio Sage Serving Tray is a stylish take on service, whether for hors d’oeuvres, breakfast in bed or simply a convenient container for your keys, wallet and earbuds. The hand-printed tray by local designer Annabel Inganni is available in a wide variety of patterns, measures 19 inches by 14 inches by 2 inches and can be wiped clean with a damp cloth.
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Shaadee Mae hand-quilted sweatshirts
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Nothing like a hand-appliqued sweatshirt adorned with hand-stitched cherries, hearts, peace signs, fish and flowers in vibrant textiles for the person who loves to express their individuality. Crafted by Shaadee Ighanian in her Glendale home studio, each Shaadee Mae piece is made to order using a selection of vintage and repurposed fabrics. Choose the color of the sweatshirt and pattern, and she’ll take care of the rest.
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Lander Skateboards
Sporting Goods $155 at Lander
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(Lander)
Made from recycled nylon from abandoned ocean fishing nets, Lander’s decks will not only provide a durable ride for the skateboarder on your gift list, but also look good hanging on the wall. Outfitted with a unique patented hole pattern, the decks are reinforced with glass fiber for a sturdy ride and are available in two sizes and four colors (Slime Green, King Red, True Blue and Pavement) that will stand out on the street.
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California Incline Scenery Crewneck
Apparel From $176 at California Incline
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(Bliss Braoudakis)
Inspired by the miles of scenic beauty along Pacific Coast Highway, these heavyweight cotton terry sweatshirts by California Incline come in a relaxed, unisex fit that will suit everyone on your gift list. Featuring photos of Laguna Beach, Palos Verdes, Malibu and Santa Barbara, the sweatshirts are available in crewneck and hoodie styles in sizes XS-XL.
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Miguel Miguel Los Angeles Strong Cap
Accessories $29 at Miguel Miguel
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(Miguel Miguel Shop)
Like the iconic Dodgers baseball hat, designer Miguel Jose Barragan’s wide-wale corduroy cap, in brilliant blue and embroidered with “Los Angeles Strong,” represents hometown pride and love for L.A. Available in a small assortment of colors and logos, proceeds benefit the Los Angeles Fire Relief fund. One size fits all. Made in Historic South-Central L.A.
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Experiences
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Get dirty at Little City Farm's herbal alchemy workshop
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(Deborah Vankin / Los Angeles Times)
Jennifer Silbert, who makes zero-waste bags from salvaged materials at Rewilder, turned a residential yard and former tennis court into a lush urban farm oasis in the heart of Mid-City. The almost zero-waste Little City Farm is now brimming with wildflowers and fluttering butterflies; chickens roam the property; and Silbert keeps bees on the roof. It’s so picturesque, the farm is rented for weddings, birthdays and private chef dinners. It also hosts an herbal alchemy workshop, which Silbert teaches, walking guests through how to make infused oils that can be used for body care or cooking. Guests harvest fresh herbs and citrus on the property, clean them, then hand crush dried herbs in a mortar and pestle to infuse the oil with. They leave with small bottles of what they made that day — during the workshop I attended: sage, rosemary and citrus-infused massage oil.
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Indulge in one of L.A.'s best foot massages
Self Care $40 at Tibetan Herbal Feet Soak
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(Maggie Shannon / For The Times)
We all know someone who could use a little pampering. The 70-minute reflexology at Tibetan Herbal Feet Soak is a transformative, relaxing experience. There are no private rooms here; instead, guests receive treatments in rows of plush armchairs. For $40, it includes a sublime, 10-minute foot-steaming; a 10-minute foot soak in warm water treated with more than 40 dried and powdered herbs, including ginseng, mugwort and saffron; and a 50-minute foot and leg massage. That’s all while your giftee sits with a warm, buckwheat-filled compress under their neck. Like I said: transformative.
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Don't have a cow, man — hug one at this L.A. area sanctuary
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(The Gentle Barn)
I did not expect to cry as I hugged the giant cow named Oliver, but there I was beneath a shade in a dusty corral weeping against my new bovine friend. The Gentle Barn in Santa Clarita is an animal sanctuary where visitors interact with horses, cows, chickens and more (including one mischievous emu, Earl), who have suffered mightily at the hands of humans and are now healing in a loving space. On top of weekly visits to the farm, the Gentle Barn offers programming, including cow hug therapy ($216.24 for up to two people), which I am now a believer of. All ages welcome. (In addition to adult and teen prices, fees are $16.22 for children ages 2 to 12; free for kids ages 2 and younger.)
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Carved illustration workshop at a ceramics studio
Workshop From $140 at Danny D's Mudshop
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(Matthew Bannister)
Treat the crafty person in your life to a pottery carving class at Danny D’s Mudshop in East Hollywood, where owner Daniel Dooreck provides tips, snacks, music and encouragement. During the hands-on class, which typically lasts two hours, guests will carve and paint pottery that Dooreck has thrown on-site for them. Afterward, he will take care of the firing and mailing, so all you have to do is wait for your masterpiece to arrive.
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Try aerosol art at a graffiti workshop
Workshop Gift card prices vary at Graff Tours
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(Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Need street cred? Graff Tours, opened in 2024, offers graffiti tours, classes, parties and date-night aerosol art sessions in a 450-square-foot studio upstairs in a Boyle Heights factory. Teachers include founder Gabe Schoenberg and artist Shak Smart. An hour-long, $45-$75 lesson covers line technique, mist control, letter structure and two places where graffiti is legal: Venice Art Walls and Santee Public Gallery. Children 8 and under must be joined by an adult.
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Skydive over Yosemite Valley for the least crowded views
Adventure From $225 at Skydive Yosemite
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(Jordan Kilgore / Skydive Yosemit)
Why take the at-times perilous path to Half Dome in Yosemite National Park when you can instead jump out of a plane to see it? Skydive Yosemite takes participants, including your favorite holiday daredevil, over Yosemite Valley before participants, strapped to their guides, pop out of a plane, descending 10,000 to 14,000 feet depending on the package they choose. I couldn’t believe the rush of the free fall, followed by the serenity found sitting in the parachute observing the glory of the earth around me.
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Treat man’s best friend to a massage for mutts
Dog Care $50 at Doggissage
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(Jeff Alulis)
William Riddle is a certified canine masseuse, and his Doggissage business — for all dogs of all sizes — is mobile, traveling through parts of Orange County and Los Angeles. He’ll come to someone’s house and, for $50, give a pup a relaxing or rehabilitative hour-long massage. It might look like a vigorous petting session; but Riddle says his deep tissue massages relieve muscle tension and stress, increase blood flow and mobility and may ease pain from arthritis. (He suggests discussing it with a veterinarian first.) He ends the massage with a fragrant beef stick treat — two paws up!
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Soar over the Santa Ynez Valley
Adventure From $139 at Highline Adventures
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(David H. Collier / Highline Adventures)
The gate opened, and I started to fly over gorgeous green oak woodlands. I watched as the Santa Ynez Valley flew by, appreciating the sweeping views of the San Rafael Mountains. Usually a hiker, I screamed in delight on each of the three zip lines, including what are said to be the longest and fastest in California, offered at Highline Adventures in Buellton. One staffer told me that she was afraid of heights until she started working there. Best to gift this, though, to a loved one with an adventurous soul.
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Sip and nibble in the Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room
Dining $93-$98 at the Huntington
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(Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
If you want someone to feel rich, send them to sip and nibble at the Huntington Rose Garden Tea Room, which was redone in spring 2023. Traditional Tea Service ($64 for adults, plus $29-$34 Huntington admission) includes sweet and savory snacks on a three-tiered silver platter. Salmon. Caviar. Gardens all around. One complication: You must buy the gift certificate in person at the 1919 Cafe (no admission fee) or tea room.
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Taste West Africa in a private dining room
Dining $188 at Ilé
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(Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Whether you call it private dining or dinner theater, neither term fully captures what Chef Tolu “Eros” Erogbogbo and partner David Olusoga are doing with the West African dining experience they call Ilé. Chef Eros, born in Nigeria, cooks for up to 28 people at a time in his Hollywood apartment or a DTLA Arts District kitchen, merging West African cuisines. (Available select Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays.) It’s usually a tasty, three- or four-course meal, family style, with curated music and storytelling by the chef or Olusoga — a gift of food and culture, reservation required. Main courses include Senegalese, Ghanaian and Nigerian elements.
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Hike to the Hollywood sign with a comic and canine
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(Christopher Reynolds / Los Angeles Times)
Hollywood Hikes supplies a comedian and dog to lead hikers to the Hollywood sign. Someone like actor-comedian Jon Ebeling (with sheepadoodle Mozart) takes the group 4.4 miles round-trip on the moderately challenging Innsdale Trail, about 2½ hours ($20). Count on lots of corny jokes, Hollywood history and pleasant canine vibes. To give a hike, founder Joe Thompson said, “Book a tour for a future date and shoot me an email saying it’s a gift. We handle the rest.”
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Stocking Stuffers
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All Roads Mineral Bath Soak
Self Care $14 at All Road
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
When it’s too hot — or too cold — to venture to Joshua Tree, bring the desert home to you with Yucca Valley-based All Road’s desert-inspired bath salts. Available in unique scents like Desert Midnight (juniper and palo santo), Desert Rose (rose, clove, frankincense), Palm Valley Gold (citrus and vanilla), and Homestead (cedar, vetiver and frankincense), these aromatic blends, made with essential oils, are a soothing alternative to an in-person visit to the Mojave Desert.
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Mickey Mouse Collectible Doll
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Disney fans are plenty in Southern California. And yet one of the most fetching Mickey Mouse plushies comes from San Francisco, courtesy of the Walt Disney Family Museum. I love this doll for its vintage vibes — it’s modeled after designs from the 1930s — and it works equally well as a cuddle buddy or a displace piece. Just be aware it will fill an entire stocking.
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Nuvo the Early Harvest — Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Condiment $31.99 at Nuvo
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Confession: I’m not above having bread or toast for dinner, as long as those slices are paired with olive oil from Long Beach-based Nuvo. Start with a bottle of the Early Harvest. Bold and aromatic, the Early Harvest tastes to me like fall, with earthy, grassy notes and just a tinge of bitterness. Nuvo says there are green apples. I just sense “garden.” Check its site for a list of farmers market appearances or buy online.
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Haley Solar Meow Crew Socks
Accessories $14 at Haley Solar
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Whether you consider your gift-giving target a little feral or more of an indoor kitty, they’ll look fashionable and colorful in these meow-emblazoned crew socks. They’re a little playful, a little sexy and all-around comfy, whether worn out on the town or lounging at home and cuddling with a purring companion. The socks, which come in four shades, are exclusive to L.A.’s Haley Solar and can be bought in person or online.
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Fabelab Astronaut Pocket Friend
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Yes, Labubus have been the hot-ticket companion doll item this year, but why limit yourself? I’m partial to this lil’ astronaut pal from Fabelab, which is a Danish doll widely available online. With a pointed smile and a colorful spacesuit, this galaxy-dreaming traveler signifies imagination, exploration and the hope of the unknown. It’s perfect for affixing to a bag for that daily reminder to never stop being curious.
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Pergolina Water Bird Whistle
Garden Tools & Accessories $6 at Pergolina
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
These water bird whistles from Toluca Lake’s Pergolina — get ’em in one of nine colors, from light pink to dark navy — are adorable, whether you place them in a garden among plant fixtures or just utilize one or two as fashionable knick-knacks. There’s also a not-so-hidden use for them: cat toys. Just fill one with a little water and converse with wildlife or put your kitty companion on high alert.
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Solar Eclipse Snake Hair Claw
Accessories $28 at Greenwood Shop
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
I love a snake — they are graceful, elegant and perhaps a bit obscure. And if you’re not careful, maybe even a bit dangerous. These hand-painted hair clips, which are made from recycled wood by Solar Eclipse and available at Studio City’s Greenwood Shop, are ideal for someone who values artistry as much as functionality — and maybe a hint of mystery. The hair clip’s snake design is subtle; each one is unique and they’re full of vibrant personality in red or green.
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Ourika Soap
Beauty $45 at Ourika Soap
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
An Ourika Soap is as gorgeous as it is cleansing. Made here in L.A. but inspired by Sophie Wizmann’s Moroccan roots, the bars are vibrantly sculpted masterworks. I’m drawn to Ourika’s rope-affixed Le Marrakech, its circular bar and wooden beads adding a tinge of elegance to my shower. Try the scented eucalyptus soap, which is soothing and just ever-so-slightly minty, but there are nine different varieties to sample.
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Snifty Tinned Fish Pens
Home Decor $12 at Shout and About
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Tinned-fish bars are a trend. My favorite spot is downtown L.A.’s Kippered, a go-to locale for beer, wine, canned fish and charcuterie. Life is better with fins, and thus I was drawn to these sardine-inspired pens. I like a fancy pen as much as the next guy, but when our days are stressful, I look for silliness anywhere I can find it. I love that these pens are a little translucent, and their rounded curves make them feel especially easy to write with.
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Flamingo Estate Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle
Home Decor $64 at Flamingo Estate
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Look, I’m not the biggest tomato person. But I want my home filled with Flamingo Estate’s Roma Heirloom Tomato Candle. It’s powerful, but in the best way. As an urban, downtown dweller, I’m drawn to its freshness, an aroma that makes me feel as if I’m sitting outdoors and surrounded by greenery. If I close my eyes, I can imagine I’m in a backyard. No wonder it’s among the L.A. brand’s bestselling scents.
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For Teens
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Starface Hydro-stars + Big Blue
Beauty $16.99 at Starface
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(Starface)
The thought of gifting someone pimple patches may sound off-putting at first, but these aren’t just regular pimple patches. These are Starface Hydro-stars. Housed in a smiley compact mirror, Starface’s hydrocolloid patches are shaped like mini blue stars that look like adorable stickers on your face. Made with hydrocolloid (a material that is clinically proven to absorb fluid) and 1% salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid known to dissolve dead skin cells), these pore-clearing stars don’t just look cute, they actually work. The hydro-stars also come in pink, purple, yellow and green.
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Labubu (or the Crybaby and Skullpanda toys)
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(Pop Mart)
It’s difficult to escape the frenzy surrounding Labubu, the furry toy character with bunny-like ears and a mischievous grin sold at Pop Mart. These toys exploded in popularity last year — so much so that there are now fakes and resellers. These days it’s just as hard to get a Labubu as it is to secure Taylor Swift tickets, as Kevy Oh explains in a TikTok video. To increase your odds, you should make an account, download the app for the most up-to-date information on web releases and follow your local Pop Mart store on Instagram. But if you want to avoid the hype and potential hassle altogether, consider the Crybaby (seen on Emma Roberts, Lisa and Chicago West) and Skullpanda toys, which are just as adorable.
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Lego Record Player with Flowers
Toys $29.99 at Lego
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(Lego)
From Harry Potter to Disney and chic botanical gardens, there’s a themed set for every type of Lego lover. Not only are Legos like the vegetables of toys — there’s so many educational benefits including problem-solving and increased concentration — they also just look cool when they are on full display. Not sure which one to buy? Start with the record player with flowers kit, which comes with a modest 366 pieces and can be rebuilt into a microphone or a toy radio.
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Tone body mist
Beauty $20 at Tone
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(Tone)
At this point, celebrities launching their own brands — everything from skin-care products to tequila — isn’t anything new. But one that deserves a little commotion is Tone, which was founded by Twitch superstar Kai Cenat and his content collective AMP (Any Means Possible). Packaged in a sleek bottle, Tone sells aluminum-free deodorant, lip balms, on-the-go body mist, a hydrating body wash, moisturizing lotion — all of which come in four scents including Woodland (base notes include oud and cedar), Fresh (amber and tonka), Coconut (amber and sandalwood) and Citrus (cedarwood and pistachio). Although the marketing comes off as masculine, anyone can use it.
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Alo Unisex Half-crew Throwback Socks
Accessories $34 at Alo
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
There’s been an ongoing, not-too-serious debate about how millennials wear their socks versus their Gen Z counterparts, but the one product that both generations can agree on is Alo socks. Yes, these unisex socks are $34 and they may look like an everyday basic pair of socks. But I can assure you that they aren’t. Made in six signature colors and roughly 20 colors, Alo socks are surprisingly thick and make you feel as if you’re walking on a cloud.
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Micro Hydro Mini Bottle
Accessories $19.95 at Hydro Flask
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(Hydro Flask)
The latest creation from Hydro Flask, the “it” water bottle company, is a mini version, which is so tiny that it can fit inside a roomy pocket or inside a lunch box. Sort of like Labubus, the Micro Hydro Mini Bottle is a fashion accessory or a status symbol that can be clipped onto the side of a favorite bag. Sure, the 6.7-ounce bottle isn’t necessarily large enough to carry someone’s daily water intake, but it’s perfect for essential sips or carrying hot water for ramen eaten on the go. Also, starting at $25, you can make a custom design for your giftee.
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JLab JBuds Lux ANC Over-ear Headphones
Accessories $79.99 at JLab
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Whether your favorite teen is listening to music, watching TikTok videos or doing online homework, there’s always a need for a good pair of headphones. Although popular headphones will run you about $200 or more, JLab’s JBuds Lux ANC Bluetooth headphones are among the least expensive on the market at $79.99. Available in four neutral colors (graphite, mauve, cloud and sage), the headphones feature spatial audio and a hybrid active noise-canceling option.
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Sol de Janeiro fragrances and body mists
Beauty $26-$39 at Sol de Janeiro
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(Sol de Janeiro)
Think of Sol de Janeiro as this generation’s Bath & Body Works, but better. Founded by former beauty executive Heela Yang, the Brazilian beach-inspired brand is most known for its Bum Bum Cream (a body moisturizer that smells like pistachio and salted caramel) and perfume mists, which come in various sweet fragrances that can be smelled from across the room. Pro tip: Use the body mist as the first layer in your fragrance routine. Gift the perfume mist or the travel-size package for $34.
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Camkory digital camera
Electronics $49.99 at Amazon
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Much like the return of vinyl records and CD players, a gadget that has been making a comeback is the compact digital camera. Unlike photos taken on a smartphone, these point-and-shoot cameras have fewer pixels and capture a more retro, grainy look that gives off a nostalgic feel that teens adore. There’s several on the market, but a user-friendly affordable option is by Camkory. The TikTok-approved camera comes in four colors: baby pink, purple, white and black.
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Stress Reducers
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'Museum of Make Believe Ghost Stories & Fairy Tales'
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Rediscover the joy of fairy tales — or jog your love of reading — with this casual hardbound illustrated book from Laguna Beach’s Museum of Make Believe. Like the fables of yore, these are grown-up tales, touching alternately on grief, lost love and greed. But they’re breezily written as poems, meaning we’ll be charmed and chilled as we get reacquainted with timeless life lessons that are accompanied with irresistibly youthful images.
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Uncle Goose Mary Blair Memory Game
Games $40 at Uncle Goose
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Reset with a brain exercise courtesy of an old-fashioned game that masquerades as a work of art. Mary Blair is best known as the artist who informed the look and tone of Disneyland’s It’s a Small World, and her inventive use of color and abstractedly whimsical interpretations of animals and nature have been turned into a game of memory. You’ll admire the display-worthy wooden blocks as much as you’ll want to toy with them.
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'Ministry of Lost Things — A Puzzletale Series'
Games $29 at Post Curious
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
A game from the Bay Area’s Post Curious can double as a short story, and “Ministry of Lost Things” is no different. A puzzle-driven narrative told in four chapters, the game has us exploring a parallel world where lost thoughts, memories and items (think a missing sock) are collected. There’s maps, doodads and letters to unwrap in this three-hour tale in which you’ll come for the brainteasers but stay for the wacky characters.
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Merci Milo DIY Wooden Kaleidoscope Kit
Crafts $28 at Merci Milo
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Add a little wonder to your daily life. You’ll develop a personal connection to this wooden kaleidoscope — available online from L.A.’s Merci Milo, dedicated to handcrafted items for the child in all of us — in part because you’ll be putting it together in five easy steps. And then you can construct psychedelic patterns with the included sequins or turn the ordinary — a leaf, perhaps, or some pet hair — into extraordinary mosaics.
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'3D National Parks' by David Bossert
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(Old Mill Press)
Sometimes a rejuvenating jaunt into nature just isn’t possible. So get a quick fix via David Bossert’s book “3D National Parks.” Only these are no ordinary images. Bossert has collected vintage scenes of many natural wonders, all taken with retro 3D photography. Yes, glasses are included, allowing us to playfully zero our attention on this journey from Yosemite to Yellowstone and more. Many shots are decades old, offering an enveloping glimpse into a changing world.
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Bob Baker View Master
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
An old-fashioned toy or a piece of nearly obsolete art? Highland Park’s Bob Baker Theater remains dedicated to all things joyful and spirited — a palace dedicated to the celebration of puppetry. This 3D viewfinder, complete with a reel of images taken at the company’s old theater, offers an instantaneous jolt of revelry, giving us quick glimpses of marionette performers mid-action or just a close up of the company’s mischievous “Black Cat.” (At press time, item is currently $30, but soon will be sold as a package with additional reels for $45).
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Leanna Lin’s Wonderland Cross Stitch Kit
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
I have many a friend who relaxes via cross stitching or knitting, and thus I was thrilled to find that Eagle Rock’s Leanna Lin’s Wonderland carries a handful of starter kits geared to those with little experience. My first attempt at a multicolored snake was less than ideal, but it succeeded in getting me out of my head for an afternoon. If you’re not as enamored with snakes, try, perhaps, a butterfly or a gnome.
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Tansy Garden To-Go Kit
Garden Tools & Accessories $30 at Tansy
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(Tansy)
Mini gardens are delightful. Mini gardens with dinosaur or dog figurines are even better — or at least sillier. Head to Burbank’s plant nursery Tansy to take home a garden to-go kit, each featuring two plants, two figures, sand, rocks, moss, soil and a terracotta pot. Then spend an afternoon constructing a mini potted diorama that can become a permanent visual relaxant. A word of warning: Succulents can be toxic to pets.
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Block Design Gradient Dominoes
Games $38 at SFMOMA
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
A game of dominoes can be a thing of beauty with this wooden handpainted set from Block Design, available direct from Block or the online store of SFMOMA. Yet one doesn’t need to know basic domino rules to enjoy these tiny bricks. I find simply winding them around one another to create snaking patterns can result in an afternoon of playful mindfulness, the spinning colors alternately transfixing and calming.
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Froggy in Color Coloring Book
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
I was tardy to the delight that is adult coloring, but came to the practice via my mom, who, late in life, found it soothing. Highland Park’s Crush & Touch Art Supply had the approachable yet endearing book I needed. It comes courtesy of the shop’s artist co-owner Katie Wilson, whose character Froggy is always getting into hijinks — see Froggy as a witch, or Froggy as beauty pageant — in need of illustration.
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L.A. Brands
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Street Grandma Shants in Denim
Apparel $180 at Street Grandma
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(Andrea Cheung)
It can be difficult to buy pants for yourself, let alone another person. But Street Grandma makes it easy with its effortlessly cool shants. A mix between pants and shorts — no, these aren’t jorts — the oversize, calf-grazing bottoms feature an internal drawstring that allows you to adjust the waistband of the pants to your desired fit and look. Made from deadstock raw Japanese denim, this unisex closet staple features pleats, allowing them to be styled up or down. The shants also come in gray pinstripe and red check.
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Zevelyn Jean Zuree tote bag
Accessories $85 at Zevelyn Jean
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(Javonnie Tanae)
Whether you’re at the office, the beach or a backyard function, Zevelyn Jean’s Zuree tote bag is the perfect accessory to fit all of your daily essentials and look fly while carrying them. Made from carefully selected deadstock fabric sourced in L.A., this spacious yet sturdy bag can be found in distinctive designs. But if you prefer a smaller option, check out the Zuree handbag, which is $60 but just as chic.
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Elisa Johnson Jane sunglasses
Accessories $145 at Elisa Johnson
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(Valine Brana)
Inspired by Elisa Johnson’s fascination with sunglasses, her self-named eyewear line has something for everyone. Among the brand’s most popular designs is the Jane, named after Johnson’s birthday twin, Jane Fonda. It’s a fresh, youthful take on the classic aviator frame. Crafted from high-quality acetate with full UV protection, the lenses have just the right amount of tint so you can wear them at any time of day. These sunnies have also received a stamp of approval from cool girl Quen Blackwell and they come in 10 colors.
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SoulMaison Plaid + Denim Kinetic Jumpsuit
Apparel $90 at SoulMaison
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(Jamarko Washington)
Created by entrepreneur and mother of three Lindsey Monét Guion, SoulMaison specializes in garments that are made to last and eventually be passed down. With breathable, joy-inducing designs like its peppermint striped Basquiat set or denim jumpsuit with bold plaid details, each piece is meant to move and maneuver with its kid wearer. Made with 100% soft-to-the-touch cotton denim, the jumpsuit comes in youth sizes 1-2 through 5-6.
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Hot Mom Cool Baby Excuse Me Miss earrings
Accessories $54 at Hot Mom Cool Baby
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(Hot Mom Cool Baby by Londyn Doug)
On a recent night out, I decided to elevate my outfit with these spiraling, slinky-like gold earrings. They were so lightweight that I almost forgot that I was wearing them — that was until the compliments started rolling in. Inspired by Jay Z and Pharrell’s 2002 hit “Excuse Me Miss,” these playful earrings are courtesy of Hot Mom Cool Baby, which was created by Londyn Douglas, a fashion content creator, designer, DJ and toddler mom. The only prerequisite for rocking these earrings is not being afraid to stand out.
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Bricks & Wood Core Logo Socks
Accessories $15 at Bricks & Wood
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(Bricks & Wood)
You can’t go wrong with any of Bricks & Wood’s staple items like its wool beanies, which have been spotted on Tyler, the Creator or its statement T-shirts like the one Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts wore. But one item that I find myself returning to and wearing often are the brand’s signature socks. Made from 100% cotton, the socks are soft, snugly and a fun way to rep the beloved “South-Central” brand. Buy them online or in person at Bricks & Wood’s Space(s) store in Mid-City.
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Tap Candle Co. candles
Home Fragrance $29.99-$34.99 at Tap Candle Co.
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(Nijeria Thompson)
Give the music lover in your life a candle that smells like their favorite track. From Prince’s “When Doves Cry” (eucalyptus, peppercorn and pine) to Mariah Carey’s “We Belong Together” (honeydew, lime and violet) and Victoria Monet’s “On My Mama” (gin, orange peel and clove), Tap Candle Co. uses nontoxic fragrance oils and other natural ingredients to make music-inspired candles. Also, each candle comes with a QR code so you can scan and listen to your favorite song.
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Kids of Immigrants 'This is for Our Family' T-shirt
Apparel $50 at Kids of Immigrants
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(Daniel Yang)
With slogans such as “Love has no borders” and “We are our parents wildest dreams,” Kids of Immigrants makes products rooted in a message of community, love and strength. The same can be said for its “This is for Our family” T-shirt, which is made from 100% heavyweight cotton and serves as a love letter to immigrant parents. It comes in black with white lettering and in white with black lettering. There’s also several other styles from which to choose.
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ITS-IN-SCOPE Home ’n History doormat
Home Decor $100 at Its-in-scope
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
How do you create a home? ITS-IN-SCOPE, an L.A.-based archive studio and institute, attempts to answer this question with a doormat that reads: “Home is where your history is.” Made from 100% coconut fibers, the doormat is meant to make you stop, reflect and think about your own personal and familial history as you ground yourself in your space.
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Rockii Studios' jewelry-making workshop
Workshop $100 at Rockii Studios
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(Rockii Studios)
If you are someone who prefers experiences over gifts, consider Rockii Studios’ weekly jewelry-making workshops. During the two-hour sessions, which take place in a dreamy greenhouse in the heart of Silver Lake, you can design your own necklace, anklet or bracelet with high-quality beads, pearls and pendants. While there, you can shop the owner’s own whimsical jewelry collection or use it as a source of inspiration for your own masterpiece.
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NorBlack NorWhite X Claymen incense holder
Home Decor $90 at NorBlack NorWhite
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(NorBlack NorWhite)
Not only is NorBlack NorWhite’s incense holder aesthetically pleasing, it carries significant meaning. Made in collaboration with Claymen, a ceramic studio based in New Delhi, the incense holder is in the form of Gyan Mudra, a hand gesture used in yogic culture to reduce stress and spread calmness and creativity. It’s adorned with hand-painted Alta, which is a traditional red dye used for decorating feet and hands in South Asian cultures. And it’s available in terracotta and white.
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Luxury under $40
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Fischersund Incense
Home Fragrance $32 at Hammer and Spear
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(Fischersund)
Hand-rolled by a family-run perfumery and art collective in Iceland, Fischersund’s incense reads more sophisticated Nordic lodge than musty crystal shop. And at $32, it’s a fraction of the price of the brand’s candles ($95) and perfume ($198). Available online and at Hammer and Spear on La Cienega Boulevard, the incense comes as both sticks and cones, but the sticks look more substantial in a gift bag.
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Dior Candle Snuffer
Home Decor $35 at Dior
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Christian Dior’s candle snuffer arrives in a luxuriously large textured white box with “DIOR” stamped in big gold letters on the top. Inside you’ll find the silver chrome candle snuffer resting in a nest of shredded Dior tissue paper making the experience of receiving this gift almost as pleasurable as using it. The snuffer itself is shiny, weighty and works like a charm for extinguishing candles.
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Riddle sample kit
Fragrance $40 at Riddle
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Choosing a perfume for yourself is hard. Choosing one for someone else is a fool’s errand. Enter Riddle’s sample kit with seven or eight petite glass roller balls filled with enough scented oils for several days of wear. Included in the kit is the company’s signature Original scent, a “pheromone-based” unisex oil that stays close to the skin while other options make a bolder statement. Think of this set as like a box of chocolates: Your loved one might not love them all, but hopefully they will find a favorite.
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Death Valley Nail Polish
Beauty $15-$20 at Luca
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(Death Valley Nails)
A small-batch, indie nail polish company founded in Venice Beach, Death Valley Nails makes “10-free” polishes, meaning the base is made without formaldehyde, added fragrance and other chemicals commonly found in nail polish. The colors and packaging are also on point. Some formulations glow in the dark, others change colors depending on the temperature. As an extra bonus, each bottle is topped with a handmade, decorative bronze cap, making this polish worthy of display.
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Musee Shower Steamers
Beauty $28 at Musee Bath
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Bath bombs are great, but there are times when life is just too busy to indulge in a soothing 30-minute soak. Shower steamers — hockey-puck-size pellets of sodium bicarbonate (a.k.a. baking soda) and essential oils that fill the bathroom with scent while you shower — are an accessible alternative, offering a moment of self-care without having to carve out serious alone time. With scents like clementine and pomelo, palo santo and sage, and eucalyptus and mint, Musee’s shower steamers are handmade in Mississippi and come in an attractive box of four.
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100% Pure Bright Eyes Hydrogel Masks
Beauty $30 at the Detox Market
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(100% Pure)
All-natural beauty products do not come cheap, but 100% Pure’s Bright Eyes Hydrogel Masks are said to be non-toxic and eco-friendly and they will set you back just $30 for a pack of five. Beloved by the makeup artists who shop at the Detox Market in West Hollywood, the kelly-green masks are designed to brighten and de-puff the eye area. Made of 95% organic aloe juice and 5% plant cellulose, the masks will thin and shrivel over time as the moisture in the mask seeps into your skin.
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Olivaia's OLA Olive Oils
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(Olivaia)
Olivaia’s OLA married co-founders, Giulio Zavolta and Rachelle Bross, bought a neglected grove of hundred-year-old olive trees in Lindsay, Calif., in 2012 and began producing their own olive oil five years later. Now, their distinctive olive oils have won dozens of awards and are beloved by chefs and foodies. Olivaia’s harvest is complete by the end of October or November, and the company starts shipping freshly pressed olive oil shortly thereafter. (Olivaia’s OLA Olio Nuovo is available for pre-order for $34 on the brand’s website. Its Super Blend EVOO is for sale now.) I tried the brand’s small-batch Block X Heirloom olive oil, and it was incredible. It was perfectly balanced and just as delicious drizzled on vanilla ice cream as it is on a piece of good bread. You can purchase olive oil on Olivaia’s OLA’s website or at local retail partners such as Ferrazzani’s Pasta & Market in Pasadena.
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Casupo Leather Airpod Case
Accessories $39 at Casupo
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(Casupo)
How can you make Apple AirPods even more luxe? Try popping them into a bright, high-quality leather case in red, green, blue or brown that adds further protection from scratches and smudges and elevates utilitarian AirPods to a sophisticated fashion accessory. Founded by former shoe designer Luz Zambrano, Casupo, a leather manufacturer based in Long Beach, specializes in sustainable leather. The Casupo leather AirPod case is available for AirPods 2 Pro and AirPods’ third generation, but not the latest version yet.
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Foodie Inspo
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Amara Gran Criollo Hot Chocolate
Beverage $18 at Amara Cafe
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(Amara Barroeta)
When chef Amara Barroeta left Venezuela, she couldn’t find a hot chocolate as rich and smooth as the ones she’d sipped in Caracas. She created her own drinking chocolate made from Criollo cacao beans, organic cocoa powder and just the right amount of cane sugar. It’s aggressively bitter with a wonderfully deep chocolate flavor. She serves the hot chocolate at her Old Pasadena restaurant Amara Cafe, and you can purchase 12-ounce bags of her hot chocolate mix to make at home.
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Altadena Beverage & Market 'Altadena' Denim Hat
Accessories $38 at Altadena Beverage & Market
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(Altadena Beverage & Market)
Altadena Beverage & Market was forced to close because of significant smoke damage during the Eaton fire. It took five months to reopen, but the market is back and once again serving as a vital community hub. The store is selling Altadena merch in the form of hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts. The denim Altadena hat is a favorite, and profits from every hat purchased online will be donated to support victims of the Altadena fire.
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Italifornia Pasta Night Bundle
Dry Goods $96 at Ciao Pappy
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(Danielle Adams)
L.A.-based Ciao Pappy produces jars of Italian red sauce made with owner Francesca Pittaluga’s family recipes. She teamed with Atelier Saucier and San Francisco-based Flour + Water to create a custom gift box that includes everything a pasta lover might need for dinner. The package includes Ciao Pappy’s Marinara Classico; a box of Flour + Water’s organic campanelle pasta and custom Atelier Saucier Parasol Stripe Napkins. And to inspire future pasta nights at home, Flour + Water co-chef Ryan Pollnow includes a recipe for his fiery arrabbiata.
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Helms Canvas Bag
Accessories $20 at Helms Bakery
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(Anne Fishbein)
Sang Yoon’s re-imagined Helms Bakery is a dessert and pastry wonderland, a cafe, grab-and-go market, coffee shop and superette all in one. The cakes, pies and cookies are better than ever, and so is the merch. The Helms baguette canvas bag comes in green, white and pink and features an illustration of three adorable baguettes smiling and hugging. Now imagine your weekly farmers market haul and a baguette peeking out the top of your baguette canvas bag.
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Benny Boy Brewing Pippin Pommeau Batch 3
Beverage $40-$55 at Benny Boy Brewing
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(Benny Boy Brewing)
L.A.’s first combined brewery and cidery, Benny Boy Brewing is an urban oasis for dry California ciders made with local ingredients, minimal processing, zero filtering and natural carbonation. This holiday season, you can gift a uniquely L.A. brew based on a French aperitif — Pippin Pommeau Batch 3 — made in collaboration with craft distillery Loft & Bear. Coming in at 17% ABV, the beverage blends one-year-old brandy with apple juice that uses 100% California Newtown Pippin apples and is barrel-aged for another one to two years.
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Weiser Family Farms Produce T-shirts
Apparel $50 at Papàsweater
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Some Angelenos track the seasons through the vine-ripened fruits and vegetables of Weiser Family Farm, because once these highly flavored items are gone, you’re out of luck until next year. Well, unless you’re wearing your love of Weiser on your sleeve. A new collab with local designer Samantha Myer prints the farm’s cult-favorite pink radishes, Bonnie melons, romanesco cones and more onto these limited-run tees, which can be purchased at select farmers market appearances and through Myer’s company, Papàsweater.
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Steeped Moments tea subscription boxes
Beverage $29-$45 at Steep LA
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(Steep LA)
Steep LA always offers thoughtful blends from China and Taiwan, but earlier this year the Chinatown tea house unveiled a way to sip even rarer finds. Through the Steeped Moments subscription box, two teas arrive monthly or quarterly, one a small-batch offering so limited that it’s not sold in-store. In the quarterly boxes, these teas come with dried fruits for even more involved at-home tea ceremonies. Boxes can be picked up in Chinatown or shipped nationwide.
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Kin Whiskey A-Peel Banana Liqueur
Beverage $30 at Kin Whiskey
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(Kin Whiskey)
Satisfying all by its lonesome or aces over ice with a splash of soda, this is bananas in boozy form. L.A.-based Kin Whiskey infuses white whiskey with overripe bananas, resulting in a tropical liqueur that makes for a perfect holiday gift for anyone who loves a unique tipple. It’s stocked in some of the city’s best bars and can be found for purchase at Flask & Field, Wine+Eggs, Tarzana Wine & Spirits and beyond.
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L.A. Times x Burlap & Barrel Blends
Dry Goods $12-$36 at Burlap & Barrel
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(Christina House / Los Angeles Times)
The L.A. Times collaborated with single-origin spice company Burlap & Barrel to create this trio of spice blends that reflect the flavors of Los Angeles: California Heat, L.A. Asada and Salty Angeleno. Smoky, aromatic and citrusy, California Heat is a dry version of chili crisp. L.A. Asada spices up steaks, chops or fish for grilling, and it’s great for seasoning homemade tacos and vegetables such as calabacitas. Use Salty Angeleno to rim your glasses for any beer or cocktail — micheladas especially.
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Hey Champ candy bars
Candy $5-$40 at Hey Champ
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(Danelle Adams)
Hey Champ is the local company that produces my favorite made-in-L.A. candy bars. They’re chunky and chocolate-y and have compelling flavors and charming packaging. I stuff these into my suitcase as gifts when I visit family in Tokyo. A sampler pack would make a good holiday present. The bestseller is the pretzel candy bar with pretzel shortbread, salted caramel and dark milk chocolate. But I’m partial to the chocolate bar with brown butter rice krispies and miso caramel.
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Picaresca Barra de Cafe Cervantes Blend and Cafe de Olla Syrup
Beverage $16-$33 at Picaresca Barra de Cafe
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Two years ago, Picaresca Barra de Cafe moved into its current space on the corner of East 4th Street and Evergreen in Boyle Heights and has become a hub for the neighborhood and coffee lovers all over the city. Picaresca roasts beans as part of its mission to honor the work of farmers growing them. Among its most popular drinks is its olla latte, a double shot of espresso with its cafe de olla syrup, made with cinnamon, anise, orange peel and brown sugar, which you can buy bottled.
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Nature Fans
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Tincup X Alpine Start Cocktail Mix Bundle
Beverage $41.97 at Alpine Start
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(Alpine Start)
Alpine Start makes pretty decent instant coffee in lightweight, portable packets. The brand’s Alpine Finish instant cocktails bundle, a collaboration with Tincup Whiskey, includes three “campfire cocktail mixers”: a sweet and spicy Old Fashioned, a Spiked Pear Cider and a Hot Toddy. I took them on a recent camping trip and appreciated their ease: Just add water and a shot of whiskey (or enjoy with sparkling water). They provided the perfect way to end a long 14-mile hike.
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The North Face THERMOBALL Traction Mules V
Footwear $59 from the North Face
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(The North Face)
I didn’t know what it felt like to have my feet hugged by a soft, tiny Yeti until my mother bought me the North Face’s THERMOBALL Traction Mules V for Christmas last year. I’ve since worn these fleece-lined, insulated slippers at campgrounds in Death Valley and Yosemite national parks, and after a good cleaning, around my apartment. Their inner “superfoam” provides impeccable support while the rubber sole offers great grip. Cozy, warm perfection!
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Ombraz armless sunglasses
Accessories $130-$195 from Ombraz
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(Ombraz)
These sunglasses are genius. Co-founder Jensen Brehm sat on his sunglasses while on a 2011 camel safari in India and broke the arms. He jerry-rigged new ones with twine, and the precursor to the Ombraz armless sunglasses were born. These sunnies feature an adjustable nylon cord, making them slightly lighter in weight than traditional sunglasses. They pack flat, won’t easily break and can hang around your neck when not in use. The Zeiss lenses are scratch-resistant and smudge-proof, and there are more than half a dozen styles from which to choose. There’s also a prescription option.
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Six Moon Designs Silver Shadow Ultralight Umbrella
Accessories $45 from Six Moon Designs
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(Six Moon Designs)
Despite being less than a pound, this umbrella provides 7½ square feet of coverage, offering precious shade in the heat of sunny summer days and ample protection on rainy winter days. Its silver top deflects heat while its black underside traps harmful UV rays. You can carry it via its soft ergonomic handle or attach it to a backpack via the hands-free kit. It’s a must-have for hikers in sunny L.A., even if it doesn’t feel like it right now!
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One Bottle Hydration System
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
If, like me, your giftee prefers to carry his or her water supply in a waist pack instead of a backpack — because it’s easier on the neck and shoulders — then this hydration system could be a game changer. It turns any wide-mouth water bottle, like a Nalgene or Hydro Flask as well as a 28mm Smartwater bottle, into a convenient Camelbak-like delivery system, with a bite valve and drinking tube. You’ll never have to reach for your water bottle again.
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Skullcandy — Kilo Compact Wireless Speaker
Electronics $39.99 at Best Buy
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Who doesn’t want to listen to their favorite tunes while on a hike or relaxing around the campfire? This tiny wireless speaker is lightweight, waterproof and the perfectly hip offering for your giftee. It will play for up to 30 minutes submerged in up to three feet of water. Two speakers can be synced for full stereo sound. Secure one to a backpack with the built-in strap during a river adventure. Just don’t “Rock the Boat.”
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Nomad 10 Solar Panel
Electronics $99.95 at REI
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
This is a small but mighty device. It’s super-lightweight and will harness the power of the sun to charge various devices. Leave it at camp, aimed at the sky — there’s a built-in Flip dock and adjustable kickstand to direct its position and lock it into place for stability. Or take it on a hike. It attaches to the exterior of a backpack, soaking up the sun on a trek.
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Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8x32
Electronics $80 from Nocs Provisions
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
This monocular is super-compact, ultra-lightweight at 9½ ounces and water-resistant. I took it on a camping trip and became fascinated by the itty-bitty insects I’d normally ignore. It’s easy to maneuver with its exterior rubber ribbing, and its multi-coated lens provides a wide field of view. Turn it into a field microscope with a four-times magnification attachment (additional $44.95). Or your giftee can attach it to a smartphone with a Photo Rig Smartphone Adapter (additional $39.95), so it functions as a zoom lens.
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Nomadix Bandana Towel
Accessories $24.95 from Nomadix
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(Nomadix)
Out of everything in my pack, I would be saddest to lose my (flower-patterned!) bandanna towel. I have used this absorbent, quick-drying, 22 inch-by-22 inch fabric as a handkerchief, sun protection and ground cover. When I was locked out of my car in a remote area of California, I wrapped it around my cold wet feet for warmth as I waited for AAA to arrive. It is the Swiss Army knife of hiking towels — and also comes in fun designs.
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Farm to Summit Oat milk latte mix
Beverage $15.95 from Farm to Summit
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(Farm to Summit)
I need coffee, regardless of where I am in the world, so I was eager to try this oat milk latte mix. On a camping trip in Yosemite National Park, I simply heated water on my butane-powered backpacking stove and poured it into a cup with the mix. Instant joy. Each package comes with eight packets of dairy-free goodness (with a hint of maple). A perfect stocking stuffer for the caffeine-seeking camper in your life!
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Éclipse Sun Sleeves
Accessories $37 from Éclipse
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(Peter Champe / Eclipse USA)
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays is top of mind for most Southern California hikers — even in winter, even in snow. These soft, stretchy sleeves allow you to hike, bike or simply be in the outdoors without incessantly worrying about reapplying sunscreen. They come in three sizes and cover from your armpit down to your wrists. And as a bonus, you can order them pre-treated for insects!
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ThermoWorks ThermoDrop Zipper-Pull Thermometer
Electronics $25 from ThermoWorks
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(ThermoWorks)
It’s easy when a hiker gets into the flow and doesn’t realize shifts in temperature. That’s where this thermometer comes in. Simply attach it to a backpack to start collecting data. Hold down on the thermometer’s button, and it will offer the hottest and coldest temperatures experienced that day. (It’s low-tech with a high reward.) On a camping trip, it told me the reason I woke up feeling chilly was that the mercury had dipped down to 33 degrees. Them’s bragging rights!
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Helinox Chair Zero
Camping Equipment $139.95 at Helinox
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(Helinox)
This is the Goldilocks of hiking chairs: not so bulky that it will stick far outside a pack, not so flimsy it’ll fall apart. It’s just right. The Chair Zero is 1 pound, 2 ounces when assembled (1 pound, 2.5 ounces when packed) and can support those up to 265 pounds. I found it most comfortable when I sat and extended my tired legs in front of me, resting up on a nearby log or boulder. Ahh, behold that serenity.
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Amok Equipment Draumr 5.0 Hammock
Camping Equipment From $219.95 at Amok Equipment
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Ever laid down in a hammock in the middle of the woods, anticipating a moment of blissful relaxation amid the birdsong and other elements of nature only to fall right out? I have, and it’s part of the reason I’ve been on a personal quest to find the perfect hammock for not only naps while camping but also backpacking. Amok’s Draumr hammock was designed by Norwegian outdoor engineers to allow those who sleep on their side, back or stomach to be comfortable. Its structure allows the user to see more of what’s around them, and it features an abundance of pockets. For all that it offers, it is only about three pounds. It is the last hammock you or your giftee will need for any outdoor excursion.
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Plant Lovers
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Burgon & Ball indoor watering can
Garden Tools & Accessories $24.99-$32.27 at Corona Tools
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(Jane Lee)
Here’s the sad truth about watering cans: They can be bulky and drippy, making indoor watering a mess. But this compact indoor watering can from Burgon & Ball, a British sister company to Corona Tools, is as functional as it is stylish, with a smooth measured flow that does not dribble or leak. Bonus point: This one is handsome enough to sit out on the counter. It comes in charcoal or stone.
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'Daisy Rewilds' picture book by Margaret McNamara
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Rewilding “is a way of conserving the natural world by letting nature take care of itself,” writes author Margaret McNamara. It’s a technique that can be hard to understand and embrace, especially when it comes to “rewilding” suburban landscapes. In “Daisy Rewilds,” McNamara and illustrator Kerascoët delightfully introduce the concept to children via Daisy, a nymph-like girl who sleeps in a bed of leaves, sheds milkweed seeds and naturally sprouts a crown of sunflowers on her head. Her parents despair that she’ll ever be clean, but with her gardener aunt’s encouragement, Daisy transforms their sterile lawn into a lush habitat of native (to Maine) flowers and pollinators their neighbors soon start to admire — and with Daisy’s exuberant help — imitate.
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IKEA DAKSJUS bamboo plant stand
Home Decor $29.99 at IKEA
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(IKEA U.S.)
Here’s a modestly priced — and tremendously useful gift — for your houseplant-loving friends who are running out of shelf space. The DAKSJUS plant stand is compact enough to fit into a sunny corner next to a couch or chair and easily holds at least two good-sized plants. The stand came disassembled, but I was able to put one together in just 15 minutes (and I’m the least handy person I know). The kit comes with all the required tools, so be a pal and assemble it before presentation. The gift will look much nicer that way, especially if you present it with a plant.
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Ten Thousand Villages Self-watering Plant Pet
Garden Tools & Accessories $12.99 at Ten Thousand Villages
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
These handcrafted terracotta plant pets are adorable little devices for keeping potted plants alive. I’ve tried several other stick-in-the-soil watering devices, but most were too bulky, unattractive or hard to refill. These “pets” are whimsical creatures that look nice with your plants and actually work at slowly dispensing moisture to the roots, avoiding the problem that kills most houseplants: overwatering. Ten Thousand Villages provides a marketplace for craftspeople around the world; these plant pets are made by women artisans in Dhaka, Bangladesh, through the Christian Organization for Relief and Rehabilitation—the Jute Works, a women’s nonprofit handicraft marketing trust and exporter. I chose the kitty, but they also make a pretty sweet whale.
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Onlysuki potting mat
Garden Tools & Accessories $5.79-$14.99 at Amazon
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
These colorful potting mats are a brilliant invention for keeping things tidy when you’re potting a plant. I tend to spill soil everywhere, which is particularly problematic if you’re working inside, but these waterproof mats keep all the soil contained even if you spill, and they make cleanup easy. These indispensable mats fold up to the size of tea towels, so they are great stocking stuffers. But if you want to go bigger, add a bag of good quality organic potting soil, a lovely pot and/or a great hand-shovel scoop. I particularly love (and frequently use) these $47 soil scoops by Garden Works.
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Wild Violetta hand-care kit
Skin Care $47 from Etsy
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(Colleen Humphrey)
It’s pretty easy to spot people who work in the soil: They’re the ones with cracked hands and dirt caked under their nails and around their cuticles. You can assemble your own kit of favorite hand soothers, but Encinitas, Calif.,-based Colleen Humphrey of Wild Violetta makes it easy with her lovely kit — an excellent wooden nail brush she designed, a soothing hand and cuticle cream she mixed and a fragrant eucalyptus-tea tree soap, plus a pair of sturdy-but-very-pretty garden gloves. My gardener friend was delighted to receive this gift!
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'The ABCs of California's Native Bees' by Krystle Hickman
Books $38 at Bookshop.org
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(Krystle Hickman)
Krystle Hickman quit her desk job to pursue her passion: finding and photographing California native bees in the wild. And the world is richer for the results: an exquisite 240-page volume published by Heyday Books, loaded with detailed color photos of these tiny threatened creatures and engaging stories about her quest, which took her all over the state. This book is beautiful, highly informative and a pleasure to read, because Hickman weaves personal anecdotes among all the science. It’s a great gift for adults, children — really anyone intrigued by the incredible diversity of our native flora and fauna. (Hoping she’ll come out with a line of native bee stuffies in the future since these little critters are adorable.)
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Theodore Payne Foundation Chaparral Princess cap
Accessories $32 at Theodore Payne Foundation
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(Theodore Payne Foundation)
The Theodore Payne Foundation has a knack for making native plants hip and selling quality merchandise coveted by native fashionistas such as their new Chaparral Princess cap inspired by singer-songwriter Chappell Roan. The foundation offers several other cool pigment-dye caps, featuring California poppies; the white trumpet flowers of sacred datura (with matching socks!); and my favorite, a tribute to the foundation’s new satellite, Los Nogales Nursery at Debs Park in Montecito Heights. In a very unscientific survey of Times staffers, the Chaparral Princess cap was the hands-down winner, especially among the under-40 crowd. You have been warned.
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The Huntington California wildflower prints
Home Decor $25-$85 at the Huntington print shop
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(Shelby Moore / For The Times)
Illustrator Elisabeth Hallowell Saunders published a slim volume of 12 exquisite California wildflower illustrations in 1905. The book is now out of print (although you can view it digitally via the World Herb Library), but lucky for us, the Huntington’s print shop can provide us with quality copies of each illustration (under the name Elisabeth M. Hallowell) in three different sizes: 8 inches by 16 inches, 11 inches by 22 inches and 15 inches by 30 inches. The hardest part really is trying to choose which ones to buy. For an extra classy gift, try finding a frame for your selection or have it framed by the Huntington’s print shop, which offers a variety of choices. Prices for a small framed print are $155.
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Rejuvenation Cranberry Eucalyptus Dried Wreath
Home Decor $129 at Rejuvenation
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(Rejuvenation)
Evergreen wreaths are a holiday classic, but they’re usually dried up and done by New Year’s Day. Rejuvenation offers a wide variety of plant-material wreaths designed to last much longer, as long as they’re kept indoors or hung on a sheltered front door away from direct sunlight and wet weather. The cranberry eucalyptus model is a handsome wreath made from red and green eucalyptus branches grown on a family farm in California. (Twenty percent of the purchase price of every wreath will be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.) The look is festive for the holidays, but demur enough to continue into spring. What I like best is its subtle fragrance. I hung it on the closet door in my bedroom so every time I enter the room, it’s like walking through a grove of eucalyptus.
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