The super-organized among us might be done with their holiday shopping by now, but that doesn’t mean you’re short on time. It’s almost 2024 – we buy online and demand speedy delivery as standard, so procrastinate away. Yes, it’s advisable to get started asap, but there are plenty of shopping days left in the season. Plus, there’s ample inspiration ahead in our 2023 Holiday Gift Guide. Read on and then enjoy a smooth and successful gift-buying session.
(All prices, details and availability are subject to change)
Now & Then by Tessa Kiros
$31.86 from Amazon (also available at other major booksellers)
The newest collection of recipes and reflective writings from Tessa Kiros is a perfect gift for any globally minded food lover and cook. The tome features more than 150 new recipes plus gorgeous photographs, all wrapped up with elements of memoir, travel guide, scrapbook and a celebration of cooking.
Tessa Kiros is an unmatched master of the recipe and food writing genre who has sold more than 700,000 copies of her dozen-plus previous cookbooks. Kiros’s oeuvre has been inspired by her Finnish and Greek-Cypriot heritage, her childhood in South Africa, and more recent years raising her own family in the Italian countryside.
“Now & Then” is organized around these themes along with chapters dedicated to global travels in New Orleans, Mexico and Thailand. It’s the kind of cookbook you’ll want to spend as much time with curled up on the couch as in the kitchen – in other words, it’s wonderfully gift-worthy.
Green Glass French Press Cafetiere
A traditional French press isn’t just for coffee snobs – it’s also just an easy, convenient, low-tech way to make an excellent brew. This green glass cafetiere makes a lovely gift for any coffee lover, especially one who is short on kitchen storage space. However, its elegant design is impressive enough to warrant permanent display on the table or counter. The French press features heat proof green glass and a copper pull, holds 28 ounces and is dishwasher safe. Matching glasses are available.
Buy this beautiful and functional piece from the Huntington Store, the online gift store of the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens. Purchases help to support the library.
Pedro: The Angel of Olvera Street
$15.95 from the Getty Museum Store
For the children on your gift list, or anyone with an affection for this book’s historic LA setting, consider a copy of “Pedro: The Angel of Olvera Street.” The story by Caldecott Medal winner and beloved children’s author and illustrator Leo Politi was first published in 1946. In the setting of bustling Olvera Street, follow the footsteps of Pedro, a little boy who sings like an angel, as he experiences the Christmas tradition of las posadas.
The 32-page book with 26 color illustrations is recommended for ages six and up. Purchase your copy from the Getty Museum Store.
Large Modern Handmade Trivet
$49 from AMHCeramics at Etsy.com
This striking, bright blue trivet with impressions of real geranium leaves is a functional piece of handmade tile art. It’s large and sturdy enough to hold hot, heavy pots, and pretty enough to serve as an art piece. The tile makes an excellent platter for cheese and charcuterie, so it’s great as a hostess gift as well.
The trivet is handmade and hand-painted by AMHCeramics owner Anita Hettena in her home studio in Southern California. It ships from California, with free shipping for all orders over $35. The trivet is dishwasher, oven and microwave safe, hand-built with stoneware clay and painted with a lead-free glaze.
Parks Project Calendar
A wall calendar is a go-to gift for the holidays, and for good reason. It’s handy, presents a fun new scene each month, and comes in an endless array of themes to suit all recipients. This Parks Project calendar is great for any outdoorsy folk and animal lovers in your life. Each month is dedicated to a different US national park, with California’s own Redwood, Yosemite and Joshua Tree national parks among them. All pages feature charming, retro-style illustrations depicting the flora and fauna of the park by the multimedia artist Zaine Vaun.
Time for School Colored Pencil Set
$17.95 from the Charles M. Schulz Museum Store
A dozen pre-sharpened colored pencils sit inside this sturdy, hinged tin featuring an iconic image of Charlie Brown and Snoopy sitting at school desks. The Peanuts crew are very appropriate for the holidays and as popular as ever, not just among kids. Know a fan of adult coloring books? Charm them with this whimsical set of art supplies from the Bay Area’s own Charles M. Schulz Museum Store.
Bee Socks
$12.97 from the Old Farmer’s Store
There’s always a buzz around bee motifs, and these Bee Socks from the Old Farmer’s Almanac Store are perfect for almost anyone. One size fits most. The socks are bright and colorful, and woven from a high quality blend of cotton, nylon and spandex. A pair of socks is far from an afterthought gift when they’re this bee-utiful!
Animal Mah-Jong
This animal-themed, card-format version of the traditional Chinese tile game is great for all ages. It’s also suitable for beginners to the game as well as long-time players. The cards feature enchanting illustrations by Ryuto Mikaye, with each suit represented by different Asian animals.
Enamel Green Necklace
$78 from PineappleRaindrops on Etsy.com
A gift of jewelry can easily become a treasured possession, so give the gift of a timelessly elegant, stylish item like this handmade green enamel and 18K gold-plated brass necklace. It ships from an LA-based store and can be delivered in time for the holidays. The necklace is also available in black, white and navy.
Art Dog: Clever Canines of the Art World
Do you know someone who appreciates art and loves dogs as well? That’s not an unusual combination of interests, so put a copy of “Art Dog: Clever Canines of the Art World” in your shopping cart. This comprehensive coffee table book showcases artistic depictions of dogs from all eras, regions of the world and artistic genres. Purchase a copy from the Library Store, a nonprofit gift shop run by the Library Foundation of Los Angeles. They also have a physical shop inside downtown’s Los Angeles Central Library.
Deluxe Pipe Lighter
$39.95 from Creationsandcollections.com
Need a gift for a pipe smoker? Consider splurging on this faux leather and zinc alloy lighter designed specifically for pipes. More than just a lighter, this handy item incorporates three tools (a tamper, reamer and pick) that fold into the body, Swiss Army Knife-style.
Looking For Even More Gift Ideas?
Check out our previous gift guides. Most items from past years’ lists are still available!
Happy Holidays from California News Press.
