Happy holidays! It’s high time to start gift shopping and crossing those names off your list. In most of California, the season looks a little different from those typical wintry scenes you see on your greetings cards, wrapping paper and Hallmark Channel movies. But it’s no less merry and even more bright thanks to our signature sunshine.
This year, embrace your Cali Christmas or holiday of choice and consider these lovely gift ideas, all from California makers. Shop locally (online!), support small businesses across the golden state and delight your friends and family with one of the following fun choices.
(Prices and availability are subject to change)
Second Pourtion Kit from BlindVine
*Use discount code “BVCNP” for 10% off
BlindVine, a Paso Robles, California start-up winery and blind wine-tasting game that launched last year, has released a new kit just in time for the holidays. The Second Pourtion Kit serves up a new lineup of mystery California wines — two whites and three reds (in 187 ml bottles) — designed to be shared between two to four people.
Every kit includes a free download of the BlindVine app, which launches a wine-tasting game corresponding with the included wines. The app walks you through the tasting, poses questions about the wines’ characteristics and awards points for correct answers. Guess the varietal correctly enough times and you’ll win the game. But, everyone wins, because it’s the holidays and you’re sharing California wines with people you love!
Orange Blossom Perfume from Old California Botanicals
$12-$49.99 from Old California Botanicals
The best-selling Orange Blossom Perfume from Old California Botanicals, available in three sizes, is a tribute to the citrus-growing heritage of Redlands, California. When the SoCal orange blossoms are in bloom, the air fills with a distinct, delicate and delightful fragrance, which is replicated in this expertly crafted perfume.
John P. Beall, Founder of Old California Botanicals, told us that this perfume is “a reproduction of a Gilded Age souvenir tourists could buy in California to bring back east to say ‘this is what California smells like.’” This perfume used to be available at California’s most storied hotels and attractions such as the Mission Inn and Hotel del Coronado.
“Burger Mood” Canvas Tote Bag from Art Mina
This heavy, 100% cotton canvas tote bag features a whimsical and delicious screenprinted design by Mina Wilcox, an artist and illustrator based in Camarillo, California. Mina’s art blends tropical motifs, playful humor, and often her love for food, such as the avocado-topped burger that inspired this minimal line-art design.
The book tote measures 14”x15”x4” with 24” self-fabric handles. The design is also available as a zippered tote. Check out her other designs too, available on tote bags, tea towels, T-shirts and more!
JOSHUA TREE XIV / California Desert Acrylic Tray by Nicole Alexandria Prints
Gift this stunning and useful clear acrylic tray featuring a vintage-style black and white Joshua tree landscape by San Francisco-based Nicole Alexandria Prints. The tray is available in two sizes: small 8” x 6.25” and medium 15.5” x 12”, both with feet to avoid scratching surfaces. The medium size features hand holes for easy carrying, making it ideal for serving drinks or snacks. The small size is perfect for collecting jewelry or containing keys, pens etc. on a dresser or table.
Oval Platter by Charys Ceramics
Handmade by Santa Cruz-based Charys Ceramics and sold through local Santa Cruz boutique Botanic + Luxe, this beautiful platter brings the beauty of the ocean into your home. The gorgeous glaze and color palette of sea foam and sand resemble gentle waves kissing the California shore. The platter measures approximately 8.5” x 11” and is dishwasher safe. It’s the perfect size for snacks or a meal, or perhaps a charcuterie plate for two. Matching mugs are available, too.
“Cook Like a King: Recipes from My California Chinese Kitchen” by Melissa King
“Cook Like a King: Recipes from My California Chinese Kitchen” is the debut cookbook from Melissa King, an award-winning chef and Top Chef All-Stars champion. King’s 120 recipes bring together the classical training in French, Italian and Californian cuisines she received working in Michelin-starred restaurants with her Cantonese heritage and childhood experiences cooking with her mom. The recipes were developed with ambitious home cooks in mind — if you know and love such a cook, this hardback book will be a fabulous holiday gift for them.
Holiday 2025 Gift Box from Rancho Gordo
For the avid home cook in your life, give the gift of the finest beans and grains from Rancho Gordo, the beloved grower and purveyor of heritage beans in Napa, California. The holiday gift box is an annual best-seller. For 2025, it includes two pounds of cassoulet beans, white corn posole/prepared hominy, black-eyed peas and crimson red popping corn. The cardboard gift box also includes a flyer with recipes created just for these top-quality ingredients, including a traditional black-eyed pea stew for New Year’s Day.
Black and White Animal Nesting Dolls by Treasure LA
Treasure LA creates unique custom nesting dolls by hand in Los Angeles using eco-friendly wood. We think these black and white animal dolls are the most adorable of all. The set of nesting dolls features a lion, panda, penguin, tiger, owl, deer and bunny. Give them as a Montessori-style wooden puzzle toy for little ones, or as a charming decor item and conversation starter for all ages. There are lots of other designs available as well. Check them out!
Ammonite Replica from SkullDuggery
What do you get someone who has everything? How about an awesome ammonite from Anaheim-based SkullDuggery’s collection of extinct animal skulls and replicas? These fossil experts cast museum-quality replicas from original pieces that were obtained from museums or private collections. The ammonite was an ancient marine mollusk that existed on Earth for around 330 million years and is related to today’s squid and octopus. The replica is approximately 4 inches across.
Back to You Bundle by Wilde House Paper
The Back to You Bundle from Wilde House Paper, a brand created in California, is described as “the adult version of back to school.” It includes a Pieces of You Journal for six weeks of prompted journaling, an undated Week Planner for 26 weeks of planning, plus a notebook, pen and tote, available in three soothing color schemes: foam, ink and trace. The bundle is designed for reflective journaling, mindful planning, and embracing the benefits of a daily grounding practice.
Need more ideas? Take a look at last year’s holiday gift guide.