The holiday season often brings the challenge of finding unique and meaningful gifts. A new guide highlights products crafted by California artisans, offering alternatives to mass-produced items.
The selection includes a variety of goods from across the state, such as charcoal-dyed soap made in Oakland, ceramics from the redwood coast, sea urchin harvested in Santa Barbara, and personalized olive oil produced in Ojai. All items are made in California and can be shipped nationwide.
One featured item is the Lady & Larder DIY Cheese and Charcuterie Board from Santa Monica. The set contains Point Reyes blue cheese, sun-dried apricots from Hollister, Malibu honey, and a wooden board. Customers can also subscribe to a monthly cheese club offered by the company.
Coffee enthusiasts may appreciate Verve Coffee’s seasonal blend from Santa Cruz. Verve was named 2024 Roaster of the Year by Roast Magazine and is known for smooth blends with flavor notes like candied ginger and dark chocolate.
Beauty products include the Tower 28 Lip Trio from Los Angeles, which uses irritant-free ingredients. For wine lovers, Iruai Wine’s Shasta Cascade Red has been recognized by The New York Times for its distinctive bottles.
Other items include Sanny Ceramics’ modern stein from Mendocino, NorthFork Clothing’s Vintage Trail Map Bandanna featuring classic California trails, and All Roads Charleston Plaid Tablecloth from Yucca Valley.
Jewelry options come from Hellbent Silversmith in Long Beach, offering handmade silver rings or workshops on silversmithing. Umé in Oakland produces sculptural soaps designed by architect Mei-Lan Tan.
Lighting enthusiasts might consider Gantri’s Kero Table Light from San Francisco—a modern take on the kerosene lantern—while Yosemite National Park offers a Half Dome Puffin Vest Coozie that supports park initiatives with each purchase.
Seafood fans can order uni trays hand-harvested by divers in Santa Barbara. Flamingo Estate provides personalized olive oil bottles grown in Ojai with custom inscriptions available.
Other notable products include Weld + Wool’s cashmere hats and fixings kits from Temecula; geode “buddy” rocks made by Wax Apothecary in Idyllwild; Palm Springs Midcentury Butterfly House kits; paint sets inspired by Joshua Tree; timepieces crafted with reclaimed whiskey barrels by Original Grain in San Diego; Sando Sauce created by cookbook author Molly Baz in Altadena; chess sets handmade by Davis artist David Levy; Carhartt wines produced in Santa Ynez Valley; cookbooks celebrating Central Coast cuisine; denim vests from Mammoth Lakes; leather slides from Santa Barbara; Route 66-themed keychains commemorating The Magic Lamp Inn near Los Angeles; and fragrance kits using layering techniques developed in Buena Park.
These selections aim to showcase California’s diverse artisan community while providing gift options that support local businesses.
