From industrial lofts in Oakland to breezy studios along the Santa Barbara coast, the maker culture in California is as expansive and diverse as the state itself. Luckily for us, the fruits of Golden State creators’ labors make for exquisite gifts. This year, celebrate the season with inspired ideas created in California. You’ll impress your loved ones while delivering a little piece of Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, or some other corner of the state straight to their door. There’s something for everyone on this list—plus a few surprises sure to delight. Gifts ship nationwide; items listed from the city of origin, north to south.
Body Balm Lotion Stick from Shasta Mountain Soap & Candle Co., $9.95
Mt. Shasta
When winter wind chaps, this little lotion stick will soothe dry noses and cracked elbows. The balm is made from all-natural ingredients procured in the shadow of Mt. Shasta, celebrated for its restoring energy.
Redwood Forest Leather Journal from Many Hands Gallery, $72
Eureka
Inspire your favorite traveler with a leather-bound journal that evokes the majesty of the North Coast’s soaring sequoias. The pewter button closure keeps favorite memories secure.
Classic Jack Long-Sleeve from Truckee Flannel Co., $65
Truckee
This red-checkered shirt delivers holiday energy, while still looking ruggedly classic year-round. Perfect for the lumberjack (or lumberjill) in your life.
Cedar + Rose Smudge Stick from Among the Flowers, $18
Placerville
This beautiful bouquet of flowers was harvested in El Dorado County. Intended to be ignited at one end to cleanse a space, gift this lovely bundle to anyone in your life who might be ready for a reset.
Family Roundup Package from Yolo Land & Cattle, prices vary
Woodland
At nearly 100 pounds, this full quarter of beef will provide grass-fed goodness all year. Each package contains cuts like filet mignon, rib eye, and brisket, all cultivated on a family-owned farm in the Central Valley.
Caviar from Passmore Ranch, prices vary
Sloughhouse
For the epicurean who has everything: Harvested from 10-year-old sturgeon on a farm outside of Sacramento, this small-batch caviar screams luxury with every tiny spoonful.
Felted Soap from Plum Blossom Farm, $16
Cloverdale
Sonoma County farmer Carole Balala has created a forever home for her flock of sheep, and she uses their wool to create products such as felted soaps, wool dryer balls, and pet toys. She also offers all-natural bath and body products like lip balm, sugar scrubs, and candles.
Burl Wood Bowl from The Constellation Marketplace, $35
Sacramento
The prettiest place for bobby pins or loose change, this one-of-a-kind bowl is carved from fallen branches of 100-year-old Sacramento sycamores by a local artisan.
Amoeba Charcuterie Board from Geri Biehl Clay, $60
Healdsburg
A chance pandemic pottery class turned Healdsburg local Geri Biehl into an in-demand ceramicist. Shop her handmade pieces like this whitewashed, amoeba-shaped serving board.
Heritage Sheep Throw from JG Switzer, $895
Sebastopol
JG Switzer is dedicated to using only the finest natural fibers, like this locally sourced wool. Milled at a tiny workhouse within The Barlow, Sebastopol’s popular open-air market, this throw makes an instant heirloom.
Adopt an Alpaca from Menagerie Hill Ranch, $150
Vacaville
Adopt your own alpaca—minus the responsibility—with this sweet package, which includes a photo, certificate of your animal’s genealogy, gift certificate to the farm store, and four free visits to the ranch to bond with your fuzzy friend.
Mixed Pearl Safety Pin from Good Stock, $245
Oakland
Let your loved one tap into their inner punk-rock kid in the chicest way possible: a 14-karat gold pin dotted with freshwater pearls.
Lombard Wallet from ODSY, $65
San Francisco
Inspired by the “crookedest street in the world,” this low-profile wallet stores your cards in a cool switchback style. Stitched to order in San Francisco from English bridle leather, it’s an elevated stocking stuffer that’s built to last.
California Cheese Experience Bundle from Stepladder Creamery, $87
Cambria
Founded in 1871, Stepladder Ranch & Creamery has been family-owned and operated for generations. Deliver a Central Coast–style cheese course straight to a fromage-loving friend. This bundle includes six signature flavors, including the award-winning Cabrillo, Lumberjack, and Ragged Point.
Paper Manifestation Pad from Wilde House Paper, $26
San Luis Obispo
For the seeker and the dreamer in your life, this minimalist pad made from recycled paper is more than meets the eye. With intentional prompts and goal-setting exercises, the pad offers a step-by-step guide to manifesting the life they desire.
I Love You California framed art print, $55+
San Luis Obispo
A version of this vintage print is reportedly hanging in Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s Santa Barbara home. You can own your own affordable version of the California-loving piece from San Luis Obispo–based Buen Dia Design.
Beyond and Back Boot from SeaVees, $175
Santa Barbara
The classic shape combined with unexpected colors makes these ankle-high boots a SeeVees fan favorite. The Santa Barbara footwear brand is known for its knock-around durability and the rugged oil leather design is built to last.
Twinkle Overnighter from Atenti, $252
Glendale
Founded by two Argentina-born designers, Atenti is known for where-did-you-get-those bags, adorned with bold embellishments. Get this overnighter for the jetsetter or set-jetter on your list.
Tabletop Backgammon Set from Wolfum, $250
Los Angeles
When you’re not sure what to get your hard-to-shop-for friend, an heirloom-quality backgammon set might just do the trick. Made in Los Angeles with a unique wood-printing technique, this art-forward board is decorated with a blue poppy print designed by Annabel Inganni.
Neon Cowboy Hat from Neon Cowboys, $88
Los Angeles
While attending a country music festival after sunset, Asia Hall envisioned a cowboy hat that would glow like a neon sign. Her idea became a futuristic brand that merges fashion and tech into statement-making styles, and this hat showcases the signature look.
Hinoki Body Oil from Wonder Valley, $85
Joshua Tree
A former California Olive Oil Council member and her husband turn locally grown olives into exquisitely packaged bath products. Infused with the scent of Japanese hinoki and Siberian fur, this luxurious elixir is self-care in a bottle.
Wool Cashmere Jacket from St. John, $2,595
Irvine
A favorite of fashion icons Jessica Chastain, Judie Comer, and Issa Rae, St. John crafts modern knitwear with a touch of old Hollywood glamour, like this stunning cashmere coat.
Café Vale Go! Electric Bike from Electra, $3,550
Irvine
Save the planet while turning some heads with this stylish e-bike. Perfect for a leisurely pedal in Irvine—or a zippy ride when you have the need for speed. This racer-inspired bike reaches top assisted speeds of 28 mph.
California Poppy Bookmark from The Mission Inn Museum, $15
Your favorite bookworm will appreciate a pretty way to hold their spot. Made from solid brass with a silver finish this California-inspired bookmark is a serious upgrade from folded corners.
Legend Readers from Saunt Eyewear, $100
Encinitas
These 100-percent plant-based frames, 3D printed in Encinitas, offer a thoughtful, modern take on the reader. Lenses also block blue light to save your loved one’s eyes from screen strain.
Surfboard from Josh Hall, prices vary
San Diego
A longtime apprentice of surfboard designer Skip Frye, Josh Hall is now a shaping legend in his own right. His beautiful, hand-shaped boards are sure to be treasured and well-used by any wave lover in your life.
Chakra Chocolate Truffles Gift Box from Maya Moon, $40
San Diego
Nourish their spirit with a set of jewel-toned chocolates, sweetened with raw honey and ceremonial drinking cacao, and dusted with dried raspberry, coconut, and bee pollen.
