The 30 Best Gifts for Angelenos (Aka the Coolest People on the Planet)
PureWow Editors select every item that appears on this page,, and the company may earn compensation through affiliate links within the story You can learn more about that process here. Yahoo Inc. may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below.
Read the original article on Purewow.
You'd be forgiven for letting the warm Los Angeles weather throw you off, but it is indeed already time to start thinking about the holidays and all the gifts that come with it. But don’t stress out about it (and if you do, we have a gift for that), rather feel prepared with our list of the best gifts for Angelenos. We’ve got fashion finds and foodie favorites; drinks for both the boozers and the sober curious; gifts to enhance relaxation and ones guaranteed to energize. Our gift guide has something for every Angeleno and highlights some of our shared love of outdoor living, all things wellness, and supporting California-based brands.
40 Amazing Gifts for New Moms (That Are for Her, Not The Baby)
The Best Gifts at a Glance
1. Aviator Nation 5 Stripe Hoodie
Getting your first Aviator Nation sweatshirt is practically a rite of passage as an Angeleno; these beloved sweatshirts are seen worn all over the city, from Hollywood to the Beach Cities. The unisex zip-up comes in many color options and is so freakin’ comfortable, they won’t want to take it off. Buy them their first or add to their collection.
2. Janessa Leoné Raleigh Hat
This wool hat by LA-based designer Janessa Leone is sure to please your most stylish friend and is the perfect accessory as temperatures dip towards the end of the year. The dark brown hat is embellished with a black leather band and looks just as great teamed with a pair of denims and a button-down shirt as it does with a flowy, boho dress. However they style it, it's sure to become a staple of their wardrobe for years to come.
3. Dr. Lisa Dog Walk Set
Dogs aren’t just pets to us, they’re family. This kit will help their pooch put their best paw forward. It includes a sweet smelling cologne as well as scented poop bags that really do the trick. The included belt bag is a cute accessory for your walks to Alfred Coffee, and the wipes are perfect for a post-hike cleanup.
4. Brightland The Luminous Capsule
Home chefs know that it all comes down to good quality ingredients, and this gift box will add three of the best to their supply. The California-based brand crafts its extra virgin olive oils, vinegars, and honey using locally sourced ingredients with a focus on quality. The kit includes their famous AWAKE Olive Oil, PARASOL Champagne Vinegar, California Orange Blossom Honey, and the signature spout for mess-free pouring.
5. Radio Flyer My First Tesla
Tesla may as well be the unofficial car of Southern California so for the little ones in your life, it only makes sense to gift them their very first one. This smooth ride is recommended for toddlers ages 18 months old to 4 years old (i.e., they can get behind the wheel when their little feet can touch the ground). Then, they’ll be able to steer with the wheel and honk their electric horn (hopefully, not while stuck in L.A. traffic).
6. Homesick Snow Day Candle
Let’s be real; we love our nearly perfect 365 days a year weather, but those who are initially from colder parts of the country love to lament the lack of seasons. Gift them this candle which has top notes of spruce needles, vanilla, and crisp air to bring them nostalgic feels of their former snowy days. This natural soy wax blend burns for 60 to 80 hours, and since we’re an eco-conscious bunch, we particularly like that the candle is non-toxic.
7. Lilith on Top Astrology Birth Chart Reading Gift Card
You can’t go more than five feet in L.A. without overhearing that mercury is in retrograde or that a relationship failed because he was an Aquarius (hey, she was a Scorpio so it was never going to work out). If you’ve got a buddy who partakes in all-things astrology, they’ll be psyched to receive this gift certificate for a birth chart reading with L.A. Times-recognized astrologer, Gogo Akopyan. A reading with Gogo feels like a chat with your (very knowledgeable and sage) bestie. PS: Use code PUREWOWASTRO to receive 15 percent off.
8. Leeada Onyx Lariat Necklace
This delicate lariat made with 14k gold plated over brass with a black onyx is a great layering or standalone piece. It was made by two L.A.-based designers and is said to “invite only positive energy.” Gift one to your friend who's had a string of bad luck and could use some good fortune next year.
9. AeroPress Go Travel Coffee Maker & Stainless Steel Filter Bundle
One of the benefits of living in L.A. is all the gorgeous camping options within hours from the city; for those who love to wander, help them keep some pep in their step with this portable coffee maker. The AeroPress Go is simple to use, creates a superior cup of coffee (they’ll toss those cans of instant right on out), and even includes the mug. It is now being sold with this stainless steel filter which is a more environmentally-friendly option than the paper ones.
10. Cozy Earth Bamboo Sheet Set
Angelenos are known for having non-traditional work schedules which allows many of them to spend long hours in bed, not to mention this is a population that takes sleep very seriously (it is key to a healthy lifestyle, you know). Gift them their best night’s sleep ever with these 100 percent premium viscose from bamboo sheets courtesy of Oprah-approved Cozy Earth. They come in a variety of colors and sizes, are temperature regulating and wrinkle-resistant.
11. Manta Healthy Hair Brush
L.A. gals are really into taking care of their hair—whether it’s detoxifying their scalp or protecting their blond highlights. This uniquely-shaped hairbrush will keep tresses in top shape by minimizing breakage and promoting shine. It also gently detangles knots while providing a soothing scalp massage that the brand says encourages hair growth. We recently tried this baby and are seriously impressed with the results.
12. The NOW Massage Gift Card
Your stressed-out pal who runs her own start-up could use a massage. The NOW has locations throughout Los Angeles and their boutiques offer calming vibes, from the crystals spaced throughout to the inspirational messaging like “We believe silence is a luxury.” Massage times range from 25 to 80 minutes, and offer add-ons like scalp renewal or calm balm, described as “cooling peppermint mixed with warming capsicum and healing ashwagandha targets sore muscles.”
13. ALBION 4-Step Skincare Ritual
Save them some money on Botox and buy them these luxe skincare products from Japanese line ALBION. Their four-step skincare ritual is designed to deliver “smooth, supple skin with a natural, radiant glow” and includes the Face Releasing Cleansing Cream, Derma Pump Milk S, Derma Pump Lotion S, and Upsurge Solution S. They’re all sold separately so gift one, two, three or all products, depending on your budget. The brand also just opened their first US-based store on Abbot Kinney in Venice, ALBION Garden Store & Cafe, and it’s worth a visit to check out the products and speak with one of their skincare experts (also, their sushi salad from their cafe is *chef’s kiss*).
14. ZOZOFIT ZOZOSUIT
Look, full body health scans are not without controversy. But you can’t deny that there’s something appealing about them—especially when you don’t even have to go to new-age spa or wellness center to get one done. The ZOZOSUIT lets your giftee conduct a 3D body scan in the comfort of their own home, while wearing the paper-thin and surprisingly comfortable ZOZOSUIT. All done from the ZOZOFIT app, the scan then relays data such as body fat percentage and precise measurements of more than 10 key locations on their body. They can continue to track their data and measure their fitness progress with every scan.
15. Click & Grow Smart Garden 3
While having an actual garden or backyard may be the dream, this indoor, self-contained one is a more realistic and welcome option for many apartment-dwelling Angelenos. Plant parents will be psyched by all the options of what they can grow; the kit comes with three basil plant pods but the company sells over 75 varieties of herbs, flowers, vegetables and more. Even better, you don’t need a green thumb to tackle this gardening project.
16. TerraFlame by Solo Stove Tabletop Fire Bowl
For the folks who love to entertain, this tabletop fire bowl will instantly up the ambiance. It’s good for use indoors or out, although it is L.A., so outside under some string lights has our vote. The concrete bowl has decorative rocks around the perimeter that surround a fire canister with gel fuel that will provide three hours of burn time—more than enough time for their guests to share their latest screenplay idea.
17. Zima Dental Dental Pod
If you’ve noticed that everyone’s teeth seem to have gotten a bit straighter these last few years, that’s likely because they’re using Invisalign (which do the same thing as braces but don’t give you childhood trauma). For your bud with the perfect smile, this is an out-of-the-box gift idea; the gift of bacteria and food particle-free retainers. The Dental Pod uses ultrasonic waves to clean retainers in just five minutes flat. And, it’s cute enough to sit out on their bathroom counter.
18. Sakara Gift Card
Who wouldn’t appreciate a couple of meals taken care of for them, especially if they are delivered straight to their door? The gift of Sakara is one your vegan friends (and anyone looking for a non-juice detox) will especially love. They offer various nutritional programs, including a gut health reboot and a bridal plan; each features menu items that are all whole foods, plant rich and nutrient dense. Fellow Angelenos like influencer Tinx and Gwyneth Paltrow are fans so you know it's good.
19. Baublebar Custom Woven Friendship Bracelet
This custom-made friendship bracelet will stand out amongst the rest that may already adorn your Swifties’ arm. The rainbow color threads give us some serious throwback vibes to our youth and the gold lettering looks beautiful against all those colors. You can add up to 12 letters to create your Swifties’ name, initials, or a phrase (“Shake It Off” comes to mind) to the bracelet.
20. Compartes Treasures of the Orchard
Amongst the gift baskets filled with stuff no one actually wants to eat, this classy chocolate-covered fruit gift box will stand out. All the fruit is California-grown and covered with either milk or dark chocolate. It’s the perfect treat that your co-worker or client will actually want to indulge in this holiday season.
21. Total Wine Gift Card or a Bottle of One of Our Top Recommended Wines
For those wine connoisseurs in your life, a gift card to Total Wine is certainly one they won’t forget to use. The giant store is an oenophile's playground and the certificate can be used online or in person at their locations in Redondo Beach, Long Beach and Culver City. If you’re looking to purchase a bottle instead, may we recommend a full-bodied and smooth Italian red, like the Il Grigio Gran Selezione from San Felice Estates? Another one of our favorite Santa Barbara wineries, (which you can now visit in person at their tasting room in Brentwood) is Tensley Wines. Gift a bottle from their surprisingly affordable Fundamental line, and we promise the recipient will be pleased. Cheers.
22. Talking Tables Host Your Own Casino Night
Bring Vegas (baby!) to the gambling guy or gal in your life by buying them this casino night kit that has everything they need to play poker, roulette and blackjack; and we mean everything, down to the croupier’s bow-tie!
23. Dinosaur Taco Holders
Tacos are part of the culture in L.A. Also very California? Dinos! (Seriously, from the La Brea Tar Pits to the Cabazon Dinosaurs, the dinosaurs will not be forgotten.) Put the two together and you’ve got an awesome gift to bring to this year’s White Elephant party. No matter if it’s with best friends, strangers or coworkers, everyone will be vying for these.
24. Scratch | Restaurants Gift Cards
Nothing gets a foodie excited like a multi-course tasting menu, and in typical L.A. fashion, both Pasta | Bar and Sushi by Scratch restaurants are hidden within an unassuming strip mall in Encino. At Sushi by Scratch, your giftee will indulge in some of the freshest, most unique omakase in their unbutton-your-pants 17-course meal. At Pasta | Bar, carbs are the star player, but there are several other inventive plates including fresh sashimi and a wagyu beef course. The tasting menu at Pasta | Bar is $225 and the Sushi by Scratch omakase menu is $165 per person. Trust us, they won’t mind you sending them to the Valley for this experience, no matter where they live.
25. Wilderton Botanical Spirits The Trio
The sober curious movement is underway in Los Angeles, and having a cocktail sans alcohol is all the rage (just check out these LA restaurants which feature some of the best ones). Your sober buds will still feel the holiday spirit as they imbibe cocktails using any of the botanical spirits included in this set: Lustre, Bittersweet Aperitivo and Earthen. Each one has its own unique flavor profile and mixes well with tonic water, soda water, or ginger ale over ice.
26. SmartGoggles
Therabody is a brand favorite in this city and their SmartGoggles are the eye mask that parents will eternally thank you for giving to them—especially when grandma, grandpa and all the cousins come over this holiday season. The goggles help with relaxation and sleep, as well as ease facial tension (you know, from all their yelling) and headaches (ahem, from all their kids’ yelling). Powered by SmartSensor Technology, the goggles are actually proven to slow heart rate. For the holidays and everyday, this is the gift they will use over and over again.
27. Celosa Rosè Tequila
Los Angeles’s proximity to Mexico brings to the city lots of really good tequila. For those tequila fiends, this pick will be a welcome addition to their bar cart. The tequila has a rose color because it is rested in aromatic red-wine barrels sourced from Napa Valley. It has a soft and sweet taste that goes down easy and your giftee will especially enjoy their one-of-a-kind Monterey black marble cap, expertly crafted by skilled artisans from Querétaro, Mexico.
28. CLOUDNOLA Flipping Out Flip Digital Clock
Sure, the West Coast is all about chill vibes but not that chill. Give that friend who is always running behind a little nudge with this stylish clock that is also a piece of functional modern art. The battery-run clock can be displayed on any flat surface and is a helpful reminder of the time when their phone is dead/in the other room/buried in their bag.
29. Eataly Self-Care All’Italiana
Eataly is the place to go in L.A. for all things Italian, and this self-care gift box will take your Italy-loving pals right back to the feeling of la dolce vita (not quite, but it’s the best you could do on your budget). The bundle includes beauty items like Co. Bigelo rose lip balm, an Apotheke candle with seasonal holiday smells, and treats like Amaretti almond cookies, plus much more.
30. lululemon Lab Textured Grid Fleece Hoodie
Runyon, Mandiville, Escondido Falls… There is no shortage of awesome hikes in L.A. Whether they’re adventure hikers or pre-brunch ones, the hiker in your life will enjoy this fleece sweatshirt. The funnel-neck hoodie allows hikers to stay warm without trapping heat. It is designed with room in the chest and the waist, making it a suitable hiking apparel for both men and women.
The 75 Best Gifts for Mom from $7 to $2,800 (Even Though She’s Totally Priceless)
