We are soon to be kicking off the holiday season, which means it’s time to start thinking about gifts! Instead of a generic bottle of vino from BevMo or a box of cookies from Trader Joe’s, shop for locally crafted gifts that support local artisans. Here are my recommendations for this holiday season in San Diego:

For a Sweet Tooth

Macarons from Le Parfait Paris

Find authentic French-style macarons in Liberty Public Market at Le Parfait Paris. A stunning orange box of a dozen made-from-scratch macarons makes for an elegant gift that pairs perfectly with after dinner coffee and tea. 

Honey Bourbon Pecan Pie from Pop Pie Co.

Pecans, orange zest and spiced bourbon whiskey combine for a pecan pie that is even better than mamma makes. Pop Pie Co. in University Heights features Executive Chef Gan Suebsarakham’s signature all-butter crust. Just check that they aren’t already baking a pie – you don’t want to upstage them! 

Sugar Mama Caramels from Pigment

These handcrafted, small batch sea salt caramels from local confectioner Nancy Flint come individually wrapped, making them easy to share. I love them because they are buttery and creamy, not sticky, so they won’t get stuck in your teeth. At $9 for a 3.5 ounce bag, this is one of the more affordable options on the list, a great choice for anyone on a tight holiday budget.

Treats from The Gluten Free Baking Company 

The Gluten Free Baking Company, based in North Park, is the perfect place to pick up sweet treats and presents for those with gluten and dairy allergies, or that practice a vegan lifestyle. Offering funny gifts with sayings like “I’m social-distancing from gluten,” as well as holiday treat gift baskets, such as holiday cookies, hot cocoa bombs (think mug-sized bath bombs, but with chocolate and marshmallows,) and gingerbread kits, The Gluten Free Baking Co. has the perfect allergen-free options that accommodate everyone you’ll see this holiday season.

Gift Basket from Grant’s Coffee

Scoop up a gift basket from South Park neighborhood market and coffee roaster Grant’s Coffee. The $39 basket includes one bag of coffee beans, one mini bottle of wine, a cookie, and one additional baked good from Grant’s.

To Turn up the Party

Coffee Vodka from 619 Spirits

619 Spirits handcrafts their premium vodka in North Park and incorporates local ingredients into their spirits. The coffee vodka is made with local brew from Caffé Calabria, freshly infused for a smooth blend. Swirl it with cream for an easy version of a White Russian. Bonus: the vodka is made from sugar cane so is naturally gluten free!

Wine from Carruth Cellars
Carruth Cellars makes all their own wine locally in their Solana Beach urban winery location and sells their bottles at the three tasting rooms in Solana Beach, Carlsbad, and Little Italy. While the grapes are sourced from Northern and Central California, and Willamette Valley in Oregon, the Solana Beach winery does the rest. Check out their 2016 Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon or 2016 Knights Valley Malbec.

Bali Hai Tiki Holiday Spirit from Cutwater Spirits
What happens when eggnog meets sunny San Diego? You get the Bali Hai Tiki Holiday Spirit from Cutwater Spirits! The locally-distilled concoction combines Bali Hai Rum with cream, cinnamon, and holiday spices for a tropical take on a traditional eggnog. Even better, you only need to add ice and serve, making it extra easy.

For a Cheerful Home

Succulent Arrangements from Pigment
A succulent arrangement is a great San Diego gift that will likely still be gracing their home in 2021 and beyond. Even better when it is artfully planted and arranged in a locally sourced vintage vessel, so every arrangement is unique.

Spent Grain Dog Treats From Stone Brewing

Dog moms and dads will love getting a special treat for their pup. Stone Bones are made by repurposing the brewery’s spent grain, combining it with organic peanut butter, organic flour, organic eggs, and a little water for a delicious treat for your furry friends.

Merry Candle from AURA Candles

Candles add holiday cheer to any party. AURA candles are poured by hand in the Carlsbad studio by best friends Jasmine and Chelsea. They use a coconut wax blend that burns more cleanly than paraffin, along with lead-free wicks. Limited edition Merry scent is a festive blend of Siberian fir, cinnamon bark, and golden raspberry.

For more great gift ideas, check out my blog post for Zulily!