Locals Only Gift Guide
It’s no surprise that I love Los Angeles and all that it has to offer. What better time to #shoplocal than the holidays. You can stop by the Renegade Craft Fair this weekend which will be filled with local artisans (clothing, food, jewelry & more) pimping their wares just in time for you to stuff some stockings, or you can check out some of my local favorites below.
1. Compartes
Too pretty to eat? or so delectable, you can’t help but devour these decadent morsels, despite their dapper dress. The truffles that Jonathan Grahm creates are to-die-for. Just ask Oprah, who picked his chocolates as one of her favorite things, over whiskers on kittens. The bars and truffles are my favorite chocolates in Los Angeles, and I could have chocolate with every meal.
2. L. Makai’s Commuter Collection
I love this bauble as a triumphant medal conquering your daily commute. These charms are the quintessential representation of life in Los Angeles, in the form of delicate freeway signs in precious metals. Whether as a symbol of your road trip through life or a way to proudly represent your Southland neighborhood, L. Makai’s Commuter Collection necklace can be customized for anyone on your wish list. You can find the Commuter Collection this weekend at the Renegade Craft Fair Dec 14 & 15.
3. Orgasmo de la boca Smoked Olives
Finally marrying two of my favorite things: smoke and olives, Orgasmo de la boca smoked olives are true to their namesake: an orgasm in your mouth. In Bloody Mary’s, on a cheese plate, or just to snack on while binge watching Homeland, Chef Alessandra’s smoked olives are best enjoyed with company, or you may find yourself finishing off every last bite yourself.
4. Send Me Some Snow
Jazz Guitarist Chris Standring pairs up with singer songwriter Kathrin Shorr for an album of new holiday classics. These two are fixtures in the LA music scene and have succeeded in creating an album of original Christmas songs that warms your hearth and decks your halls with jazz & joy. This is a simple way to support local artists by purchasing some festive music for the holidays.
5. Aldik Home
If you’re not sure you’re in the Christmas Sprit, you just need to step foot in Aldik’s store during the holidays, and you will find every manner of tree, trimming, ornament, and tinsel. This is a wonderland of epic proportions with trees and decor in every style from traditional to whimsical to modern to handmade. If you didn’t have enough holiday cheer, stop in here.
6. Bar Keeper Bar Kits
Curating the finest in vintage barware & an impeccable liquor selection, Joe Keeper also has the best gift basket for your cocktail curious cubicle buddy. All the ingredients you need to craft your own craft cocktail at home are conveniently curated into a gift box, along with the recipe from a classic cocktail or if you’re adventurous, the secret ingredients to one of LA’s finest bartender’s signature cocktails. Shaken or stirred, the secrets will be revealed to you when you open your box.
What are some of your local favorites? I’d love to hear them in the comments below!