A Very California Holiday Gift Guide: From Oceanfront Ice Rinks to Ojai Perfume & Beyond

‘Tis the season. 

If you’re anything like us, the end of November feels like a whirlwind... and then December hits and you have — literally — a zillion-and-two things to do. Holiday shopping keeps getting pushed back until suddenly it’s Christmas Eve and you’re scrambling to Target for a run-of-the-mill present that will be forgotten as soon as it’s unwrapped. 

But not this year!

This year you’re going to get your holiday shopping done, early. You’re going to shower your loved ones with something meaningful. Something they will actually keep throughout the year. Something that will remind them of you with every use. 

And we are here to help. 

In this Holiday Gift Guide we’ve compiled some of our fave go-to presents that will leave Santa (and Target) speechless.

LOCAL

The Hundredth Acre Candles

Hand-poured right here in Laguna, these soy free, vegan candles come in a variety of scents that are intended to remind you of some of the favorite aspects of our beach city. The Hundredth Acre’s signature scent, Laguna, features notes of sea salt representing the ocean, floral notes of jasmine which line our streets, and a touch of sweet cream that serves as an ode to the many gelato and ice cream shops in town.

Jedidiah Coffee

This husband-and-wife team roasts in Laguna Canyon and is on a mission to bring craft coffee to a kitchen near you. Their subscription coffee service makes it super easy to brew a (legit) cup of joe at home each morning and their rotating blends help keep things exciting. Be sure to check out their “Christmas Blend” for the Christmas morning jolt you know you’re going to need.

Rachel Judd Art

At just 25-years-old, this local artist has a story that will inspire and a talent that you’ll want hanging on your wall. (Check out her take on LBL’s pups, Benny and Bev!) Popular on Instagram with some of IG’s biggest influencers, Rachel takes the beauty in the fine details of the face and enhances them into an actual art piece.

Stephanos Fine Jewelry

When founder and local Mom, Miki Latimer’s son was born with Cerebral Palsy, the family traveled the world searching for alternative cures for her son. Through this informative time, Miki took inspo from the different cultures she experienced throughout Asia and Europe and has paired them with California beach style to cultivate a fine jewelry company which she designs from her home office in Laguna. 

Ric Pipino Haircut

Hairstylist to the stars, Ric Pipino is known for his attention to detail and transformative cuts, having styled some of the most beautiful women in the world. (He was married to Heidi Klum, no biggie.) Adding to his roster of rich life experiences (including, but not limited to, being Derek’s stylist in Zoolander), the cultured — and extremely fun — Pipino travels the world doing sought-after pop-ups. He’s recently added Corona del Mar to his steady rotation with his next date scheduled for Sunday, December 12. This month he’ll be bringing along big deal celebrity fashion stylist, Ashley Pruitt, who is taking time off of her Oscar press tour to offer clients a personalized shopping experience with Ric. Sounds like we’re in for a holiday makeover, Blue Steel style!

Electric Boat Rentals

You’ve seen the pics on Instagram: the bright colored boats, the crystal blue water, the gorgeous bayfront houses. Nestled in Newport’s Lido Village, Electric Boat Rentals offers a variety of rides — from their electric Fantail Duffy boats to their electric VOLT “picnic boats” — and is a daytime activity perfect for the family... or the pups… or the Newport Beach Christmas Parade. Whatever you rent your eBoat for, you’re in for a good time because a) you’re in paradise and b) you’re on a boat!

STYLE

UNDERCLUB Subscription

Because we all know there’s no better mail than a new bra and panty set. UNDERCLUB has set out to change the lingerie space with underwear that caters to ALL shapes and sizes. The subscription service works with top underwear brands like Natori, Commando, and Hanky Panky to introduce members to new, exclusive styles every month. Subscriptions start at just $15 a month. Victoria, who? 

Elastique Athletics Leggings

Not only do these leggings feel like you’re wearing silk, Elastique uses a special MicroPerle technology that is designed to be a “workout enhancer” and actually mimics a lymphatic massage. In an 8-week clinical study 100% of women said the overall appearance of their thighs improved, their skin seemed firmer, and signs of cellulite had been visibly reduced. Maximize your workouts AND get the legs of your dreams while you lounge at home or at the gym… yes please!

Parks Project: CA State Parks Collection

Parks Project (basically everyone’s favorite outdoor lifestyle brand) has teamed up with the California State Park System to release an exclusive line that pays homage to the beauty of Cali’s natural wonders. Complete with the Golden State Bear logo and a retro design, not only will you look like a total forest-babe, but you’ll also be helping to fund the California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Junior Ranger program with 5% of all proceeds going towards the department. 

Canada Goose

The geese have officially touched down at South Coast Plaza! Canada Goose’s permanent location in Orange County’s most famous mall features actual snow so you can fully experience what it’s like to wear one of their famous cold-combatting coats. “The Cold Room” — which is the first and only of its kind in America — stimulates a snowstorm daily with temperatures reaching as low as -10F. Whether or not you’re in the market for one of CG’s luxury products, the experience alone is worth the visit! (Also, have you seen this season’s pastel colors? Swoon!)

WELLNESS

Osea Skincare

Whether it’s their Seabiotic Water Cream Moisturizer, their Undaria Algae Body Oil, or their Salt of the Earth Body Scrub, we’re obsessed with this line of seaweed-based products. Family-run and based in Malibu, Osea is California skincare that feels as healthy and rejuvenating as an early morning rinse in the ocean.

From now until Sunday, December 12 score a FREE Mini Body Scrubs Duo (mini Salts of the Earth Scrub + mini Undaria Algae Body Polish) when you spend $100+! *Use code LAGUNA10 for 10% off your order.

Ava Isa Sunscreen

Face sunscreen that feels like your daily moisturizer — for us Californians Ava Isa Sunscreen NEEDS to become a part of your daily routine. Light and effective, it comes in a glass bottle and is sustainable — so you can both feel good about what you’re putting on your skin AND the footprint you’re leaving on the environment. 

Floramye CBD Bath Bliss Set

Holistic wellness brand, Floramye, carries a range of organic CBD formulas that encourage the wellbeing of the mind, body, and complexion. Consciously sourced in small batches using raw materials, their CBD bathing balls are a breath of fresh air for sore muscles and make for a relaxing evening in. Each ball contains a natural chakra stone that will reveal itself during your bathing ritual. 

Ojai Wild Perfume

Smells like California! Ojai Wild is a vibrant perfume and cologne collection extracted from organic botanicals and roots, and sourced by hand from a sustainable farm in Ojai. Ethically-harvested and locally grown, plants are crushed, pressed, and soaked, releasing an unadulterated and undiluted bloom.

MONPURE Hair and Scalp Care

Great hair starts with a healthy scalp. MONPURE London is the world’s first haircare brand specifically dedicated to scalp health. Sustainable, with plant-based formulas that nourish the scalp and hair follicles, MONPURE’s formulas deliver fundamental benefits for stronger, healthier hair (including scalp irritation and hair loss). 

Ayla Beauty Sweet Dreams Set

Ayla Beauty is a results-focused online beauty retailer that features the best in clean and sustainable products from around the globe. Their Sweet Dreams Set contains an ingestible sleep elixir, a rollerball blend to breathe in, and a 100% mulberry silk sleep mask which blocks out light while being kind (and especially soft) to your skin. The set helps combat the seasonal loss of ZZZ’s that often comes with the hustle and bustle of this time of year. Is it bedtime yet?

EAT / DRINK

Global Gardens’ Gift Sets

An olive farm in the Santa Ynez Valley’s quaint piece of heaven, Los Olivos, Global Gardens is a perfect place to come for those looking for a non-wine centric activity while traveling through wine country, and also a prime place for those who love to cook. Not only does GG offer olive oil tastings which will leave your palette happy, they also offer Members Clubs which have become a huge draw for savvy epicureans and locals alike. The Clubs are a gift that keep on gifting all year, as are their Gift Sets which feature everything from an “OPA Greek Cocktail Party Kit” to an “Escape to Greece Gift Set” to the perfectly-named “I Love California to Every Last Drop Gift Set.”

Faire la Fête Sparkling Wine

Developed in Limoux, France (the village that first discovered sparkling wine back in 1531), Faire la Fête Champagne is a vibrant sparkler that gives non-vintage Champagne brands a run for their money. (At around $20 a bottle it’s literally a third of the price than its competitors). Hand-harvested and aged for up to 24 months, FLF is truly “Champagne for All”… and, not like we pick our Champs by the label or anything, but it’s pretty, modern looking, and a totally perfect party favor!

Meyer Family Cellars’ Holiday Red Gift Set

Located off Route 128 in Yorkville with a tasting room in Mendocino, this family winemaking team sources grapes from the very best appellations in California: Yorkville Highlands, Anderson Valley, and Oakville. Their Holiday Red Gift Set contains three of their finest selections and is a perfect addition to any holiday party. Pair the 2019 Monument Tree Pinot Noir with lamb or duck breast and enjoy surprising aromas of perfume, tangerine, currant, and raspberries. Their Syrah 2017 features plum and blackberry flavors that pairs with traditional holiday meals, and their Fluffy Billows Cabernet Sauvignon is best enjoyed with a holiday roast and features savory-sweet notes of cedar and tobacco characteristics.

Golden Rule Spirits 

These 100ml bar-strength cocktails are made with top-shelf spirits and all-natural ingredients… and come in a can for easy access. A perfect party drink, Golden Rule Spirits have two ready-to-drink flavors (Margarita Original and Old Fashioned), and are quick to serve, slow to enjoy. Aka: less hangover, more fun.

STAYCATION

The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano

Pop next door to The Inn at the Mission San Juan Capistrano for a staycation that will have you feeling like you went back in time. Located right next door to SJC’s famous Mission, the Inn is walking distance to everything SJC has to offer, features its own luxury spa (Spa at the Mission), an in-house restaurant and bar, (Ysidora), and a rustic courtyard where you’ll look forward to ending each night.

Pasea Hotel & Spa

For a fun — and unexpected — holiday treat, book a stay at Huntington Beach’s own oceanfront resort, Pasea. (They literally just put up an outdoor ice skating rink adjacent to the PACIFIC OCEAN!) A gorgeous and newly renovated hotel, it’s the quintessential Cali vacay with ocean views, a room-temperature pool, a rejuvenating spa, and all the stoke of Surf City USA. Oh, and it’s dog friendly AF.

Bellanca Hotel in Catalina

Catalina’s latest newly reopened hotel, the Bellanca Hotel is right smack in the center of town and has ocean views that can’t be beat. Its restaurant, The Naughty Fox, has become a Catalina hotspot and is popular for its lounge, outdoor seating, and cheeky cocktails. So foxing delicious!