Get Creative with These 16 Holiday Gift Ideas, All Courtesy of LA Tastemakers
A note from our editor…
If you’re reading this, I want to thank you! Clever began as my passion project; a place where I could uplift and highlight the brands, makers, and creatives that I believed had a story to tell without the influence of clicks, SEO, or any kind of kickback. That’s still what I hope to accomplish with this platform, and although (like many of you) I have struggled with creative purpose and energy over the last two years, I’m happy to share I’m back to investing time and resources into this outlet. And that starts with our annual holiday gift guide!
Every year since starting Clever, I’ve devoted this guide to items that are inspired, artfully crafted, often sustainably made, and always through the lens of California-based creatives. For the third year in a row, I’m handing over the reigns to a handful of LA tastemakers (from designers to culinary entrepreneurs and beyond) who have offered one item they’re looking forward to giving this year, and one item they’d love to receive. This list includes a slew of locally made wares, food items, beauty products, and clothing, but also a few other finds made lovingly and ethically elsewhere, but curated in a way that’s quintessentially Californian.
As always, I hope this encourages you to shop smaller and more mindfully this season (and in general!). These independent makers could always use a little extra love. My wish is that you enjoy the process—and of course that you get everything you want, too. Happy holidays to you and yours.
xo,
Ashley, Editor-in-Chief
Emma Fortini, Makeup Artist & Founder of 14e Cosmetics
“I’m gifting one of our 14e Aloe Nourish Lip Sheens to all my female family and friends. It's such a go-to gift due to its price point, feels great on the lips, beautifully packaged, and looks amazing on everyone. Plus, it’s small, easy to wrap!”
Lip Sheen, $24
“This year I’m asking for nice olive oil! I love a grassy, vibrant EVOO and Brightland makes a great one called ALIVE. Flamingo Estate also makes a gorgeous one.”
‘Alive’ olive oil, $37
Claudia Casanova & Brea Powell, Founders of Bonita Bodega
“We are really proud the HORCHATA SWEATER and CEVICHE TEE we just launched. Since we both grew up in predominately Latin neighborhoods in LA, the food culture has always been a way to connect to our upbringing. We also only saw clothing in cute graphics in French or Italian but not Spanish words, so wanted to create our own pieces that felt a little bit more elevated but still fun. Also, the quality and colors are muy bonita.”
‘Horchata’ sweatshirt, $73
“We are big fans of Blockshop Textiles and we think anyone would be so happy to receive one of their colorful robes. They come in the coolest graphics. Our personal favorite is the Birds of Paradise and the Alma Robe.”
‘Alma’ robe, $175
Sabrina & Spencer Bezaire, Owners of Eszett & Creators of Sbez Hot Sauce
“This year we we are doing a Holiday Market Box including our Sbez Hot Sauce, Salsa Macha, Meyer Lemon Kosho, and a couple surprise goodies! All of these products are made at Eszett and can also be bought separately but we thought this would be a fun saucy gift!”
Sbez Original Recipe, $20
“One gift I would love for you the holidays would be the Double Crust Apple Pie from Justine Hernandez at Just What I Kneaded in Frogtown. She opened in the middle of the pandemic and has created an incredible community with the most delicious vegan pastries!”
Double Crust Apple Pie, $54 (contact jwikpies2021@gmail.com to order)
Sonya Gallardo, Founder of Highlow Studio & Highlow Gift Shop
“The Pillar's Candle and Companion Dish really is so perfect for this time of year. With all the special dinners coming over the holidays, this candle adds ambiance and a sculptural element to any centerpiece. It makes a great hostess gift too.”
Pillars Candle & Companion Dish, $45
“I really love BFGF's throw blankets. I love how they’re functional, but you can also hang them on your wall. They make art collecting so approachable and they’re beautifully made, too!”
‘Clay Court’ woven blanket, $200
Freya & Phoebe Tillem, Founders of Adelfi
“We'll be giving these gorgeous Oaxacan floral candles. They're from one of our favorite local shops, Kneeland Co. They make the perfect centerpiece for any table. And the colors are to die for!”
Oaxacan floral candle, $38
(Freya) “I am lusting after the MOTHER x Carolyn Murphy patchwork quilt Mountain Drifter Jacket. The patchwork is stunning and I love to sport anything upcycled. So cozy and cute!”
“The Mountain Drifter” jacket, $495
(Phoebe) “I'm eyeing the Ciao Lucia Carolinne Dress! Makes a great holiday dress but you could slip this on all year long. The perfect balance of chic yet so easy to wear.”
‘Carolinne’ dress in Sky Blue, $495
Hyungi Park, Founder of BABOSHOP
Park tells us she can’t wait to give this handcrafted soju bottle (made with California clay) from h’soban as a gift this year, wrapped in beautiful Bojagi.
Soju bottle, $280
‘Crane & Grapes’ Bojagi, $28
As for what she’s hoping to receive, Park says this wood and glass bud vase from Namu Home Goods is a coveted item on her list.
‘Ellipse’ walnut wood and glass bud vase, $185
Monica Navarro, Owner of DREAMS and Wine + Eggs
Photo by Shelby Moore
Beautiful tea is always a welcome gift, and Monica loves the varieties from Northern California brand Flowerhead—which is also available for in-person shopping at her LA market, Wine + Eggs.
‘The Originals’ bundle, $50
Monica tells us she’d love to receive one some skincare from Monastery, a botanical brand based in San Francisco. You can find some of its products at her new LA boutique, DREAMS.
Virtual Facial Kit, $390
Ashley Tibbits, Founder of Clever
“Weed for all! But seriously, what kind of California-focused gift guide would this be without the inclusion of cannabis? Rose makes it all seem so accessible, delicious, and artful, and there are non-THC options for people like me, who like the chill but are too much of a control freak to get stoned.”
Nünchi ‘Milky Fruity’ delights (CBD only), $45
“I’m always looking to add to my art collection, and one of my most talented friends, Dabito of Old Brand New, just added some shoppable prints to his offerings. Dab’s best known for his incredible interior design skills and photography, but he’s got a printmaking background and his graphic and expressionist works would instantly make any of my walls exponentially prettier.”
‘Fore’ by Dabito, $49
