I'm a Shopping Expert Living in L.A.—28 Chic Items I'm Gifting My Fellow Angelenos With
I've lived in L.A. for over 15 years now, which I think officially makes me an Angeleno. The allure of the Southern California way of life brings so many to the West Coast ready to experience the active lifestyle, beaches, mountains, blockbuster entertainment, and, of course, mild year-round weather. Having immersed myself and embraced this beautiful city, I've discovered the coolest local brands, stores, businesses, and insider L.A.-isms that make the great city what it is.
I decided to put together a cool gift guide for those who appreciate the L.A. life and culture—from California-chic fashion pieces to spa gift cards. These ideas are perfect for your friends who live in L.A. and those friends who always seem to be planning trips to L.A.! These goods capture the spirit of the laid-back Angeleno lifestyle.
Who wouldn't love a little memento from the iconic, celeb-loved Beverly Hills Hotel?
For the fashion set in L.A., Dôen is one of the most quintessential California brands. It's inspired by nostalgia, family, and the warm hues of Southern California days. A Dôen dress is a forever dress and makes for the perfect gift.
In-the-know foodies always make a beeline to Gjusta. Its in-house products are amazing gifts for anyone who loves the cool L.A. spot in Venice.
Local L.A.-based brand Donni offers the chicest elevated staples that exude a laid-back-meets-polished aesthetic. I guarantee you'll spot someone wearing its iconic Rib Kick Flares at a coffee shop near you.
The popular fashion brand is a go-to for chic and stylish contemporary clothing. Opt for a beaded bag or the fashion editor loved Brigitte Mules when gifting this season.
Known for luxurious, nature-inspired apothecary products and curated fresh produce, Flamingo Estate is always the first place I go when it comes to finding the perfect gift. Its soaps, candles, and olive oils are a must.
The perfect pick for the Erewhon girlies who want to re-create its iconic Strawberry Glaze Skin Smoothie at home.
Go to any cute coffee shop and you're guaranteed to see L.A. women sporting ALO leggings and cute matching sets after their Pilates classes. The brand is a perfect place to find a great gift for the active Angeleno.
A chic way to express your love for the classic and iconic Sunset Tower Hotel.
Explore the City of Angels, from beaches to barrios, in this sun-drenched, stunning photography book. It's the perfect coffee table piece.
Here's an ideal way to show your California love! The packaging captures the essence of Los Angeles with a vibrant depiction of an L.A. sunset and silhouettes of palm trees. It's absolutely delicious too.
I frequent the rooftop and Palma Lounge at the Santa Monica Proper a lot as a west-sider, but what you might not know is that the Proper Hotel offers a private wellness suite that you can book by the hour. (You don't need to be a guest at the hotel to use it.) It includes therapies designed to restore energy, sharpen focus, and accelerate recovery. This makes for an amazing and unique gift idea, especially for your friends on the west side.
Every cool L.A. girl I know owns something chic from Reformation.
No one will ever be disappointed after finding a Staud beaded bag under the Christmas tree.
A tee made to show support and love for Clare V's hometown and its people.
I recently discovered Molly Sims's L.A.-based skincare brand Yse Beauty, and I'm absolutely obsessed. Give these highly reviewed exfoliating pads that leave skin looking brighter and smoother to your mom, aunt, sister, or yourself, and I guarantee you'll earn major brownie points.
Nothing sums up the active-yet-chill coastal lifestyle quite like Vuori. Its comfy-chic pieces are the perfect holiday gift for those who appreciate buttery-soft fabrics and high-performance technicalwear.
If you're looking to gift a cool pair of shades, I highly recommend these retro-chic sunglasses from L.A. brand Elisa Johnson.
Boy Smells is a queer-owned and -operated fragrance house known for blending masculine and feminine notes in bold, unconventional scents. I love Roasted and its rich smell of coffee, leather, and cashmere.
Everyone on our team absolutely loves a bottle of Avaline—the clean wine brand cofounded by Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power.
In-the-know Angelenos get their caffeine kick at Alfred in L.A. Re-create its delicious lattes at home with this chic gift set.
For those who prefer La La Land Kind Café in L.A., this baseball hat is such a cute gift.
Here's an absolutely stunning piece to celebrate L.A.'s most epic outdoor music venue, the Hollywood Bowl. This woven throw blanket is part of an exclusive collaboration with L.A. artist Justina Blakeney.
Merit is a clean, minimalist makeup brand from Los Angeles, and I'm absolutely obsessed with all its products. A gift set is a must for any beauty lover in your life.
For a unique gift this statement plate from ceramics showroom and art studio, Cosa Ceramica, nestled in the heart of Virgil Village, is the perfect heartfelt piece. Simply send a scan of your handwritten note, and they'll transform it into an heirloom designed to be treasured for generations.
You simply can't go wrong with a gift card at L.A.'s most loved neighborhood massage boutique. There are locations in Santa Monica, West Hollywood, Silverlake, Woodland Hills, and Studio City. The vibes at The NOW are serene and stylish—and I highly recommend trying their Signature Swedish-Inspired massage.
Navigate the city in style with this chic Louis Vuitton city guide.
A cool cup from the Original Farmers Market will go down a treat.
