A Laguna Beach Holiday Gift Guide
Did Christmas sneak up on you this year?
Don’t worry, it got us too!
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite local gifts for you to shop this season in Laguna.
From sustainable apparel and vintage finds to hot sauce and specialty coffee, our SoCal gift guide has something for everyone.
FOR THE TRENDSETTER
WILLBO beanies have quickly become the new UGGs of SoCal. Versatile, unisex, and made from 100% recycled cotton, these holiday head warmers are a must. Pop by their storefront at 353 N Coast Hwy, next to Royal Hawaiian.
FOR THE COFFEE LOVER
Just a stone's throw from WILLBO HQ is Succulent Coffee Roasters. Since opening earlier this year, the team behind this now-institution has been dishing out freshly roasted SoCal coffee (and pastries) to locals and tourists alike.
Their New Wave blend recently received a whopping 93 points from Coffee Review, making it the perfect stocking stuffer for every coffee lover.
FOR THE THRIFTY DESIGNER
Anyone who favors a bungalow, desert house vibe has heard of The GARAGE Collective. Its brick-and-mortar store at 1524 S Coast Hwy has everything from rugs and textiles to jewelry and gifts, making it the perfect stop for a Christmas shop.
Hot tip: Ask about their curated collection of preloved vintage home decor if you’re looking for something truly unique and affordable.
FOR THE FASHIONISTA
Located in front of Pacific Edge Hotel at 664 S Coast Hwy, Mimi & Rae has a rotating selection of women-owned brands expertly curated for each season. They’re a mother and daughter team and are always having fun on social media playing with new styles and looks. Pop in to say hi and ask them to style you!
FOR The FUSSY FOODIE
MAGO Hot Sauce has been dishing out the perfect gift for Laguna Beach foodies since twenty-twelve. The company's small-batch sauces have a mouthwatering balance of heat and flavor despite being preservative-free. Even better, all MAGO ingredients are locally sourced in SoCal, gluten-free, and 100% vegan.
We highly recommend the Roasted Habanero flavor, MAGO’s best-selling sauce since day one.
FOR THE ARTSY TYPE
The Sawdust Winter Fantasy Festival is open from November 19—December 18, and is the perfect place to find handcrafted gifts from over 150 local artists.
One of these artists is John Barber, a master glassblower operating out of Laguna Beach. His unique, glass creations — stemware, bowls, vases, and some sculptures — make the ultimate gift for art enthusiasts.
FOR THE DO-GOODER
Speaking of glass, what about a Laguna Beach Trolley Glass Christmas ornament? It’s the latest creation from the brothers behind Iconic Ornaments, an artisanal ornament business celebrating everything there is to love about Laguna Beach. With a portion of every sale going to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center, this is the gift that keeps on giving.
FOR THE WELLNESS connoisseur
Not only is NOSH Body known for their organic skincare made in small batches in Orange County, they also have their own NOSH Wellness Center with a hydro-massage bed, Himalayan Sea Salt Cave, and Taj Mat Therapy. With a focus on holistic and natural wellness, NOSH stands for Natural - Ocean - Salt - Healing, which is exactly the relaxation you need this winter.
FOR THE PERSON WHO HAS EVERYTHING
Still can’t decide? Give the golden ticket to the Golden State. An annual California State Parks Pass offers access to 134 different parks, including access to high-demand SoCal beaches along the Orange, LA, and San Diego coasts. This is the Rolls-Royce of gifts (in our opinion) and the perfect option for someone who has it all.
For more details on our favorite picks from Laguna’s shopping district and beyond, check this out.
Tara Hay is a laid-back Australian living in Laguna Beach. She is a journalist-turned-marketer with 8+ years of professional experience working for global software startups and media corporations. You can find her on Instagram at @tarasayshay.