Good Times Holiday Gift Guide 2025 - Santa Cruz by Weeklys

Gift Guide

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO LOCAL SHOPPING

Holiday Gift Guide 202 5

GIVE LIKE A LOCAL

“The excellence of a gift lies in its appropriateness rather than in its value.” This comment by Charles Dudley Warner (a friend of Mark Twain’s) really cuts to the heart of what we try to do, every year, with the annual Good Times Gift Guide. A small gift, precisely chosen, can trump the most fully loaded gift card. So every year we think about who might be on our readers’ “nice list” and suggest some local businesses that are most likely to offer just the right thing. We’ve been valuing local businesses even more this year, as Good Times celebrated its 50th anniversary, and we made a list of the longest-surviving businesses in Santa Cruz County. Many of these are only-in-Santa-Cruz treasures. Buying a bauble for a loved one means

STAFF

even more when it comes from nearcentury-old Dell Williams. A shopping trip at Pacific Trading Company means getting expert help from longtime staff at this family-owned business. And for the one thing everyone needs—something delicious to eat—pick up a gift certificate from a local restaurant or food purveyors. For example: the Crow’s News, Freedom Meat Lockers and Staff of Life, all of which have been serving locals since 1969. And if you start to question whether it’s better to give than receive, consider these words by Mark Twain himself: “No, it is better to be generous, and in the end more profitable, for it gains gratitude for us, and love.”

SHARAN STREET | DIRECTOR OF EDITORIAL OPERATIONS

ADVERTISING

LISA BUCKLEY

KATE KAUFFMAN

SUE LAMOTHE

DANIELLE RATLIFF

ACCOUNTING

ASSISTANT EDITORIAL

PRODUCTION MANAGER

HALEY TWEEDELL

EDITORIAL DESIGNERS

HALEY TWEEDELL

JAX VUCKOVIC

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

JENNIFER MEYER

JACKIE MUJICA

ELENA RAZGONOV

ROWDY TOMPKINS

AURENE POKORNY

OFFICE MANAGER

DANIELLE RATLIFF

CIRCULATION MANAGER

SHANNEN CRAIG

COVER DESIGNER

HALEY TWEEDELL

COVER PHOTO

WALLENROCK SHUTTERSTOCK

Photography by: Matt Hofman, Amelia Durham, Neil Simmons, and Annie Rowland

Aesthetic Operator

Mood-board maker, candle lighter, vinyl spinner. The Aesthetic Operator is the friend who just gets it. The one whose living room feels like a dimly lit vinyl bar at golden hour. They’ve mastered the soft glow of a warm bulb, the perfect incense blend and the art of placing a houseplant just off-center so it looks “effortless” (but we all know it was curated within an inch of its life). Their space is a vibe—not by accident, but by intention and devotion. It’s tough to augment such specific tastes, but there are some places to look. Streetlight Records offers vinyl from local artists, jazz reissues and soft Sunday-morning records. Artifact stocks vintage sweaters, sculptural ceramics and “found treasure” décor. The handcrafted wares at Annieglass—luminous, sculptural—are made to be displayed and used. Or fund a creative project with a Bay Photo Lab gift certificate. Give them pieces that deepen their sensory world. They’ll feel seen. And heard. And their living room will somehow get even cozier. JH

ANNIEGLASS (STUDIO & GALLERY)

310 Harvest Dr, Watsonville 831-761-2041

annieglass.com

ARTIFACT

805 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 831-466-6760 @artifactsantacruz (Instagram)

BAY PHOTO LAB

3637 Mission Dr, Santa Cruz 831-475-6090 bayphoto.com

BOOKSHOP SANTA CRUZ

1520 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 831-423-0900

bookshopsantacruz.com

STREETLIGHT RECORDS

939 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 831-421-9200 streetlightrecords.com

Beauty Buff

For the friend who glows from the inside out (with a little help from expert hands), radiant skin is the ultimate holiday accessory. Start with Harbor Health Care’s Salt Facial—a three-step rejuvenation that polishes, plumps and hydrates to perfection. Follow with Yoso Wellness’ Return Ritual Facial, a deeply restorative treatment designed to reset skin and spirit alike. For a classic, glow-getting refresh, Rejuvenate Medi-Spa’s Signature Facial delivers instant results with pure relaxation built in. And for at-home pampering, Circular Living’s Geranium and Palo Santo Cleansing Milk turns a nightly chore into a sensory ritual. These thoughtful gifts prove self-care isn’t vanity—it’s vitality, bottled, blended and beautifully local. EB

SALT FACIAL

Harbor Health Center

4450 Capitola Rd, Suite 105, Capitola 831-278-8800

harborhealthcenter.com

$200

RETURN RITUAL FACIAL

Yoso Wellness

740 Front St., Suite 110, Santa Cruz 831-600-8053

yosowellness.com

$195

SIGNATURE FACIAL

Rejuvenate Medi-Spa

1595 38th Ave., Capitola 831-226-2108

rejuvenatemedi-spa.com $135

GERANIUM AND PALO SANTO CLEANSING MILK

Circular Living

1717 Seabright Ave., Santa Cruz circularlivingco.com

$30

Cacao Bean Scenester

You know the beatific smile your favorite chocolate lover will have, lost in a cocoa-induced rush, when that creamy, consummate, consumed confection melts and the world suddenly feels friendlier. Santa Cruz has long delivered that magic. Donnelly Chocolates has been crafting creatively filled truffles into moments of quiet bliss since 1988. Marini’s Candies, family-run since 1915, still coaxes its fudge to perfection in the old-fashioned way—Rocky Road and Classic are favorites—plus chocolate-dipped bacon! Pacific Cookie Company—beloved for more than 40 years—channels pure joy into the dark intensity of Dr. Midnight and the cool uplift of Mint Condition, stacked by the dozen in holiday or Santa Cruz-themed canisters, or two dozen in “Santa Pants” (a dozen for each pant-leg). Consider this your prescription for happiness. JK

12 TRUFFLES AND/ OR ASSORTED CHOCOLATES

Donnelly Chocolates 1509 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-458-4214

$45 gift boxed

FUDGE/CHOCOLATE DIPPED BACON

Marini's at the Wharf 55 Municipal Wharf, Santa Cruz 831-425-7341

mariniscandies.com

$20 1/2 lb

COOKIE TOWER/ SANTA PANTS

Pacific Cookie Company 1203 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-204-2523

pacificcookie.com

$24/$35

Caffeinista

‘LIGHTHOUSE’ COLUMBIAN SINGLE ORIGIN, 12OZ

Shrine Coffee, at Shrine of St. Joseph 544 West Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz

831-266-1910

shrinecoffee.com

$20

For the coffee lover, a gift card isn’t just caffeine—it’s time, mood, and connection wrapped in a cup. It’s the quiet luxury of a maple latte at Shrine on West Cliff, with a view of the shimmering ocean. It’s a whiskey latte under the warm glow of Lulu Carpenter’s leaded glass and Tiffany lamps, where the past lingers with every sip, or it’s a Borgia—espresso+hot cocoa, orange zest, nutmeg—savored at Pacific Coffee Roasting in Soquel, the hills rising green beyond the window. Each card buys more than a drink—it buys an hour of calm, of conversation, of remembering how good life can taste, At Lulu’s, find in-house baked pastries and made-to-order omelets, bagel sandwiches and more for a special brunch. Shrine offers savory quiches and amazing tarts and croissants. Remember to ask a barista to recommend a can’t-miss package of fresh roasted beans! JK

ETHIOPIA GEDEB 1 HONEY LALESA, 12OZ

Lulu Carpenter’s

1545 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 831-429-9804

lulucarpenters.com

$24 includes a free coffee of your choice!

‘SEACLIFF’

BLEND, ESPRESSO+SUMATRA, 1LB

Pacific Coffee Roasting Company

7554 Soquel Dr, Aptos

831-685-2520

$23

Calm Hustler

417 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 831-458-9355 wellwithinspa.com $65 (25 min.)/$155 (80 min.)

Cold plunges before email. Sage in every room. The Calm Hustler is not chasing the grind—they’re mastering the rhythm. They start their mornings with a cold plunge (or at least the aspiration of one), warm tea and a quiet moment before their inbox wakes up. Their home smells like eucalyptus, sage and the soft promise of someone who has healed something difficult and is now just…glowing. They say “no” like it’s an act of love. And they remind everyone around them that slowing down is not the opposite of ambition—it’s how you protect the part of yourself that dreams. Gift these gentle, wise, intuitive souls something that feeds the ritual. They will appreciate that your gift fuels the peace they’ve worked so lovingly to build and protect. JH

1125 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-469-4372 goaskalicesantacruz.com $22

Coastal Nomad

Surfboard, Subaru and zero plans after Thursday. Some people plan—the Coastal Nomad just goes. Their internal calendar is dictated not by meetings or alarms, but by swell forecasts, wind direction and the exact moment the fog line breaks along West Cliff. This is the friend who is either already on Highway 1 or texted “you up?” at 5:45am—not for a booty call, but because the tide is perfect and they’ve got an extra board in the back of the Subaru. Their trunk isn’t messy — it’s ready. Wetsuit, towel, enamel mug, maybe a marine field guide someone gave them once. They live gently, with curiosity, salt in their hair and the sense that the ocean is the closest thing to a compass. The Coastal Nomad doesn’t chase luxury—they chase possibility. Sunrises. Empty beaches. Perfect offshore mornings. Give them something that keeps them outside, in motion and entirely in their element. JH

$12–$36

(They also offer a wide range of Uggs for splurge-worthy gifting: $125-$220)

Gifts for the

Correspondent

For the person who still believes the written word matters. They send thank-you notes worth keeping and prefer ink to pixels. Their tools should be beautiful, practical, and made to last. Such items can be found at several establishments around town. Rove Goods on the Westside greets you with a high ceiling and a back wall lined with sleek backpacks. Founder Ted Holladay, a longtime creative director, sees design as purposeful: “Having a well-designed bag feels more like you’re wearing it than carrying it,” he says. The shelves carry Evergoods, Aer, Matador, ILE, Bellroy, and Mission Workshop—brands that balance form and endurance. Just around the corner from Rove Goods in Swift Street Courtyard, Cameron Marks is equal parts design studio and neighborhood shop. Co-owner Laura Jones calls it “a really eclectic mix,” and it fits. Blackwing pencils, beloved by Steinbeck and artists, sit beside design-forward journals from brands like Nuuna and Karst. Add a compact Toyo box or canvas pen roll for a gift that’ll actually get used. Midtown’s home/WORK radiates Santa Cruz energy—creative but unpretentious. The shop mixes home goods, art prints, and writing tools for people who care about materials and craft. For The Correspondent, there are smooth-paper journals, fine-tip pen sets in bright colors, and stationery that feels fresh, not fussy. Pair a ceramic mug with a new notebook and you’ve got a ready-made morning ritual. Downtown since 1906, Paper Vision is a treasure trove for anyone who loves handwriting, journaling, or sending a thoughtful card. Grab a set of artist-grade pencils and a planner for the creative organizer in your life. JL

ROVE GOODS

719 Swift St., Suite 57, Santa Cruz shoprovegoods.com

$20–$100+

CAMERON MARKS

402 Ingalls St., Suite 21, Santa Cruz cameronmarks.com

$5–$80

HOME/WORK

1100 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz shophomework.com

$5–$100+

PAPER VISION

1345 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz papervisionsantacruz.com

$5–$50

Eco-Optimist

Hikes with a crystal. Composts in style. The Eco-Optimist is the person who believes the world can be better—and lives like it already is. They compost without complaining. They bring their own bags, jars, forks and emotional support water bottle. They know the local refill stations, and which farmer’s market stall has the produce that tastes like sunlight touched it first. They’re the friend who gently reminds you to recycle, but also sends you memes about raccoons being “trash pandas.” They balance care with joy. Intention with humor. Awareness with hope. The Eco-Optimist doesn’t just live in Santa Cruz—they help keep it beautiful. So gift them things that align with their ethos: useful, beautiful, sustainable, and designed to last. JH

FERMENTING SUPPLIES AND HOMESTEADING TOOLS

Mountain Feed & Farm Supply

6500 Hwy. 9, Felton 831-335-7322

mountainfeed.com

$26–$65

SEASONAL JAM TRIO (SUNSHINE IN A JAR)

Happy Girl Kitchen Co.

173 Central Ave., Pacific Grove 831-373-4475

happygirlkitchen.com

$18–$32

ZERO-WASTE STARTER KITS, ECO-CLEANING REFILLS

Staff of Life

Natural Foods Market

1266 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831-423-8632

staffoflifemarket.com

$18–$45

Gifts for the

Fantasy Lover

For the dreamer who still believes in other worlds. They lose hours in imaginary kingdoms, collect stories like treasures, and love gifts that spark curiosity. Two Birds Books, a wood-shelved shop on the Eastside, leans into fantasy, sci-fi, and children’s literature, each section curated by readers who care. A signed fantasy novel, a puzzle based on myth or folklore, or a set of illustrated bookmarks makes the perfect gift. Parents love the kids’ corner stocked with picture books that hold up to repeat readings. Two Birds feels like a conversation between readers—walk in for a gift and leave with something for yourself. Since 1976—yes, nearly 50 years in business!— Atlantis Fantasyworld has kept Santa Cruz readers stoked on stories. The bright, colorful shop is filled with comics, fantasy novels, toys, and collectibles that connect generations. Owner Joe Ferrara built a space that feels equal parts gallery and clubhouse, where longtime fans browse beside kids discovering superheroes for the first time. Gift ideas? A hardcover omnibus, a collectible figure, or a framed comic cover that doubles as wall art. Downtown’s Comicopolis is a hub for art, community, and pure imagination. Locals swap stories and suggestions, and the staff always know which issue or series might hook a newcomer. For gifts, try a boxed graphic-novel set for a budding collector, a starter deck for a friend, or a limited-edition print for a home office wall. Bookshop

ATLANTIS

FANTASYWORLD

1020 Cedar St., Santa Cruz atlantisfantasyworld.com

$10–$100

TWO BIRDS BOOKS

881 41st Ave., Santa Cruz twobirdsbooks.com

$10–$40

COMICOPOLIS

829 Front St., Santa Cruz comicopolis.myshopify.com

$5–$60

BOOKSHOP

SANTA CRUZ

1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz bookshopsantacruz.com

$10–$40

Santa Cruz, downtown’s literary landmark, stretches floor to ceiling with new releases and staff picks. In the fantasy section, a hardcover dazzles on both shelf and page; staff-recommended paperbacks come with handwritten notes you’ll want to read before wrapping. JL

Fitness Fanatic

For the ones who can’t sit still—whether they’re chasing waves, running trails, or powering through their favorite class—Santa Cruz has the ultimate recovery lineup to keep them moving strong. Think muscle-mending, energy-restoring, ahhh-inducing experiences that make sore feel good and tired feel earned. Start with a first-time intro session at Santa Cruz Light Therapy to boost circulation and speed healing at the cellular level. Soothe sore spots naturally with Molly’s Cream from Be Rooted Botanicals, a local favorite made with plant-based ingredients that calm inflammation and restore balance. For deep tissue repair, Santa Cruz Sports Chiropractic’s Cold Laser Therapy targets pain with precision. Finally, melt tension and realign posture with an Empowering Hands Structural Integration 75-minute massage. Give the gift of recovery, relaxation and resilience to the fitness lover who’s always pushing their limits. EB

FIRST-TIME INTRO SESSION

Santa Cruz Light Therapy

540 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz 831-387-9401

santacruzlighttherapy.com

$50

MOLLY’S CREAM

Be Rooted Botanicals

831-704-7538

berootedbotanicals.com

$45

COLD LASER THERAPY

Santa Cruz Chiropractic & Sports Medicine Clinic

1220 41st Ave., Suite I, Capitola 831-462-2002

santacruzcapitolachiropractor.com

$125

STRUCTURAL INTEGRATION

75-MINUTE MASSAGE

Empowering Hands

5215 Scotts Valley Dr., Suite F, Scotts Valley 831-888-7614

empoweringhands.massagetherapy.com

$155

Gifts for the

LEVEL UP VIDEO GAMES

HADBRO TOYS

113 Locust St., Santa Cruz levelupvideogames.com

$20–$120

MYTHIC GAMES

149 S River St., Santa Cruz gomythic.com

$15–$80

1855 41st Ave., Suite F03, Capitola hadbrotoys.com

$10–$70

GAME SANTA CRUZ

1101 Cedar St., Santa Cruz gamesantacruz.com

$10–$60

For the one who lives for both nostalgia and challenge. They collect consoles, chase high scores, and still get pumped to finally beat that impossible level. Level Up Video Games downtown celebrates every generation of play. Shelves line the walls with Nintendo cartridges, PlayStation favorites, and the latest Switch releases. It’s lively, organized, and clean, with everything clearly labeled. Whether you’re shopping for a die-hard collector or someone rediscovering Mario for the first time in decades, Level Up nails the magic of play without pretense—fun never gets old. Mythic Games on River Street anchors Santa Cruz’s tabletop scene. Long wooden tables fill with Magic: The Gathering duels, D&D campaigns, and late-night strategy matches. The staff know every system by heart and love teaching newcomers. A D&D starter kit or metal dice set is a win-win. Add a leather dice pouch or specialty sleeves for an upgrade. Inside Capitola Mall, Hadbro Toys feels like pure fun in bright packaging. Aisles overflow with action figures, trading cards, and plush collectibles. A themed board game, limited-edition figure, or full card set makes a standout gift. Every gamer lives for discovery, challenge, and those rare, perfect moments of play. Game Santa Cruz, just off downtown, makes those moments easy to find. This tabletop haven has walls of colorful game boxes: Catan, Wingspan, and indie strategy favorites you won’t see anywhere else. A cozy café corner invites players to grab a drink, open a game, and test it out on the spot. Bundle a board game with a set of dice or a treat from the café, or pick up a gift card. JL

Gifts for the

grow getter gamer

Welcome to the jungle…and by that, we mean the apartment. The Grow Getter doesn’t just have houseplants—they cultivate a full-blown indoor ecosystem. Their apartment is a jungle of trailing pothos, velvety philodendrons, and that one dramatic monstera they talk about like it’s a roommate. Their Sunday ritual involves watering, misting, repotting and whispering words of affirmation to leaves unfurling in the dappled morning sunlight. They know where the sun hits at 9:14am, and they’ve never met a terracotta pot they didn’t consider taking home. (“I promise, just one more fern.”) The Grow Getter’s home is already lush. But shops like Dig Gardens, the Garden Company and Botanic & Luxe offer all manner of plants, as well as soil, seedlings, tools, pots, macrame hangers and warm, earthy home scents & natural mists. Gift them something that helps the collection thrive. JH

MODERN CERAMIC PLANTERS & PROPAGATION STANDS

Dig Gardens

420 Water St., Santa Cruz

831-466-3444

diggardens.com

$20–$80

ARBER PLANT FOOD

Botanic & Luxe

110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz 831-321-7570

botanicandluxe.com

$21.00

GIFT CARD

The Garden Company

Nursery & Gift Shop

2218 Mission St., Santa Cruz

Gifts for the hopfluencer

The Hopfluencer knows the brewmaster’s dog’s name. This is who you text when you want to try something new. They always know which brewery just tapped a seasonal release, which one has live music on Thursdays and which taproom’s patio hits different right after the fog burns off. They love a beer that reminds them of a place, a mood, a memory. The Hopfluencer isn’t just drinking beer and chasing a buzz— they’re seeking connection. So gift them something lovingly brewed. Then listen to them talk about it like some people talk about poetry. JH

FOGGY IPAS, COASTAL LAGERS, PLAYFUL SEASONAL RELEASES

Humble Sea Brewing Co.

820 Swift St., Santa Cruz

831-621-2890

humblesea.com

$16–$22 per 4-pack

TASTING FLIGHT

BEER FLIGHTS + SHARE PLATES

Laughing Monk

Brewing & Gastropub

5500 Scotts Valley Dr., Scotts Valley 831-440-9070

scottsvalley.laughingmonk.com

$18–$45

Woodhouse Blending & Brewing

119 Madrone St., Santa Cruz 831-313-9461

woodhousebrews.com

$12–$30

BEER GARDEN GIFT CARD

Beer Thirty Bottle Shop & Pour House

2504 S. Main St., Soquel 831-477-9967

beerthirtysantacruz.com

$25–$50

Gifts for the

kitchen wizard

Some gifts speak through permanence, others through taste. An artfully crafted pan promises decades of delight; a bottle of rare sauce or spice delivers instant inspiration. Both celebrate your chef’s gift for turning meals into memories. Bring a box or basket to fill at Shopper’s Corner, where dozens of creative condiments and small-batch sauces take a dish from delicious to unmistakably theirs, or ask about the vast selections of artisan jams, exotic chocolates, and curated wines and spirits. At Toque Blanche downtown, the gleam of classic Le Creuset enamelware could make even Gordon Ramsay go soft. At Home by Zinnia’s in Scotts Valley, find sleek Made In Cookware—pro-level pans with California charm, and visit Zinnia’s sister store nearby for creative cookbooks ($15+), elegant serving boards and kitchen whimsies. JK

LE CREUSET ENAMELWARE

Toque Blanche

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz

831-426-1351

mytoque.com

$55-$450

MADE IN COOKWARE

Home by Zinnia’s

262 Mt. Hermon Rd., Scotts Valley 831-201-4906

homebyzinnias.com

$100-$200

SAUCES, JAMS, WINES…

Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

831-423-1398

shopperscorner.com

$10 and up

Ifthese itemscannotbe reused,be sureto recycle them. Keep resources out of the trash!

Recyclable papers (newspaper, maps, sheet music, etc)

reused, these itemsbelong in the trash. Avoid purchasing when possible.

late night legend

Their love language is fries at midnight. They know which taco truck is still open, which parking lots are lit just right for deep conversations and which diner lets you stay in the booth until you finish processing your life story. They don’t ask, “What’s the plan?” They are the plan. They’re the friend who texts “food?” at 10:47pm and you’re suddenly in the passenger seat, windows down, playlist loud, laughing about absolutely nothing and everything. They understand that the best nights don’t require reservations—just hunger, good company and a willingness to follow where the vibe goes. Gift accordingly. JH

COOKIE’WICH WITH ICE CREAM

Insomnia Cookies

1010 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz

831-316-5606

insomniacookies.com

$9.49 (Classic Cookie’wich) or $14.49 (Deluxe Cookie’wich)

SLICE

PACK OR GIFT CARD

Pizza My Heart (Downtown)

1116 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-426-2511

pizzamyheart.com

$6–$28

LATE-NIGHT BURRITO OR TACO CARD

Taqueria Los Pericos 139 Water St., Santa Cruz 831-469-7685

taquerialospericos.com

$9–$16

PINK BOX OF GLAZED, MAPLE BARS AND OLD-FASHIONEDS TO PASS AROUND THE CAR

Ferrell’s Donuts

2227 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-423-3316

ferrellsdonuts.com

$8–$22

lazy mediterranean

For those who crave la dolce vita—but prefer the “easy button” version—this collection brings the flavors of Italy to your kitchen with zero fuss. Start with Santa Cruz Pasta Factory’s Trio of Sauces, made for tossing with fresh pasta and a sprinkle of parmesan. Add a drizzle of Belle Farms Tuscan Extra Virgin Olive Oil or Santa Cruz Balsamics’ Pomegranate Balsamic to elevate any weeknight meal into a sun-soaked feast. For flavor without the prep, Jones & Bones’ Bittersweet Herb Farm Finishing Sauces bring that final chef’s touch. Together, these local finds make it simple to savor the Mediterranean lifestyle—slow, flavorful and full of heart—without spending hours in the kitchen. Buon appetito, Santa Cruz-style. EB

TRIO OF SAUCES

Santa Cruz Pasta Factory

santacruzpastafactory.com

$22

TUSCAN EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

Belle Farms Olive Oil

831-728-9125

bellefarms.com $28

Santa Cruz Balsamics PO Box 8146, Santa Cruz 831-272-0111

santacruzbalsamics.com

$23-$67

Jones & Bones

621 Capitola Ave., Capitola 831-462-0521

jonesandbones.com/index.php $32

pawrent

Because walkies, puppuccinos and matching sweaters are self-care for us AND our best friends. The Pawrent is not “spoiling their pet.” The Pawrent is nurturing the most emotionally available relationship in their life—and honestly? What a beautiful thing. Their camera roll is 94% their pet and 6% screenshots of things they will show you later (but probably won’t). Their dog has a barista who knows their name. Their cat has seasonal sweaters. Their pet’s birthday is observed. Their pet’s half birthday is also observed. The Pawrent knows the truth: Love has paws. Joy is a little furry and follows you room-to-room, just waiting to curl up next to you. Your gift simply joins their pack. JH

LOCALLY FOCUSED PET NUTRITION STAPLES

West Side Farm & Feed

802 Swift St., Santa Cruz

831-426-3536

westsidefarmandfeed.com

$8–$28

PASS FOR DIY DOG WASH + GROOMING (ZERO BATHTUB CLEANUP)

Shampoochez

1001 River St., Santa Cruz

831-425-1718

@shampoochez (Instagram)

$12–$30

PRACTICAL WALK GEAR

Pet Pals Discount

Pet Supplies

3660 Soquel Dr., Soquel 831-476-1515

petpalssantacruz.com

$18-$65

MERCH THAT SUPPORTS MORE ANIMAL LOVE

Santa Cruz SPCA 2601 Chanticleer Ave., Santa Cruz 831-465-5000

spcasc.org

$12-$100 for bandanas, tees, hoodies…or a donation in their own or their pet’s name

Gifts for the

plant-forward foodie

For the veggie lover who believes plants deserve the spotlight, these gifts bring flavor, flair and a dash of indulgence to every meal. Start with Far West Fungi’s Bernardini Truffle Sauce—a savory umami bomb that instantly upgrades pastas, toasts and roasted veggies. Add a touch of sweetness with California Jam Queen’s Died and Gone to Heaven Jam, made locally with love and peak-season fruit. Give the gift of knowledge (and deliciousness) with my class on Plant-Based Mediterranean Cooking Workshop at Cabrillo Adult Extension where participants learn to create dishes that celebrate the best of the garden. And for those who live by the motto “eat well, feel good,” a Pretty Good Advice Gift Certificate lets them choose their own next-level, plant-forward treat. Because when food is this good, you’ll never miss the meat. EB

BERNADINI TRUFFLE SAUCE

Far West Fungi

224 Laurel St., Suite A101, Santa Cruz

831-226-2626

farwestfungi.com

$15

GIFT CERTIFICATE

Pretty Good Advice

13070 Porter St., Soquel

831-226-2805

1319 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz

831-309-2805

prettygoodadvicerestaurant.com

$50

CALIFORNIA JAM QUEEN’S DIED AND GONE TO HEAVEN JAM

Homeless Garden Project Store

1338 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

831-295-6328

shop.homelessgardenproject.org

$15

PLANT-BASED MEDITERRANEAN COOKING WORKSHOP

Cabrillo College Extension

6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos 831-479-6331

cabrillo.augusoft.net

$98

Gifts for the

scene-stealer

Front row at every show. The Scene Stealer lives for the live moment—the lights, the hush before the first note, the collective inhale. They know which venues have the best soundboard seats, which bartenders pour fast and which artists are about to blow up before anyone else sees it coming. Their weeknights are busier than most people’s weekends. Their group chats are 40% “who’s down tonight?” and 60% pics of past or upcoming shows. For them, music is oxygen. Theater is how they remember they’re alive. They think and feel in character and surround sound. You know best which venues your Scene Stealer likes best and you can purchase tickets accordingly, but below are some solid crowd-pleasers. Gift them the thing they value more than almost anything: being there, live and in person, when something absolutely unforgettable happens. JH

GIFT MEMBERSHIP

Kuumbwa Jazz Center

320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 831-427-2227

kuumbwajazz.org

$75+ (different levels provide different perks)

A CHRISTMAS CAROL 2025

Santa Cruz Shakespeare 501 Upper Park Rd., Santa Cruz 831-460-6399

santacruzshakespeare.org

$15-$69

TWO TICKETS

The Rio Theatre 1205 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-8209

riotheatre.com

Prices vary; check website for calendar of events

Gifts for the

MOON PHASE 4-CANDLE SET

Moonkissed

1360 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz serpents-kiss.com

$45

HEALING WINTER TEA

Go Ask Alice

1125 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz goaskalicesantacruz.com

$12.50

Need a gift for those exploring an esoteric path? Matt Cavalli, shopkeep at Moonkissed, advises: “I would ask them what they were looking to bring into their life. We want to cater to all paths.” Formerly Serpent’s Kiss, this downtown Santa Cruz store also has everything one needs for incantations and manifestation, including an extensive selection of witchcraft books. OM Gallery specializes in mindful gifts and boho decor. “We have a lot of sound healing products,” says Tera Sheppard, display manager. For more herbal inspiration, Go Ask Alice: Healing Winter Tea is a sweet-spice blend of sarsaparilla, licorice root, orange peel and a dash of clove while Functional Chocolates can encourage focus, relieve aches or promote sweet slumber. “What better way to take your medicine?” says owner Nicolina Ammerman. For something purely decorative, Super Silver recently acquired pieces from the collection of the late Navajo jeweler Tommy Singer. Look for watches mother of pearl faces, Ethiopian opals, and tanzanite earrings. KM

Gifts for the

BAMBOO RAIN STICK AND/OR INDIVIDUAL SOUND BATH

Breath and Oneness

708 Capitola Ave., Capitola

seeker soundbather

831-515-7001

breathandoneness.com

$54/$24

HAPPY HOUR FLOAT

Sage Float Spa

1395 41st Ave., Capitola 831-854-2700 sagefloatspa.com

$45

OM SINGING BOWL

Om Gallery

1201 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz

831-425-9107

omgallery.com

$44.99

SELECTIME WATCH WITH MOTHER OF PEARL FACE Supersilver

1301 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz supersilver.com

$250-$350

For the one who finds Zen through vibration and flow, these gifts are all about tuning into harmony. Start with Breath and Oneness’ Bamboo Rain Stick or an Individual Sound Bath, where crystal tones and gentle resonance melt stress into serenity. Drift even deeper at Sage Float Spa, where their Happy Hour Float invites full-body weightlessness, like meditating on a cloud. And for a sound healer’s favorite home ritual, Om Gallery’s Om Singing Bowl creates calming tones that clear energy and reset your mood with every strike. Together, these Santa Cruz favorites compose a symphony of relaxation—perfect for anyone craving peace, presence and a little sonic magic. EB

Gifts for the

sugarcoated & unbothered

Dessert > Dinner, and proud of it. Some people have a sweet tooth. Others have a sweet essence. This is the friend who treats dessert as its own food group. They always know who has the best cinnamon rolls this week, which soft-serve window is still open after the fog rolls in and the exact right level of chocolate that pairs with watching someone fall in love on reality TV. Their joy is unapologetic. Their cravings are seasonally informed. So gift them something that feeds the whim, the mood, the moment, the ahhhh yes enjoyment of the absolute best sugar high. JH

SEASONAL PINTS

(SALTED HONEY, BURNT CINNAMON, COASTAL CITRUS MAGIC)

The Penny Ice Creamery

913 Cedar St., Santa Cruz

831-204-2523

thepennyicecreamery.com

$12–$16

SMALL-BATCH INFUSED GUMMIES

Bigfeets Dispensary

6535 Hwy. 9, Felton

831-704-7151

bigfeets.com

$18–$32

SALTWATER TAFFY MIX

Marini’s Candies

400 Beach St., Santa Cruz

831-423-2090

mariniscandies.com

$12.75 (½ pound); $24 (1 pound)

teatotaler

For the friend who recharges with herbs or relaxes and finds calm in the ritual, these gifts deliver a little something extra to every steep. Begin with Monterey Bay Spice’s Organic Japanese Matcha—earthy, energizing, and rich in antioxidants. Inspire creativity with Cabrillo College Extension’s “Your Bliss” Creative Tea Blending Workshop, where tea lovers craft custom blends that reflect their unique taste and mood. For those who crave the ceremonial side of sipping, Hidden Peak Tea House’s Mang Fei Shan offers a meditative moment in every pour. And to complete the ritual, Cameron Marks’ Unitea One Touch Teapot brews elegance and simplicity into daily practice. Together, these thoughtful finds turn tea time into a slow, soulful celebration— one cup at a time. EB

ORGANIC JAPANESE MATCHA

Monterey Bay Herb Co.

800-500-6148 herbco.com

From $21.20

BREW YOUR BLISS: CREATIVE TEA BLENDING

Cabrillo College Extension

6500 Soquel Dr, Aptos 831-479-6331 cabrillo.augusoft.net

$91

MANG FEI SHAN

Hidden Peak Tea House

1541-C Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-4200

hiddenpeakteahouse.com

From $22

UNITEA ONE TOUCH TEAPOT

Cameron Marks

402 Ingalls St., Suite 21, Santa Cruz 831-458-3080

cameronmarks.com

$22

Santa Cruz’s Premiere Game Cafe

Located in Downtown Santa Cruz, Game SC is an inclusive, safe, community-focused board game café where anyone can meet over a caffeinated beverage, play a game from our extensive library, and shop our curated selection of tabletop games, rpgs, and tcgs. We carry all things Pokémon, Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, as well as smaller independent rpgs and locally designed games.

1101 Cedar St. Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Open Wed thru Sun 11am to 7pm

Gifts for the Gifts for

vintage voyager

A thrift-store treasure hunter who time-travels through racks for one-of-a-kind finds, the Vintage Voyager doesn’t just shop—they seek. Their weekend is a treasure hunt: iced coffee in one hand, tote bag in the other, eyes scanning racks for denim or leather that tells a story. They know the thrill of finding the one—the perfectly broken-in sweatshirt, the ’70s mug that feels like it always belonged in their kitchen, the jacket that could have headlined a concert in 1982. The Vintage Voyager isn’t collecting clothes. They’re celebrating history. Give them store credit where curiosity will be rewarded. JH

THE SIGNATURE PIECE RITUAL

Artifact

104 Lincoln Ave., Santa Cruz 831-266-7845

@artifactsantacruz (Instagram)

Gift card for $50–$150

TURN SOMETHING OLD INTO SOMETHING ICONIC

Crossroads Trading Co.

811 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-458-0555

crossroadstrading.com

Store credit: $20–$100

‘CHOOSE YOUR ERA’ SHOPPING DAY

Freestyle Clothing

Exchange

110 Cooper St., Santa Cruz 831-900-5733

freestyleclothing.com

$25–$100

THE SERENDIPITY STOP, SLOW AND INTUITIVE

Miss Jessie May’s 1533 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz @missjessiemays (Instagram) 831-458-9131

$15–$120

wheeler-dealer

With scenic seascapes, winding mountain roads and deep forest single-track, Santa Cruz is home to a varied terrain for cyclists both serious and casual. Add in the popularity of e-bikes as another factor in the proliferation of great gift options for two-wheeler riders. Spokesman Bicycles features bikes, clothing and specialty items, including custom Spokesman-branded Bivo bottles, which are insulated, stainless steel water containers. Unlike other insulated bottles, these babies snap right into a bottle cage, no wobbling or rattling on the trail. Epicenter Bicycling offers parts and accessories galore, including Knog Bells, Trek Multi-tools, tire levers and spoke wrenches. REI’s bicycle department is stocked for the season with the helmet designs from Giro, Smith and Thousand. REI staffer Ole Wolsbeck recommends the Thousand bike helmet integrated with Multi-directional Impact System (MIPS) technology and a magnetic panel to attach a headlight. REI store manager Brian Damiano recommends five-liter hydration backpacks from Osprey, REI and Camelback, and CrankBrothers multi-tools for $20-$40. These street warriors deserve a thoughtful gift as they brave the urban jungle while cutting down on carbon emissions to the benefit of all. KM

BIVO WATER BOTTLE

Spokesman Bicycles

231 Cathcart St., Santa Cruz

831-429-6062

402 Ingalls Street, Suite 9, Santa Cruz

831-291-7603

spokesmanbicycles.com

$59-$64

TREK BELLBEATS DIGITAL BIKE BELL AND SPEAKER

Epicenter Bicycle Shop

8035 Soquel Dr, Aptos

831.662.8100

1730 Mission St., Santa Cruz

831.423.9000

epicentercycling.com

$124.99

THOUSAND BIKE HELMET

REI Co-op

1662 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

831-621-1938

rei.com/stores/santa-cruz

$59-$99

wifi wanderer

Laptop, latte, linen pants, beanie—repeat. The Wi-Fi Wanderer believes that life is too short for bad lighting and boring workspaces. They know each café by the hour: the soft morning hush at 11th Hour, the breezy patio energy at Cat & Cloud on Portola, the golden light that filters in the windows at Walnut Ave. Café—where there’s even a menu for their dog. And yes—they’ve definitely done the “hatch open, ocean in front of you, hotspot on” workflow at Pleasure Point. The Wi-Fi Wanderer isn’t running from the office—they’re re-imagining what it can feel like. This is the person building a life where work and pleasure are allowed to hold hands. Gift them something that makes that feel even easier. Something that elevates the ritual, not just the workflow. JH