Some of us are working to uphold our reputation as the family’s best gift giver. Others are just trying to find a present for our dads that’s not whiskey stones (we promise this gift guide does not contain whiskey stones). Whatever your gifting vibe is this year, take this as your sign to check everyone off your list early—we’ve rounded up 15 local products and experiences sure to delight. Happy holidays!
Buy it for: Your Christmas-obsessed aunt who starts decorating the second the clock strikes midnight after Halloween.
Courtesy of Coconut Smuggler
Feeling Nauti Salt Shield, $28
Coconut Smuggler
Designed by a local hairdresser, this coconut- and sandalwood-scented “hair sunscreen” protects strands from the havoc sun and salt can wreak. The reef-safe formula is packed with aloe vera, vitamin E, and nourishing oils.
Buy it for: Your surfer friend whose waist-length locks are as impressive as her cutbacks.
Buy it for: Your parents, who insist they don’t want anything but will never say no to a free glass of sauv blanc.
Courtesy of Koa + Roy
Recovery Cube, $55
Koa + Roy
Loaded with hemp, camphor, and cooling menthol, this organic cube offers a portable way to soothe sore muscles, reduce inflammation, and stop cramps in their tracks. Think of it as a low-mess take on Tiger Balm in zero-waste packaging.
Buy it for: Your gym buddy who occasionally goes a little too hard in the pursuit of a PR.
One-Year Subscription, $18
San Diego Magazine
Okay, we’re biased, but a subscription to SDMis quite literally the gift that keeps on giving: For about the price of a single craft cocktail in North Park, your friend, family member, neighbor, coworker, acupuncturist, favorite barista, and/or bank teller will get 12 shiny issues of the best storytelling in the county (and—dare we say—the world).
The final result of eight prototypes and hundreds of market-research interviews with players, this hardworking tennis bag isn’t what we’d call “petite” or “subtle.” But even at 30 inches tall, it has a Mary Poppins–like capacity that belies its size: The Rocket holds up to five racquets, tennis shoes and clothes, balls, snacks, a water bottle, a cell phone, a wallet, and your keys.
Buy it for: Your doubles partner who’s always schlepping a minimum of three different bags.
Courtesy of N8iV Beauty
Móyla Moon Polish Exfoliant, $80
N8iV Beauty
Indigenous entrepreneur and leader Ruth-Ann Thorn formulates N8iV Beauty products with organic acorn oil, a Native American beauty secret for healthy, glowing skin. This sleep mask sloughs off dead skin, leaving a moisturizing residue that hydrates overnight.
Buy it for: Your mom, who wants to tackle fine lines without a million products or steps.
Courtesy of Rancher Hat Bar
Cowboy Hat, $170
Rancher Hat Bar
Stroll into Rancher Hat Bar’s Mission Beach location to build your bestie the topper of their dreams. The shop will tie on chic bands and chains, tack on accessories like feathers and playing cards, and brand cowboy hats with your recipient’s initials (or a playful nickname or inside joke).
Buy it for: Your friend who’s always first to share the lineup for Petco Park’s annual Wild Horses festival.
Courtesy of Curie
Deodorant Stick, $14
Curie
A stocking stuffer perhaps best reserved for family (pals might take it as an awkward hint), this aluminum-free deodorant that got a boost from Shark Tank investors comes in eight different scents (and no scent at all, if that’s your recipient’s thing).
Local ceramicist Janna Barker handcrafts these little bowls—called chawan in Japanese—designed for stirring together matcha powder and water with a bamboo whisk, or chasen. The spout makes it easy to pour the tea into a glass and mix with milk or sweetener.
Buy it for: Your matcha-obsessed friend who mentioned that swearing off $8 lattes will be their New Year’s resolution.
Courtesy of 3 Plus 1 Publishing
That’s Not Food!, $13.95
Mara Altman & Courtney Cook
Who among us hasn’t sampled sand or chowed down on rubbery Polly Pocket clothes (RIP) in our youth? Beloved, hilarious San Diego Mag contributor Mara Altman penned this funny picture book about toddlers’ penchant for nibbling inedible things, with colorful illustrations from artist Courtney Cook.
Buy it for: Your mischievous preschooler who seems determined to invent the next Tide Pod Challenge.
Courtesy of Aloha Collection
Keep It Light Weekender, $72
Aloha Collection
This lightweight nylon duffle from mega-successful San Diego brand Aloha Collection makes a killer carry-on (it’s got a strap on one side that slides neatly onto the handle of a rolling suitcase for breezing through airports), but it’s also a nice present for teens constantly running to sports practices or sleepovers.
Buy it for: Your long-distance best friend, to hint that it’s time for a visit.
Founded in 1998 in Australia, STM Goods (the acronym stands for “Smarter Than Most”) is now based in SD, producing bags, cases, chargers, and accessories to protect and optimize tech. This foldable power station charges up an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and Airpods simultaneously.
Buy it for: Your tech-obsessed sibling (or your bud who’s constantly trying to bum a charger on weekend trips).
Courtesy of Oleu
Neptune UPF50+ Boardshirt, $119
Oleu
Surfers can swap their spring suit for this stylish, quick-dry, wind-resistant shirt made from stretchy boardshort material. Flat snaps take the place of buttons so there’s no discomfort when they’re paddling in, and the UPF quality protects against UV rays.
Buy it for: Your dad, who hasn’t so much as touched the reef-safe sunscreen you got him last Christmas.
Courtesy of Broken Wave
Body Wash Bar, $9.99
Broken Wave
Another great stocking stuffer, this vegan and gluten-free bar soap saves tons of water (H2O is the primary ingredient in most bottled body washes) and comes in two tropical scents: coconut lemongrass and coconut papaya.
Buy it for: Your secret Santa recipient at work—can’t go wrong!
Amelia Rodriguez is a writer and journalist and winner of the San Diego Press Club's 2023 Rising Star Award and 2024 Best of Show Award, she’s also covered music, food, arts and culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her five-year Duolingo streak.
