Troy Johnson’s Holiday Gift Guide

Welcome to Troy’s Holiday Gift Guide. Each week, San Diego Magazine publisher and food expert Troy Johnson will recommend one of the finest, questionable gifts to bestow upon a loved one, or even yourself. It’s like QVC, without adult supervision.

Holiday Gift Guide 2026

Little Italy Reservation Prayer Candle

What do you get the San Diegan who has everything except a Friday-night table in Little Italy? A reservation prayer candle made of bone marrow and broken dreams. For when hopes and wishes and attempting to slip a $20 to the host just don’t won’t it. Just light this baby up 72 hours before your desired dinner reservation. Smells like leather pants and $50 valet fees. Fits snugly in a stocking. Looks swanky on a coffee table. Success rate is, anecdotally, greater than zero.

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Or—wild thought—you could gift someone a San Diego Magazine subscription instead. It requires fewer miracles, and they get a full year of getting better at San Diego and feeling more connected to it.