It’s the most wonderful time of year to support and shop small at these locally owned Orange County businesses.
In the spirit of giving, we crafted this year’s holiday shopping guide to highlight local retailers and businesses, who need our support now more than ever. You’ll find a little bit of everything to help you find a gift for everyone on your list, ranging from distinctive offerings to fun subscription services. Most offer limited-capacity onsite patronage, curbside pickup, delivery and/or online shopping, so make sure to check the websites for the specific services.
Please call businesses directly or check websites for hours of operation and pandemic-related updates before visiting.
Adam Neely Fine Art Jewelry
In search for beautifully crafted jewelry to give to your significant other? Designer and goldsmith Adam Neeley published a curated gift guide online showcasing his latest designer and couture jewelry with prices starting under $3,000. You can also in person at his Laguna Beach studio and store if you request an appointment; open Tuesday to Saturday between 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. 352 N. Coast Hwy., Laguna Beach, 949.715.0953.
Bowers Museum Gallery Store
‘Tis the season … to support local businesses whilst spoiling your loved ones. The Bowers Museum Gallery Store is full of unique, California-themed gifts that include a selection of Archives of Walt Disney-themed wearables. Their home goods are on point too. This California poppy etched cutting board for $39 is perfect for the culinary lover in your posse—or someone who likes to set up a beautiful charcuterie board. Shipping and curbside pick-up available. 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana 714.567.3643
The Cheese Shop
Need a cheesy gift for a foodie friend? Get them a Cheese Club membership from The Cheese Shop at SOCO and the OC Mix. This is a recurring quarterly subscription ($50) contains three domestic and imported artisanal cheeses that serves two people. Each box also includes extensive Monger notes on the selections so you know who, what, why and when to eat the cheese. 3313 Hyland Ave., Costa Mesa, 949.284.0558.
Eco Now
We’ve found the perfect place to shop for friends who live sustainably and waste-free! Eco Now is O.C.’s first zero waste shop and refill station with two locations at The Lab Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa and at Center Street Promenade in Anaheim. Offerings range from beauty/skincare products to kitchen supplies and even dog-friendly products! 207 W. Center St. Promenade, Anaheim, 714.603.7980; 2960 Bristol Street, Suite #A112, Costa Mesa, 657.900.2833.
The Facial Works
Some might say self care starts with skin care … we don’t disagree when it comes to Facialworks, the original facial bar of Orange County! No matter the skin type, you’re sure to find products for yourself and loved ones from its sea-to-skin, nontoxic skincare line (also 100% vegan!). Fun fact: Facialworks’ skin care cuts back on single-use plastic waste with refillable glass packaging. Order online or shop in person at locations in Dana Point, Huntington Beach, Irvine and Newport Beach.
Laguna Candles
Light up the evenings with candles from this women-owned, family-run shop in Laguna Canyon! Not only do these products smell absolutely divine, all the candles are sustainable, ecologically-sound and pesticide-free. Gift recommendation: the Sample Fragrance Kit where you can choose either four, six or eight different kinds of all-natural fragrances. Each kit contains 2-ounce candles in a metal travel tin that are hand-packed. 821-A Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.979.6799.
McClain Wine Cellars
Another Laguna Beach favorite of ours is the family-owned McClain Cellars winery from the Santa Ynez Valley. If you have wine lovers in your life, sign them up for one of three different Wine Club memberships. Each quarter, the recipeint will receive either 3, 6 or 12 bottles of wine (depending on which membership is purchased) along with access to benefits such as special discounts on wine and apparel, complimentary wine tastings, event invitations and more. We hope you have a chance to meet proprietors husband-and-wife-duo Jason and Sofia McClain as they are truly the nicest couple and will be happy to help you if you have questions about their wine or other products—including artisan popcorn, olive oils and balsamic vinegars! 849 Laguna Canyon Road, Laguna Beach, 949.590.9980.
Organic Designs by Aggelige
Bring a little life into any space with cute succulent arrangements, terrariums, cacti and tillandsias (also known as air plants) from Organic Designs by Aggelige. Located in a neat-o vintage Airstream trailer at The Camp in Costa Mesa, you can choose from a variety of lovely, low-maintenance succulent arrangements in a variety pots and planters—ranging from unique vintage pottery to modern ceramic pieces—to send to someone special! Easy care instructions are included with each piece. F-S 11 a.m.-5 p.m. 2937 Bristol St., Costa Mesa, 714.662.7996.
Rich Elixirs
Give a little boost to your family and friends’ immune system with fresh, locally made kombucha and ginger beer. This new addition to SOCO and the OC Mix, with an additional location in Tustin, also offers a subscription service that delivers kombucha straight to your front door. Choose the bottle size, number and frequency, and like a modern-day milkman, Rich Elixirs will deliver (to most of O.C.) while picking up used bottles to recycle. You can order ahead for curbside pick-up or local same-day delivery (eligible for orders over $20); all delivery orders must be placed before 3 p.m. and are delivered after 4 p.m. 3313 Hyland Ave., Suite A1B, Costa Mesa, 949.445.0102; 434 El Camino Real, Tustin, 949.445.0102.
Photo credits: Gift exchange header image by Any Lane via Pexels. Honey ring courtesy Adam Neely Fine Jewelry. Laguna Candles courtesy Laguna Candles. Rich Elixirs by Tori Matthews/@torimatthewsphoto.
