One year ago, Congress defunded public media. Now that we're 100% community funded, please become a sustaining member or increase your existing membership today.
Winter is coming — and this year, it's bringing an uninvited guest. The El Niño climate pattern could bring rain, rain and more rain to SoCal this season, and it calls for the kind of preparation Angelenos may not be ready for — rain slickers? Who, us? An umbrella rated for gale-force winds? Where are we?
If the predictions come to be, however, we will have no choice but to batten down the hatches, gather our supplies and embrace the cozy. When it’s gnarly outside, happiness will look like warm feet, a dry-ish dog, a sturdy umbrella and chic rain attire. Help friends and family prepare with thoughtful gifts that can add to the emergency kit (looking at you, earthquake preparedness bin!) once the storms have passed.
Quack them up ($44)
A bright yellow umbrella with a duck's head handle
(
Huntington Store
)
Give them a reason to smile on rainy days. Sturdy, well-rated, portable and cute, the bright yellow Duck Umbrella at the Huntington Store is a ray of sunshine.
Sponsored message
Coziness by candlelight ($38)
A Golden Coast candle
(
P.F. Candle Co.
)
Dark clouds (and possible power outages) call for candlelight. Poured by hand in Los Angeles, the large soy wax candle by P.F. Candle Co. boasts a 60- to 70-hour burn time and soothing, atmospheric scents. The Golden Coast candle, in the company’s signature amber glass jar, is inspired by the magic of Big Sur: the scent of sage baking in the sun, eucalyptus, sea salt, redwood trees and palo santo. Take a deep breath, relax and wait for the storm to pass. It always does.
Let there be light ($34.99)
(
Coast Products
)
Impact-resistant and designed with a stainless-steel outer cage, the battery-operated Emergency Lantern with swinging handle from Coast Products features four high-output light modes, including a flashing red help signal, and comes with a five-year warranty.
Sponsored message
When flip-flops won’t cut it ($150)
Waterproof Bean boots
(
L.L. Bean
)
Rain boots come in a variety of sizes, styles, shapes and colors, but the Mainers up at L.L.Bean may have been making them the longest. The classic waterproof Bean Boots, originally called Maine Hunting Shoes in 1912, have been keeping feet seriously dry for more than 114 years. If it ain’t broke …
Slicker chic ($168)
The fully lined, hooded Old Salt Raincoat
(
Kiel James Patrick
)
Sponsored message
Rain gear from people who know weather. The fully lined, hooded Old Salt Raincoat with a zip-and-snap front placket and adjustable drawstrings from East Coast-based Kiel James Patrick is sporty, stylish and, most importantly, waterproof. Made to last, the classic design (available in both men’s and women’s sizing) promises to make rainy days more bearable for seasons to come.
Grab-and-go box ($80)
The GETXGO box at Williams Sonoma
(
Williams Sonoma
)
Give them peace of mind. Designed in California, the GETXGO box at Williams Sonoma was created to organize and store important documents, passports, photographs, extra keys, emergency cash, valuables and personal papers in a lightweight, portable container with a silicone-coated layered interior. Both fire- and water-resistant, the organizer features a combination lock closure and an easy-carry handle.
Ruff weather gear ($65)
A bright yellow reflective rain slicker
(
The Foggy Dog
)
Sponsored message
When it rains cats and dogs, keep Fido dry-ish with a bright yellow reflective slicker from The Foggy Dog that is as sensible as it is stylish. The lightweight, waterproof design features a zip-off hood, adjustable toggles and a hidden leash opening. Keep the puddles outside — as much as possible.
Sweet comfort ($21)
Compartés hot cocoa
(
Huntington Store
)
Give them something soothing. When the forecast is frightening and Mother Nature has let loose, help lift their spirits with Compartés Hot Chocolate from some of the best chocolatiers in Los Angeles. Available at the Huntington Store in San Marino.
Emergency radio ($100)
An emergency radio from Preppi
(
www.Preppi.com
)
Help friends stay informed if the power or internet goes out with an emergency AM/FM radio from Los Angeles-based Preppi. Featuring options for hand-cranked or solar backup power, the pocket-sized gadget is designed with a USB port for charging phones and tablets, an LED flashlight, SOS siren and weather band channel set to receive evacuation orders and updates.
Gorgeous go-bag ($645)
The Prepster two-person emergency kit
(
www.Preppi.com
)
Think: substance with style. Made by Preppi in Los Angeles from water-resistant canvas and leather, the Prepster, the two-person emergency kit, includes three days' worth of supplies. In addition to food and water with a five-year shelf life, the attractive go-bag contains a solar- and hand-crank-powered radio with a USB charging port and cable, headlamp, Mylar blanket, multifunction tool, duct tape, tent, flares, work gloves, hand warmers, a hip flask (beverage not included), flashlight, waterproof matches, respirator masks, first-aid kit, Malin + Goetz soap and more.
Preppi is a financial supporter of LAist. The company has no influence on editorial decisions.
One year ago, Congress voted to defund public media, eliminating a critical $1.7 million from our budget every year going forward. But they couldn’t silence us, and we’re not going anywhere. LAist is now 100% community funded and that means we’re taking our future into our own hands and turning to you to keep local reporting strong.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our nonprofit newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our communities. We are free to follow facts wherever they lead and to hold power to account without fear or favor. Our only loyalty is to our readers and listeners and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen Southern California’s communities.
If this story helped you, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
