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Gift Guide 2025

A Santa hat and green stocking hang on a bright green agave plant in illustrated art. The hat and stocking animate, with a subtle wave in the breeze.

The if-you-know-you-know list for real ones across Southern California

If you know Altadena Hardware, Pomona's 6 Ps logo, Chef's Coffee Shop ... then you know.

Give the experience of LA with these tours, classes and encounters

You can help your giftees see wolves, do yoga with goats and smash objects to their hearts' content — and that's all before the virtual reality headsets come out.
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This content was paid for by a sponsor. The LAist news team was not involved in its creation. Learn more about LAist's editorial guidelines.

Enchanted Forest of Light returns to Descanso Gardens

The magic returns to Descanso Nov. 14 – Jan. 4
Local and artisan-made treasures infuse meaning into your gift-giving

Nail polish inspired by a painting or bowls fashioned from a single piece of wood — these will never be regifted.

Gifts for readers

More gift ideas

An image of a towel and crossed spoon and form on a decorative blue background with stars.

Get invited back. 10 memorable (and affordable) gifts for your host

You're sure to attend a holiday party or twelve this season. Bringing a thoughtful gift for your hosts acknowledges their hard work.

Put these under a tree for the gardeners and plant parents in your life

A succulent hangs from a macrame holder on a backround of pale taupe and white with stars and presents

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Give the gift of art this holiday season

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Win the gift of free bus rides

Young daughter in blue snowflake sweater on lap of mother with red snowflake sweater at dusk on bus with blue seats and neighborhood holiday lights outside of windows.

Think gift giving is out of control? Here are 6 ways to cut back (without being a Grinch)

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Previous gift guides

You can still find gems and inspiration in our guides from years past.

Gifts for gardeners (and those who like plants more than most people!)

For friends and loved ones who savor seasonal blooms, delight in every shade of green and tend to gardens big and small.
14 gifts for the LA food lover on your holiday shopping list

Everything on this list is a winner, so consider picking up something for yourself, too. You deserve it.
Read And Shop

While you can always shop online — or go to your local library — these indie stores aim to make your holiday errands fun for all ages.
It's Shop Local Saturday. Here's why that matters to local businesses

There’s just something special about shopping IRL this time of the year.

Trending on LAist

As California demands less plastic in packaging, manufacturers say you’ll pay more

California’s law to slash plastic packaging is running into a fight over who pays — and how much.
Sparks fly between LA mayoral candidates in first debate leading to the November election

Incumbent Karen Bass and challenger Nithya Raman debated homelessness, housing and police staffing.
UCLA is closing its on-campus childcare centers. Now parents are scrambling in a bleak market

Professors and students who use the subsidized programs will now have to compete in a tough, competitive market.