Home to an embarrassment of consumable riches, California produces 20 percent of the nation’s dairy, 80 percent of its wine, and nearly all of its artichokes. As part of the Golden State’s bounty, there are thousands of artisans dedicated to perfecting their passions. Whether that’s freshly plucked peaches or luxury chocolates, when you give a California-grown present, know that you are gifting some of the world’s very best. Consider these delicious ideas cultivated in the icy waters of the North Coast, the sun-drenched hills of the Central Valley, the green pastures of the High Sierra, and beyond.
Hog Island Oyster Club Subscription, $200 to $550
With farms along the shores of both Tomales Bay and Humboldt Bay, Hog Island Oyster Co. produces more than 5 million shellfish each year. Get your oyster-obsessed family member a piece of the action with a three-month subscription. Choose from a monthly delivery of 12 or 36 bivalves, complete with shucking knife, gloves, and a tasting notebook.
Verve Coffee Roasters Choice Subscription, $72 and up
Help your loved one start their day off right with a freshly brewed cup from Roast Magazine’s 2024 Roaster of the Year. The award-winning Verve Coffee got its start in Santa Cruz and has since expanded to Los Angeles, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Japan. You choose the frequency and length of the coffee subscription; their experts select the beans.
Brightland Olive Oil Mini Artist Series, $85
Founded in 2018 by Los Angeles-based Aishwarya Iyer, Brightland has become synonymous with exceptional olive oil in beautiful packaging. The Mini Artist Series doubles down on the brand’s design cred with four bottles featuring original art. Inside you’ll find golden elixirs pressed from olives plucked from the Central Coast—spiked with peppers, garlic, lemon, and basil.
Alesmith Pumpkin Spice Nut Brown, $18
One of San Diego’s most popular breweries—and that’s saying something—Alesmith is known for creative handcrafted ales. In this seasonal twist, their classic Nut Brown Ale is peppered with nutmeg, allspice, cinnamon, and clove. Note: The brewery also ships excellent NA brews for those who prefer to go alcohol-free.
Masienda Molinito, $1,995
Understated yet complex, masa is the sweet and nutty backbone of Mexican cuisine. This nixtamalized corn flour provides the base for everything from tortillas to tamales—and the best way to make it is with a machine called a molino. The Molinito from Los Angeles-based Masienda is a countertop version and the ultimate gift for the Mexican food aficionado on your list.
Temecula Valley Honey Company Superbloom, $2 and up
When unusually heavy rains visit Riverside County, long-dormant wildflowers spring into action, covering the valley with a jaw-dropping superbloom. Enjoy this rare and wonderful phenomenon in its shelf-stable form with a bottle of Temecula Valley honey—a product of the bloom along the I-15 Corridor.
Shields Date Crystals, $37
For nearly a century, Shields Date Garden has been fiercely dedicated to all things dates. Located in Indio, Shields is a Greater Palm Springs institution, thanks in part to its famous date shakes. Date Crystals (invented by Mr. Shields in 1936) are the not-so-secret ingredient to the creamy beverage, so you can blend one at home anytime the craving strikes, or incorporate them into cookies, cakes, and brownies.
Iron Horse Vineyards Green and Red Gift Set, $125
When it comes to lifting spirits, world-class bubbly always does the trick. In fact, Iron Horse was poured during the historic 1985 Geneva Summit, marking the end of the Cold War. This festive gift box from pairs the crisp 2020 Blanc de Blancs with the richer Russian River Cuvée—the perfect choice to ease any holiday tension or to put a sparkle in the eye of a wine-loving friend.
Compartés Grandmaster Chocolate Chess Pieces Set, $300
Los Angeles-based Compartés has been setting trends in chocolate for more than 70 years with its premium confections infused with a whimsical touch. This beautiful keepsake chessboard features pieces crafted from gourmet chocolate—it’s a checkmate for the luxury-lover on your list.
Sierra Valley Yak Meat, prices vary
In the tiny town of Calpine off Highway 89, Jenna and Greg Gatto tend to an 80-acre grass-fed yak ranch. The bovines, which trace their origins back to the Himalayan mountains, thrive in the high-altitude region of Sierra County. For the carnivore in your life, choose from rib eye, tri-tip, brisket, and more. They’ll appreciate the delicate flavor of yak meat, a higher protein and lower fat alternative to chicken, beef, or pork.
The Original Graze Box, $55
Who wouldn’t love a charcuterie board sent straight to their door? This Huntington Beach shop packages cheese, meat, fruit, and edible flowers into delightfully arranged parcels that are almost too pretty to eat. The original box comes packed with manchego, salami, prosciutto, pistachios, and more.
Frog Hollow Farm Monthly Cornucopia of California, $196 and up
The stuff you find in supermarket aisles just doesn’t hold a candle to the produce that fills farm stands in California’s fertile Central Valley. Give the gift of seasonal sweetness with a three- to six-month membership to the Cornucopia Fruit Club. All apricots, peaches, pears, and pomegranates are plucked at Frog Hollow, an organic and regenerative farm in Brentwood, about 30 miles west of Stockton.
Shared Cultures Chanterelle Mushroom Miso, $20
Let the epicurean in your life take their dishes up a notch with Shared Cultures miso. This fermented foodie favorite is used by San Francisco Bay Area chefs like Nisei’s David Yoshimura to imbue can’t-quite-put-your-finger-on-it umami. This particular blend marries foraged chanterelles with fermented California-grown koji rice.
Apiary Co Sierra Madre Imperial Dry Cider, $23
From a single apple grove tucked in the backcountry near Santa Barbara comes this high-proof cider that drinks like a wine. Founded by holistic nutritionist Rachna Cossart and her husband Nole, Carpinteria-based Apiary is on a mission to make drinking more nourishing and sustainable.
Allspicery Kitchen Start Sampler Set, $35
For your 20-something relative with their first apartment or the coworker whose meal prep could use a little boost, this stylish gift set delivers an elevated version of a fundamental spice collection. Think Pacific sea salt, Lampong peppercorn, Greek oregano, and more—all sourced and blended out of this sweet Sacramento shop.
Michael David Cabernet Sauvignon Magnum, $110
Nothing says “let’s get festive” like a gorgeous magnum of out-of-this-world wine. Founded by brothers Michael and David whose family has been farming in Lodi for well over 150 years, this winery not only delivers an exceptional product, but they are also leaders in sustainable winemaking, too. A delicious gift you can feel good about? Bottoms up.
