What do you give the Angeleno who has been here forever and already has everything? And by ‘everything’ we obviously mean infinite sunshine, beach access, world-class culture and any number of other L.A. pleasures. Obviously, you give that person the most localized gifts around to perfectly capture their SoCal lifestyle.
Flip flops they can wear anywhere
The true Angeleno considers flip flops shoes, so you might as well set your friend up with a classy pair like these. Sure, they look like regular rubber flip flops, but these ones are Prada, sure to earn more cred when lounging around the Bungalow. Neiman Marcus, $290.
Membership at LACMA
Gifting a membership at LACMA says, “You seem like you care about art,” or possibly, “I forgot about this gift exchange and they let you do this instantly online.” Either way, your giftee will appreciate a year of free entry into the museum, advance tickets to events and that bright red card they can conspicuously flash any time they pull out their wallet. LACMA, memberships start at $60.
Candles that smell like home
Homesick Candles has just released a line of scented candles inspired by the natural fragrances of different regions. For the Southern California edition, they picked notes of cactus, orange and ocean water, which is definitely better than bus exhaust. Homesick Candles, $29.95.
Sunglasses for social media stars
Your friend either is Snapchat famous or secretly wants to be. Show them you accept their dreams with the gift of a pair of Snapchat Spectacles, special goggles designed to record and share POV video. The Venice-based startup is selling them from pop-up vending machines around town. Snapchat, $130.
Baked goods for any diet
Want to pick up a holiday baked good but can’t keep up with which friend is vegan and which is gluten-free, nut-free, kosher or just not really doing refined sugar right now? L.A. problems. We get it. So does Erin McKenna. At her Larchmont Village bakery, everything is safe for all those concerns (and still totally delicious) so everybody can enjoy your contribution. Erin McKenna Bakery, $19.25 for a dozen cookies.
Pre-paid gas
Even gas stations offer gift cards these days, so you can pay for a few fill-ups. Your recipient can decide to spend the whole tank on a road trip out of town or dwindle it out, ounce by ounce, idling away in traffic while staring into the abyss of red and white lights and dying on the inside. ExxonMobil, available in $15, $25 or $50 denominations.
DVDs of your own movie
We wish the entertainment industry were all about the art, but let’s face it: in this town you’re often only as good as what the numbers say. Boost your own stats by buying back as many copies of your own project’s DVDs as possible… and then hand them out to all your friends and family (and casting directors). Amazon, prices vary.
Want more? Sign up here to stay in the know.