Sweater weather has officially commenced and while the weather screams "summer isn't over," there's no time like the present to stock up on plush cozy knitwear, plaid coats, baby-soft cashmere, and holiday 'fits (for IRL and virtual parties alike). Our roundup of L.A. samples sales makes it impossible to resist the urge to revamp your wardrobe for fall. Love finishing your holiday shopping impossibly early? Just feel like pampering yourself? Whatever your reason, there's a sample sale waiting for you below. Rag & bone, ML by Monique Lhuillier, WeWoreWhat, Commando, Meira T — need we say more?
Photo: Heather Taylor Home
Stumped on what to get your best host friend who seemingly has everything? Or the design-minded homebody who can effortlessly pull off a top-notch Friendsgiving or cocktail soirée? While a good bottle of vino is always appreciated, consider upping the ante with a thoughtful gift from these cool L.A. designers, artists, and makers.
From only-in-L.A. pillows and LACMA-worthy decor to decadent City of Angels-inspired treats and those burlap grocery totes you've spotted at your local farmers market (but make it personalized), we've rounded up over 20 gift ideas for the folks who can transform any space into the best dinner party or casual kick-back regardless of the guest list size.
Keep reading for our top picks, then check out the rest of our holiday shopping guide for stylish stocking stuffers, self-care presents, and other giftable fashionable finds here.
Want more? See all of our holiday picks and more from our favorite local brands and boutiques in our just-launched online shop.
Stardust Ceramix Burger Cup
(no longer available, similar item here)
What's better than an In-N-Out gift card? One that's stuffed inside this cool tumbler by L.A.-based Stardust Ceramix inspired by the California-born burger joint.
Billy Kheel Happy Foot Sad Foot Pillow
(no longer available; similar item here)
For the Silver Lake pal who's proud of their NELA nabe (not the Eastside, remember?), their pad wouldn't be complete with this pillow of the famed — and soon-to-be-demolished — happy foot sad foot sign by L.A. artist Billy Kheel.
Bend Goods Terrazzo Pot
Devoted plant parents will be delighted by this greenery pot by Bend Goods in this very of-the-moment and retro material.
Paradise People Tulum Blanket
Paradise People Tulum Blanket, $80
Made by artisans in Mexico, this cozy blanket by L.A.-based Paradise People will help your favorite globe-trotting party planner enjoy maximum relaxation at home while they're dreaming of their next vacay.
Graf Lantz Monstera Leaf Trivet
Graf Lantz Monstera Leaf Trivet, $15
Your gracious host doesn't need a green thumb to serve up indoor/outdoor vibes at their next dinner party.
All Night Menu Vol. 3 by Sam Sweet
All Night Menu Vol. 3 by Sam Sweet, $25
Filled with 25 true stories of L.A.'s unknown legends, this book by local author Sam Sweet will inspire Angelenos to see their city in an entirely new sun-drenched light.
Jujumade Ceramic Bud Vases
(no longer available; similar item here)
These playful vases will bring rustic-modern style to any collection of stems.
Fashion in L.A. by Tania Fares & Krista Smith
Fashion In L.A. by Tania Fares & Krista Smith, $60
Faithful fashion followers' stylish coffee tables won't be complete without this tome devoted to L.A.'s coolest designers, which recently debuted on Phaidon.
Jenni Kayne Small Cedar Ceramic Diffuser
Jenni Kayne Small Cedar Ceramic Diffuser, $145
For the host who simply won't settle for basic plug-in diffusers, this oh-so-chi ceramic sphere will fit right in with their California-cool decor.
Alfred Tea Matcha Gift Set
(no longer available, similar item here)
West Hollywood-born, globally-renowned coffee and tea shop Alfred has packaged its Instagrammable aesthetic into this matcha box set that'll elevate any caffeine connoisseur's routine.
Apolis Customizable Market Bag
Apolis Customizable Market Bag, $74
For your eco-minded pal who's desperately trying to hold onto their worn-out totes, this handmade shopping bag by socially-conscious L.A. brand Apolis will encourage them to finally hang up their hanging-by-a-thread bags. (Plus, you can customize it with your favorite phrase or nickname.)
Plant Planet Seasonal Fruits of California Print
(no longer available, similar item here)
Speaking of grocery runs, this colorful print will help healthy foodies keep track of which of their favorite fruits are ripe every month of the year.
Compartés Chocolatiers
Gourmet Chocolate Bars Los Angeles Gift Set, $50
Brentwood-based Compartés' L.A.-inspired chocolate bar set is the perfect way to give both born-and-raised Angelenos and transplants alike a traffic-free taste of their city's stylish neighborhoods.
Miwak Junior Fiji Pipe
(no longer available; similar item here)
This pebble-like pipe by L.A. ceramicist Miwak Junior could easily be mistaken as a luxe incense holder, so your favorite stylish stoner won't mind leaving their smoking accouterments out on display.
Lunya The Short Robe
L.A.-based label Lunya's robe transitions well from post-party home lounging to a stroll to the local coffee shop.
Heather Taylor Home Canyon Stripe Tea Towel in Hunter
Heather Taylor Home Canyon Stripe Tea Towel in Hunter, $24
Your homemade brunch host will appreciate these print-happy tea towels that they won't mind leaving out on display.
Maaari Rooted Incense Holder in Black
(no longer available; similar item here)
Bicoastally-based and inspired by traditional crafts in the Philippines, Maaari's black marble incense holder is the perfect mix between well-designed form and function.
The L.A. Cookbook by Alison Clare Steingold
The L.A. Cookbook by Alison Clare Steingold, $29
Entertaining enthusiasts and aspiring L.A. chefs will want to try every recipe from Author Alison Clare Steingold's cookbook, which features recipes found on the menus of Bestia, The Little Door, Joan's On Third, Jon & Vinny's, and other beloved restaurants.
Maya Brenner West Coasters
Maya Brenner West Coasters, $32
Left coast-loving party-throwers can rep the best coast with these wooden drink coasters by L.A. designer Maya Brenner.
Made in L.A. Volume 2 by various authors
L.A. is a city of dreamers, and this book will be a perfect addition to your proud Angeleno pal's inspiring library.
Rainbow Symphony Crystal Rainbow Suncatcher
Rainbow Symphony Crystal Rainbow Suncatcher, $20
For the outdoor enthusiast who sees the world with rose-colored glasses, this holographic crystal suncatcher will bring rainbows to any sunny space.
P.F. Candle Co. Western Red Cedar Terra Soy Candle
(no longer available; similar item here)
Your outdoorsy master of festivities will be transported to the Pacific Northwest whenever they light up L.A.-based P.F. Candle Co.'s this terra cotta soy candle, which has notes of clary sage, black pepper, coriander, and cedar. Plus, the vessel makes an equally chic vase.
Poketo Go-Getter Stationery Set in Blue
(no longer available; similar item here)
For the fashionable work-from-home freelancer who always finds time to host Friday wine night, this sleek stationery set will help keep their home office looking stylish.
J. Southern Studio Success & Power Ritual Kit
J. Southern Studio Success & Power Ritual Kit, $38
For the budding bosses who already have their eye on the prize, this ritual kit by L.A.-based J. Southern Studio will remind them to take some much-needed meditation time between manifesting seshes.
