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Well, 2020 has been a YEAR. Like all of California (nay, the rest of the U.S.), it's looking like our holidays will be also be spent social distancing during a lockdown. Which kinda puts the kibosh on any gifts involving other people or going places. So this year, show the ones you love you're thinking of them this holiday season by giving them the biggest gift of all: A freakin' break.
Our holiday self-care gift guide will help you gift a moment of zen during the madness of 2020, courtesy of some of Los Angeles' coolest small businesses, independent designers, and makers. From cannabis to crystals, herbal remedies to romance novels, we have everything you need to soothe even the most stressed-out Zoom buddy. We've also included gift certificates for in-person services to some of our favorite L.A. spots, because that vaccine is right around the corner, baby!
So align those chakras, get your CBD on, open up that romance novel, and roll into 2021 in style. And if you keep some for yourself? That's self-care too — read on below for some of our favorite wellness holiday gifts by L.A. brands.
Looking for more prezzie ideas? Check out more from our 2020 holiday gift guide.
Pure Beauty Sativa Babies Pre-Rolls
Pure Beauty's pre-rolls are made of flower that is grown without pesticides, additional water, creates no toxic run-off, and packaged in sustainable packaging that is just the cutest. Their pink and yellow mini packs are chic and Instagrammable, and their company is committed to equity in the cannabis industry, for a truly guilt-free, quality high. Groovy baby. Shop: Pure Beauty Sativa Babies 10-pack, $40 at Emjay
Calexo Citrus Rose
A fan of cannabis but not of smoking? Try one of Calexo's low THC beverages. Available in two flavors, Citrus Rose and Cucumber Citron, they don't use any artificial colors or flavors to achieve a mellow, effervescent high that won't leave you out of it — the perfect virtual toast beverage for your next Zoom hang. Shop: Calexo Citrus Rose sparkling drink, $20 at The Pottery
Steam High Healing Scalp & Hair Oil
Recently-launched brand Steam's luxurious line of bath and body care products is also infused with high-quality THC for an even more decadent bath experience. Now you can have your THC and slather it all over your scalp Shop: Steam Holiday Gift Sets, $99
Harmonyum L.A.
If your loved one needs more healing than CBD can provide, gift them a treatment to Harmonyum Healing System as practiced by founder Jessica Heady Gandolfini, who helps bodies self-heal in her relaxing, comfortable, zen space. Prices for her energetic healing are upon request, but if you can't wait for your moment of zen, purchase one of her candles to tide you over. We love the soothing vibes of this Palo Santo and Rose candle. Shop: Palo Santo + Rose Healing & Soothing Candle, $35
Blossom & Stone CBD with Moon-Charged Rose Quartz
For the non-psychoactive cannabis fans, we recommend Blossom and Stone. This line of handmade, crystal-infused oils made with organic CBD will chill out and center even your most pandemic-stressed pal. Shop: Blossom & Stone CBD with Moon-Charged Rose Quartz Oil, $35 to $60
Lucin Candle Studio Zodiac Candle
These hand-poured coconut wax candles made in Venice are the perfect way to focus your intentions for the coming year. In addition to sophisticated scents like Leather and Cactus Blossom, Lucin also has scents for every phase of the moon and Zodiac sign for that extra self-care touch. Shop: Lucin Candle Studio Tranquillity candle, $25
Ripped Bodice's Read, Romance, Repeat Box
For your friend that's tired of Zoom dates and masked meet-ups, warm up their winter nights with a book from sister-founded shop The Ripped Bodice. This Culver City bookstore specializes in romance novels for all orientations and will keep your giftee busy until their next quarantine crush. For something that keeps on giving, try the store's new Read Romance Repeat subscription box, which launches in January 2021 (order by Dec. 10 to ensure a timely arrival) and offers regular deliveries every six to 12 months or ongoing. Shop: Read, Romance, Repeat subscription box, $40 per delivery
Visit: The Ripped Bodice, 3806 Main St., Culver City, 90232
Knockout Beauty Gift Card & Consultation
Bespoke skincare consultancy and boutique Knockout Beauty's new(ish) Brentwood outpost has the latest high-end skincare, cosmetics, and beauty tools for the luxe-loving makeup mavens and skin aficionados in your life. Its team of expert estheticians are available for personal consultations, and you can shop IRL or online by your giftee's skin concerns, such as fine lines, skin damage, melasma, and more. Give the gift of sparkle (even if just for Zoom meetings) with this eyeshadow palette from L.A.'s own Jouer Cosmetics. Shop: Jouer Essential Jet Set Eyeshadow Palette, $40 at Knockout Beauty
Visit: Knockout Beauty, 11724 Barrington Ct., L.A., 90049
L.A. County Store Support L.A. Makers Gift Box
For that proud Angeleno friend who has everything, try a gift box from the L.A. County Store. Just select your theme, and the owner will hand-curate a gift box filled with treasures from local Los Angeles artists and makers such as P.F. Candle Co., Compartés Chocolatier, Pretty Suds, and more. Shop: L.A. County Store Support L.A. Makers Gift Box, $99
The Left Bank Sustainable Starter Pack Gift Set
Another store with gift sets we love is Atwater Village's The Left Bank. Come in for their eco-friendly gift sets, like their Sustainable Starter Pack ($30) or the Restorative set ($35), and leave with some vintage gifts for you. Shop online: Sustainable Starter Pack Gift Set, $30 at The Left Bank
Visit: The Left Bank, 2479 Fletcher Drive, L.A. 90039
Affirmation Darling Affirmactions Card Deck
This "pocket-sized life coach" is the gift that keeps on giving. Each card contains a positive affirmation to center and focus your day, and practical tips to help you make your mantra happen. No matter how they work, they look delightful. Shop: Affirmactions Card Deck, $42
Compton Health Bar Detox Blend
Love the herbal blends from places like Moon Juice, but don't want to shell out $TK for their pricey wellness concoctions? Compton Health Bar has ancestral and holistic remedies at fair prices, AND it's queer womxn-owned and -operated. We love this hand formulated detox blend from Compton Health Bar. Hand blended to help you destress and detox post the holidays and beyond. Shop: Compton Detox Blend, $13 to 46
Visit: Compton Health Bar, 920 South Central Ave., Compton, 90220
The Kind Aura Photography & Reading
Is there anything more LA than photographing your aura? No matter what you believe about color photography, even the most hardened skeptic will appreciate these beautiful Polaroids and the one-on-one reading that comes with it. Shop: Gift Card for Aura Photography Session, $40
Ele Keats
For your high-end crystal enthusiast, Ele Keats has a beautiful selection of curated crystals and a guide to what they do. From pendants to full-blown gems, her beautiful gems are available in a variety of price points so you can be enlightened no matter what your budget. These essential oil crystal pendant necklaces are the perfect way to carry your woo-woo with you. Shop: Essential Oil Crystal Pendant Necklace, $95
The Wild Plum Gift Certificate
The pandemic will be over eventually, we promise. When it does, be ready with a gift certificate to The Wild Plum spa (which is tucked away in Valley's charming namesake city of San Fernando) for a treatment, a yoga class, or for all your one-step wellness shopping. Shop: Gift Card toward services, $25 to $200
Blackheart Nails Neon Press On Set
Eagle Rock's woman-owned Blackheart Nails offers manicures from the classic to the turnt up. Get a gift certificate or one of their adorable press on sets to tide you over between manicures. Shop: Neon Collection Ready-to-Wear Press-On Nails, $30
Iris & West Lash Lift Gift Certificate
For your pal that turns up for zoom calls, we recommend a certificate to Iris & West. Now offering gift certificates for when the City of Angels reopens, a lash lift is a great alternative for someone who wants to look high maintenance with low effort. The curl and darken effect lasts up to eight weeks, with no product removal. You'll emerge from the next lockdown looking fly. Shop: Iris & West last lift gift certificate, $115 to $130
