Gifts Inspired by the Lush Life

Let’s be honest. Another day, another gift guide cluttering your inbox. You could spend a week sorting through the internet’s suggestions and still end up with a scented candle that smells faintly of regret.

But we’re in Santa Barbara. We do things differently. The Lush Life means seeking out the delight in the simple things. The best gifts aren’t about the price tag; they’re about giving someone a little moment of deliciousness or a tool that actually makes their everyday life better—and shopping local keeps our little slice of paradise thriving. Think of this as my slightly opinionated, highly personal list for those who appreciate good dirt, good food, a properly poured cocktail, and hospitality.

From My Garden to Yours (AKA, Gifts You Actually Made)

You know I believe the best gifts are the ones that feel personal. And after a year of, well, everything, a homemade gift feels like a proper hug. If you’re a maker (and really, who isn’t a maker in their own kitchen?), skip the crowded stores.

Pantry Jewels: A batch of granola in a chic pop-top jar, or my favorite, citrus chips or candied citrus wheels—grapefruits and oranges, especially, are perfect for a winter cocktail garnish in a pretty canister or jar. (I’m still hoping my Meyer Lemon bounces back from its aggressive haircut.)

Go Green: Forget the fussy bouquet. A potted herb, like mint or rosemary, nestled in a simple terracotta pot is a little dose of life for a kitchen counter. Wrap it in a length of linen (or some beautiful kraft paper) and finish it with a velvet ribbon.

A Seasonal Sip: A cozy cocktail is never a bad idea. Batch up a Negroni (1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, 1 oz sweet vermouth) and pour it into a small bottle or jar. Tie it with a linen napkin and a beautiful dried orange slice. It’s the perfect chic little stocking stuffer or host gift. I pre-batched Black Manhattans (recipe below) for Thanksgiving which would also make a lovely gift with a jar of luxardo cherries—they are a splurge but should be in every bar that serves brown liquor!

Thoughtful Finds for a Better Life (Shop Local)

For everything you didn’t grow yourself, let’s support our local gems. The goal is to elevate the everyday, not clutter the cabinets.

For the Host: Ditch the Generic Candle. Fragrance is personal! If you don’t know their signature scent, don’t guess. Instead, a full set of beautiful taper candles (you can never have enough), perhaps paired with matching linen napkins or a tablecloth to dress a beautiful holiday table. One could also gift a wedge of d’affoinois and this spreading knife, which I reach for daily.

For the Home Cook: Gather the essentials in a shallow basket that can live right on the counter. We’re talking: a bag of Rancho Gordo beans, Jacobsen sea salt, a handsome tea towel, some of the very chic  FishWife’s tinned fish and plate for serving, and of course, a new harvest olio nuovo, like the one from Luretik. Tuck in a few Meyer lemons from your own garden and tie it all up with an apron. I know The Eddy has great options for this kind of curated delight.

A Kunz spoon (slotted or solid). Seriously, I use mine constantly. It’s the little workhorse that feels great in your hand and looks beautiful on the stove.

A collection of gorgeous, fresh spices like Aleppo pepper, peppercorns, za’atar, cumin, sumac, and the truly magical flowering dried oregano from Field and Fort in Summerland. Honestly, with that lineup, what more do you need? For dried herbs, I love both the peperoncino and oregano from Filippone for a special gift.

Tip: Olive oil is always a welcome gift, but please make sure you’re gifting 2025 harvest oils. Most producers release new oil in November. A 2024 bottle is already a year old, and that’s practically past its prime. Freshness is key!

For the Gardener: I get stopped on the street for my Camargo by Lola Hats! They’re chic, the coverage is terrific, and they last forever. Mine’s nearly eight years old and still looks marvelous. My friend Heather also gave me a monogrammed hat that fits beautifully without giving me hat head — cute, practical, and perfect for a Santa Barbara stroll. Or, consider the ultimate Santa Barbara garden inspo: a Lotusland membership. It’s the gift of endless beauty and a subtle reminder that their rosebush could always be bigger.

For the Dude in Your Life: (Because they deserve good things, too, even if they pretend they don’t care.) A small, exquisite bottle of Japanese whisky. Fresh, local coffee beans from that excellent spot in Ojai (you know the one). A handsome oak corkscrew that actually works. A box of nonpareils.

Stocking Stuffers: Mascara. It’s a non-negotiable refresh. Every girl needs it. Don’t ask questions.

In the end, the best gifts are the ones that simply feel like you. A jar of homemade jam, a basket of beautiful ingredients, a thoughtful tool for the kitchen or garden—they’re all just little ways of saying, “I thought of you.”

Now, go enjoy a cocktail. You’ve earned it.

Happy gifting, friends!

xo, Valerie