Searching for holiday presents in SLO County? Check out this local gift guide
The holiday season has arrived in San Luis Obispo County.
Stockings are being hung, lights are being strung and trees are being decorated with luminous lights and glittering ornaments.
Now it’s time to start thinking about presents to put under the tree for your friends and family member.
Local tourism board Visit SLO CAL has created an extensive list of high-quality, locally-made goods from artists, makers and farmers from around the county, the marketing agency said in a news release.
“This holiday season, our curated gift guide makes it easy to share the unique creativity, sustainability and artistry of our region with both locals and visitors, showcasing what makes the SLO CAL region special,” Visit SLO CAL President and CEO Cathy Cartier said in the release.
Here are a few featured gifts from the guide:
SLO County favorites for food lovers
Plantae & Fungi | Blue Oyster Grow Kit from Foragers Galley
What: The Blue Oyster Grow Kit is a grow-at-home gift that lets gardeners and foodies alike create delicious mushroom clusters in the comfort of your own house or yard.
The kit includes a myceliated substrate block, a humidity tent, a spray bottle and detailed instructions on how to grow blue-tinted ’shrooms.
Where: Plantae & Fungi, 750 Sheffield St., Cambria
Price: $38
Brown Butter Cookie Company | Favorite Things Trio
What: Brown Butter Cookie Company’s Favorite Things Trio comes with three sets of six brown butter shortbread cookies.
The delectable assortment of desserts includes the beloved original brown butter sea salt shortbread, as well as a half dozen cocoa brown butter sea salt shortbread and toffee chocolate brown butter sea salt shortbread.
Where: Brown Butter Cookie Company, 98 North Ocean Ave., Cayucos; 801 12th St., Paso Robles; 897 Higuera St., San Luis Obispo
Price: $44
Etto Pasta | Pet Lover’s Gift Bag
What: Covered in paw prints, this animal-themed present is packed with fun food items for pet owners.
The gift bag contains dog-shaped pasta, Don Antonio marinara sauce, Urban Oven crackers, artichoke spread and a wooden spoon shaped like an animal’s paw.
Where: Buy online or shop at Etto Marketplace, 3070 Limestone Way, Paso Robles
Price: $40
Presents for coffee lovers and cocktail fans
Cacti Coffee Roasters | 12-ounce Bag Whole Bean Coffee
What: This Santa Margarita-based coffee company roasts small batches of beans using direct and fair-trade sources, according to its website.
The result is ethical, high-quality beans that deliver a tasty cup of joe while also respecting the growers, coffeehouses and customers who consume the product, Cacti Coffee Roasters said.
The company sells beans by the bag, or you can order a monthly subscription.
Where: Buy online at cacticoffeeroasters.com
Price: $20
Yes Cocktail Co. | Holiday Collection Cocktail Mixers & Sugar Cubes
What: These mixers comprise real fruit and botanicals to make your homemade craft cocktails and mocktails really pop, the Paso Robles cocktail company said.
The handcrafted creations include classic holiday flavors such as peppermint and cacao, sugar plum, cranberry spice and ginger snap.
Yes Cocktail Co. also has candy cane and gingerbread syrups, as well as sugar cubes fashioned to look like lumps of coal.
Where: Purchase online at yescocktailco.com
Price: $16 to $23
Looking for locally made jewelry?
Woven Handmade | Christmas Collection Earrings
What: The woman-owned Arroyo Grande jewelry shop has a variety of handmade clay earrings that scream Christmas.
You can choose from a dangling pair of Grinch faces, gingerbread men, ruby-red poinsettias or snow-capped trees, as well as a miniature nativity scene.
The shop also sells macrame and knit beanies, Visit SLO CAL said.
Where: Purchase at wovenhandmade.com
Price: $24 to $35
Surf Gems | Coastal Earrings
What: Business owner Abby Ahlgrim acquires resin leftover from surfboard production and converts it into one-of-a-kind jewelry.
Based out of Morro Bay, the sustainable pieces range from multicolored triangles to rectangular bars that mimic the sunset.
Customers can choose either sterling silver or 14-karat gold-filled ear wires.
“From understated dangles to bold sculptural pieces, each pair captures the natural rhythm of Surf Rock and is hand-shaped with care,” Visit SLO CAL said in its guide.
Where: Buy online at surfgems.com
Price: $65
FabyCo. | Gold Filled Classic Keychains
What: San Luis Obispo company FabyCo. uses fine leather and gold-filled hardware to craft its handcrafted keychains, the company said, adding a touch of luxury to your house and car keys.
Where: Shop online at fabyco.com
Price: $32
Searching for self-care staples?
Life Elements | Holiday CBD Bath Bombs
What: This Atascadero natural bath and body store is offering a limited-edition bath bomb filled with 200 milligrams of CBD.
According to Life Elements’ website, the product relaxes your mind and soothes your muscles. It also carries a “subtle fragrance” of warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and anise, the business said.
Where: Life Elements, 7425 El Camino Real, Suite O, Atascadero
Price: $22
FABLERUNE – Sea Palm & Cypress Body Lotion
What: Los Osos’ FABLERUNE uses shea butter, coconut and sweet almond oil to make a nourishing body lotion.
“Its immersive, balanced fragrance evokes the cliffsides of Montana de Oro and Big Sur, pairing mossy marine notes of saltwater lochs with the warm, sandy aroma of cypress groves along the coast,” Visit SLO CAL said.
Where: FABLERUNE, 2015 Fairchild Way, Unit E, Los Osos
Price: $29
