Small Wonders
SHINE ON
"A scented candle from Valley Botanicals is my go-to local gift," says artist Maria Schoettler. We love this woody, holiday-ready version—cypress, palo santo, tobacco—hand-poured into blown-glass vessels sourced from Morocco. Made exclusively for Tancredi & Morgen. $58; 7174 Carmel Valley Rd., Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.625.4477; tancrediandmorgen.com.
ORNAMENTAL
These hand-blown globe ornaments from Carmel Valley glass artist Nick Leonoff create an elegant optical effect in the light of a Christmas tree. A gorgeous way to dress up your decorations. $34; Leonoff Art Glass, 13766 Center St. #G3, Carmel Valley, 831.251.0276; leonoffartglass.com.
TRUE GEMS
Pacific Grove-based Salted Stones’s recently debuted fine jewelry collection is a must for everyday elegance. Available in yellow, white or rose gold, these natural diamond bezel-set hoop earrings are starry standouts. $1,115; Use code SALTY for 15% off your purchase at saltedstones.com.
DESIGN DUO
A collaboration between celebrity interior designers Pierce & Ward and Carmel-based stationer Alissa Bell, this art deco-inspired set features 16 notes and envelopes, Alissa Bell’s signature Memo Box, and an Ohto Liberty Ceramic Pen. Send it ‘write’ away to the design lovers in your life. $350; Use code CC15 for 15% off your purchase at alissabell.com.
LEAVE SOME FOR SANTA
A seasonal favorite, the festive “Son of a Nutcracker” coffee blend from Monterey’s Captain + Stoker features nostalgic notes of “sugar cookies, yule logs, crescent rolls, and warm hugs,” of course. $20; Captain + Stoker, 398 E Franklin St, Monterey, 831.901.3776; captainandstoker.com.
SPICE IT UP
Form meets function with Swedish-made spice grinder from Santa Cruz's Cameron Marks. In cast iron and walnut, it's perfect for prepping pepper and dry herbs this holiday, too. $78; Cameron Marks, 402 Ingalls Street #21, Santa Cruz, 831.458.3080; cameronmarks.com.
SWEET & SALTY
Chocolate connoisseurs will delight in these unique white chocolate bars studded with black sesame seeds, activated charcoal and Black Cone Salt from Big Sur Salts. Handmade by Aubergine’s award-winning pastry chef, Yulanda Santos, exclusively for Lilify in Monterey. $12; Lilify, 281 Lighthouse Avenue, Monterey, 831.207.1380; lilify.com.
DRAW THE LINE
Give holiday greetings an edge with cheeky hand-drawn cards by artist Christine Nardone of Black Line Rainbows (a Pebble Beach native). "She is hilarious and the cards are incredible!" says Somewhere In Carmel co-founder Annie Freeman. $6; Somewhere in Carmel, San Carlos between Ocean & 7th, Carmel-by-the-Sea, 831.238.3045. Use code CONCEPTCARMEL for 10% off at somewhereincarmel.com.
LAST MINUTE LOVES
Time’s no barrier with these easy, email-able experiences. Last minute gifts never looked so thoughtful.
ART EXPLORATION
Let budding artists (of any age) explore their creativity through private or group classes at this community-driven art studio in Carmel Valley. Gift cards $20 and up; email [email protected] for custom options. 831-298-0720, ooze.studio.
WINE CLUB MEMBERSHIP
Give food and wine fans the delicious perks of a Folktale wine club membership—complimentary wine tastings, discounts on food and gifts, exclusive access to winery events. Plus, discounts at Folktale Group’s Seventh & Dolores Steakhouse and The Annex at 7D. $125-$400 per quarter; two quarter minimum. Gift cards available in any amount. 831.293.7500; Folktalewinery.com.
WEAVING WORKSHOPS
Start some pattern play with a one-on-one weaving workshop from Carmel Valley textile artist, Jessica Bovert. Or, for a group dynamic, snag tickets to Bovert’s Jan. 27 workshop at the Monterey Museum of Art. $70 and up. Email [email protected] for more info.
*All products selected without undue influence. Offers valid Nov. 2023 — Jan. 2024, subject to change.