In each of the three previous gift roundups, I’ve pointed out that there’s much more out there than whatever caught my attention. As proof, I went and found a bunch more stuff. I’m not bothering with prices this time because if the gift is right, the price really shouldn’t matter. In no particular order….
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Be prepared: Banana flask and bourbon nib brittle at Ace Rivington.
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Guardian angels by artist Julie Alonso at The Shopkeepers.
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From December 13 to 15, The Blue Door is celebrating its 10th anniversary with 10% off the entire store. I might have to go back for the Chris Donnelley carved sculpture, tins of poppy seeds, and these sexy alabaster bookends.
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A sweet ride at Xanadu Skate Boutique.
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Stiffen up that stocking with vintage Playboys at Urban Flea Market, along with cute bookmarks so you don’t lose your place.
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At Bungalow West: Sweatshirts for everyone and a tray for après-doubles drinks.
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Merch from your favorite local businesses and organizations, such as Bettina and the Santa Barbara Certified Farmers’ Market Association.
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Kismet Montecito has bags for every occasion: glamorous toiletry cases and evening bags that remind everyone who’s in charge.
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“Cookie jar” just looks better in Italian. Also At at Italian Pottery Outlet: fun egg cups and candle holders.
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Rad stuff for kids of all ages at Lighthouse Skate Shop.
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The opposite of a cold shoulder: cashmere ponchos at Lovebird.
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Rainy day kicks and blow-their-minds Hot Wheels kits at Chicken Little.
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The Crafter’s Library makes learning fun with bubble gum kits (also available: edible chemistry, root beer, and glowing putty gels and slime); Papercraft animals models, and life lessons in cross stitch.
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Leather laptop sleeves, aprons, journal covers, and more at Parker Clay—it all gets even better with age.
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At the gift shop at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, you can find a local coloring book and also help support local artisans.
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Warbler Records & Goods has the Smiths’ best record and much more.
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If I learned one thing from this year’s gift quest, it’s that I’d like to play more games. At both Game Seeker and Metro Entertainment (further below), I was entranced by all the games I remember playing fondly and fascinated by the possibility of new ones.
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And here’s Metro Entertainment. Next year, can we resolve to spend more time interacting with people we like than staring at our phones?
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Thanks for offering up lots of ideas to shop locally! Fun recommendations.