It’s hard work. Excuse me, DAMN HARD WORK to run a small business these days.
We’ve recently seen some local small businesses shutter, so now more than ever, we need to be supporting each other. We need to continue to visit our favorite local chef, keep purchasing from our local farmer, and drinking locally roasted coffee.
It truly takes a village of people to keep these local businesses thriving. And to me, it is these artisans and craftsmen who make San Diego so uniquely wonderful.
To help get you started, we’ve rounded up a list of locally made gifts for everyone on your list.
Creations by Will Shave Set
Men love a little indugence in their grooming routine too. I got this gorgeous set last year for the hubby and he loves it! Will is a beautiful craftsman and can create custom pieces for your set.
Sets range from $150- 350 and can be ordered from Will at creationsbywill.com
Energy-Activating Chocolate Truffles from Vivacious Dish
This box of 8 energy-activating chocolate truffles are made with fair trade cacao, coconut butter, local raw honey and herbs and spices by Chef Kathryn Rogers, a conscious chef dedicated to nourishing people with naturally grown, delicious food. Each box includes a flavor guide and positive affirmation card.
Order a box for $20 at vivaciousdish.com/shop.
Café Virtuoso HydroFlask
These 16-ounce hydroflasks are BPA-Free and Phalate-Free and made with a durable, sweat-free powder coat finish. The flask will keep your coffee hot for six hours and keep your iced coffee cold for up to 24-hours.
Buy the flask for $24.60 at Café Virtuoso or online
Old Harbor San Miguel Gin
San Miguel was the title bestowed upon San Diego when Cabrillo first landed here in 1542, opening the Southwest to discovery. This gin is distilled from a variety of the freshest southwestern botanicals—lime, cucumber, cilantro, and sage—all of which are locally grown. This is a spicy, bright, juicy, and intensely herbal gin that is easy to enjoy neat or mixed.
Find a bottle at most local liquor stores for around $30, there is a shop finder on their website: oldharbordistilling.com.
Nutista Nutty or Nice Nutbutter Gift Box
This great gift set includes a jar of Nutista "The Mountie" spread, which is evocative of a pecan pie, with very low total sugar; a jar of Nutista "The Nut Job" Nutbutter, made with cashews, sprouted almonds, valencia peanuts, and elliot pecans that make this blend creamy and delicious; and a jar of Nutista "The Monkey King" Nutbutter for which an entire banana is added to each jar to add a burst of flavor to creamy peanuts and chia seeds.
Buy online at nutista.com or at Jimbos! Naturally stores for $36.
Societe Brewing Company Dog Collars & Leashes
Because your dog is your favorite drinking buddy, show off his good taste with these brewery-inspired collars and leashes.
Find them at the brewery or online for $14-18, depending on size