Give the Gift of Supporting Local this Holiday Season

The tradition of gift-giving has been around for thousands of years, bringing joy and holiday cheer to all, but giving gifts also benefits the businesses from which they are purchased. Supporting small, local businesses not only ensures unique gifts for loved ones but also supports fellow community members, lowers the environmental impact by decreasing shipping and packaging waste, and helps maintain the strength of the local economy.

“Helping the people in your community will eventually come back and be rewarding in other ways for you,” said Andrea Jensen, the manager of Kariella and The Men’s Den, a locally owned and operated store on State Street. “You get to not only get to know the people in your neighborhood, but you also are helping people [achieve] their dreams.”

 

Riviera Towel Company

If you are looking for something to fit the vibe of coastal Santa Barbara, look no further than Riviera Towel Company, located on Gutierrez Street between Backyard Bowls and D’angelo Bakery. Their collections center around lightweight, hand-woven Turkish towels that are perfect for the average Santa Barbara beach-goer. They also have a variety of clothing options, from shorts to sweaters, as well as accessories like bathrobes, home decor, jewelry, bags, and more, all capturing the calming, beachy tone of Santa Barbara. Furthermore, the mission of Riviera Towel Company is to help preserve and heal our oceans, so 5% of their profits are donated to different marine organizations working toward ocean conservation. 

The Yes Store

The Yes Store celebrates all types of artistry and craftsmanship by featuring a variety of handmade goods from local artists around the Santa Barbara community. At the heart of downtown Santa Barbara, this store is a block down from the Museum of Art. From delicate telescope necklaces to fully handcrafted suits of chain mail to painted glass vases, it’s the perfect place to buy a unique and hand-crafted gift while simultaneously supporting local artisans.

“We put our heart and soul into what we make, and our hands as well. And I think that the energy of what an artist makes is felt through a personal connection,” said Gaby Mendelik, an  artist featured at The Yes Store. “So I just feel like it’s nice to support, on a financial level, people who work so hard to make beautiful things.”

Lewis and Clarke

Across the street and a block up from The Yes Store, nestled in La Arcada Plaza sits Lewis and Clarke – a cozy, charming favorite of locals and tourists alike. The narrow isles and cobbled brick floors add to the inviting ambience. Practical home goods like colorful tea towels, stainless steel cutlery, and decorative throw pillows can be found toward the back of the store. Or, check out the jewelry corner, where everything from wire-wrapped stone necklaces to strands of delicate gold and silver chain can be found. During the holiday season, rows of sparkling ornaments, snow-covered figurines and baskets of paper advent calendars adorn the shelves. 

The Crafters Library

The Crafters Library is an inclusive co-working space located on Figueroa Street that includes classes, materials and tools like soldering irons and sewing machines, and a small shop that allows crafters of all ages to unleash their creativity. People can give the gift of experience via a gift card or membership, or book a class for family members and loved ones to do together. Feel free to visit the studio as well to create the perfect gift, like embroidered ornaments or a unique candle for that special someone who loves sentimental or home-made presents. 

Other local favorites include Lovebird Boutique, Crimson Holiday, Vices and Spices, Il Fustino, Skin Deep, and Paradise Found.