Give the gift of Sacramento: Our guide to finding the best local presents
By Sarah MurphySpecial to The Bee
The holiday season is upon us, and it’s time to start thinking about gifts.
In many ways, COVID-19 changed the way we shop and the way retailers sell. I, for one, really missed being out and about last year. I missed picking up a delicious coffee to get a good shopping buzz going, and then going through local stores and smelling the candles and feeling the fabrics.
I love being able to find something unique that I can be confident my gift recipient isn’t getting from someone else. Sacramento is lucky enough to have a ton of great local gifts available. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Shall we shop?
Tiferet Coffee House
First of all, we need a good coffee stop to set us off on the right foot. Tiferet Coffee House is full of local goodness from baked goods to locally roasted beans. Pick up a coffee or tea for yourself, and maybe a hot chocolate for the kids. As a matter of fact, gift cards would be perfect gift for a teacher or coworker. You could package it with a bag of beans, or some of their handcrafted soaps. It’s a multipurpose stop now. Grab a Cowboy Cookie. We might need a snack for later.
Address: 3939 J St., Sacramento, inside Mercy Medical Plaza
While we’re thinking of wonderful tastes and smells, let’s head to the Allspicery on 11th Street. Even if the person on your list isn’t a foodie, this is an appealing stop. Allspicery has an incredible amount of gifts and kits, if you aren’t sure where to begin. From a vegan spice kit to pitmaster essentials to a fiesta spice set, there is something for everyone. No matter what kind of food they like to cook, there’s a gift set for them. Even if they aren’t into cooking, there’s a tonic water kit or a dipping oil sampler, and anyone can appreciate some high-quality cinnamon. Good spices make an amazing difference.
Allspicery has an array of “grab and go” pre-packaged spices that make great stocking stuffers for the foodies in your life. They also have gift packs available including spice starter packs. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
Allspicery in downtown Sacramento has a variety of tea available as well as hundreds of bulk spices from all over the world, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
The Paper Garden
Next up let’s head to Pavilions to check out The Paper Garden. This one is for your crafty friends. The Paper Garden has specialty gifts, paper crafting supplies, Japanese washi paper, hand-cut papers and other paper craft embellishments. At The Paper Garden you can also take craft classes, so you could give a gift certificate for classes or even take one yourself to make something for a friend.
Do you have somebody with a sweet tooth on your list? Candy Heaven in Old Sac has got you covered. They’ve got fresh chocolates, nostalgic candy, saltwater taffy - every candy you can think of by the barrel. Get something crazy or buy their favorite in bulk. You can put together a gift basket for a friend, fill up some Christmas stockings and grab yourself something to keep you going on this shopping marathon.
Address: 1201 Front St., Sacramento
Phone: (916) 447-3404
Allspicery in downtown Sacramento has an array bulk and prepackaged spices available for your holiday recipes, Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, as well as gift packs including spice starter packs. Lezlie Sterling lsterling@sacbee.com
Warehouse Creative
If your friend is a fan of the Sacramento makers’ scene, you can find an impressive collection at Warehouse Creative in Old Sacramento. Warehouse Creative is a place for over 30 area makers to sell their wares, and for you to find them all in one location. Chocolates, jewelry, charcuterie boards, clothing - you can find all of it there. It’s a great way to support local artisans and find something for everyone on your list. If you’re heading there before Dec. 1, the current address is 110 L St. After that, they will be at 118 K St..
For the book lover on your list, take some time to wander locally-owned Time Tested Books in midtown. They carry new and used books, and some vinyl records. You might even be able to find a rare edition for that very special gift. The staff is known for going above and beyond in helping customers find things, so be sure to ask if you need help finding something or if you need ideas. Or, give the gift of browsing endless books by getting a gift certificate. That’s a book lover’s dream!
If you need a really unusual gift, check out Toy Fusion on Arden Way. Find vintage toys, comic books and cards. You could surprise someone with a blast from the past, or find toys for your kids like the ones you played with when you were young. They’ve got everything from vintage Hot Wheels to Lego sets to original Nintendo games to Funko POP! Do you think the Strawberry Shortcake dolls still smell like berries?
Gifts with attitude are abundant at Strapping, and they’ve got locations in Oak Park and midtown. There’s home decor, Sacramento-themed gifts, kitchenware, books, jewelry, you name it. Nixon watches or snarky socks. Gorgeous gifts or stocking stuffers. There’s absolutely something for everyone, even the babies.
Address: Oak Park: 3405 Broadway; Midtown: 1731 L St.
If in-person shopping isn’t for you this year, or you just don’t have the time, take a look at Cedar and Twine. This local company features items handmade by women, and part of the proceeds are given to charity. They carry clothing, home goods, jewelry, accessories, skin care and bath products. They recommend ordering by Dec. 15 to ensure Christmas arrival, or you can request to pick up in Cameron Park. There’s no shortage of winners in this curated collection.
For another creative gift-giving option, check out SacTown Bites. Order friends and family a “Farm to Fork” in a box. Whether you choose one or go for a subscription, your recipient can expect Sacramento Valley-produced artisan foods. Or if you’d rather offer an experience, you can also get a curated food and drink tour. They currently offer two different half-day tours, “A Taste of the Delta” or “Capay Family Farm Tour.” These tours take you to visit the places where these local treats are grown and made, so you can experience the Sacramento area through food and drink.
Support more Sacramento area makers by shopping Tomato Alley Collective. If you’d like to browse in person, you can check it out in midtown. You can also shop online for local delivery or pickup. They carry everything you’re looking for like food gifts, home goods, jewelry, holiday decor, art, California themed gifts and bags — all supporting local artisans.
Oh, my friends. What a day we’ve had browsing some of the best of Sacramento. It’s time to relax with some carbs and possibly a cocktail. So our last stop of the day is LowBrau Bierhalle in the Mars building. Duck fat fries for the table, please.
