The 2020 DTLA Holiday Gift Guide

A Few of Our Favorite Things for Everyone on Your List

2020 has been a tough year and everyone’s in need of some holiday cheer. We’ve put together a fun Holiday Gift Guide for you – and sweetened it with a giveaway to win a few of Our Favorite Things!

This holiday season treat your loved ones to the perfect gift from local Downtown businesses to show how much you appreciate them – or plan a special holiday excursion for an experience to remember. Whether you’re shopping for family, friends, colleagues, or even your beloved pets, we’ve put together a list of our top picks to help you find everything you need while supporting your favorite boutiques and small businesses Downtown – many of them businesses owned by people of color.

Check out our Holiday Gift Guide below and experience all DTLA has to offer for the holidays. And don’t forget to enter to win a few of Our Favorite Things!

Eclectic Shops

Get into the holiday spirit by finding fun, eclectic gifts to bring brightness into the lives of the people you love.

• Bring Something to the Party is a one-stop-shop party boutique where you can find everything from seasonal greeting cards and gift wrap to balloon bouquets to brighten holiday gatherings. Give the gift of good luck and fortune with the perfect indoor foliage –  a money tree plant. For your favorite foodies, try passion fruit syrup to spice up homemade cocktails. Practice self-care and snag a vanilla-scented Girl Boss candle for yourself.
• The Small Shop LA is a modern boutique that sells loungewear, vintage glasses, ties, hats, and other accessories. Present stylish fits to your besties this holiday season. From a crewneck sweatshirt embroidered with a portrait of Malcolm X, or fleece jogger pants from the Lost in Los Angeles collection, to chic beanies and baseball caps, these locally sourced and manufactured goods are sure to spread cheer.
• Paper Source is a haven for inspiration that helps you celebrate life’s simple joys. In addition to the perfect greeting cards and wrapping paper for all your gift-giving needs, you can find festive crafts and garland kits to decorate your home. Treat yourself to personalized stationery and gold wax seals to send letters to faraway friends.
• The Last Bookstore is California's largest used and new book and record store where you can buy, sell, and trade rare and used books, vinyl records, and graphic novels. For the literary lovers in your life, choose from new releases by authors such as Zadie Smith, Joyce Carol Oates, Ursula K. Le Guin, and many others. You can also support the shop by purchasing their signature canvas tote bag or zombie hands face mask as a snazzy stocking stuffer.
• Poketo offers a beautifully curated collection of design-conscious goods meant to cultivate a creative lifestyle. Browse their selection of unique objects guaranteed to bring a smile to your face, such as a retro classic computer keyboard that lights up, a brass plant mister to keep your plants hydrated in style, or a colorful Corksicle x Poketo tumbler to keep your drinks cold or hot on-the-go.
• MADE by DWC is a program from the Downtown Women’s Center offering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women the opportunity to earn income while gaining job skills in a supportive and empowering environment. Show your support of the Center and purchase items like an Earl grey-scented Joshua Tea candle, spiced Half Moon Bae candle, or a Candle, Soap & Bath Salt Gift Set, all made in small batches by the women in the job-training program.

Sweet & Savory

From pies and pastries to rare cheeses and meats, sometimes the best gift is something delicious.

• Big Sugar Bakeshop features delightful, handcrafted desserts and charming gifts in a warm and inviting neighborhood environment. Grab a yummy cupcake or cake pop and surprise a friend with a sweet treat. You can also order a Celebration Box filled with cookies, blondies, and brownies to bring to a family gathering, or a specialty pie like the Crunchy Caramel Apple Pie or Apple-Cranberry Crisp to top off your holiday feast.
• Pitchoun Bakery & Café is a French bakery and pastry shop serving artisan bread and homemade pastries to authentic soups and salads. For a scrumptious brunch, how about a selection of viennoiseries like almond croissants, apple turnovers, and palmiers? Or order full-sized French delicacies such as a classic gateau St. Honoré or a flaky and decadent Millefeuille to enjoy with the entire family.
• DTLA Cheese is a full-service cheesemonger offering domestic and imported cheeses, griddle sandwiches, seasonal salads, and more. For the epicure in your life, provide a cheese plate box with gourmet accompaniments or a bundle of your favorite cheeses from France, Holland, and Spain. A "honk if you love CHEESE” bumper sticker is a must-have for every cheese connoisseur’s stocking.
• The Donut Man is the original famous purveyor of fresh baked, soft-glazed handmade donuts stuffed with seasonal fruit. Make someone’s day with a box of legendary strawberry or peach donuts, chocolate-striped tiger tails, or traditional French crullers. Looking for a midday pick-me-up? Treat yourself to a seasonal special like the pumpkin cream donut.
• Fat & Flour bakes up a mouthwatering selection of seasonal pies, cookies, and other homemade confections inside Grand Central Market. Known for rustic desserts and homespun pies, order a browned butter apple crumble, ginger sweet potato, or caramel and kobucha squash pie to share with the whole family. If classics desserts are more your style, try the traditional apple pie or chocolate chess pie. Fresh baked cookies and ready-to-bake cookie dough also available.
• People’s Choice Beef Jerky is a family-run small business handcrafting small-batch artisan beef jerky in a variety of flavors. Spread joy and deliciousness with the jerky sampler, an assortment of popular jerky flavors in a uniquely designed box, or a fire jerky gram, a spicy trio of jerky accompanied by a special envelope and card. Pick up sea salt & pepper beef sticks for a savory stocking stuffer.

Spa & Beauty

Share self-care this holiday season and give the gift of health, wellness, and beauty services and products.

• Frais Spa is an authentic and refreshing spa care experience offering massage therapy, skincare, and acupuncture. Remind your loved ones to put their well-being first with gift cards for signature massages, from Swedish to deep tissue, combined with specials such as organic salt foot soaks and hydrating hand wraps. For men who appreciate the art of self-care, spring for a bourbon & whiskey body scrub.
• Spa at Omni Hotel is a luxurious European spa offering an array of treatments designed to refresh and rejuvenate your mind, body, and spirit. Give a gift card for pampering at their incomparable spa treatment rooms, from hot oil head and neck treatments to the ultimate exfoliation wrap and massage.
• DESUAR Spa is a private day spa offering high-end treatments to make you feel happier, relieved, and more energetic. Give the gift of spa with gift certificates for a variety of facials, waxing services, and CBD treatments. 
• Drybar is the premier blow dry bar specializing in just blowouts, no cuts or color. Give your favorite beauty guru one of their many renowned hair care tools and products, such as the Buttercup blow dryer or heated straightening brush, or a limited-edition version of their Detox dry shampoo in a bubbles & berries scent. 

Apparel & Accessories

St. Vincent Jewelry Center
St. Vincent Jewelry Center is the largest jewelry collective in the world with more than 500 independent merchants offering diamonds, precious gems, pearls, platinum, gold, silver, and designer time pieces at wholesale prices in Downtown LA. Whether you’re in the market for a head-turning engagement ring, red carpet-worthy diamonds, or the perfect jewelry gift this holiday season, St. Vincent Jewelry Center is your go-to destination for glam.

THE BLOC
THE BLOC is a vibrant, open-air urban center in the heart of Downtown LA offering a diverse mix of thoughtfully curated shops, artisans, premier retailers including restaurants, bars, open-air green space, and entertainment. It welcomes Angelenos and visitors from all walks of life – and anyone seeking inspiration, community, and connection.

• Uniqlo has the latest essentials for women, men, kids, and babies with quality design and timeless feel. Shop cozy and comfy gifts like an ultra-light down cocoon parka or vest in an assortment of colors, a warm and luxurious cashmere scarf, or sleek slippers to keep warm on cold winter nights. Keep the kids snug with heattech-lined function gloves or a bright knitted cap.
• Lululemon is a purveyor of technical athletic clothes for yoga, running, working out, and most other sweaty pursuits. This year give your loved ones the gift of athleisure. You can’t go wrong with crushed velvet jogger pants with a matching crewneck sweatshirt, or the brand’s famous Fast and Free tights. Running enthusiasts will love a 1/2 zip pullover for cold-weather runs, and these running gloves with tech-friendly fingertips will keep the coldest hands warm in style.
• Macy’s department store has the latest fashion brands in women's and men's clothing, accessories, jewelry, beauty, shoes, and home. Even the pickiest of recipients will love crowd pleasers like this stunning belted wrap coat or a classic Nike club fleece hoodie. For young trendsetters, this festive mixed charm bracelet or stylish red and gold crossbody phone wallet are sure to put a smile on their faces.
• Eli & Ella Rose is a unique boutique offering a wide variety of fashionable children’s clothing. For the young adventurer, choose a children's MA-1 flight bomber jacket with sporty patches and an airplane zipper pull. A dreamy and delicate black lace star dress with pink slip is perfect for aspiring fashionistas. Pick up a sustainably-sewn Chaboukie romper hand-printed in Bali for baby.

FIGat7th
FIGat7th is a three-level, 330,000-square-foot open-air shopping center located in the heart of Downtown LA’s Financial District. Located at the intersection of life x style, it is a one-stop shopping, dining, and entertainment destination – home to fashion finds, a collection of unique eateries, and more in a unique, oasis-like environment.

• Zara sells the latest trends in clothing, accessories, shoes, beauty, and perfumes for men, women, and children. Stock up on holiday onesies, bibs, and socks for baby and quirky accessories like sparkly cat ear headbands or Nintendo bags for kids. Pick out a faux-fur backpack or sporty striped shopper for the fearless fashionista, and a dashing double-breasted corduroy blazer for him.
• H&M is known for quality fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers, and children at the best price so you can get the latest styles for the whole family. Stay snug in a classic shawl-collar cardigan or a fine-knit turtleneck sweater, or dazzle in a sequined t-shirt dress on a night out. For holiday photos, turn to festive clothing like patterned cotton shirts, sweaters, and dresses for children of all ages.
• Target has everything you need from groceries and essentials to clothing and electronics, all in one place. Spend cheery evenings making memories together in matching family pajamas, including pjs for the dog and cat. Wrap up great accessories like whimsical holiday-themed earrings, a Baublebar initial pendant necklace, or a classic timepiece like the Timex Weekender Chronograph to place under the tree.
• Victoria’s Secret is a popular clothing and beauty retailer selling the hottest lingerie and sleepwear to sportswear, accessories, and fragrances. Get that special someone a silky satin long PJ set with pant and matching top or supersoft modal kimono robe with lace-trimmed sleeves that’s perfect for lounging. She’ll also love the sleek racerback lace bralette made from recycled textiles in seven delicate colors.

Arts & Culture

While many institutions are closed, support your favorite spots by shopping Downtown LA stores online for the best picks for creative-minded people, bibliophiles, and arts and culture aficionados.

• The Library Store houses a collection of unique items and gifts for readers, writers, friends, and family: books, stationery, educational toys, and more. Located at the Central Library, you’ll find inspirational children's picture books like I Promise by LeBron James or storybook favorites like Frog and Toad. For adults, select the perfect gift from a variety of autographed books and present it in a screen-printed Classics tote bag that every bibliophile will love.
• LA Phil Store sells distinctive merchandise that reflects the synergy of sight and sound that exemplifies the home of the Los Angeles Philharmonic. For your favorite music lovers, pick out one of many new releases by the LA Phil on vinyl or get them a signature mug or baseball cap. Opera glasses make an elegant gift, and a Walt Disney Concert Hall patterned tie elevates a shirt with just the right amount of pizzazz.
• MOCA Store features books, gifts, and art-related products supporting the museum's exhibitions and programs. This year, give something special like a Jean-Michel Basquiat skate deck, a graphic novel about Yayoi Kusama, or puzzles featuring famous works of art. For the museum enthusiast, a MOCA Supporter Pack so they can show their support. An Andy Warhol coloring book and soup can crayons are a foolproof pick for creative kids and grownups.
• Raw Materials Art Supplies is a smartly-curated fine art supply store boasting more than 30,000 fine art materials and architectural supplies for purchase. Inspire creativity this holiday season with crafts and activities for kids, such as finger painting sets and origami kits to sketchbooks. For stocking stuffers, these colorful PANTONE magnets or a quirky Bob Ross bobblehead are sure to make anyone smile.

Pets

Shower your beloved pets with pawesome holiday apparel, toys, treats, and more.

• Pet Project LA has a curated collection of apparel, accessories, and supplies featuring local products that support the DTLA pet community. Pick up cute and festive flannel bandanas or a cookie gift box for all of your favorite furry pals. Treat them to their own personal space with the Nooee Pet Cave or Pet Dome or a colorful cactus garden-print pet bed for them to lounge all day in style.
• Healthy Spot features a wide selection of safe and eco-friendly toys, treats, training tools, grooming products, and services. For feline friends, encourage their playful instincts with a sassy sushi catnip toy or the Catit Vesper cat tunnel to provide countless hours of exploration. Provide a fun challenge to your dogs with a squeaky holiday stocking burrow toy, then reward them with Small Batch chicken jerky or crispy cod fish skin chews.
• JustFoodForDogs is dog food using the highest quality, USDA certified meats, fresh vegetables, and whole grains to maximize the nutritional delivery to your dog. Try giving your dogs and puppies fresh frozen daily meals made with whole-food, human-edible ingredients and no preservatives. Pick up USDA-certified chicken apple bark or venison treats or nutritional supplements for dogs to address the most common canine ailments.
• Petco is a leading pet specialty retailer selling products and services and delivering health and happy experiences for pets. Buy a doggie advent calendar featuring 12 seasonally-inspired toys to count down to the holidays, or a Petcube pet camera and treat dispenser to monitor and treat your pets remotely. An Embark Vet breed & health DNA test is a great gift for curious dog owners who want to learn about their pup's breed, ancestry, health, and more.

This December, head to Downtown LA to shop, eat, and celebrate for the holidays. Don’t forget to enter for a chance to win one of 23 gift packages filled with our favorite things!

---