LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA LA: An LA Gift Guide
Author:Abigail StoneLA Editor at Large, Abigail Stone, scoured Los Angeles from Westside to Eastside to round her favorite California-centric items
-DeJong Salt & Pepper Shakers from Nickey Kehoe: Amy Kehoe was one of our Spring 2018 cover stars and Nickey Kehoe, her store with her partner Todd Nickey, is one of our go-tos for gorgeous wares. For your hostess with the mostess friend, consider these DeJong salt pepper mills, available in walnut or white oak, they’re designed and handmade in LA, $150
-Neptune Glasswork’s Golden Spike glasses: Pair DTLA’s Neptune Glassworks hand-blown glasses with a local libation from the nearby Lost Spirits Distillery for a true taste of Los Angeles. While these golden spike glasses are available in pairs, consider gifting the special set of 6 which festoons each cup with a different number of 23 karat golden spikes, an elegant way to keep track of a drink, $380
-LA Original Patches: Tuesday Bassen teamed up with LA Originals, a pilot program of the Mayor’s Fund for Los Angeles in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development, to make patches celebrating the City of Angels, $10
-Block Shop’s Mulholland Robe in Linen: This time of year offers the perfect excuse to spend the morning in a robe and this version from Block Shop, which marries heavy Belgian linen with one of the company’s serene block printed patterns, is the perfect indulgence, $175
-(who) ore haus Studios’ Vanity Vessels: Some of the best gifts we’ve ever received are the ones that give us permission for self-care. This vanity set, made of heavy brass, puts a glamorous spin on the make-up routine, $525
Klein Agency Bar Cart: Michael S. Smith once characterized Los Angeles as a dinner party town. To ensure a soiree gets off to the right start, a bar cart is a must-have. This one, by Klein Agency, modified for Auburn restaurant, which combines heavy steel with slats of white oak, is both beautiful and sturdy, from $5,150
-Chapparal Studio’s Splits Stud earring: While diamonds may be a girl’s best friend really, when it comes down to it, any gifts of jewelry will do. This sly stud earring which shows a woman stretching into a split is a symbol of strength and balance. Can be purchased as a pair or individually. $25
-Nicolai Bergmann’s Preserved Flower Boxes: While he may not be from Los Angeles, Danish floral artist Nicolai Bergman, who recently opened his first shop outside of Japan on the corner of Robertson and West Third Streets, knows his way around our local flora. His flower boxes offer a unique way to say it with flowers. This Haute Couture box — which mixes roses, carnations and hyrangeas in a soothing shades of pink — whispers it for more than a brief moment. Beautifully preserved, they’ll remain looking alive and fresh for up to three years, continuing to murmur their words of endearment each time the lid is opened. Also available in other configurations and color schemes. Call (424) 527-0232 for pricing.
-Ben Medansky’s mini rope vessel: Ceramicist Ben Medansky’s vases and bowls are a beautiful addition to any room, whether filled with flowers or standing empty and sculptural. Start your collection with this mini rope vessel with its quirky looped ears and its bright blue glaze, $15
-Hollywood at Home’s Star Maps Trays: For your friends who live out of town but are always threatening to move to LA, why not get them acquainted with the city.? These rectangular porcelain star map trays, available in two sizes, designed and illustrated by Konstantin Kakanias, are a start, $48 for the small tray, $105 for the large tray
-Compartés Chocolate Bars: Who doesn’t like chocolate? Change their mind with a selection from Compartés, which recently opened a new 6,000 square foot space, on La Brea just south of Melrose, scenting the air with the delectable scent of cacao. For the holidays they’ve released a series of specialty flavors. Bars wrapped in their signature beautiful papers and slender boxes of truffles are a sweet way to let friends or family know you care, from $11.95
-Unison’s Hasami Porcelain Tall Teapot: Designed in Venice, CA by Taku Shinomoto, owner of LA’s Tortoise life General Store, Unison has offered Hasami porcelain since 2013. In an increasingly complicated world, the simplicity and quality of their designs are in keeping with this unique store’s mantra of slowing down and enjoying the moment. Underline that thought with the Hasami Tall Teapot, inset with a stainless steel strainer, in black (shown) or glossy gray, $72
-Morrow’s Duvet Set Heirloom French Linen Sheets at Hammer & Spear: Pamper the friend who has trouble sleeping with these 100% French flax linen sheets, from Morrow Soft Goods, a Los Angeles-based textile company conceived by friends Stephanie Cleary and Michelle Toney, with an eye towards design, feel and durability. Pre-washed for exceptional softness and available in greige, midnight and white. Find them at Hammer & Spear whose two locations, downtown and La Cienega, are a treasure trove of unique pieces created by local LA craftspeople and makers, $275 for a duvet and two pillow shams
