Santa Cruz Works 2025 Holiday Gift Guide
Forget generic gifts! If you're looking for something truly special and locally-made for the loved ones in your life, look no further. Every year, we tap into the incredible talent of our Santa Cruz County community—from innovative makers to inspiring artists and passionate creators—to bring you this curated guide (with products that have been submitted to us and a few of our own findings). Filled with unique ideas across a wide variety of interests and price points, this is your map to finding a memorable gift while supporting local jobs. Let us help you give a piece of Santa Cruz this holiday season!
For the ones who love our coastlines (or keeping track of things)
Illustrated Santa Cruz 2026 Calendar - $35.00
Enjoy watercolor and ink scenes from some of my favorite places around Santa Cruz (and a bit beyond!), all year round! From Año Nuevo to Big Sur, this calendar features 12 watercolor scenes drawn on hikes, hillsides, bike rides, and beaches. Includes native land labels from native-land.ca, moon phases, and eco-friendly design without plastic spiral binding or glue. $1 from every sale will be donated to the Amah Mutsun Land Trust.
A little bit about the company
Tina Fuller Somers of Hawk & Hammer Creative Studio is an artist, science illustrator, and mother of two. She was born and raised in Santa Cruz and takes her sketchbook (and family!) on as many adventures as she can. Based in Santa Cruz, she creates original watercolor art as well as woodblock prints and murals in addition to teaching Science Illustration at CSUMB.
For the one who takes care of everyone
Code Lavender Gift Set - $54.99
Our Code Lavender Gift Box comes with 5 of our most calming aromatherapy amenities, for a total of 11 Lavender Creek Company products, to help you relax and recharge. Lavender Creek Co. is a family grown lavender farm on E. Carmel Valley Road that specializes in naturally calming lavender products to help healthcare professionals, teachers, and everyone in between recharge and relax.
What's included in the gift set:
1 Lavender Moisturizing Balm (4oz)
1 Calming Lavender Roll-On (10ml)
1 Lavender Eye Pillow (.4oz)
2 Dried Lavender Sachet (.4oz)
6 Lavender Refreshment Towels
Santa Cruz Works readers get 10% off using code SCW10OFF, and all orders receive free shipping! Coupon code expires 12/31.
For the one who loves a handcrafted dish
Handcrafted Fused Glass Strawberry Trinket Dish - $NA
Brighten any dresser or nightstand with this charming fused glass trinket dish. The vibrant periwinkle blue base is kiln-fired and adorned with delicate, hand-placed miniature strawberries. Perfect for holding rings, earrings, or simply adding a sweet, unique pop of color to any space. A delightful gift for the holidays!
A little bit about the company
I am an artist based in Carmel-by-the-Sea. I specialize in creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind fused glass art, with each piece inspired by the California coast. I meticulously layer the glass before it is transformed by the kiln. The result is a moment of magic when a shimmering, unified piece is revealed. My hope is that my work brings a piece of that joy and wonder to you.
For the crafter
DIY Holiday Ornament Embroidery Designs - $10.00
Stitch a dash of holiday whimsy with this prancing little treasure. The Reindeer Ornament captures the cozy magic of winter nights, sleigh bells, and handmade memories. Whether you stitch it in classic redwork or get playful with colors, this pattern is perfect for tree trimming, festive gifting, or adding cheer to stockings and stitch-alongs.
✨ What you’ll get:
🧵 Instant PDF download
🎁 Embroidery instructions + coloring guide
🌟 Beginner-friendly with options to embellish
A little bit about the company
The Stitch Counts is a Santa Cruz–based needlework design studio creating whimsical, stitchable embroidery patterns for home décor, ornaments, and everyday creativity. All designs are illustrated and hand-stitched locally in my small Santa Cruz studio downtown. I focus on simple, joyful projects you can finish in an afternoon—perfect for beginners and seasoned stitchers alike. My patterns blend classic hand embroidery with a touch of modern storytelling, encouraging
I'm happy to offer a free group Zoom class for anyone who purchases an ornament design to stitch. Just email me at sherri@sherrigoodman.com to let me know you're interested and we'll schedule a time to meet up online (and maybe in person).
For the mystics
Our Blue Lotus Tincture is a serene botanical elixir that soothes the mind, opens the heart, and inspires blissful calm. Revered since ancient Egypt for its dreamy, meditative qualities, it’s the perfect gift for relaxation, creativity, and soulful self-care.
Mention in store SCWdeal & receive a discount. Or shop online & use code SCWdeal
A little bit about the company
Go Ask Alice is an Herbal Apothecary in the heart of downtown SC. We have provided the community with natural plant alternatives for pain, sleep, stress, focus, and much more for over a decade now. We also carry an array of ritual, spiritual supplies, locally made art, and jewelry.
For the fashionista
Perfection in a bag does exist! Vintage saddle blanket paired with oil tanned leather and fringe creates this one-of-a-kind tote bag that is sure to get you noticed. With a cute contrast lining and plenty of pockets to stash away your goodies, not only can this be your statement piece, but your everyday tote bag.
Receive 15% off using code SCW152025 through 12/31/2025
A little bit about the company
Nestled in Capitola, with a newly expanded studio space, Sereia Design Collective is the dream creation of a local maker. With decades of experience sewing, designing, and working in the apparel industry
Sereia was created to share our beliefs centered around artisan-made products, education to last a lifetime, and consulting to help your business succeed.
For people who live actively, think creatively, and value quality and comfort in every step
Our socks are different because they bridge high-performance materials with creative partnerships. Whether it’s an essential style or a bold artist collab, every pair supports community causes and brings comfort, durability, and personality to your everyday steps.
A little bit about the company
MERGE4 is a Santa Cruz–based sock company blending performance, durability, and creativity. Built with technical outerwear expertise, our socks feature moisture-wicking yarns, seamless toes, arch support, light compression, and extra padding for all-day comfort. We collaborate with artists, athletes, nonprofits, and creators to design everything from bold statement socks to everyday essential styles - all built with purpose and performance in mind. Wishing you a warm, joyful season - Happy Holidays from all of us at MERGE4.
For the one who likes to cook or entertain or appreciates fine things
Handcrafted glass platters, bowls, sculpture and home decor
Award winning, solar powered, locally made glassware for the person who has everything ...or wants to!
A Little Bit About Your Company
Founded in Santa Cruz in 1983 by Smithsonian artist Annie Morhauser. The Watsonville offers free tours, workshops, winebar and shopping.
Solar powered, sustainably and locally made in Watsonville, is now led by Ava Reinhold , Annie's daughter and sister of Tay Reinhold of Made Fresh Crew, muralist and graphic artist.
Annieglass won a Biden-Harris infrastructure bill grant to convert to solar energy. Sandbar Solar put 225 solar panels that produce a whopping 152,000 watts to melt glass in 30 kilns to produce Annieglass.
SCW exclusive coupon code: GOSCW
For the person always chasing waves
Our story began when founder Davon split his head open when his surfboard attacked him during a wipeout. Standing in a dusty and remote Baja California parking lot, frantically searching for first aid, he realized the need for proper head protection in the water. But every surfing helmet he found was bulky and over-the-top. So he created Surf Skull - a low-profile, stylish helmet that offers real protection without drawing attention.
For the wine lovers
November Six Bottle Assortment - $155.79
On Tuesday, we pressed the last grapes of the 2025 Harvest, and turn our thoughts to the approaching holidays. We're so thankful for the hard work of our family growers, the farmworkers, and friends who helped us get here, and for you, our customers. Because we don't advertise, we also are grateful for the kind words of Eric Asimov in the New York Times this week for his mention of our winery, and recommendation of our 2024 St Georges Pinot Noir for the Thanksgiving table. To have our wines at your table as your gather, we’ve put together a special special offer on six of our Santa Cruz winery's bottling that excel with the flavors and celebrations of the season
A little bit about the company
We are very fortunate to be able to pursue what we know and love: to make distinctive wine from carefully tended vineyards, the majority famred organcially, dating back to the 19th and early 20th centuries, as well as a few from the Late Disco era. We are also deeply grateful for the experiences we've had working with talented Old and New World winemakers over the past couple decades in California with Randall Grahm, and with so many other talented winemakers and mentors in Europe, such as Andre Ostertag in Alsace and a host of small producers from Madiran to the Minervois to Puglia to Piemonte and beyond (Maharashtra.)
For the one who just turned 40
Thriving After 40 is an amazing gift for those who love personal transformation and are seeking a solution for breaking free from the "stuck" feeling and building an authentic, successful, fulfilling life.
Thriving After 40 has practical life-planning exercises, proven golden threads for success, and inspiring real-life stories of transformation and can help you gain clarity on your goals, develop self-mastery, and create the life you were meant to be living.
This book is a must-have because it will make you feel empowered to live authentically, confident in making decisions aligned with your true desires, and free to pursue the passions and dreams you've been putting off - no matter what age or stage of life you're in.
A little bit about the company
I'm Jolie Downs, a Santa Cruz-based author, podcast host, and Mindvalley-certified life coach. While I co-own Paradigm Staffing (an executive recruiting firm), Thriving After 40 was created as a passion project right here in Santa Cruz - born from countless hours in my home office overlooking the beauty of our coastal community.
For the one who needs to drink more water
Filtered Water Bottles - $23.99+
The Brita water pitcher brought clean filtered water to homes across the globe. The next obvious step was to take it on the road. Reusable water bottles reduce plastic waste, but you still might find yourself throwing away single-use bottles in search of filtered water. That is, until Herbst worked with Brita to develop an iconic bottle, equipped with a powerful filter straw, ready to transform tap water into a delicious pure drink with every sip. Its silicone top strap says, 'take me with you!' and the snappy flip top lid keeps the mouthpiece clean. Completely leakproof, the Brita Water Bottle is ready for your day.
For the adult with a green thumb
A Pot for Pot 5 Gallon Grow Kit - $99.95
Our most popular grow kit. Learn how to grow cannabis in only 80 days with our Medium Complete 5 Gallon Grow Kit using autoflowering seeds. Place the grow kit outside or inside. Grow your cannabis plant in direct sunlight or under a LED light. Learn how to harvest up to 8 oz and take control of your cannabis supply, saving yourself thousands in the process.
SCW Discount code: SC15%
A little bit about the company
We are a local business founded in Santa Cruz 7 years ago. We also assemble the product and ship it from here.
For the surfer
Swellcycle makes boards that combine performance, durability, and sustainability. And as a huge thank-you to our community, Swellcycle is offering up to $150 off any board, plus a free solid color tint, for the next three days, Thanksgiving Day included.
For the one who loves a sweet treat
Santa Cruz on Edge - Cookie Gift Tower $23.95
Local artist, Jimbo Phillips, has collaborated with Pacific Cookie Company to design the perfect holiday gift. One dozen locally made gourmet cookies inside a tower wrapped in Jimbo's artwork depicting "Santa Cruz on Edge". Available at our retail bakery at 1203 Pacific Ave or online at www.pacificcookie.com to ship anywhere in the US via FedEx.
A little bit about the company
Celebrating our 45th year in Santa Cruz! We are a family-owned business ingrained in our local community making sustainably delicious cookies and giving back.
For the person with everything
Donate to the Second Harvest Food Bank or an organization that is close to their heart (like Santa Cruz Works! or Digital NEST).
Want to see your product here?
Submit your product and we will add it to the guide up until 8am, December 24.
Looking for more gift ideas? Check out our gift guide from last year.
