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10 Made-in-Los Angeles Gift Ideas 2023

Updated for 2023

Hey, want to head to the Mall? Fight traffic, hunt for parking, and wait in long lines at the stores? Neither did we.

So MomsLA has chosen to support some local businesses that are making amazing, unique gifts right here in Los Angeles. Oh and by the way? We saved ourselves from all that aforementioned frustration and had a ball along the way. You probably will, too.

We had a really terrific time, first picking the places, then visiting these amazing businesses – and wrapping up our gift lists in one awesome shopping trip. We chose gifts we wanted to buy (and receive) and we wanted to be sure they were unique and made here. Join us on our journey around LA, shopping and dining – and having a wonderful “only-in-LA” day.

LA's own See's Candy is one of our favorite Made-in-LA places to get holiday gifts. #ChocolateSanta #Santa #SeesCandy #Chocolate
See’s Candies are made right here in Los Angeles!

10 Great Made in LA Gifts Perfect for the Holidays (or Anytime)

See’s Candies
Multiple locations around Los Angeles including
3431 S. La Cienega Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90016

The flagship See’s Candy store and factory on La Cienega is where they say Lucille Ball did her research for the famous scene from the Lucy show where she and Ethel try their hands at working on the candy line. And did you know that the first See’s opened on Western Avenue back in 1921? You’ll find lots of delightful candy gift options at See’s.

And how wonderful to be offered a free sample while shopping! You can opt to select a pre-made gift box, create your own gift box, or opt for something different like lollipops that are also ornaments! In addition to holiday creations, See’s creates special packaging for every holiday as well as birthdays, thank you gifts, teacher appreciation, and more. 

MADE by DWC
ReSale Boutique 325 S. Los Angeles Street, Los Angeles 90013
Craft and Gift Boutique 438 S. San Pedro Street, Los Angeles 90013

MADE by DWC is the social enterprise that empowers women to break the cycle of homelessness through employment. It’s an innovative venture of the Downtown Women’s Center, the only organization in Los Angeles focused exclusively on serving women experiencing homelessness. This year, they are selling these restorative self-care gift items essential for this 2021 Holiday Season. Choose from hand-poured scented candles, all-natural soaps, and single-origin coffee. They are this season’s must-haves!  

Fifi & Romeo Couture Dog shop on Beverly is by appointment only and a fabulous place to get a gift. #dogs #doggifts #dogsweater #dogtoys
Fifi and Romeo offers designer gifts for the dogs (and dog lovers) in your life.

Fifi and Romeo

Every dog has his day, but not every dog gets a couture sweater made from upcycled cashmere at Fifi and Romeo. (Although we’re sure they all deserve one and would Love them!)  This shop, which is open by appointment only, caters to the most fabulous dog owners around the world. Fifi and Romeo was founded by a Hollywood costume designer and, for over 20 years, “has managed to single-handedly diversify a market formerly limited to the mass-produced selections of corporate chain pet stores.” These one-of-a-kind items are made here in L.A.

Know anyone who hasn’t yet seen Legally Blonde? Get the dvd with our affiliate link.

Mole from Guelaguetza in Los Angeles is a wonderful gift for any food lover. #mole #mexicanfood #foodgifts
This may be the best mole in the world – and you can get it here in Los Angeles at Guelaguetza!

Guelaguetza
3014 W. Olympic Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90006

We love mole – don’t you? We also love Bricia and Paulina Lopez, two sisters who help run their family’s famous Oaxacan restaurant – and who also host a fabulous podcast called Super Mamás, which we’ve been honored to be guests on. But back to the food! Guelagetza has been named to Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants List, and with a ton of good reasons. Treat yourself to lunch and buy some delicious mole gifts for family and friends. If the drive to Koratown isn’t convenient for you, you can also shop from their online store. 

Related: see our Giant Holiday Gift Guide.

Rock Scissor Paper Studio and Warehouse
11851 Glencrest Dr., San Fernando, CA 91340

Rock Scissor Paper is a Los Angeles based company founded by two sisters who grew up in Southern California. You’ll find a unique, colorful selection of stationery products and a variety of gifts. Be sure to check out their personalized stationery — flat cards printed with a name and “beautifully boxed with coordinating envelopes. Ready for gift giving!” 

A gift from Homeboy Industries is much more than that. It helps formerly gang-involved men and women. #homeboy #madeinla
Branded merch is just one type of gift you can buy at Homeboy Industries – and all of the purchases help support the amazing work they do there.

Homeboy Industries
Cafe & Store: 130 W. Bruno Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

This is a café, a bakery, a shop for merchandise – and a movement, all in one. If you don’t already know the story, known as the largest “… gang intervention, rehabilitation and re-entry program in the world,” Homeboy provides job training and opportunities, and along the way, the products they sell help fund the important work they do. Homegirl Café is wonderful and we love their food.

We bought gifts in the store for our most deserving friends, like T-shirts, Father Greg Boyle’s books (including Barking to the Choir – and here’s our affiliate link to buy it), and their homemade jams, jellies and butters. This model of offering an opportunity for people to change their lives with a job is something we wholeheartedly support and we hope you do as well.

Related: See all the Christmas and Holiday Events in Los Angeles

Shop Mi Vida for super cool clothing and gifts, made here in LA and supporting and promoting local artists.

Shop Mi Vida
5159 York Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90042

At Shop Mi Vida, they make their own T-shirts, literally silk screening them right in the store, plus they sell one-of-a-kind items made by other local artists. Their retail business began in 2008 “with the purpose of providing the surrounding community a shopping experience that compliments their lifestyle, incorporating cultural elements into fashion and functional art.”

You’ll also find plenty of gift items including jewelry, totes, hats, and more. They are seriously connected to the art scene in LA, having been a part of the NELA Art Walk every 2nd Saturday for over 10 years. They’ve got amazing murals that will probably be different the next time you come by, so go often! Love this store!

If you need a gift for a chef or anyone who loves to cook, head to Hedley and Bennet online or in person in LA. #apron #chef #chefgifts
These are a selection of the adorable aprons made here in LA by Hedley and Bennett.

Hedley & Bennett

We knew we had to have the kind of work gear worn by some of the best chefs in the world! These aprons are super chic and they are made in LA. We both want to look awesome when we’re cooking, and of course we want our gift recipients to look fabulous, too. Plus once we heard the company’s story we were hooked. We love that it was started by a young woman, and only about 5 years ago.

We love that she has a pet pig, who’s also the company’s mascot, and we love their headquarters in Vernon, where they make and sell their amazing products. You’ll find much more than aprons here including chef coats, work shirts, socks, and kitchen linens.

Tree Dedication with Tree People
12601 Mulholland Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210

For the environmentally-conscious child or family member, consider making a Tree Dedication with Tree People. Commemorate a birthday or special event with a Tree Dedication. Trees are planted in “the Los Angeles area which includes local city parks, schools, streets, urban forests and the Santa Monica Mountains.” Details are available online. 

Darner Socks

Have a family member who loves one-of-a-kind socks? Who would never think of wearing your standard black or white sock? Then be sure to check out Darner Socks. “Locally produced in Los Angeles in small batches, Darner Socks are printed in beautiful and unique custom solid colors and prints. Each color and print is sketched, created into fabric, and then cut and sewn locally into your favorite accessory.” Check the website for details on how to order. 

Related: Find Hanukkah Celebrations around SoCal

We visited our favorite shops in Los Angeles for our Made In LA Gift Guide. #LosAngeles #HolidayGifts #LosAngelesshopping #Giftsformom

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Disclaimer: MomsLA has made every effort to confirm the information in this article; however, things can often change. Therefore, MomsLA makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy of the information published here. MomsLA strongly urges you to confirm any event details, like date, time, location, and admission, with the third party hosting the event. You assume the sole risk of relying on any of the information in our list. MomsLA is in no way responsible for any injuries or damages you sustain while attending any third-party event posted on our website. Please read our Terms of Use which you have agreed to based on your continued use of this website. Some events have paid to be listed on MomsLA.

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