Celebrate the essence of the season by choosing meaningful gifts that not only bring joy to loved ones but also contribute to the vitality of our community by exploring the rich offerings of our area—a place full of unique treasures.
In the spirit of embracing community and supporting local business, particularly during this festive season, here’s a selection of ideas to give one some inspiration. This gift guide serves as a tantalizing introduction, a “tasting menu,” offering a glimpse into the array of options available from our vibrant community of small, locally-owned businesses.
Sonoma Spice Queen
This woman-owned organic spice shop in downtown Petaluma is a haven for holiday shopping. Everyone loves and uses spices, so it’s easy to find something here for even the most hard-to-please people on one’s gift list. Enjoy some hot chocolate while browsing the offerings, which include fancy tins of dozens of spices, flavored salts, vinegars, herb rubs and so much more.
If time is of the essence, pick up one of their themed gift boxes (Taste of Spain, anyone?) or go ahead and custom assemble one that includes the recipient’s favorite spices, bagel toppings, a range of hot chocolate mixes, holiday caramels, chocolates and anything in between. Top it off with a local artisan-made tea towel and a ceramic mug.
9 4th St., Petaluma, 707.776.7678, sonomaspicequeen.com.
Rust Boutique
Whether one is looking for a special gift or a festive outfit to wear to a holiday party, Rust Boutique, owned by personal stylist Alice Briggs, specializes in women’s clothing with a focus on in-store, personalized styling. The boutique boasts a luxurious collection of boho-chic-inspired apparel, from jeans to cocktail dresses to coats, and has a stunning selection of jewelry and accessories, also perfect for gift-giving. Originally at The Barlow in Sebastopol, Rust Boutique is now expanding to include a new pop-up in Montgomery Village.
6780 McKinley St. #120, Sebastopol, 707.827.6181, and 2411 Magowan Dr., Santa Rosa, rustboutique.com.
Good Gray
Established by the mother-daughter duo, Laurel and Lily Reid, Good Gray – A Commonplace Shop carries an array of unique gifts so beautiful that one will also want to take them home for oneself! With a gorgeous and tactile collection of home goods that will become heirlooms, as well as a selection of very special art supplies, including high-pigment, Japanese watercolors, plus artisan-made clothing, Good Gray is adept at blending art with the practical world.
It’s located in a spacious, sunlit storefront on Main Street in Penngrove, where shoppers can enjoy the peaceful small town atmosphere. The shop draws inspiration from historical commonplace books, weaving together the family’s passion for craft, gardening, literature and home, and has become a haven aiming to inspire, educate and delight.
Open Tuesday-Sunday 11am-5pm and 11am-3pm Christmas Eve. 9591 Main St., Penngrove, 707.755.4535, goodgray.com.
Retrograde Coffee
Indulge the coffee enthusiast in one’s life with a gift or gift card from Retrograde, Sonoma County’s first certified green coffee roaster and café. Retrograde’s Coffee itself promises joy, but the café shop offers more than just coffee. Explore handcrafted provisions, unique cards for every occasion and an array of delights like chocolate, hot sauce, soaps, scarves and a diverse tea selection. Coffee aficionados will appreciate the selection of specialty brews and accessories.
Dive into the Retrograde experience with branded swag, including T-shirts, hats and sweatshirts. This holiday, treat loved ones to a blend of exceptional coffee and a variety of thoughtfully curated goods.
Open Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday & Sunday 7am-4pm. 130 S. Main St., #103, Sebastopol, 707.827.8065, retrograderoasters.com.
Heebe Jeebe
A hometown favorite, Heebe Jeebe offers fun gifts in a variety of price ranges, including locally branded merchandise, stickers, housewares, decor, toys and cards. Pick up one of their “Somebody in Petaluma Loves You” mugs for a friend who’s moved out of town, or browse the array of home decor, including vintage-y looking kitchen items, dish towels, flasks, nightlights, ornaments, hats, glasses, art supplies, journals and so much more.
For the smallest ones on the gift list, the shop offers an entire section of toys for a variety of ages, ranging from zero to teenager. Toy favorites include soft stuffies, wooden play food and eco-crafted toy trucks. My personal favorite for grown-ups: socks printed with jokes and illustrations of various popular interests, like sriracha or cats.
Open 10am-6pm daily. 46 Kentucky St., Petaluma, 707.773.3222.
Wild Honey Wonderland
For curated holiday home decor and a variety of charming gifts, Wild Honey Wonderland—an extension of Wild Honey Mercantile in Montgomery Village—is a delightful seasonal shop full of gift-giving treasures. This carefully selected collection includes holiday decor, home goods and cozy accessories. Open until Dec. 24, the pop-up provides a limited-time haven for those seeking festive cheer and unique gifts in a charming setting that radiates joy.
Open Monday-Saturday 10am-6pm and Sunday 11am-5pm. 2405 Magowan Dr., Santa Rosa, 707.771-9709.
Be Bubbly
Discover unforgettable gift experiences and a festive venue for holiday gatherings at Napa’s beloved Champagne bar, Be Bubbly. Indulge in a diverse array of global Champagnes and sparkling wines, savoring three 2.5-ounce pours in vintage coupes along with an array of palate teasers. Perfect for a holiday get-together or a special date night, the Full Bottle & Glass Menu pairs with their delightful bites, while five unique flights are available until 5pm. Walk-ins are welcome, and reservations for six or more are accepted.
And for a special experience, let Be Bubbly’s sophisticated team bring effervescent joy to one’s chosen venue with sabers and bouchons. Purchase gift cards in store or online, where one can buy a traditional gift card, send gift cards to multiple recipients or even pool money from multiple contributors for one recipient.
Open Monday-Thursday noon-8pm (closed Tuesday); Friday, Saturday noon-11pm; Sunday noon-7pm. 1407 Second St., Napa, 707.637.4532, bebubblynapa.com.
Sonoma Valley Museum of Art
Take a holiday break with a visit to Sonoma Valley Museum of Art, where painter Richard Mayhew’s enchanting landscapes await. And after enjoying the collection, do some shopping at the Museum Store.
Inspired by contemporary and modern art, the Museum Store offers locally and globally crafted artful products and unique finds, including art books, tote bags, ceramics and the “Sonoma Exhibitionist” lotion and soap line from the local artisans at Sonoma Apothecary, made exclusively for the museum. Purchases from the store not only add a touch of creativity to a holiday; they will also nurture the museum’s educational initiatives.
Open Wednesday-Sunday 11am-5pm. 551 Broadway, Sonoma, 707.939.7862, svma.org.
thanks for including Heebe Jeebe!