We all know how challenging it can be to find thoughtful, unique holiday gifts. To save everyone from the humdrum piles of gift cards this year, we asked Simone LeBlanc, an LA-based designer, personal stylist and gifting guru, to share some fun gift ideas for the holiday season.
I thought we could drop in on some of my favorite go-to spots around our great city of LA. I’m a fan of variety — and although it takes a little something extra to choose something specific for each lucky person on your gift list, in the end it goes a long way. I pulled together a couple of my top picks this year for the guys and gals on your list, with an assortment of budgets in mind. Go luxe without the big budget, find some undiscovered custom spots and spread some cheer with your thoughtful ideas.
I thought we could drop in on some of my favorite go-to spots around our great city of LA. I’m a fan of variety — and although it takes a little something extra to choose something specific for each lucky person on your gift list, in the end it goes a long way. I pulled together a couple of my top picks this year for the guys and gals on your list, with an assortment of budgets in mind. Go luxe without the big budget, find some undiscovered custom spots and spread some cheer with your thoughtful ideas.Happy gifting!
Give: Cast iron tool bottle openers, $20 each
The hammer, wrench and pliers I found at the OK Store in Silverlake may look like a slick collection of tools, but don’t be fooled — these cast iron, rustproof pieces are bottle openers. Include a great bottle of holiday brew, and you have a welcome addition to any modern bar set. OK Store, 8303 W.Third St., Los Angeles, www.okstore.la, 323-653-3501
They love: Artisan flavors
Give: Wild blueberry sugar, $2.50/oz.
For the flavor connoisseur in you life, head on over to the Spice Station. Choose from their two locations, in Silverlake and Santa Monica, and be get ready to be inspired. Whether you want a gift set of custom in-house blends or want to mix and match your own set of fine flavors — they've got you covered. My favorites are the assortment of sugar flavors: Vanilla bean, habanero, toasted coconut and wild blueberry. Spice Station Silverlake, 3819 W. Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles
www.spicestationsilverlake.com, 323-660-2565
They love: Organic scents
Give: Strange Invisible Perfume, $135–$265
Thanks to Strange Invisible Perfumes in Venice, his & hers is not what it used to be. Choose from their selection of finely crafted organic perfumes, and you and your recipient will be delighted. Offering the finest in synthetic-free botanical ingredients and pure essential oils, their scents hit just the right balance of refined and natural. Try Fire & Cream, Magazine Street or Musc Botanique. Or, ask about creating a custom scent. Strange Invisible Perfumes, 1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, www.siperfumes.com, 310.314.1505
They love: Quirky art books
Give: Cecil Beaton: The Art of the Scrapbook, $250
With all the madness of the holidays, it’s important to try and steal a little time for yourself. A great place to accomplish that while staying on task with your gift list is the Assouline shop in Melrose Place. Tucked away inside the lovely Bastide, you can treat yourself to an afternoon café au lait while perusing through the Assouline collection of books. A favorite of mine is the Cecil Beaton book shown here. one of the most revered photographers of the 20th century, his book welcomes you into his personal scrapbook — his version of the artist's sketchbook. Assouline at Bastide, 8475 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, www.assouline, 323.651.5950
They love: Holiday treats
Give: Gourmet peppermint bark, $32
We all know that know that no holiday is complete without a fine sampling of sweet treats. Valerie Confections finds that perfect balance of handmade delicacies and adorable packaging that can do well as a gift on its own. Their new peppermint bark features a layer of bittersweet chocolate sprinkled with dried mint leaves and a layer of white chocolate topped with handmade peppermint candy. This bark is all wrapped up in an ivory box tied with red satin ribbon, much to everyone's holiday delight. Valerie Confections, 3360 West First St., Los Angeles, www.valerieconfections.com, 888.706.1408
They love: Luxe leather goods
Give: Kendall Conrad Maquillage bag in winter white, $220
If you’re looking for a classic, quality gift, stop by Kendall Conrad’s shop in Venice. Offering handmade leather goods in modern designs, her crocodile iPad cases, snakeskin blackberry cases and olive green Monte Carlo leather passport cases will keep your sweetheart zipped up in style. Each piece is buttery soft and perfectly stitched and carries a zipper that feels well oiled. Custom pieces are available, and inquire about getting a monogram to add that extra touch. Kendall Conrad, 1121 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice, www.kendallconraddesign, 310.399.1333
They love: Earthy beauty
Give: Tata Harper Deluxe Beauty Set, $65
Giving the gift of health and beauty may be a bit simpler than you think. Welcome to Evolue, the organic beauty emporium located on Robertson. Offering a large selection of organic beauty necessities and treatments, you can stock up on great products and pick up a gift card for an Evolue facial as well. My pick is the Tata Harper deluxe beauty set — nontoxic, chemical-free goodness hand made in on the Harper farm in Vermont. This gift guarantees glowing smiles far beyond the unwrapping. Evolue, 357 1/2 S. Robertson Blvd., Beverly Hills, www.evoluebeauty.com, 310.289.1560
They love: Custom footwear
Give: A pair of Esquivel shoes, prices vary
For the ultimate treat this holiday season, get your loved one set up in a pair of bespoke Esquivel shoes. It’s a rare and fine thing to be outfitted for a custom shoe, and we are lucky enough to have a master right here in LA. If you’re not in the realm of spending $4,500, fear not — Esquivel has a ready to wear collection as well. Esquivel Shoes, www.esquivelshoes.com
They love: Games and luxury
Give: Hermès Les 4 Mondes playing cards, $55
Give a gift that will stand the test of time and be a surefire hit for anyone who loves playing cards and luxury gifts. Hermès playing cards carry a chic appeal while still being playful. These are a great item to start a collection with as well — the artwork changes seasonally, and those orange boxes are always a bonus! Hermès Beverly Hills, 434 N. Rodeo Dr.,
Beverly Hills, www.hermes.com, 310.278.6440
They love: Eye-catching jewelry
Give: An antique rose gold and diamond necklace, $3,000
I can safely say that every lady I know loves a piece of jewelry. Now don’t worry — diamonds are not necessary. Broken English Jewelry in the Brentwood Country Mart is a favorite stop of mine. Not only will the shoebox-sized secret spot offer you a collection to ooh and ahh over, I guarantee that there is pretty much something for every budget. From delicate, simple pendants to the rare and unexpected (like this rose gold vintage necklace), Broken English Jewelry won’t disappoint. Broken English Jewelry, 225 26th St., Santa Monica, www.brokenenglishjewelry.com, 310.458.2724
They love: Dressing up
Give: Custom dress shirts, prices vary
There’s nothing quite like knowing that the shirt on your back was made for you and you only. Take a quick trip to Freddy Vandecasteele Custom Shirts and treat the man in your life to something special. With two fittings to ensure it's just as it should be, Vandecasteele will put your guy in tip-top form. Choose fabric from the shop or bring in your own. No credit cards allowed, but a gift certificate will do the trick! Freddy Vandecasteele, 13263 Ventura Blvd., Ste. 4, Studio City, 818-789-2813
Simone LeBlanc, who helms a creative services company by the same name, was born with the tastemaking gene. Even as a young girl both friends and family were quick to charge her with the finer details for special occasions. Simone would decorate their dinners and parties, recommend gifts and help pick out their outfits. After graduating from Parsons School of Design in Paris, Simone came back to Los Angeles and now offers gift buying, styling, event design and other services to select clientele. Visit her at www.simoneleblanc.com.
