11. Sunset Tanning for the Holidays
If it’s good enough for the ‘Olly twins,’ it’s good enough for your friends. It doesn’t get more LA than buying a gift certificate at Sunset Tan, home to the reality show by the same name. An all-in-one bronze/hydrate/smooth skin treatment may be just what Santa ordered.
Sunset Tan
1700 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Suite H
Glendale, CA 91201
818-551-1388
12. Novels and Non-Fiction Books About LA
Nothing says 'totally LA' like a book about Los Angeles or one that takes place here. Click on the link above to find out what novelists Neal Pollack and Toby Young's favorite Tinseltown tomes are.13. Signed Books by LA Authors
This staple LA indie bookstore has hosted in-store signing events with everyone from Ozzy Osbourne to LA writers like Brian Doherty and Allan Macdonell. A signed copy of a book is the best kind of autograph for a literary buff or book collector.
Book Soup
8818 West Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-659-3110
14. Gourmet Egg Nog Cupcakes
Buy that special someone a baker’s dozen at the place that started it all...LA’s cupcake craze! These gourmet cupcakes are wrapped in tasteful packaging and available in many flavors, from the seasonal Egg Nog Spice, to the ever-popular Red Velvet.
Sprinkles Cupcakes
9635 Santa Monica Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310-274-8765
15. Organic Botanical Perfumes
Get the gift of natural organic botanical perfume for the holidays--from Aquarian Rose to Urban Lilly.
Strange Invisible Perfumes
1138 Abbot Kinney Blvd.
Venice, CA 90291
310-314-1505
16. Perfume from Celebrity DNA: the Smell of Success
The LA-based (and Hollywood-centric) online boutique My DNA Fragrance boasts scents based on the DNA of deceased famous people--like Michael Jackson, Ronald Reagan, Marilyn Monroe and Joan Crawford. They can also design a unique fragrance for your friend based on his/her DNA (though your buddy might think it odd when you ask for a lock of his hair).17. LA Car Wash Gift Certificates
It doesn’t get more LA than giving the gift of a deluxe car wash--except maybe the gift of a coffee cup holder (also available inside Santa Palm’s gift shop). Santa Palm is consistently ranked in the top car washes of LA by local magazines.
Santa Palm Car Wash8787 Santa Monica Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90069
310-659-7888
18. Street Art and Gag Gifts
If you’re looking for a totally unique, or totally useless (but fun) gift, this is the place to go. Everything from street art and action figures to shower curtains and mugs is available at this combo kitsch retail palace and gallery.
Wacko/Soap Plant/ La Luz de Jesus Gallery
4633 Hollywood Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
323-666-7667
19. Toys for Hip Grown-Ups
It’s never too late to be playful. Have a special kid-at-heart in your life? Time to stop by this quintessentially W. LA/Japanese boutique for art skateboards, toy robots, totes and more.
Giant Robot
2015 Sawtelle Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
310-478-1819
20. ‘Free Winona’ T-shirts and Other Classic T’s
Whether your friends would like to ‘Free Winona’ or ‘Save the Jackalope,’ this fantastic t-shirt shop has the words to express their desires. And once you’ve done all your Christmas shopping, ‘Frankie Say Relax.’
Y-Que Trading Post
1770 North Vermont Ave.
Los Angeles, CA 90027
213-910-1501
21. Spa Treatments and Reiki at El León Spa
Purchase a unique ancient ritual for that someone special in your life. This spa offers the Cleopatra, Nefertete or King treatment (special three-hour multi-service treatments to bring out the old world monarch in anyone). Or for that Angelino that has it all: a gift certificate for a reiki treatment or Thai massage.
El León Spa
8217 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
323-782-9582
