Holiday Gift Guide 2023
Get ready to unwrap the magic of the season with our curated Holiday Gift Guide. Whether you’re searching for the perfect present or looking to treat yourself, we’ve gathered a sleigh-full of festive ideas to make your holiday shopping merry and bright… and Authentically Yours, Pasadena.
From Indie Makers & Local Brands
For those who appreciate the charm of local businesses and the stories behind them, Playhouse Village is a treasure trove of indie brands that add a special touch to the community. When you visit Little Swiss Chalet, owned by Heather Patrick, you’ll find the walls covered with vintage Pasadena prints for sale and viewing. This boutique sells a line of candles with over 25 seasonal fall and winter blends – each candle label is hand-painted by Heather and turned into a unique label. The Monarca Collective, a curated boutique, is the brainchild of three visionary souls: Erica Gutierrez (Mercadito Monarca), Anna Alvarado (Art by Anna Alvarado), and Lisa Rocha (Ilaments). Their goal is to create a collective space grounded in feminine energy that embraces the diversity of the arts and community while honoring their cultural heritage.
Archetype Yoga is a pioneering Katonah yoga studio, proudly owned by Sara Blumenkranz. With a background as a former NYC footwear designer, Sara not only leads great yoga classes but also designs an exclusive in-studio line of Archetype Footwear and insole systems. Drop by for a restorative class, stay for a personalized footwear fitting. Check our directory for a list of local retailers available in Playhouse Village.
For the Entertainment Fan
If you’ve got a pop culture fanatic, movie buff, or music lover in your life, these gifts will earn you a standing ovation! An oasis for music fans, Canterbury Records is one of L.A.’s oldest and largest indie-record store and where you can find new music and old favorites for CD and vinyl collectors. Make the season shine (and sound) better than ever with the essential accessory for audiophile, the Beoplay EX wireless headphone from Bang & Olufsen. Bang & Olufsen headphones are known for their exceptional sound quality and sleek design, making them a stylish and practical gift for those on the go.
If you’re shopping for a live theatre enthusiast, consider getting them a season membership to Pasadena Playhouse or Boston Court Pasadena. These renowned theatres offer a wide range of productions throughout the year, from classic plays to new works by up-and-coming playwrights. For those who love to laugh, tickets to a comedy show at the Ice House Comedy Club are a great gift idea. This iconic club has been showcasing the best in stand-up comedy for over 50 years, and is a must-visit destination for comedy fans.
For the Art Aficionado
Whether they like to sketch, paint, draw or spend long Saturdays in art museums, Playhouse Village has considered the art aficionado in your life. For a truly unique art experience, plan a visit to the USC Pacific Asia Museum. The museum features a stunning collection of Asian and Pacific Island art and artifacts, including ceramics, textiles, and paintings. If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind art piece to gift, head on over to the Walt Girdner Studio & Gallery. The gallery features a wide selection of prints, including Pasadena-themed prints that are sure to delight any art lover. Finally, help your loved one showcase their own artwork by having it framed at Aarnun Gallery. With a wide selection of frames and expert framing services, your loved one’s masterpiece will be perfectly displayed for all to see.
For the Wellness Enthusiasts
This holiday season, give the gift of relaxation, rejuvenation and self-care. Indulge someone special in a session at Zoe Pilates or Space B.A.R. to enjoy a quiet moment of tranquility and escape from the chaos of the holiday season. If they want to feel even more pampered, our directory features a full list of salons and wellness centers where they can enjoy some serious self-care with yoga and meditation classes to acupuncture and massages. So, go ahead and plan a “me day” for your loved ones and help them start the new year feeling refreshed and renewed.
For Creative Kids
Finding the perfect non-toy gift for kids can be a challenge, but Playhouse Village has got you covered For the young bookworms in your life, head over to Vroman’s Bookstore. They have a wide selection of books for kids of all ages, from classic picture books to the latest young adult novels. You’re sure to find something that will capture your child’s imagination and keep them reading all winter long. If your little ones love to draw and create, consider giving them the gift of a drawing class at Drawn2Art Pasadena. Their classes teach kids how to draw and paint using a variety of techniques and medium boosting their creativity. For a fun and interactive day out, take your kids to the Southern California Children’s Museum where they can explore and play in a variety of exhibits that are designed to promote learning, creativity, and imagination.
For Your Favorite Pet
We can’t forget the good little pups and kitties on your list! Treat your pet to endless fun this season with Healthy Spot’s selection of toys suitable for any leve of play. Or spread pawliday cheer and give your pet a festive makeover with grooming services to keep your pet looking and feeling their best. See their holiday gift guide for more ideas on the purr-fect gift!
If you’re looking for eco-friendly options for your pet, head on over to My Zero Waste Store. They offer a range of all-natural and sustainable products for pets, including food, treats, and toys. These gifts will not only good for your pet, but also good for the environment!
Gifts Handmade by You
Looking for a thoughtful and unique Christmas gift idea? Make something handmade by you to not only show your loved ones how much you care, but it will also be a one-of-a-kind gift that they will cherish for years to come. Take a class together and bond over learning how to make your own candles in one Banter & Bliss popular candlemaking workshops. Choose from and blend multiple fragrances to create your own custom scented coconut soy wax blend candle plus add color to your wax and custom label your candle using one of their various label templates.
If knitting is more your style, head on over to Wollhaus Artisan Yarn and Tools. They have a wide selection of high-quality yarns and knitting tools, as well as expert tips and advice to help you create the perfect gift. And if you’re not sure how to knit, don’t worry – they offer classes and workshops to help you get started.
Show Your Pasadena Pride
Whether you’re a proud Pasadenian or looking to share a piece of this vibrant city with loved ones, Playhouse Village is your ticket to spreading the spirit of Pasadena love this holiday. Start your journey at Shop@PAM at USC Pacific Asia Museum, where art, history, and culture converge. The shop offers an array of artisan gifts exclusively crafted for the museum, including hand-glazed tiles featuring the iconic lotus pattern from USC PAM’s entryway and classic totes or stylish clutches adorned with the museum’s bright icons. Little Swiss Chalet evokes the essence of Pasadena’s blooming beauty with their Pasadena Rose Candle, crafted with the finest all-natural coconut wax and infused with a blend of rose, gardenia, pear, and orange. Complete with a hand-painted label by artist and owner Heather, it’s a heartfelt creation that brings the warmth of Pasadena into any home.
For those who love to wear their hometown pride, look no further than Vroman’s Bookstore. Dive into their collection of Pasadena and L.A. shirts, books, art, postcards, totes, and more. Show off your Pasadena spirit or gift a piece of the city that captures its unique charm.
For the Food & Wine Lover
Indulge the palates of your favorite foodie and wine enthusiast while supporting local small businesses in Playhouse Village! For an unforgettable dining experience, treat your loved ones to a night at the beloved El Portal restaurant serving class Mexican food in Arcade Lane or to the brand-new Bar Chelou with innovative dishes and stylish ambiance next to Pasadena Playhouse. Can’t decide which Playhouse Village dining spot to treat your favorite foodie to? Many Playhouse Village eateries offer gift cards, which are not just the gift of choice but also a chance to support your local businesses too. Gift a dinner reservation for a night of exquisite flavors and culinary delights that will leave a lasting impression.
Bring the joy of fine wine to the festivities with a carefully selected bottle from Monopole by Wine RX. Explore their curated collection and let the Tarin sisters help you choose the perfect bottle to complement a festive meal or to be enjoyed on its own. Cheers to a season filled with delectable delights!
For the Home
There is no place like home for the holidays. Elevate your gift-giving game with timeless treasures that transform homes into havens from these small businesses in Playhouse Village. Discover the enchanting world of Jacob Maarse – a name synonymous with floral artistry for over half a century, who also specialize in a collection of fine home furnishings that redefine elegance. From meticulously curated home décor items to hand-crafted art by local artisans, Jacob Maarse’s offerings transcend the ordinary, promising gifts that inspire and endure.
This holiday season, give the gift of quality and beauty with their exquisite selection of new, used, and antique rugs from 4-generation family business Nouri Rugs. Nouri Rugs also specializes in cleaning, repairing, and appraising rugs, ensuring that your thoughtful gift stands the test of time. At On Madison, a design and retail shop nestled in the heart of Playhouse Village, unearth unique mid to late 20th-century furnishings, lighting, décor, and artwork. On Madison seamlessly fuses the classic and the modern, breathing life into spaces and making them fresher, bolder, and more exciting.
There is no place like home for the holidays. Elevate your gift-giving game with timeless treasures that transform homes into havens from these small businesses in Playhouse Village. Discover the enchanting world of Jacob Maarse – a name synonymous with floral artistry for over half a century, who also specialize in a collection of fine home furnishings that redefine elegance. From meticulously curated home décor items to hand-crafted art by local artisans, Jacob Maarse’s offerings transcend the ordinary, promising gifts that inspire and endure.
This holiday season, give the gift of quality and beauty with their exquisite selection of new, used, and antique rugs from 4-generation family business Nouri Rugs. Nouri Rugs also specializes in cleaning, repairing, and appraising rugs, ensuring that your thoughtful gift stands the test of time. At On Madison, a design and retail shop nestled in the heart of Playhouse Village, unearth unique mid to late 20th-century furnishings, lighting, décor, and artwork. On Madison seamlessly fuses the classic and the modern, breathing life into spaces and making them fresher, bolder, and more exciting.
For the Star Athlete
Whether they’re hitting the pavement or the pitch, score big this season with small businesses in Playhouse Village. In our quest to make every runner’s holiday season extraordinary, we turn to the expertise of the passionate team at Run With Us shop where they believe in runners helping runners. With a staff boasting firsthand experience in overcoming running injuries, crafting training programs from high school cross country to marathons, and an intimate knowledge of the best running shoes, you can trust them to guide you to the perfect gift for the runners in your life.
For the soccer enthusiasts, look no further than Pro Soccer – a family-owned and operated business fueled by a deep-seated passion for the beautiful game. The soccer fan in your life will get a kick out of the wide array of activewear, team jerseys, footwear, and equipment at this superstore.
Thanks for Supporting Local
Many more of local and small businesses in Playhouse Village can be found on our directory. Thanks for shopping small and dining local. Happy holidays!