Holiday Gift Guide Picks You Can’t Miss
Discover one-of-a-kind, thoughtful treasures from local shops that are perfect for everyone on your list. Make your holiday shopping meaningful by supporting small businesses and spreading cheer in Playhouse Village. This year, #ShopLocalPasadena!
Chic Discoveries
Playhouse Village is a haven for boutique shopping, offering unique finds that make holiday gifting truly special. Browse through Mark Piscitelli, a specialty menswear shop with European imports and accessories for the modern gentleman. Then, head over to Monarca Sol Collective, and check out handmade jewelry, fine art, and gifts that celebrate vibrant Mexican culture and craftsmanship. Complete your shopping at the Pasadena Hat Shop, a family-owned small business serving the community since 1995, known for its Stetson fedoras and Panama hats.
For the Entertainment Fan
For the pop culture fan, Sibylline Records offers rare vinyl from around the world, while Canterbury Records delights music lovers with timeless favorites. Theater enthusiasts can enjoy musicals and a season of iconic shows at the Pasadena Playhouse or grab a Theatre Fan 3-PACK featuring bold new plays at Boston Court Pasadena. For comedy buffs, tickets to the legendary Ice House Comedy Club guarantee a night of laughs!
Art Aficionado
For the art lover, Playhouse Village is a treasure trove of creativity! Dive into the culture at the USC Pacific Asia Museum with its stunning collection of Asian and Pacific Island art. Explore the Walt Girdner Studio & Gallery, showcasing breathtaking fine art photography, and finish with custom framing at Aarnun Gallery to preserve and display their favorite pieces beautifully.
For the Wellness Enthusiasts
Treat your loved ones to a holistic performance session at Renew Performance Center, featuring offerings like red light therapy, cold plunge, sauna, and sports massage. For ultimate relaxation, a session at Float Restore provides a serene escape with float therapy and sensory deprivation, perfect for recharging both body and mind. Yoga enthusiasts will cherish the gift of movement and mindfulness at Archetype Yoga, known for its signature Katonah Yoga, Restorative classes, and weekly Sound baths.
For Curious and Crafty Kids
Finding the perfect gift for kids is easy in Playhouse Village. For young book lovers, Vroman’s Bookstore offers a wonderful selection of books for all ages to spark their imaginations. For budding artists, a drawing class at Drawn2Art Pasadena provides the opportunity to explore various techniques and boost their creativity. For hands-on, interactive fun, the Southern California Children’s Museum features exhibits designed to inspire learning and imagination through play. For timeless, high-quality toys, visit the newly opened Union Street Toys, offering a curated selection of fun and thoughtful toys and books from unique manufacturers across the globe.
Don’t forget your furry friends this season! Find endless fun at Healthy Spot with toys for every level of play, or pamper them with festive grooming services. For eco-friendly options, visit My Zero Waste Store for all-natural, sustainable treats, food, and toys—gifts that are as kind to the planet as they are to your pet. Pawliday cheer starts here!
Gifts Handmade by You
Create something truly special this holiday season! Craft custom candles at Banter & Bliss Candle Co., or knit cozy treasures with yarn and classes from Wollhaus Artisan Yarn and Tools. For an eco-friendly option, build a DIY Sustainable Holiday Gift Basket at My Zero Waste Store—thoughtful, personal, and planet-friendly!
Show Your Pasadena Pride
Celebrate Pasadena this holiday season with unique gifts from Playhouse Village! Find artisan gifts like hand-glazed lotus tiles and stylish bags at Shop@PAM at the USC Pacific Asia Museum. Light up the holidays with a Pasadena Candle from Banter & Bliss Candle Co. For wearable hometown pride, visit Vroman’s Bookstore for Pasadena-themed shirts, books, and totes. Don’t forget to try their new penny press for exclusive collectible designs!
For the Food & Wine Lover
Treat your favorite foodie this holiday season with authentic Mexican flavors from El Portal, creative dishes from Bar Chelou, or the Thai-inspired cuisine at Star Leaf Pasadena. Can’t decide? Grab gift cards from local spots and let them pick their perfect meal. For wine lovers, the Tarin sisters at Monopole by Wine RX can help you select the ideal bottle, or you can wind down with a glass at Vroman’s 1894 bar after shopping. Here’s to gifting flavor and cheer!
Transform Your Home for the Holidays
Revamp your home this holiday with festive finds from Playhouse Village. Discover Jacob Maarse’s floral artistry and elegant home furnishings, curated to inspire and endure. At On Madison, explore unique mid to late-20th-century furnishings, lighting, and art that blend classic and modern for fresh, bold spaces. Compliment your furnishing with a new rug at Pashigan Bros Rugs where they have a huge selection of beautiful Persian rugs in a wide range of colors and styles.
For the Star Athlete
For the athletes in your life, Playhouse Village has it all! Runners can gear up with the experts at Run With Us, while soccer fans can score big at Pro Soccer with jerseys, footwear, balls, and more. Golfers will love GolfTec Pasadena, offering top-notch instruction and gear to perfect their swing. Ready, set, gift!
Thanks for Supporting Local
Many more local and small businesses in Playhouse Village can be found in our directory. Thanks for shopping small and dining locally. Happy holidays!