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As 2020 draws to a close and the holiday season approaches, it’s important to consider how the tumultuous events of this past year have affected our community. Small businesses have undoubtedly suffered serious losses due to the pandemic, and could greatly benefit from the support of holiday shopping. This is why the MAH is encouraging readers to shop locally this holiday season! From handmade jewelry to custom art pieces, we’ve put together a guide of unique gifts from some of the best local businesses that Santa Cruz County has to offer.
The MAH would like to remind its readers to shop responsibly, as COVID-19 health restrictions are still in effect. Many of the businesses listed below offer contactless and curbside pickup to ensure the safety of their guests. Please do your part to continue keeping each other safe and abide by community guidelines.
If you find yourself cruising through Downtown Santa Cruz during your gift search, be sure to stop by the MAH & check out our outdoor exhibition, Community is Collective Care! Need a shopping break? Head over to Abbott Square for a bite to eat and caffeine recharge at one of our featured local businesses, Cat & Cloud!
The Environmentalist
- Botanic & Lux: Fruit + Veg Print – Shop online or in Downtown Santa Cruz
- Homeless Garden Project: Reusable Bamboo Utensil Set – Shop online or in Downtown Santa Cruz
- Give the gift of zero-waste with this reusable utensil set made from bamboo! Perfect for the on-the-go camper in your life.
- No Trace Shop: Beeswax Wrap
- This reusable kitchen wrap is made entirely from organic cotton and beeswax, making it the ideal gift for that special sustainable someone!
- Fybr: Bamboo Takeaway Mug – Shop online or in Downtown Santa Cruz
- Ethos Shop: Friendsheep Dryer Balls – Shop online, free pick-up in Capitola, or opt for local bike delivery.
- Make your laundry days up to 40% shorter and 100% more fun! Ditch dryer sheets and switch to an eco-friendly, toxin-free laundry with Dryer Balls.
The Adventurer
- MBMurals: The Ville Shirts & Stickers – Shop via DM on Facebook or Instagram
- Pacific Wave: Santa Cruz Hooded Windbreaker – Shop online or in Downtown Santa Cruz
- Rep your favorite city with this lined windbreaker, fitted with a water-resistant shell to keep you dry during Santa Cruz downpours!
- Maria Schoettler – ”I Brake for Wildflowers” Bumper Sticker – Shop online
- California State Parks Annual Pass – Shop online
- Support your local parks and give the gift of the great outdoors. We recommend Golden Poppy Pass as it includes more Northern California parks like Julia Pfeiffer Burns in Big Sur.
- Learn all about the environmental and historic preservation of Santa Cruz County through first-hand accounts and gorgeous images. Informative and makes for great conversations as a coffee table book.
The Jewelry Lover
- Siesta Clay (Maria Rosario): Gila earrings – Shop online
- These boho-style earrings are the perfect statement piece for your next outfit. Handmade by local Latinx artist Maria Rosario, these pieces are crafted from lightweight clay and are sure to turn heads.
- Wallflower Boutique: Triangle necklace – Shop online or in Downtown Santa Cruz
- Handcrafted in Santa Cruz, this gorgeous necklace features a unique dalmatian jasper stone and 14k gold-filled chain.
- Stripe: Robins Earrings – Shop online or in Downtown Santa Cruz
- Mountainside Made: Capri Earrings – Shop online
- EKZdesigns: Rose Earrings – Shop online
- Rainbow's Clay: Donna – Shop online
- GaiaBGreen: Epoxy Resin Coasters with Gold Foil – Shop via Instagram DM
- Add some flair to your furniture with these custom resin coasters adorned with everything from gold foil to dried flowers! Created exclusively by local Santa Cruz students, proceeds from this store are donated towards racial justice efforts.
Give the Gift of a Local Experience
Set out or stay in, there is a lot to enjoy in Santa Cruz County. The MAH currently oversees and maintains three historical offsite locations in Santa Cruz County. Evergreen Cemetery, Davenport Jail, and the historic Octagon building found on the plaza of Abbott Square bring art and history outside the museum walls. Check out their unique visiting schedules and addresses below to plan your visit this holiday season!
Explore the Outdoors on the Westside
Who doesn't like a sweet treat, a hike, and a cold beer on the beautiful westside of Santa Cruz? Start off with some sweet treats and coffee at the Westside Cat & Cloud. Fully caffeinated, then set off to Monarch Trail at Natural Bridges and the Seymour Center Coastal Bluffs & Native Plant Habitat. Close by and with plenty of free parking, these nature walks offer some of the best views of Santa Cruz. Round out the day with a cold beverage and delicious food at Santa Cruz Mountain Brewing or West End Tap & Kitchen.
A Day Trip to Pescadero
A small town located 45-minutes north of Santa Cruz, this will feel like a mini-vacation. Plan for lots of stops at sunny beaches and jaw-dropping views as you take a drive up the coast to Harley Goat Farms. Plan your tour or book a picnic i advance through their website before you go. We HIGHLY recommend planning your visit during baby goat season. Once you are in town you must stop for some famous Artichoke Bread at Nom's Market. Did you say that you love artichoke…? Well, you can dig in even more with some artichoke soup at Duarte's Tavern.
Watsonville Adventure: Kick off your day together with a seafood lunch at La Perla Del Pacifico. We, and everyone else on the planet, recommend al mojo de ajo (the butter garlic fish fillet). Then pop a block over for sweet treats at Gama Bakery. Be sure to get them to-go so you can take your goodies over to Watsonville Plaza. After a stroll through Downtown, finish off the day with a cold one at Corralitos Brewing. They specialize in IPAs, seasonal flavors, and sours.
If you enjoyed this gift guide be sure to share it! You can tag us on social media @santacruzmah. And, if you want to support the MAH consider making a donation or becoming a MAH Member. Your generosity enables us to maintain our collections, develop and produce exhibits, and present inspiring and educational programs year-round.