6 Perfect Gifts From Bay Area Artists | CreativeLive Holiday Picks

bay area artists holiday gift guide

Hunting for a great gift for the creative person in your life? Need something that’s in their wheelhouse but not totally predictable? Completely stumped about what they might like? We’ve got you covered.

We’ve asked some of our CreativeLive staffers what great gifts they’d like to get this holiday season — and we’re sharing them with you. Here’s what the head of our Craft channel, Elizabeth Madariaga, recommended.  

Being the head of the Craft channel has really given me an appreciation for the time and effort people put into making something that represents their unique vision.  As a native Californian, I love supporting local artists.  In that spirit, I’d like to celebrate some local Bay Area artists who have caught my eye.

bay area artists gift guideDandy earrings: I already have one pair of earrings from this amazing San Francisco designer, and I get compliments on them every time I wear them.  I love her use of chains and ceramics to create a unique, funky look that transitions easily from work to play.

ElizabethW Body Cream: I found this shop while gorging on chocolate near Ghirardelli Square.  All of their products are rich and luxurious, but my favorite is the Leaves Body Cream.  In addition to being some of the best lotion I’ve ever used, the scent is spicy without being overpowering.

Spicer Bags Cork Clutch: I collect clutches, and am always looking for unique bags to help my collection grow.  This eco-friendly cork clutch from Spicer Bags is both eye-catching and classy.  The company also prides itself to keeping manufacturing in the US, from canvas woven in New Jersey to zippers made in Los Angeles.

San Franpsycho Portable Speaker: A big part of San Francisco life is enjoying the many parks and beaches at our disposal.  This portable speaker, made by local company San Franpsycho, is a stylish way to infuse your picnic with your favorite music.

Domaine Carneros Sparkling Wine: The holidays to me means it’s time for some bubbly!  My favorite winery in the Napa Valley is Domaine Carneros.  You can sit on the terrace of their French Chateau vineyard, overlooking hills of ripening grapes, and bask in the glory of Northern California.  The Vermeil Demi-Sec is as luscious and elegant as can be, and the perfect addition to your New Year’s Countdown.

California Olive Ranch Extra Virgin Olive Oil: My family has been farming in Northern California for 4 generations.  Most recently we’ve started growing arbequina olives, which are then pressed into olive oil.  It’s delicious whether used with salads, as a dipping sauce for breads, or even served drizzled over vanilla ice cream with a little bit of sea salt.  (Ok, I might be biased, but I swear it’s good!).

 For more great gift ideas that you can make or buy, head over here

Elizabeth Madariaga FOLLOW >

Elizabeth is the head of CreativeLive's Craft Channel. Unofficially, Elizabeth is responsible for the development of CreativeLive’s employee karaoke skills — a job she takes very seriously.