Good Times Holiday Gift Guide 2023 - Santa Cruz

2023

LOCAL SHOPPING THE

ULTIMATE GUIDE TO

GoodTimes.sc

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1 3 2 0 PA C I F I C AV E , S A N TA C R U Z , C A 9 5 0 6 0 Monday through Friday 10am-5pm & Saturday 11am-5pm

( 8 3 1 ) 4 2 3 - 4 1 0 0 | d w j @ d e l l w i l l i a m s . c o m | W W W. D E L LW I L L I A M S . C O M

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Rejoice &

Rejuvenate!

We have Gift Certificates!

Botox & Filler • Rejuvenating Facials Diamond Glow Facial • Potenza MicroNeedling Laser Facial Rejuvenation • Vitamins and IV Therapy • CoolSculpting 831-226-2108

1595 38th Ave, Capitola

rejuvenatemedi-spa.com 2023 | GOODTIMES.SC | SANTA CRUZ GIF GUIDE

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HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE 2023

CONTENTS Always the

Perfect Gift.

Fine Wines and Cheeses from Around the World Impress your guests or delight your loved ones with the perfect gift from our carefully curated selection of wines, cheeses, and charcuterie from around the world. Make your holiday event one to remember with our wide variety of meats, seafood, and organic produce. And don’t forget to check out our wonderful selection of gift ideas in our home, garden & gift department.

ADS

We also offer the finest Meat, Seafood, and Organic Produce for all your entertaining needs.

TWO LOCATIONS TO SERVE YOU

SANTA CRUZ

1266 Soquel Avenue • 831-423-8632

WATSONVILLE

906 E. Lake Avenue • 831-726-0240

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GIFTS FOR THE …

6 Art Lover

24 Erotic Enthusiast

44 New Parent

8 Beer Geek

26 Fitness Fanatic

46 Stoner

10 Bike Lover

28 Foodie

48 Student

12 Bookworm

32 Gardener

50 Surfer

14 Chef

34 Heavy Petter

52 Techie

16 Chocoholic

36 Hipster

54 Vegan

18 Coffee Addict

38 Home Decorator

56 Vinophile

18 Crafter

40 Jewelry Lover

58 Yogi

22 Environmentalist

42 Musician

EDITOR’S NOTE

People come from all over to shop in Santa Cruz this time of year. Why? Because we have plenty of boutiques, custom artisans, one-of-a-kind food choices, crazy clothing, amazing vintage wear, great wines, tons of original art, a cornucopia of musical instruments and high quality organic dispensaries. To name a few, that is.

There is nothing like our small, original and crafty stores in the slick commercial and endlessly repeated stores elsewhere, which is why it seems all of the Central Valley and the Valley of Silicon drive over the hills and through the passes to get here in the winter off-season.

Even when I lived elsewhere, I did all of my holiday shopping in Santa Cruz and got rave reviews from the gift receivers. It was like I had traveled the world for unique, handcrafted items I found right here.

Gift buying has always kept Santa Cruz close to my heart. Even our street vendors have cool stuff.

All that said, we are under attack. Not from the big box and chain stores locals once fought off as the enemy, but from the web, dark as it can be, with its seemingly good deals and variety.

I do everything I can to avoid it and shop local, knowing that every dollar I spend here comes back to our community and not some billionaire’s pockets. He can keep his yachts, you know.

Let’s help our local, small town heroes.

Happy Holidays, BRAD KAVA

STAFF WRITTEN BY

EDITOR

AIYANA MOYA BRAD KAVA CHRISTINA WATERS DNA FOLLY CORVALLIS JEANETTE PRATHER JOHN KOENIG JOSUE MONROY JUNE SMITH QUINN SOUTHALL RICHARD STOCKTON TODD GUILD

BRAD KAVA

JENNIFER MEYER, SAM MIRANDA, JACKIE MUJICA, STACI MORRIS

MANAGING EDITOR

ADVERTISING DIRECTOR

PUBLISHER

CIRCULATION MANAGER

DAN PULCRANO

HALEY TWEEDELL HEATHER TSANG

GENERAL MANAGER

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

COVER DESIGN BY

LEE MAY

JEANETTE PRATHER

DEBRA WHIZIN

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

CINDY COULING

PRODUCTION COORDINATOR DEB FISHER

PRODUCTION DIRECTOR SEAN GEORGE

DESIGNERS

ELENA RAZGONOV, PHAEDRA STRECHER,

LISA BUCKLEY, KATE KAUFFMAN, SUE LAMOTHE, DUFFY BARETT

OFFICE MANAGER DANIELLE RATLIFF

ACCOUNTING AURENE POKORNY SHANNEN CRAIG HEATHER TSANG, HALEY TWEEDELL

A Good Times publication.

11/6/23 4:24 PM

SOMETIMES THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFTS ARE THE MEMORIES WE CAPTURE At Bay Photo, we offer a wide selection of products to cover all of your Holiday gifting needs, When it comes to personalized greeting cards, stunning custom wall art, and unique photo gifts, we have you covered. If you need help designing your Christmas gifts, please come to our local stores.

We’re here for you!

bayphotofilm.com

Clearly they’ll love Acrylic Blocks

Your gifting problems, solved!

Eastside Store 715 Soquel Avenue (831) 425-1100

@bayphotofilm

Park Avenue Store 2959 Park Avenue (831) 475-6090

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Gifts for the

ARTIST

Ahh, the pretentious art lover. Art lies in the eye of the beholder, so we won’t even suggest trying to buy art for the art enthusiast in your life. Instead, here are a few art-adjacent ideas. First up and debatably best, a gift card to Picture Appeal Framing Store downtown Santa Cruz. What’s cool about this framing store is that they often work with artists, so they have an eye for the perfect accent frame. Maybe your art lover also likes to dabble in creative pursuits, in which case spending an evening painting ceramics at Petroglyph might be the perfect experience for them. Or, why not just let them pick out their own art piece at Artisans and Agency, which often features work from local artists. AM

PETROGLYPH CUP

Petroglyph

125 Walnut Ave., Santa Cruz 831-458-4278 Petroglyph.com ~$50

PRINTS

ARTISANS and Agency 1368 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-8183 ArtisansandAgency.com ~$100

PICTURE FRAME

Picture Appeal

123 Maple St., Santa Cruz 831-421-1500 PictureAppeal.com $100+

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A Shopping Experience Like No Other Ladies Clothing, Shoes, Accessories & Gifts

Bunny's Gifts

7000 Soquel Dr. Ste 3, Aptos | 831-662-2730 bunny’s-Gifts bunnys_gifts

10% Off

Must Mention Ad (excludes shoes & sale items)

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Gifts for the

BEER GEEK

Who doesn’t like a nice cold glass of golden IPA on a warm day? Or, when the days get shorter and nippier, a nice hearty stout as you're wrapped up in your favorite scarf? If you don’t know what I’m talking about, chances are you know a beer lover or two who drooled at the thought of a nice fizzy sip. Luckily, Santa Cruz has emerged as a craft beer hub in recent years with a new brewery or tap room opening up seemingly at every corner. This holiday season, hop on over to Sante Adairius Rustic Ales and pick up a few of their world-renowned bottles. The Saison Bernice is a beloved staple that will satisfy the most discerning beer fan. Grab a unique Mexican mole stout at Beer Thirty, one of the best bottle shops in town with a wide selection of unique brews. Finally, if you want to give them the full experience, book a trip on the Brew Cruz and join them on a beer tasting adventure to various local breweries and taprooms. Bottoms up! JM

BOTTLE LOGIC LECHE BORRACHO MEXICAN MOLE STOUT

SANTE ADAIRIUS RUSTIC ALES SAISON BERNICE

Beer Thirty

Sante Adairius Rustic Ales

2504 S Main StSoquel, CA 95073 (831) 477-9967 beerthirtysantacruz.com $31.25

103 Kennedy Dr. Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 201-4141 rusticales.com $20

BREW CRUZ TOUR

Brew Cruz

(831) 222-0120 scbrewcruz.com $95

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SUPERB PRODUCTS OF VALUE • LOCAL, NATURAL, SPECIALT Y, GOURMET • NEIGHBORLY SERVICE FOR 85 YEARS

Wine Experts Ready to Help

Free Gift Wrapping

Come share in the magic of the Holiday Season at Shopper’s Corner!

For those of you looking for the perfect gift, Shopper’s has you covered with the largest selection of wines in the area. We will even gift wrap for you for free of charge! Many customers knock out all their gift shopping here while doing their daily or holiday shop. There is something for everyone here at Shopper’s, and you can always count on us for helpful and friendly assistance in choosing your wines. Hope to see you soon!

The gift of wine is a special one, because it’s a gift that you can share!

FAMILY-OWNED & OPERATED FOR 85 YEARS

10% Discount on 6 or More Bottles Mix or Match!

Wine

(831) 429-1804

★ VOTED BEST BUTCHER SHOP ★ BEST WINE SELECTION ★ BEST CHEESE SELECTION ★ BEST LOCALLY OWNED GROCERY STORE ★ BEST GREEN BUSINESS ★ BEST PRODUCE

Produce (831) 429-1499 • Grocery (831) 423-1398 • Meat (831) 423-1696

LOCATED AT THE CORNER OF SOQUEL & BRANCIFORTE AVENUES

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Gifts for the

BIKE LOVER

In a county with more per capita car/bike accidents than anywhere and more thefts, your cyclist would love some safety and theft-proof options What about a light suit of armor? No we’re not kidding and had I owned one, I might have spent less time in the emergency room.

The G-Form MX360 Impact Shirt looks like something Tony Stark would wear and gives some serious upper body protection. It’s on sale at Spokesman Bicycles and could really come in handy with the slim cycling area in the rail/trail they are planning.

You always need a pump with you and the lighter, the smaller

G-FORM MX360 IMPACT SHIRT

and the more flexible the better. Specialized’s Air Tool Switch Comp Pump features presta and Schrader hookups and is a mini blessing. The price is mini too at $21 and comes with a mounting for the pump and water bottle and an easily viewable gauge. It’s available at Cyclesport shops.

You want to show your partner you REALLY love them? Time for a tandem bike you can ride together. It will either make you or break you, but we bet it will make you a solid team and give you much to share. Electra’s Tandem 7i is light, bright and a bargain at $1,600 at Bicycle Trip. BK

AIR TOOL SWITCH COMP PUMP

Spokesman Bicycles

Scotts Valley Cycle Sport

231 Cathcart St. Santa Cruz, 95060 (831) 429-6062 And 402 Ingalls St. Santa Cruz, 95060 (831) 291-7603 $180

203 Mt Hermon Rd. Scotts Valley, CA 95066 (831) 440-9070

Santa Cruz Cycle Sport 914 41st Ave. Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 475-3883 $21

ELECTRA TANDEM

Bicycle Trip

1001 Soquel Ave Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831)-427-2580 $1,600

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Gifts for the

BOOKWORM

You never hear, “they’re coming for our books,” but they are, so this is a great time to check out some of Santa Cruz’s best places to shop for your bookworm. The matriarch of the literary scene, Bookshop Santa Cruz, is located on Pacific Ave and is an intergenerational family-owned bookstore. With incredible events and a genuine focus on making downtown less stupid, pickup a copy of local author Lara Love Hardin’s The Many Lives of Mama Love: A Memoir of Lying, Stealing, Writing, and Healing for the perfect gift of a local author who’s gone national. Out in Pleasure Point, Gary and Denise (and Marsh, the store dog) opened a delightful little book

SO LATE IN THE DAY

BY CLAIRE KEEGAN

Two Birds Books

881 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 831-900-5588 TwoBirdsBooks.com $18.60

THE MOTHER OF HOBOES

spot called Two Birds Books. Between Denise’s PhD in literature and Gary’s love of sci-fi, this is a great place to ask what they recommend and, according to their website you probably want to pick up So Late in the Day: Stories of Women and Men by Claire Keegan for your short story book worm. And located downtown is the very cool, Bad Animal, where you have your choice of books and dinner. For your bookworm we suggest a vintage book, such as The Mother of Hoboes for $140, or maybe a gift certificate to impress, but either way, you’re in the bookworm Zone. DNA

THE MANY LIVES OF MAMA LOVE

BY LARA LOVE HARDING

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-0900 BookshopSantaCruz.com $28.99

Bad Animal

1011 Cedar St., Santa Cruz 831-900-5031 BadAnimalBooks.com $140

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e & Sun v to s d o o W m o fr s g n ti e Holiday Gre

IndoorLiving Fireplaces, Inserts & Stoves, Gas, Electric, Wood & Pellet

OutdoorLiving Fireplaces, Fire Tables & Fire Pits, Kitchens, Furniture, Pizza Ovens, Grills, Kit Pergolas & Umbrellas

Woodstove & Sun has been warming homes since 1982. Providing top quality products and customer service to the Central Coast, we now offer one stop shopping to perfect your outdoor living space too!

WOODSTOVE & SUN 510 Soquel Avenue • Santa Cruz, CA (Down the Hill from Shopper’s Corner) www.woodstoveandsun.com Instagram@woodstoveandsun

(831) 425-5123

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Gifts for the

CHEF

When shopping for a kitchen witch or wizard, one must decide whether to find a gift that is good for a season or for a lifetime. It's easy to choose something that excites in the moment, but could languish on a shelf for years, but we found some gifts that are sure to be used. A chef's knife is an extension of their hand, a source of pride and constant use. Toque Blanche offers the Victorinox Swiss Classic, with a 10" Santoku blade--sure to make every fillet and julienne a joy to prepare. If your culinary artist loves to expand their skills with a great book, Two Birds Books recommends the recently published Asada: The Art of Mexican-Style Grilling. It's not all about the carne! Shopper's Corner has a dizzying array of irresistible sauces and jams, some locally produced, and many that won't be found anywhere else. For a classic pairing that is sure to be used and appreciated, try a bottle of Grosoli Del Duca Aged Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, and locally made Belle Farms Extra Virgin Olive Oil. JK

SANTOKU CHEF’S KNIFE

MEXICAN GRILLING COOKBOOK

My Toque

Two Birds Books

1527 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-426-1351 MyToque.com $70

881 41st Ave., Santa Cruz 831-900-5588 TwoBirdsBooks.com $40

LOCALLY MADE OLIVE OIL

Shopper’s Corner

622 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-423-1398 ShoppersCorner.com $30

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BEST SEAFOOD RESTAURANT in SANTA CRUZ ―Santa Cruz Sentinel Readers Choice 2022 ―Good Times, Best of Santa Cruz 2023

At Riva Fish House, we offer a view with flavor.

Island Kitchen & Groggery

BEST FANCY COCKTAILS BEST HAPPY HOUR (RUNNER UP) BEST PATIO DINING SANTA CRUZ (RUNNER UP)

BEST RESTAURANT ON THE WHARF BEST OUTDOOR DINING

Dine at our seaside haven on the Municipal Wharf today!

The Fully Immersive Tiki Paradise on the Santa Cruz Wharf!

Open Daily 11-9, Happy Hour M-F 3-6 pm (831) 429-1223 • 31 Municipal Wharf

RivaFishHouse.com

Connect With Us!

rivafishhouse

rivafishhouse

Call Today for Reservations!

Open Daily 11-9 | Happy Hour M-F 3-6 PM (831) 466-9766 • 49A Municipal Wharf www.MakaiSantaCruz.com makaisantacruz

makai_santacruz

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Gifts for the

CHOCOHOLIC

Who is easier to please at gift giving time than a chocolate lover? Most would be thrilled with a bag of M&Ms or a gift-wrapped Hershey Bar. And yet, you want your favorite chocoholic to really light up at the sight of something special. Santa Cruz is blessed with chocolatiers devoted to elevating their craft to a world-class level. Donnelly Chocolates brings out all of their varieties and flavors for the holidays, including lemongrass, tea, lavender, chipotle, fresh mint, and Chinese five-spice. Chocolate the Restaurant offers a gift box of assorted truffles--your choice, with white rose, mint, amaretto, coconut, salted caramel, hazelnut and other flavors to select from. For your chocolate lover who craves a crunch, look to The Buttery and their decadently dark, rich, melt in your mouth Chocolate Dream cookies, a miraculous mix of outer crisp and sinful softness. JK

GIFT BOX OF EIGHT EXOTIC TRUFFLES

Donnelly Chocolates 1509 Mission St., Santa Cruz 831-458-4214 DonnellyChocolates.com $27.50

GIFT BOX OF 12 ASSORTED TRUFFLES

Chocolate

1522 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-427-9900 ChocolateSantaCruz.com $40

BOX OF 10 CHOCOLATE DREAM COOKIES

The Buttery

702 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-458-3020 ButteryBakery.com $18

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great gifts for you & Yours this

h o l i d a y Cannabis Creating Community s e a s o n ! support

SW

ELLIE S 202

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Local!

order online & use our

drive-thru!

deals& events

art•events•community•cannabis order online at www.ourtreehouse.io!

OPEN EVERY DAY! | Drive-Thru: 8am - 9:50pm | In-Store: 11am - 7pm | r k ou Checsite for weboliday h s! hour

| 3651 Soquel Drive, Soquel | 831.471.8289 | C10 - 0000105LIC | ourTreehouse.io | 21+

@treehousedispensary_sc

Proudly Locally Owned & Operated 2023 | GOODTIMES.SC | SANTA CRUZ GIF GUIDE

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Gifts for the

COFFEE ADDICT

How great a gift is coffee? For early-morning focus and late-night studying it's our friendly fix. It brings us together with friends and it's a pleasure to savor alone. Santa Cruz is home to many true coffee devotees, passionate about all things coffee, from sourcing and roasting to brewing and serving. An easy treat for your coffee lover is a gift card for Shrine coffeehouse on Westcliff, where a beautiful view of the ocean and a courtyard complete with a relaxing fountain come with your coffee and pastry or quiche. For those brewing their own at home, Verve on Pacific makes it easy with their selection of pour-over sets, especially with the Hario V60 Glass Dripper, that uses all sizes of filters and sits atop a carafe or a mug. Then investigate the "current case file" at The Coffee Conspiracy nearby, singleorigin beans in limited quantities, bags numbered from one to one hundred. JK

PAINT SET

Palace Art and Office Supply 1501 41st Ave. K, Capitola 831-464-2700 PalaceArtSupply.com $50

WATERCOLOR PAINTING WORKSHOP

Wallflower Santa Cruz 107 Locust St., Santa Cruz 831-334-3801 WallflowerSantaCruz.com $100

POUR OVER SET

GIFT CARD

Verve Coffee

Shrine Coffee

1540 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-471-7726 VerveCoffee.com $40

544 West Cliff Dr., Santa Cruz 831-266-1910 ShrineCoffee.com

$5+

LIMITED EDITION COFFEE

Coffee Conspiracy 111 Locust St., Santa Cruz 831-946-9785 CoffeeConspiracy.co $25

Gifts for the

CRAFTER

Crafty people always give the best gifts—this year, wow them for a change. Of course Palace Art and Office Supply is on the list, a crafter’s dream that seems to be stocked with every obscure crafting item you’ll ever want for. Wallflower Boutique offers sweet crafting sessions every month, featuring everything from beginning patchwork, to acrylic painting lessons, to tailoring tutorials. Another fun option is through Cabrillo Extension, which offers workshops and classes on things like creating mosaics, jewelry making and mixed media lessons. AM

BEGINNING MOSAICS CLASS

Cabrillo Extension, Aptos Campus 6500 Soquel Dr., Aptos 831-479-6100 Extension.Cabrillo.edu

$195

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20 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Monday - Friday: 9am - 5pm & Saturday: 9am - 2pm

2800 Daubenbiss Ave, Soquel 831.476.8780 • Interiorvision.biz

The Beauty of Cork

Natural Beauty of Wool

Todd Ivy, Sales/Estimator Our Newest Team Member

Marmoleum the Natural Linoleum

Prices to Fit Every Budget!

Visit Our Full–service Showroom

COME VISIT our newly remodeled over 3000 sq ft of amazing flooring and window treatment products

Let us assist you from concept to competition

Property managers, contractors, residential, realtors, commercial, welcome!

Hardwood • Luxury Vinyl Plank • Laminates • Carpet • Shutters • Wool • Sisal • Linoleum Cork • Custom Area Rugs • Custom Draperies • Window Shades Featuring Both Graber & Hunter Douglas Window Fashions

SEVERAL STYLES AND COLORS OF CARPET AND VINYL IN STOCK FOR THAT QUICK INSTALL!

THINK GREEN Environmentally Friendly Products

Deborah Cypert Owner

CONVENIENTLY LOCATED IN SOQUEL VILLAGE

Bobbie Frandeen Co-Owner/Estimator

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Gifts for the

ENVIRONMENTALIST

It’s in the bag. With microplastics increasingly entering the oceans, and landfills filling up with plastic-based waste that will linger for hundreds of years, it should be the goal of every environmentalist to reduce the amount they throw away. Enter Bagito, a Santa Cruz company that makes reusable tote bags, storage bags, cutlery and products such as towels using materials such as organic cotton and bamboo. Anyone can take the steps to protect the environment, but sometimes it is good for mind, body and soul to remind ourselves why we’re doing it. And what better way to do this than to see firsthand the beauty of the Monterey Bay with a kayak tour through Elkhorn Slough or its environs? See a breathtaking variety of birds, marine mammals and other wildlife, and experience a type of serenity you will not find anywhere else. TG

ZIP-EM REUSABLE STORAGE BAGS

Bagito

1509 Seabright Ave., #B1, Santa Cruz 831-536-4160 Bagito.co $15

FOUR-HOUR KAYAK TOUR

Monterey Bay Kayaks North Harbor, Moss Landing 831-373-5357 MontereyBayKayaks.com $38+

UNPAPER TOWELS

Ethos

59 N. Santa Cruz Ave, Suite H, Santa Cruz 831-854-2490 EthosSantaCruz.com $20

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A Good Night’s Sleep... is the Greatest Gift • Maintains proper spinal support • Opens the airway for easier breathing • Works with any sleeping position

Gift Cards Available!

Comfort & Support for the REST of your life

2701 41st Ave, Soquel (Top of 41st Ave., at Highway 1) 831-464-2228 • sc41.com

Shop Local This Holiday Season!

Voted #1 Toy Store in Santa Cruz

We moved to Aptos!

Hope Services’ mission is to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to live and participate fully in their communities. They serve approximately 3,500 clients and their families throughout California.

19B Rancho Del Mar Aptos | (next to Safeway off State Park Dr.)

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Gifts for the

EROTIC ENTHUSIAST If your taste for sex includes, well, actually tasting things, then order up a Chocolate Sunday for Two and see where the evening (or afternoon?) takes you. The kit boasts everything from a chocolate aphrodisiac bubble bath to pheromone infused rose petals, all packaged in a highly desirable gift box from Bedroom Desserts.

Shop online or visit in person to explore sexy lingerie, bedroom toys and passion-infused treats.

For those who want something to stimulate our biggest sex organ…which, of course, we all know, is our brain…head to Bad Animal and pick up a piping hot new novel like “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover or perhaps go for the OG erotica classic “The Story of O,” first published in 1954 by a French author using the pen name Pauline Réage. After being stuck inside during the pandemic, many of us want to get out and do something sexy IRL. If you relate, then plan to “practice the art of conscious connecting, satisfying intimacy and playful interactions” during a Sacred Sensual Saturday, a monthly event in Aptos where you can enjoy Tantric practices, Pujas and other “delightful interactions with beautiful beings on the sacred sexuality path.” FC

CHOCOLATE SUNDAY FOR TWO

Bedroom Dessert 1714 Brommer St. Santa Cruz Ca 95062 (831)688-9900 $80

“IT ENDS WITH US”/ “THE STORY OF O” Bad Animal

1011 Cedar Street Santa Cruz, California (831)900.5031 Sacred Sensual Saturday $35-$55 (Sign Up Via Event Brite)

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413 Seabright Ave.

712 Ocean Street

Yacht Optional

Home of the Giant Gopher

10am - 2am Outdoor Patio

6am - 2am Outdoor Patio

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Gifts for the

FITNESS FANATIC

For that one friend who finds themselves working out on vacation or daydreaming of the gym during that especially long work day. It is no secret that Santa Cruz is a very active fitness community with a plethora of options ranging from the mountains to the ocean. From the environmentally conscious reused weights (both dumbbells and plates) to wrist weights to make that pilates session even more difficult, there is certainly no lack of options to present to the fitness fanatic. Even get them interested in an exciting new hobby for a month at one of Santa Cruz’ premier rock climbing gyms with 2 yoga classes and full gym access included. “It’s a big enough gym to always keep you busy, but small enough to feel at home,” commented local guide Sullivan Gaudreault. Getting in shape doesn’t always have to be painful! QS

USED RUBBER WEIGHTS

Play It Again Sports 4770 Soquel Dr, Soquel 831-475-1988 playitagainsports.com $1.49 per pound

ROCK CLIMBING/ YOGA TRIAL MEMBERSHIP

Pacific Edge Climbing Gym 104 Bronson St #12 831-454-9254 pacificedgeclimbinggym.com $120

BELL WRIST WEIGHTS

Santa Cruz CORE Fitness + Rehab

317 Potrero St ste c, Santa Cruz 831-425-9500 santacruzcore.com $14.50 (2.5 lbs)

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HAPpY HOLIDAYS!

Craft Crush Kits

20" x 28"

Cavalinni Puzzles Vintage Inspired 1,000-Piece Puzzles CSPZLxxxx

2495

by Ann Williams Assorted sets AWAC1979 AWAC2205 AWAC1978

2095

A Perfect Place For A HOLIDAY CELEBRATION! on the beach in santa cruz

UNIQUE LOCAL GIFTS

Easy Carry Art Studio MDECART06

STEM ReBots Kits TN55200x

1195

45

99

Woven Cat Pouch LALLS97-xxx

19

45

Mixed Media Handmade Journals

4295

LA103x

WE SHARE A SPACE! 1501-J & K 41st Avenue • Capitola 464-2700 • Open 7 days a week

palaceartsupply.com • shop_moodsboutique

(cannot be used to purchase Gift Cards)

#600-433 Exp. 12/31/23 Cash, check or bank card only. Limit one per customer per day.

Not valid with other coupons. Must present coupon at time of purchase.

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Gifts for the

FOODIE

Serving platters from Annieglass, those gorgeous pale sea-green glass beauties with 24-karat gold trim, go the extra distance in setting a choice table. The newer ruffle edged buffet plates make a statement at holiday parties, especially when laden with tiny hors d'oeuvres, or flutes of champagne. Collectors of locally-based Annieglass can never have too many of these charismatic serving pieces. For the hands-on foodie, there are simple yet deeply satisfying classes in various genres of baking available at the incomparable Companion Bakeshop mother ship. One of the most popular of these technique classes takes the home baker through Sourdough Basics, two ours of starting with the starter, then going through mixing, fermenting shaping and baking a rustic loaf of real sourdough bread. You'll take-away your own sourdough starter, bread basket and loaf ready to be finished in your oven after class. Some places have everything your foodie might want, and Bad Animal is such a one-stop-shopping destination.

Wine, serious cuisine, and books filled with gourmet lore and history await at this sophisticated pit stop.

So consider a Gift Card from Bad Animal and be secure in the knowledge that your recipient will be utterly stoked. CW

GOLD RIMMED PLATTER

Annieglass Studio & Company Store 310 Harvest Drive Watsonville, CA annieglass.com Ruffled buffet plate $120

SOURDOUGH WITH CLASS

Companion Bakeshop 2341 Mission St, Santa Cruz 831 471-8378 companionbakeshop.com Baking classes $150

GIFT CARD WITH BENEFITS

Bad Animal

1011 Cedar Street, Santa Cruz 831 900-5031 badanimalbooks.com $10-$200

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ring in the holidays with new leaf From gift cards to cuddly stuffed animals, locally-crafted candles, sustainable home goods, and lush houseplants, we’ve got your gifting needs covered!

Half Moon Bay • Downtown Santa Cruz Westside Santa Cruz • Capitola • Aptos

Friendly Local Experts for All of Your Holiday We’re For More Info, Shopping for Board Open Call Games, Card Games, Daily 831.515.7096 Roleplaying Games, Dice, Puzzles, Accessories swordandboardgamestore@gmail.com • swordandboardgamestore.com Located in the Capitola Mall Unit J07 • 1855 41st Ave. Capitola, CA 95010 and more!

Come In and Play a Game in our Game Room with Your Friends and Family!

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224 Laurel Street farwestfungi.com

Be a Holiday Hero with ice cream from

,

,

Seasonal Pints Gingerbread Houses Merch & More

Rough Fine Jewelry

1537 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz

Wednesday-Sunday 12-5pm 831-346-6758 varianceobjects.com

shop | eat | drink | play

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1122 PACIFIC AVE (831) 225-0359

SUN-THURS 11:30-6:30 FRI & SAT 11:30-7:30

1127 SOQUEL AVE (831) 454-8208 MON-FRI 11-6 SAT & SUN 10:30-5 PLUS EXTENDED HOLIDAY HOURS AT BOTH SHOPS!

COME VISIT SANTA DOWNTOWN! DECEMBER 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 22, AND 23 12-4PM

TOYS AND GIFTS FOR ALL AGES!

DOWNTOWN for the HOLIDAYS UPC O MING EVE NTS NOV Small Business Saturday Golden Envelope Holiday Makers Market Sidewalk Sales

FEEL WHOLE FROM SKIN TO SOUL Massage Holistic Facials Acupuncture Infrared Sauna

DEC Holiday Parade Holiday Pub Crawl Reindeer Round-Up Visits with Santa

Lymphatic Drainage Machine Ionic Foot Detox and more!

10% OFF GIFT CARD PURCHASE WITH MENTION OF GOODTIMES - VALID THROUGH 12/23/23

downtownsantacruz.com

WWW.YOSOWELLNESS.COM 831.600.8053

@YOSOWELLNESS

740 Front St. Suite 110, Santa Cruz

1017

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Gifts for the

GARDENER

The gardener in your life covets those gorgeous glazed pots that line the back shelves of The Garden Company. Beyond mere everyday terra cotta, the deep blues and vivid oranges of these plant containers are a luxury that delights the eye and probably encourages the botanical contents to grow ever more beautifully. To complete your gift, consider a special plant to put inside that vibrantly-glazed pot. For the gardening nerd, nothing beats a chatty, well-written how-to book and this one, Microgreens is loaded with fun facts and tempting suggestions about those tiny, intensely-flavored baby greens that enliven salads and spice up savory dishes.

Check out Bookshop Santa Cruz and you'll find that extra inspiration comes from the book's chapters on developing a microgreen side hustle. For the entrepreneur with a green thumb.

For statement botanicals as well as those rambunctious outdoor vines, a fine pruning instrument is always needed. Artisan pruning shears, graceful and sturdy, are the exact gardening accessory beloved of indoor and outdoor plant-lovers alike. Dig Gardens has a fine selection. They also have a substantial outdoor nursery in Aptos! CW

DIG GARDENS

Dig Gardens

420 Water St., SC 831 466-3444 diggardens.com Artisan Shears $49.99

GLAZED POTS

The Garden Company 2218 Mission St, SC 831 429-8424 thegardenco.com Glazed plant pots $10 - $75

GROW AND SELL SPECIALTIES

BookshopSanta Cruz 1520 Pacific Ave., SC 831 423-0900 bookshopsantacruz.com $14.90

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Treat yourself or someone else!

Give Relaxation & Wellness!

Therapy Meets Luxury

Gift Certificates & Holiday Appointments Available!!

Empowering Hands 5215 Scotts Valley Drive Suite F 831-888-7614 EmpoweringHandsMassage.com

Our place is filled with great gifts for the holidays

Clothing • Pajamas • Robes • Jewelry Scarves • Globes • Bags • Lingerie Shop local for the women in your life!

Locally Owned Since 1972 Santa Cruz • 831-423-3349 • 1224 Pacific Ave Capitola • 831-476-6109 • 504C Bay Ave Visit us on Facebook

Downtown Santa Cruz 1515 Pacific Ave. 831-429-6101

Aptos Village 154 Aptos Village Way 831-612-6495

Shop ONLINE @ SockShopAndShoeCo.com

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Gifts for the

HEAVY PETTER

You can’t really call yourself a football fan unless your pet and you sport matching jerseys.

Yup, you can have your poodle put on a red PURDY pullover for $30. Made from 100% satin and breathable poly mesh, this jersey also features woven trim on the neck and sleeves for a comfortable, tailored fit so they never break a sweat during those big plays.

The NFL "property of" jock tag on the back allows you to add a touch of style and personalization, because win or lose, they'll still be your Most Valuable Pet. How about a Leopard Gecko, which is a medium to large sized nocturnal, ground-dwelling gecko. They are native to Asia, Pakistan, and northwestern parts of India, which eat insects. They are easily cared for, making them a great pet.

Is your dog a pig? You’d better get them a cute placemat. Top Paw Dog Bone Plastic Placemat comes with a cool dog bone design, and stays in place to prevent spills and the messes that come with them. BK

PET SPORTS PULLOVER

PetSmart

Order online: Petsmart.com $30

MARGI ADULT FEMALE MANDARIN TANGERINE LEOPARD GECKO

Pet Shop Santa Cruz

533 Seabright Ave. Santa Cruz 95062 (831)-429-1242 $200

TOP PAW DOG BONE PLASTIC PLACEMAT

PetSmart

490 River St Santa Cruz, CA 95060 (831) 429-2780 $20

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Gifts for the

HIPSTER

At first, one might not think of Santa Cruz as a hipster location. But, think again! We’ve got all the makings of a funky little beach town that attracts your a-typical ‘hipster.’ A laid-back, relaxed style that mixes well with digital tech pioneers all while hosting a large college and retired population, simultaneously. What’s more hipster than all of those elements in one city? This is a place where you can find surf shops that double as coffee houses, mingle with musicians outside of a historical and cultural museum, and shop vintage-like apparel (some even the real deal!) for half the price. If you have a friend or family member who’s on the cutting edge of OG trendy (a.k.a. a hipster), then check out the gifts listed below. They’ll be sure to love these curated boutique-y Santa Cruz faves. JP

ANY PIECE OF JEWELRY

Crossroads Santa Cruz 811 Pacific Ave., Santa Cruz 831-458-2555 CrossRoadsTrading.com $10+

GIFT CARD

Abbott Square

118 Cooper St., Santa Cruz AbbottSquareMarket.com $25+

RHYTHM ANDRES WIDE LEG JUMPSUIT

Midtown Surf Shop

1126 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831-316-7646 MidtownSurfShop.com $89.95

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No Orders Too Small or Too Large!!

at no extra charge

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Gifts for the

HOME DECORATOR

It's those special, often insanely obvious little touches that turn a living area into a place you want to live in, and there's not a home decorator alive who doesn't covet a gorgeous Merino lambswool throw. The kind that you drape over the back of a couch and create instant coziness. A blanket that not only looks tasteful but feels warm and luscious on a chilly evening. A blanket like the ones you'll find at Stripe Design Group. Expand the horizons of any room, and add sparkle too, with a round, gold framed mirror from Riverside Lighting. The Varaluz collection has 30" diameter mirrors to add glow to your bedroom, living room, man cave, or boudoir. And it will reflect your own good taste. Artisans in downtown Santa Cruz just might have the answer for that discerning home decorator who loves to add a regional flourish to pull the entire look together. The gorgeous watercolor landscapes of Santa Cruz coast lines, ocean and cliffs by renowned painter Marie Gabrielle are just the thing to make a room unique. Handsomely matted and framed, the assortment of giclée prints could pass as originals. CW

DESIGNER COMFORT

WATERCOLOR LANDSCAPES

Stripe

Artisans & Agency

107 Walnut Ave, SC 831 421-9252 stripedesigngroup.com $168

1368 Pacific Avenue Santa Cruz, CA 831 423-8183 artisanssantacruz.co $60 - $575

MIRROR IMAGE

Riverside Lighting

300 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz 831 423-7411 Riversidelightingandelectric.com $369

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ve i G Monday-Friday 11am-5pm Saturday 12pm-5pm

From The

Over 3 Million donated to local children’s non-profits!

831.662.0327 8045 & 8047 Soquel Drive Aptos If you would like to learn more about Caroline’s or join our amazing crew, please visit carolinesnonprofit.org

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Gifts for the

JEWELRY LOVER

While most of us know Lumen Gallery as a cornerstone of the Capitola Village shopping experience, with its vibrant quirky rugs, perfectly-on-trend gifts and elevated cannabis accoutrement by Jonathan Adler, what some may not know is that owner Cierra Ryczek designs many of the shop’s standout pieces of jewelry. Check out Cierra Designs to see her latest collections, which can also be purchased at Blackbird and Botanic & Luxe.

For handmade, original and sustainable jewelry designed right here in Santa Cruz, try Desert Moon Design. Owner Ali Osborne personally hand crafts each piece, which includes

earrings, necklaces and bracelets and features a Bridal Collection, stackable rings and even a gorgeous Triangle Septum Ring…a decidedly on-point gift for any Santa Cruz local.

Downtown’s Dell WIlliams isn’t just about jewelry, but has wonderful gifts of glass, home decor, wedding presents, clocks and watches.

We love the throwback “Mechanic” watch by Shinola that shows the inner workings of the timepiece right through the back glass.

Bucking all trends, you have to wind it. It’s a great talking point that will attract attention for $1,500.

A 4.5 inch Nambe Copper Canyon bowl goes for $25 and its 15-inch big sister costs $180.

And while we certainly always want to support local, small and diverse-owned businesses, we also want to ensure our local malls don’t become retail wastelands. They employ many people in a wide range of jobs, provide an efficient shopping experience for folks with transportation challenges and provide cost-effective options for just about any budget. The Capitola Mall, with a handful of jewelry shops to choose from (some locally owned), has been serving our community for 46 years. So if you’re not a 1-percenter, but still want to show someone they are special with a lovely piece of jewelry, you’re certain to find something perfect. Celebrate our local butterflies with a beautiful pair of glistening earrings from locally-owned Don Roberto Jewlers. FC

SHINOLA MECHANIC WATCH

Dell Williams

1320 Pacific Ave. Santa Cruz, 96060 $1,500

SUNSHINE EARRINGS HANDCRAFTED

BY CIERRA DESIGNS

Lumen Gallery

112 Capitola Ave. #100 Capitola, CA 95010 $168

SILVER PAVE BUTTERFLY CUBIC ZIRCONIA EARRINGS

Don Roberto Jewelers, Capitola Mall 1855 41st Avenue Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 476-9616 $49.99

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Gifts for the

MUSICIAN How about a gorgeous, etched kalimba under the tree of your loved one? For any musical need, Jansen Music has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1926. From ukuleles to high end vintage guitars, Jody will find what you need. Drumsticks fit perfectly in a stocking, and with a pair of Vic Firth American Classic Hickory Tipped sticks, your young drummer can flam and wham on anything. Sticks start at $15 a pair at The Starving Musician, or you can outfit a young rocker with electric gear from drum pads to screaming amps. For high end, acoustic guitars, vintage or new, Sylvan’s Music is the place in Santa Cruz. They have a beautiful playing room with some of the finest acoustic guitars you’ll ever play, and they have world-class banjos as well.

Every ax on the wall is a joy to play. RS

PRE1938 GIBSON SOPRANO UKULELE

Jansen Music

7960 Soquel Drive, Ste J, Aptos, CA 95003 (831) 724-4798 $600

COOL DRUM STICKS

The Starving Musician

1003 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz 95060 (831) 426-1975 $15

EASTMAN ER-M-GB ELECTRIC HOLLOWBODY MANDOLIN GOLDBURST

Sylvan’s Music

1521 Mission St., Santa Cruz 95060 (831) 427-1917 $1,279

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spas • massage • bodycare

Gift Certificates ❖ Hot Tub & Sauna Suites

­

❖ Skin and Body Care VOTED BEST BREAKFAST IN SANTA CRUZ! A Santa Cruz Tradition for Breakfast and Lunch Since 1993

831-457-2804

Located in the heart of Downtown Santa Cruz at

106 Walnut Ave, Santa Cruz, CA Check out our menu at www.walnutavenuecafe.com

❖ Skin Care Products ❖ Massage order online, by phone or in house

Private Spas & Saunas overlooking a Japanese Garden

417 Cedar Street • 831-458-WELL

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Gifts for the

NEW PARENTS

The gift of music. Everyone knows that reading to children–and talking with them–are some of the most important things a parent can do for cognitive development and socialization. But including music is important too. That’s where Music Together comes in. These group classes are led by experienced musicians and include singing, rhythm and playing different instruments.

Held in locations all over the county. Fees are $356 for 12 weeks. Let’s face it: diaper duty is not fun. But while we can’t help alleviate that part of parenting, we can do our part to keep diapers from the landfill. Why not try Tiny Tots, a service that drops off compostable diapers and wipes, and then picks up the used ones to be composted. Prices start at $34 per month, plus tax. TG

COMPOSTABLE DIAPERS

12 WEEK CLASSES

Tinytots.com 408-866-2900 $34 per month

Aptos, Felton, Scotts Valley, Santa Cruz www.musictogether.com (831) 332-9002 $356

Tiny Tots

Music Together/Musical Me

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Give the gift of sailing!

Weekly afternoon and sunset sails Regatta viewing cruises Local beer and wine tastings Seasonal fireworks sails

SA I LOYC .COM

catamaran sailing in

SANTA CRUZ Gift certificates available for sailing on the

NEW LUXURY 65' 65' TEAM O’NEILL! O’NEILL! Public sailing season offered annually April through October. Private charters available all year for special occasions.

(831) 818 - 36 4 5

OYC’s captains are licensed and insured, and the Team O’Neill is inspected annually by the U.S. Coast Guard.

• Botox and Fillers • Facials • Platelet Rich Plasma Hair Restoration & Fillers • Body Contouring • Laser skin treatments • Semaglutite Weight Loss • IV therapy • Laser hair removal • True Body ID/ Flex

Gift Certificates Available

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE $800 (Value $1,500) Tetra CO2 Laser Skin Resurfacing Treatment

One Time Offer. Expires 12/31/23

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Intracel Micro-Needling RF Therapy 2 For $1,000 (Value $1,700 each) One time use only.

Expires 12/31/23

BUY ONE, GET ONE FREE Salt Facial (Sea Salt Resurfacing, Aesthetic Ultrasound, LED Phototherapy) 2 for $250 (Value $300) Expires 12/31/23

Dr. John Grady, DO

Voted Best Doctor

831.325.0202

4450 Capitola Rd, Suite 105

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Gifts for the

STONER

Here is a $6 stocking stuffer that brings relaxation in a can of grape soda. It’s called Purple Passion, a 12 oz can of sweet grape taste and fizz with 10 mg of hybrid THC, for an after-work buzz that is caffeine free. So much better than waking up with a hangover. If you want to give THC that will make your holiday partier “go higher”, 3 Bros Santa Cruz has pens crafted for potency. You might look into Himalaya Live Sauce, with cartridges that contain real, unrefined live resin, rich in terpenes and crystal THC. If you want to get a sleep deprived buddy a CBD Gummy pack, go to Santa Cruz Naturals, where they are doing a lot of buy one get a second one for $1 specials. Another stocking stuffer could be a Rosin Jelly Joint Pre-Roll Pack, or a Heavy Hitter Pre-Roll. RS

PURPLE PASSION FIZZY DRINK

CannaCruz

115 Limekiln St, Santa Cruz Cannacruz.com $6

HIMALAYA DREAM QUEEN 1 GRAM SATIVA

3 Bros Santa Cruz

CHERRY PIE SANTA CRUZ MOUNTAIN TOPS GANJA DOSES MINTS

Santa Cruz Naturals 9077 Soquel Dr, Aptos And 19 San Juan Rd, Royal Oaks (831) 688-7266 $17.50

110 Fair Ave Unit B, Santa Cruz 831 345-0281 $23.99

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A VIEW OF THE OCEAN REAL-TIME ALL THE TIME .

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY’S BEST COLLECTIBLE STORE!

WaveClocks and TideClocks Accurate ocean conditions at a glance for the ocean adventurer www.thewaveclock.com

We Buy/Sell/Trade Video Games, Trading Cards, and All Other Collectibles! Turn Your Unwanted Items Into Cash or Trade Credit!

TWO LOCATIONS: 1855 41st Ave, #F1A Capitola, CA 95010 1921 Main St Watsonville, CA 95076

CONTACT: EMAIL: GameVaultCapitola @ Gmail.com PHONE: 831-226-9947

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Gifts for the

STUDENT

As a current Cabrillo college student, I’d testify on how difficult it can be to get everything you want and need to make your life a little easier all while earning good grades. Between Cabrillo, UCSC, and every high school in the area, Santa Cruz county has a vast student population trying to balance their studies with every other aspect in their lives. Remember back as a student when your pockets would be stuffed with crinkled bills–that current student you know could probably use a nice new wallet to keep a little more organized. Similarly for the local storage basket woven from recycled materials, or represent UCSC at Santa Cruz’ favorite bookstore. When developing habits heading into adulthood, practicing organization is certainly one that can’t be overstated.

Before shipping off yet another pack of socks from Amazon they surely have one too many already, consider a few options reminiscing back on your student days. QS

HANDMADE LEATHER WALLET

Wallflower Santa Cruz 107 Locust St, Santa Cruz 831-334-3801 Wallflowersantacruz.com $18

SMALL STORAGE BASKET

Home/Work Gift Shop 1100 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz 831-316-5215 shophomework.com $40

UCSC NOTEBOOK

Bookshop Santa Cruz 1520 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz 831-423-0900 bookshopsantacruz.com $14.95

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Second Harvest Food Bank 2023

Holiday Food & Fund Drive We are the Food Bank

It’s that time of year – Holiday Food & Fund Drive time! This is the time of year, we pull together as a community to help our food-insecure neighbors.

For every $1 donated, we provide 3 healthy meals.

Donate today!

800 Ohlone Parkway Watsonville, CA 95076

Scan for more information or to donate.

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Gifts for the

SURFER

For those who live in Santa Cruz, it’s not a matter of if For those who live in Santa Cruz, it’s not a matter of if you know a surfer - but how many. With thousands you know a surfer - but how many. With thousands of surfers eager to feel that rush under their board of surfers eager to feel that rush under their board at the more than 23 local surf spots, a new gift at the more than 23 local surf spots, a new gift to boost their favorite hobby could make it that to boost their favorite hobby could make it that much better. A traction pad will give them much much better. Aand traction will wave give them more control agilitypad on the while much more control andprotect agility against on the wave while the surf hat will harmful sun the surf hat will protect against harmful rays and straps onto the head to preventsun rays and straps onto the head that wipeout from wiping your to hatprevent away! that wipeout from wiping your hat Be honest - how many of you have away! to Be - howinmany of you have toas grithonest your teeth freezing tolerance grit your teeth freezing tolerance as the frigid waterinseeps through the holes the frigid waterseveral seeps through theits holes in your wetsuit years past in your wetsuit several years past its prime. Rather than spending hundreds prime.

Rather than spending hundreds on a new suit altogether, get those holes on a new fixed and suit sendaltogether, it to Blownget Outthose Surf holes Shack to fixed and sendasitnew. to Blown Shack to make it good With Out surf Surf season coming make it good as new.

With surf season coming up, it's just a matter of time before they’ll be out on up, justagain. a matter the it's water QS of time before they’ll be out on the water again. QS

VEIA TRACTION PAD VEIASurf TRACTION PAD O'Neill Shop 110 Cooper St #100d, O'Neill Surf ShopSanta Cruz 831-469-4377 110 Cooper St #100d, Santa Cruz us.oneill.com 831-469-4377 $37.95 us.oneill.com

$37.95

DAKINE SURF HAT DAKINE Freeline Surf SURF Shop HAT

WETSUIT REPAIR WETSUIT REPAIR Blown Out Surf Shack

821 41st Ave, Santa Cruz 831-476-2950 821 41st Ave, Santa Cruz freelinesurf.com 831-476-2950 $45 freelinesurf.com $45

3055 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz (831) 475-4942 3055 Portola Dr, Santa Cruz Blownoutsurfshack.com (831) 475-4942 $35-$100 Blownoutsurfshack.com $35-$100

Freeline Surf Shop

Blown Out Surf Shack

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Happy Holidays!

www.DominicanOaks.com

FROM DOMINICAN OAKS

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY’S CHOICE RETIREMENT COMMUNITY

LIC.# 440708773

RAMEN KAITO RAMEN, SUSHI & MORE

Open for Lunch and Dinner Tues - Sat 11-8, Sun 11-7 Closed Mon Food Court in Capitola Mall (831) 464-2586 • smilekaito.com Large Selection of Japanese Sweets and Drinks

SUSHI MARKET SPROUTS

300 7th Ave., at Twin Lakes Beach, Santa Cruz | 831.465.1177 12-6pm Tues-Sat Closed Sun-Mon

Thank You for Your Support This Year!

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Gifts for the

TECHIE

Every year brings us more techie treats and some are even affordable.

Want to keep track of your kids, your pets, your bicycles, your wallet? You need an Apple AirTag. I suggest a multipack of four for around $100. If you are prone to losing things and these days in Santa Cruz, having things disappear or stolen, you can subtly place them on your possessions and find them quickly, so long as there are other Apple devices near them. So far, that hasn’t been a problem. I’ve got one on my bike, my kid’s backpack and my luggage. There are plenty of great stories of things being found all over the world because of an AirTag. If you want convenient tasty coffee brewed in pods and you don’t want to fill landfills with more disgusting junk, you can consider a Nespresso machine. The company gives high tech coffee lovers free recycling bags with your pod purchases and very quickly brews what for me has become a great cup of coffee. I’m on my fourth cup as I write this and wish someone had given me this machine as a present. They aren’t cheap, ranging from $159 to $279, but brewing your own ends up cheaper than all those $6 lattes.

Nothing has made my life easier as a student, teacher and writer than a Livescribe Echo 2 Smart Pen. This amazing device writes in ink on special paper and it not only records every word said, but it puts your notebook pages on your computer. No source can claim to be misquoted and no student will miss a word a teacher says. You could buy them in person at Best Buy, Staples and Office Depot, but now Staples only has ink replacements for them. The actual pens can be bought online for now. BK

APPLE AIRTAG

Best Buy

2650 41st Ave Soquel, CA 95073 (831) 465-0956 $27 or four for $99

LIVESCRIBE ECHO 2 BUNDLE

DELONGHI VERTUO NEXT PREMIUM COFFEE & ESPRESSO MAKER Kohl’s

855 41st Ave Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 462-6120 $189

Livescribe

us.livescribe.com $134

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H O L I D AY S H O P AND

RANGE CARD SALE 2 for 1

RANGE CARD

NOV E M B E R 2 7 T H - D EC E M B E R 1 0 T H 10% - 75% OFF SHOP ITEMS

Playdelaveaga.com

(831) 423-7214

Little Trends Boutique Has Everything You Need For Those Picture Perfect Moments.

With the Holidays Around the Corner, We Have Matching Family Pajamas, Sibling Sets, and Some Special Pieces Just for Mom!

Come Visit Us At One of Our Two Locations:

Main Store 1052 S. Green Valley Rd, Watsonville Inside the Circle Family Center 245 Sea Ridge Road, Aptos For Online Ordering & Holiday Hours: LittleTrendsBoutique.com

831.536.5070

@littletrendsllc Facebook.com/littetrendsllc 2023 | GOODTIMES.SC | SANTA CRUZ GIF GUIDE

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Gifts for the

VEGAN

Take your vegan friend out to dinner for the holidays and blow their minds with your insights on vegan culture and cuisine (you are really going to need to study for this). From Veg on the Edge, located inside the food court of Abbott Square, there is a wide variety of cruelty-free meals. (Oh what? Is this implying your regular meat meal is made under cruel conditions?) Veg on the Edge does up a Beyond Burger with a BBQ twist. You always want to check in on ingredients before you offer your vegan friend food. Is the mayo vegan? Sometimes you might get something that is OK for a vegetarian (eggs, dairy, cheese) but not OK for a vegan. Take the extra step. Most breakfast joints have vegan options, usually in the form of a tofu scramble, but ambience is important also, and, Café Brasil is a hotspot for people watching and good food. Take your vegan friend up the mountain to Boulder Creek to the Red Pearl for a wide array of vegan options. The Sweet and Sour Vegi Chicken, tastes like, well, chicken, but it’s all vegan. Feed a vegan, save a chicken. DNA

VEGAN BBQ BURGER

Veg on the Edge

725 Front Street, Santa Cruz vegontheedge.com/santa_cruz_menu $14.25

SWEET SOUR VEGI CHICKEN

The Red Pearl

13151 CA-9, Boulder Creek redpearlonline.com $14.95

TOFU SCRAMBLE

Café Brasil

1410 Mission St, Santa Cruz cafebrasil.us/menu-breakfast.html $16.25

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Holiday Specials!

1/2 off diamond stud earrings!

PLUS specials on all necklaces, rings, bracelets and earrings!

Handcrafted Sparkling Wines in the Heart of Santa Cruz At Equinox, we strive to make high quality méthode champenoise wines from locally sourced grapes, and provide a welcoming and memorable tasting experience for our guests.

Celebrating over

40 years in the same location!

Open for Tasting Monday - Thursday 1pm - 5pm Friday - Sunday 1pm - 6pm 334 - C Ingalls Street | Santa Cruz equinoxwine.com

831- 471- 8608

102 Walnut Ave. at Pacific, Downtown SC 831.458.9950 | stephansjewelry.com Open Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 11am - 5pm

Interest Free Financing Available 2023 | GOODTIMES.SC | SANTA CRUZ GIF GUIDE

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Gifts for the

VINOPHILE According to the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, this region is where high tech gives way to high altitude. It’s the first California appellation defined by its unique location at the convergence of coastal mountains, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Francisco Bay. Since the 1870s when Paul Masson and Charles LeFranc planted the first vineyards with cuttings transplanted from Burgundy, the area has been recognized as one of California’s finest growing regions. As the first American Viticultural Area (AVA) to be defined by a mountainous region in 1981, it is known as “America’s Premier Mountain Appellation.”

The AVA was also the first in the U.S. to use the European model of climatological and geophysical aspects instead of physical boundaries; defined primarily by elevation.

The 1,300 acres of wine grapes consist mostly of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Chardonnay. The average bottle price ranges from $29-65. JS

SHOPPER'S CORNER

622 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062 · (831) 423-1398

CANTINE WINE PUB

8050 Soquel Dr, Aptos, CA 95003 831-612-6191

DEER PARK WINE & SPIRITS

783 Rio Del Mar Blvd, Aptos, CA 95003 · (831) 688-1228

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Give the Gift of Relaxation this Holiday Season Voted...

Best Esthetician Kim Pursley Runner Up Best Day Spa Runner Up

Thank you for Shopping Local!

Gift Cards Available Check Out Our Online Store for Gift Certificates & Self-Care Products, or to Book an Appointment Schedule Your Private Parties and Events With Us! Located in the Scotts Village Shopping Center

245 Mt. Hermon Rd, Suite D Scotts Valley, CA 95066

kalanidayspa.com

831.600.7116

Holiday Giving Program

NOV 24TH THRU DEC 24TH FRIDAY-SATURDAY-SUNDAY EVENINGS SANTA CRUZ COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

Tickets ON SALE NOW!

FAIRGROUNDS-FOUNDATION.ORG

Adopt-AFamily Nov 1 - Dec 16

Join us in the giving and provide over 500 families with groceries, warm clothes, and yes- toys!

SCAN THE QR CODE FOR MORE INFO! CALL THE HOTLINE: (831)-457-9834

scvolunteercenter.org

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Gifts for the

YOGI

I’ve been practicing yoga for nearly 25 years and every time I go on a Yoga retreat I’m surprised by how many folks are on retreat for the first time.

And, to a person, by the end of the retreat they are transformed in mind, body, spirit and soul. Mixing travel, yoga (and, sometimes, bonus…surfing!) has been my go-to form of escapism for decades and I always want to explore new destinations. Lately I’ve had my eye on the Return to Self: Greece Yoga + Cultural Experience 2024, offered by Pleasure Point Yoga, which is described as “a journey to crystal clear waters decorated with sandy coves and dry rugged landscapes, cascading limestone cliffs, sparkling bays adorned with white sandy beaches…” Is anyone else’s mouth watering?

But you don’t even need to travel outside of our gorgeous seaside communities to have a blissed out few hours. Sometimes just a nice, hot, sweaty power

flow or hot Pilates class – which are Hot Elevation Studios’ signature offerings – will do the trick.

They offer drop-in classes, gift cards and a cute boutique. So many times, I hear folks say, “But I’m not flexible or strong or Zen or (whatever) enough to do Yoga,” which is ironic because practicing Yoga is precisely the best way to cultivate a deeper level of all these attributes. If you’re Yoga-curious and looking for a safe place to learn more and build your confidence, head over to In-Shape Family Fitness where teachers like Chandi Collins will show you how to use breath to move through a sequence of accessible Yoga postures to strengthen and tone the body, while challenging your flexibility and increasing mobility. Trust me, if there is a Yogi on your shopping list, with these experiences, you’ve got them at Om. FC

RETURN TO SELF: DROP IN CLASSES Hot Elevation Studios GREECE YOGA + 1440 41st Ave., Ste. E CULTURAL Capitola, CA 95010 332-9543 EXPERIENCE 2024 (831) $28 or New Student Special

Pleasure Point Yoga 3707 Portola Drive Santa Cruz, CA 95062 (831) 479-YOGA (9642) $2,700-$3,450 per person, single/double occupancy

(30 days, $108) or Gift Cards (any dollar amount)

MEMBERSHIP

In-Shape Family Fitness 1100 41st Ave. Capitola, CA 95010 (831) 276-0153 Memberships (starting at $69.99/ month); Drop-In Class ($20, which also includes use of the pool and gym amenities for 24 hours)

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Cannabis Give the Gift of

One for me, one for you! kindpeoples.com

Open 8am-10pm Daily

3600 SOQUEL AVE

831.471.8562

533 OCEAN ST

831.515.4114

C10-0000172-LIC· C10-0000234-LIC

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Painting Drawing Sculpting Crafting Printmaking Readymade Frames Journaling Bookbinding Kids supplies and more.

ART SUPPLIES & CUSTOM FRAMING

@lenzarts

Voted Best Art Store and Best Picture Framing!

FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED EST. 1968

Art Materials 423-1935

Picture Framing 425-7111

142 River Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060 lenzarts.com

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