The holiday season has arrived, and with it comes the most enchanted time of the year. So if you want to make sure that the person you care about feels the Christmas spirit, you can give them the gift of Monterey County by treating them to a one-of-a-kind event in Monterey County or by shopping at a local business.
Give a Unique Monterey County Experience
There are instances when the “item” we can give another person is nothing. These one-of-a-kind experiences located throughout Monterey County are the perfect way to give the gift of unforgettable adventures.
Give your traveling companion the experience of a lifetime by giving them a ride in a classic car provided by Monterey Touring Vehicles along a 17-mile tour. The oldest vehicle available for rent is a Bugatti from 1927; the newest is a Tesla from 2008. Rent can be rented for either a half-day or a full day.
Or, give the motorsports enthusiast the ultimate racetrack experience by purchasing a season or family passes to WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, an individual event ticket, a VIP hospitality package, preferred parking, or a camping trip at the recreation area.
Are you searching for a present that is kind to the ocean to give to those you care about this holiday season? You can do your shopping at the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s store online or go to their newest store, which is located on Cannery Row. Deck the halls with ornaments from the Christmas Aquarium, outfit a kitchen to be more environmentally friendly, shine with ocean-friendly jewelry, or give the gift of membership to someone you care about.
Giving someone a stay at Sanctuary Beach Resort is like giving them the gift of leisure. In a secluded oceanfront cottage on the coast of Marina State Beach, you can drift off to sleep to the sound of the waves lapping the shore. You might also surprise someone you care about by purchasing a spa gift voucher from the Spa Aiyana at Carmel Valley Ranch. This is where visitors can relax, re-energize, and refresh their bodies and mind.
The unique bookstore and gift shop at Elkhorn Slough Safari Nature Boat Tours pays tribute to the Monterey area’s natural wonders, scientific discoveries, and aesthetic qualities. Discover charming stuffed animals, great prices on books, clothing, greeting cards, prints, and other one-of-a-kind mementos of Monterey Bay. Gift certificates for the many trips that are offered can also be purchased.
Shop Local Monterey County Gifts
Big Sur Salts are the perfect way to share the flavor of Monterey County with a friend or loved one since they capture the essence of Big Sur in their color, taste, and aroma. The olive oil produced by Dahlkemper Farms is another excellent present option. In the Carmel Valley, the Arbequina olives used to make the olive oil are farmed on the family farm.
Do you have a pal that loves food? The Happy Girl Kitchen Co sells a variety of jams that are prepared from locally preserved fruits, as well as fresh pickles that are locally farmed. The Monterey Bay Food Tours website provides an online marketplace where customers may purchase a wide selection of products handcrafted by local food artists. Of course, you should only leave with tasting the Holy Granola or the Edmondson & Melrose Blended Tea! Organic, vegan, and gluten-free Popcorn is yet another excellent gift option. You may find Whats Popp’n Popcorn at some of the nearby farmer’s markets, where you can purchase their Popcorn in various flavors such as kettle corn, churro, or creep’n jalapeño; alternatively, you can place an order with them through their Instagram account.
Big Sur-based Valley Botanicals is a natural skincare brand that uses only plant-based ingredients in its face serums, lip balms, and face creams. Give your loved ones that place a high value on self-care a product from this collection as a present. Candles from Johnny Wicks make an excellent present for people who want to bring the aroma of Monterey County into their homes. These candles are made with only pure soy wax and are poured by hand. Everhart Candle Company is another excellent choice in the candle category. This shop is operated by a woman who is also a veteran of the United States Air Force, and it sells a wide selection of candles, both seasonal and year-round. You can place your orders with them through their website. Finally, are you looking to offer a present that produces no waste? Products that are kind to the environment may be found at The Green Directive, including shampoo bars, bamboo cutlery, and even dog toys!
Give those cowboys and cowgirls you know a cowboy logo pendant necklace or a commemorative buckle from the California Rodeo Salinas as a present. Visit The Haute Enchilada Art Gallery and look through their selection of unique gifts made by local artists, like jewelry, paintings, books, and more. These presents would be perfect for the art lover in your life. Who do you know who like plants? Give them something from Dirty Girl Plant Co., which has a wide selection of plants, pots, and other materials that any plant enthusiast would enjoy receiving as a present.
The number and diversity of enterprises run by families in Monterey County are extensive and varied. Spending money locally benefits not only individual families but also the overall health and prosperity of the community. Discover the Black-owned, Hispanic-owned, and AAPI-owned companies in Monterey County and show your support by purchasing a one-of-a-kind gift or gift card for a loved one from one of these establishments!
Learn more: The Secret Santa Holiday Gift Guide