The Holiday Gift Guide

12.08.2023 | Heal the Bay

News

Holiday shopping doesn’t need to be stressful (or unsustainable!). The staff at Heal the Bay are here to help you find unique, sustainable, & local gift ideas for everyone on your list. Check out the guide below, curated by members of the Heal the Bay team!

For the plastic-free lifestyle. This gift is perfect for those looking to ditch plastic, prevent food waste, and save money. It has been a game changer in my kitchen and is great for anyone who cooks for one (or two) at home. - Nancy, Senior Watershed Specialist Food Huggers $16.99, available at foodhuggers.com The IceFlow Flip Straw Tumbler, Stanley $35, available at stanley1913.com A sturdy, reusable bottle is a must-have for your eco-conscious loved ones. Stanley is an iconic brand that offers a huge variety of sizes, styles, and colors that are sure to please anyone on your list. - Sheila, Associate Director of Development

Food Huggers

The Iceflow Flip Straw Tumbler, Stanley

For the upcycled interior decorator. For the upcycled interior decorator hand-made drink accessories available at etsy.com/shop/StaveAndVine Got a whiskey or wine lover on your gift list? Check out the hand-crafted bottle openers, coasters, wine glass caddies, and other unique gifts upcycled from authentic whiskey and wine barrels, made by the SoCal-based Stave and Vine. - Stephanie, Beach Programs Manager hand-turned wood bowls available at etsy.com/shop/KingWoodDesign These expertly hand-turned wood bowls are made out of repurposed and reclaimed wood and are a beautiful accent or centerpiece. - Stephanie, Beach Programs Manager

Upcycled Drink Accessories, Stave and Vine

Hand-Turned Wooden Bowls, King Wood Designs

For the small-batch candle lover. For the small-batch candle lover Prepare to be transported to far-off magical lands with Mythologie Candles' unique selection of fantasy-inspired scents! Their eco-friendly candles are perfect for anyone in your life who loves a bit of whimsy or is simply addicted to scented candles like I am. Plus, your purchase supports a woman-owned small business. - Ava, Watershed Program Coordinator Mythologie Candles starting at $25, available at mythologiecandles.com Flor de Nopal Candle $32, available at earthycorazon.com Located in East Los Angeles, Earthy Corazon is a Latina-owned business offering products ranging from candles to body care (I love their body butters!) that are made with locally sourced ingredients and inspired by nature. Their Flor de Nopal scent is fresh and grounding and is inspired by cactus flowers. - Kayleigh, Senior Manager of Outreach

Flor de Nopal Candle, Earthy Corazon

Mythologie Candles

For the sustainable early bird Unitea Teapot, Kinto $30, available at re_grocery re_grocery is a package-free grocery store with three locations in LA. Pair this sleek, simple teapot with one of their many loose-leaf teas, all the makings of a zero-waste gift set for the tea lover in your life. - Annelisa, Associate Director of Science and Policy seasonal baked goods available at Proof Bakery Co-Op Proof Bakery in Atwater Village bakes some of the most delicious pastries in all of Los Angeles. Proof is an equitable, worker-owned cooperative. Stop in and grab some of their seasonal treats for your loved ones this holiday season! - Cameron, Senior Communications Coordinator

Unitea Teapot Kinto, re_grocery

Seasonal Baked Goods, Proof Bakery

For the eco-friendly kid (or kid at heart), Umvvelt is a SoCal designer who makes great ocean-inspired apparel and pins. I love these pieces because I wear them weekly as I share ocean inspiration with aquarium visitors! - Cat, Public Programs Coordinator Umvvelt Dumbo Octopus Bucket Hat $35, available at umvvelt.fish Meemzy Magic sensory kits provide children the opportunity to actively use their senses during play. The kits are made with bamboo, wood, and all-natural materials. - Stephanie, Beach Programs Manager Meemzy Magic eco-friendly sensory kits $49, available at meemzymagic.com

Eco-Friendly Sensory Kits, Meemzy Magic

Dumbo Octopus Bucket Hat, Umvvelt

For the conscious trendsetter. Tower 28 Beauty starting at $24, available at tower28beauty.com Named for LA Lifeguard Tower 28, this skin care and makeup brand goes beyond sustainability. Environmental impact is at the core of every decision and product. SOS Rescue Spray is a must gift and self purchase! - John, VP Development Grey Fossilized Coral Ring $160, available at karlitadesignscollection.com KARLITA DESIGNS is a Latina-owned small business based in Los Angeles. This stunning, hypo-allergenic ring features Grey Fossilized Coral. - Alison, Director of Communications

Grey Fossilized Coral Ring, KARLITA DESIGNS

SOS Skincare, Tower 28 Beauty

For the urban enthusiast. A Book About LA available in-store or online at skylightbooks.com “Skylight Books is an independent bookstore that offers a massive range of both popular and rare titles, including a large selection of books about LA! I recommend The History of Forgetting: Los Angeles and the Erasure of Memory by Norman Klein.” - Cameron W., Senior Communications Coordinator Ridwell Membership starting at $14, available at ridwell.com “Ridwell offers a subscription-based service for hard-to-recycle items. You bag them; they pick them up. Makes for a a great eco-conscious family or corporate gift.” - John S., VP Development

The History of Forgetting: Los Angeles and the Erasure of Memory by Norman Klein, Skylight Books

Ridwell Membership

 

*The items and brands on this list are not endorsed by Heal the Bay.

NEED LAST MINUTE GIFTS YOU DON’T NEED TO WRAP: Give the Gift of Experience

Not every great gift needs a bow. Heal the Bay has no-wrapping-required gift options for you!

For the future marine scientist in your life: Gift Heal the Bay Aquarium Winter Science Camp, perfect for kids from kindergarten to 5th grade, our Winter Sessions are open from January 2 to January 5, 2024.

For the impossible-to-shop-for Secret Santa Recipient: Give a Heal the Bay Gift card, good to use on all items in the shop, at Heal the Bay ticket events, and visits to the Heal the Bay Aquarium.

For the Animal Activist on your Gift List: Gift a Heal the Bay Aquarium Membership which includes unlimited free visits, exclusive member benefits, and valuable discounts.