Shop Local This Holiday Season: Thoughtful Last Minute Gifts from Our Favorite Small Businesses
As the holidays approach, we’re reminded that some of the most meaningful gifts don’t come from big box stores, they come from the small, locally owned businesses that give our community its character. Shopping local isn’t just about convenience or charm, it’s about supporting neighbors, preserving craftsmanship, and keeping the spirit of Monterey, Carmel and Pebble Beach thriving.
If you’re still searching for thoughtful last-minute gifts, our team has curated a list of favorite local businesses offering memorable, high-quality finds that are perfect for everyone on your list.
Mad Dogs & Englishmen Bike Shop & Coffee Bar (Carmel & Cannery Row)
A true Carmel icon, Mad Dogs & Englishmen blends adventure, community and charm into one unforgettable experience.
Perfect gift ideas:
- Guided bike tour gift certificates
- Branded apparel and accessories
- A cozy coffee stop before or after exploring town
This is a gift that creates memories, ideal for visitors, active locals, or anyone who loves experiencing the Peninsula from a new perspective.
Photo from maddogsandenglishmen.com
Tancredi & Morgan
Elegant, curated, and effortlessly chic, Tancredi & Morgan is a go-to for elevated gifts with a personal touch. Their thoughtfully sourced collections make holiday shopping feel special.
Gift ideas:
- Candles, home fragrances and décor
- Stylish accessories and unique keepsakes
- Beautifully packaged hostess or thank you gifts
Perfect for anyone who appreciates refined design and timeless details.
Holman Ranch Winery
Few gifts say “holiday warmth” quite like a beautiful bottle of local wine. Holman Ranch Winery captures the essence of Carmel Valley with wines that feel both celebratory and intimate.
Gift ideas:
- Bottles or curated wine sets
- Wine club memberships
- Winery experiences and tastings
An ideal gift for hosts, clients, family, or anyone who enjoys gathering around the table.
Photo from holmanranch.com
Sugar Farms Marketplace
If you’re looking for cozy, delicious, and locally made gifts, Sugar Farms Marketplace is a holiday treasure. Their selection is perfect for last-minute gifting without sacrificing thoughtfulness.
Gift ideas:
- Local honey, jams and gourmet treats
- Artisan pantry items
- Ready-to-gift baskets and seasonal goodies
These gifts feel homemade, heartfelt, and wonderfully festive.
The Nut Hut
A longtime local favorite, The Nut Hut offers nostalgic charm and irresistible treats that feel like the holidays in every bite.
Gift ideas:
- Roasted nuts and specialty mixes
- Chocolate-covered treats
- Easy grab-and-go gifts perfect for stockings
Refuge
Sometimes the best gift isn’t something to unwrap, it’s an experience. A gift certificate to Refuge offers rest, renewal, and total relaxation.
Gift ideas:
- Gift certificates for soaking and spa experiences
- A meaningful gift for anyone who deserves a moment to unplug
Photo from SeeMonterey.com
European Jeweler & Goldsmith
For a gift that lasts forever, European Jeweler & Goldsmith offers beautiful craftsmanship and timeless design.
Gift ideas:
- Fine jewelry and custom pieces
- Meaningful heirloom quality gifts
- Special occasion and milestone jewelry
River House Books
There’s nothing quite like the gift of a good book. River House Books is a cozy, independent bookstore filled with thoughtfully chosen titles.
Gift ideas:
- Bestselling novels and local interest books
- Children’s books and keepsakes
- Journals and literary gifts
Spencer’s Stationery
Classic, refined, and beautifully curated, Spencer’s Stationery is perfect for anyone who loves handwritten notes and timeless paper goods.
Gift ideas:
- Luxury stationery and cards
- Pens, planners and desk accessories
- Personalized gifts with a thoughtful touch
Lula’s Chocolates
Sweet, indulgent, and handcrafted, Lula’s Chocolates brings holiday magic to life with every bite.
Gift ideas:
- Artisan chocolates and truffles
- Beautifully boxed confections
- Crowd pleasing gifts for hosts, friends and clients
Photo from LulasChocolates.com
Diggity Dog Boutique
Because pets deserve holiday gifts too, Diggity Dog Boutique is a must-stop for thoughtful, stylish finds for the furry members of your family. This charming Carmel shop curates high quality, design-forward pet goods that feel just as special as gifts for people.
Gift ideas:
- Luxury dog toys and cozy beds
- Stylish collars, leashes and apparel
- Gourmet treats and pet-friendly stocking stuffers
Perfect for dog lovers, new pet parents, or anyone who believes four-legged friends should celebrate the holidays in style.
Happy Girl Kitchen
Beloved for its cozy café and farm-to-jar philosophy, Happy Girl Kitchen is a local favorite that celebrates simple, thoughtfully made food.
Gift ideas:
- House-made jams, pickles and preserves
- Pantry staples and ready-to-gift jars
- Gift cards for café visits and market shopping
Perfect for food lovers, hosts, or anyone who appreciates locally sourced goodness.
Photo from HappyCow.net
Carmel Surf Shop
For a gift with true coastal spirit, Carmel Surf Shop brings laid-back California style and ocean culture together in one iconic local shop.
Gift ideas:
- Surf-inspired apparel and cozy hoodies
- Hats, accessories and beach-ready gear
- Gifts for surfers, beach lovers and ocean enthusiasts
A great pick for anyone who feels most at home by the sea.
Why Shopping Local Matters
When you shop local, you’re doing more than checking items off a list, you’re investing in the heart of our community. Local businesses create the atmosphere, lifestyle and sense of place that make living on the Monterey Peninsula so special. They’re part of what turns neighborhoods into communities.
This holiday season, we’re grateful for the small businesses that make our area feel like home, and proud to support them alongside our clients and neighbors.
