A good souvenir is a subtle flex, it says you didn’t just visit, you noticed. Travellers who know their way around seek out locally crafted pieces that capture the spirit of a destination. In California, a haven for artists and creativity, those local finds range from handcrafted décor to artisan goods and gourmet delights found statewide.
Artisan Goods
Wild Oaks Apothecary
Bring a bit of California’s wellness culture home with soaps, tinctures, teas, and candles crafted from whole-plant ingredients at Wild Oaks Apothecary in Redding. Each item is designed to support the body and made in the spirit of care, craftsmanship and connection to the land.
Made in Mariposa
As the name suggests, Made in Mariposa is a true community affair. Located in Mariposa, a charming historic town, the nonprofit is a co-op of artisans where visitors can purchase handcrafted items and take classes offered by local jewellers, painters, and sculptors.
DoNapa
Napa makes more than handcrafted wine; its downtown shops reflect its local artistic talent. At Bougie Napa, luxurious hand-poured coconut apricot wax candles invite travellers to bring the scent of wine country home. Dovetail Boutique features handcrafted jewellery, art, fashion and décor, and Jeffries General highlights a featured maker each month in its rotating selection of crafts, gourmet goodies, and art.
Aloft Art Gallery
Representing 45 of Tuolumne County’s top artists, the Aloft Art Gallery cooperative in Sonora is the area’s go-to spot for visitors looking to bring back paintings, photography, ceramics, or jewellery handcrafted in the High Sierra.
Rowdy Skincare
Murrieta’s Rowdy Skincare features a variety of goat milk wellness products crafted using ingredients from the goats at Rowdy Roughneck Ranch. The ranch was founded by a wounded warrior and became his family’s form of therapy. Visitors are encouraged to stop by the farm stand to see how the products are made and connect to the story behind the brand.
Santa Ana Staples
THEMSKATES put Santa Ana and the OC on the global skating map by creating modular, customised skates. Meanwhile, Harveys was born when car lover Dana Harvey turned leftover seatbelts from a car restoration into a handbag for his wife. For over three decades, the signature bags have been an OC style statement.
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Native Star
Connect to San Diego’s Native American roots at Native Star. Founded by Ruth Ann Thorn, a local tribal member dedicated to elevating Indigenous artistry, the boutique showcases contemporary work from Native creators whose craft draws on traditions refined over thousands of years. From jewellery to apparel and décor, the shop offers visitors an authentic souvenir.
Gourmet Specialties
Mendocino Makers
Grab a six-pack of unique ciders at Mendocino’s Gowan Heirloom Ciders, recently named Cider Maker of the Year at the Great American Beer Festival. For a sweet treat, bring back local honey from Mendocino Gold Honey in Ukiah. Spice up your souvenirs with farm-to-jar spices from the Boonville Barn Collective.
Family-Owned Modesto Treats
The Sciabica, Gallo and Cortopassi families from Modesto all achieved global success with speciality food items. Sciabica Olive Oil is the oldest olive oil producer in the country, Stanislaus Foods shares its Italian heritage through its tomato products that are used in restaurants throughout the nation, and E. & J. Gallo Winery is the world’s largest family-owned wine brand.
Mushroom Madness
From lion’s mane to shiitakes, Canyon Creek Mushroom Farm, the first of its kind in Coachella Valley, is a gourmet chef’s dream. The farm sells fresh, dried, and jerky shrooms.
Paso Products
Paso Robles is a Central Coast town where small makers are celebrated. While it’s best known for its many boutique wineries, its authentic handcrafted spirit is evident in the many gourmet producers, including Paso Almonds (don’t miss the brittle and sweet hots!), Mighty Cap Mushrooms, and Brown Butter Cookie Company, which started in Cayucos and now has a location in Paso Robles, serving its famous brown butter and sea salt cookies.
Say Cheese
California cheeses are celebrated at Santa Monica’s Lady & Larder, a cheese and charcuterie hot spot run by twin sisters Boo and Sarah Simms. The shop showcases small-batch, artisanal cheese and meats artfully arranged on beautiful boards.
These artisans prove that the best souvenirs tell a story, connecting travellers to the landscape and creative spirit that make California unique.
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