The Napanista Holiday List 2018 (Part 1)
Yes, you CAN find the perfect gift for that special someone, right here in Napa!
It used to be, less than a few years back, that to really find something special for a birthday gift, hostess gift, or Chrismakkah, you had to brave traffic and head to San Francisco or Walnut Creek. I still love my Black Friday shopping in Walnut Creek (50% off pretty much everything, except the ridiculous Brandy Melville a brand my young teenager still insists on supporting, as much as she knows I despise all it stands for).
Well, those days are past and we have many options now. In fact, we have so many options that it is getting harder to go out for a quart of milk, and not be tempted by something irresistible, beckoning from the show windows on First Street. Hallelujah, I rejoice in this new era of retail in Napa. Please spend your money in Napa this holiday. Take my advice, ignore the siren call of the junk email clogging your inbox, turn off the computer and meet a friend downtown for lunch and shopping!
Without further introduction, I offer you The first Annual Napanista Holiday List 2018! It is all personally curated, tested and Napanista Approved!
For the Teen Girl
Shoppe Twelve (730 Main St., Riverfront); easy on the wallet and trendy rotating merchandise. The style is boho chic. They have these really cozy shawl sweaters right now in two lengths. A great layer for Napa winters.
Lush; now in the new downtown shopping center, teen girls go crazy for those bath balls and pretty much everything in this shop. Crack for teenagers!
Francesca's (Bel Aire Plaza near Trader Joe's); always an easy place to pick up a price appropriate trendy gift for a teen girl, and there is always a BOGO sale of some kind
Nomad Chic (At Cornerstone Winery, Sonoma) If your teen is into the SoCal vibe, this has some cute stuff. They also carry the trendy "sunnies" by Quay ( I believe that's the teen word these days for sunglasses- my teen daughter is cringing right now)
Lulu Lemon (Downtown First St); you can't go wrong with a pair of leggings from Lulu, and I am so excited to have our very own Lulu store...finally! Hopefully, their business will pick up so they add more merchandise variety, as for now, it is just the basics.
For the Husband/Boyfriend
Tommy Bahama (in the new shopping center, Napa Downtown); even though it is a chain store, they carry two specific Napa shirts so he can show off his Napa pride
Scott Lyall (614 Main Street on the Riverfront); they carry cool dress shirts by Robert Graham, as well as Scotch and Soda, Tom's sunglasses and unique hats designed by Carlos Santana
Williamson & Co(1144 Main Street, near Mango on Main); they carry the Peter Millar dress shirts, outerwear by Kühl, and Olukai
For the Hostess
MeCox (First Street, downtown); a home decor store, but there are some nice hostess gifts here if you are invited to a special dinner party
Maker's Market (First Street, downtown); a new addition to Napa. Some unique gifts: artisanal and sourced locally or in California
CIA at Copia, this is a must for the hostess who enjoys cooking. Plenty of choices for unique gifts; serving ware and wine-related hostess gifts. Look for the Aplat line of reusable carriers (for wine, platters, etc) they carry.
For a Girls' Holiday Gift Swap
Miyamo; cute and trendy and price points from $20 and up.
Boho Lifestyle; some trendy brands but also some unique jewelry and items by local artists
For Your Very Best Girlfriend (could also be yourself!)
State And First (on First Street at the Archer Hotel entrance); this is luxury stuff, so splurge on a friend you love! I just got a cute Kooreloo handbag there (Mira Sorvino happened to have bought one there the day before I got mine!) They also carry Golden Goose sneakers. (All of my friends out there reading this, remember how deep our friendship is. Hint, hint!)
Kalifornia Jeans Bar. I really love the brands they carry, especially digging Aviator Nation with all those rainbows! The "Namaste in Napa" sweatshirt is a cute gift too.
For your Mother In Law
Artefact Design Salvage (at Cornerstone Winery, Sonoma)
Technically not in Napa, but so worth the excursion! I could easily spend a fortune and an entire day at Cornerstone, and at this specific store...every item is unique and cool.
Napa General Store; many wine-related gifts but also some fun jewelry and home goods and unique Christmas related decor. Important note: 15% discount for locals on Wednesdays! (I could have easily put this under the Hostess category or the Out of Town Friends and Family!)
Roost; an eclectic mix of clothing and gifts- (update 12/4/18: I just saw a for lease sign in their window! Too bad...I think they were struggling a little with the "personality" of the store)
For Friends and Family Out of Town
Create A Napa Care Package: be like Oprah, send everyone you love a pack of muffins from The Model Bakery...they come wrapped in a cute red ribbon for the holidays. You can order on the website for direct shipping, or you can now find them at our Napa Whole Foods. I would also add some goodies by local chocolatier, La Foret, and my favorite granola by Local Eden (sold at Hudson's Produce Stand in the Oxbow). I love the macadamia ginger and peanut butter versions!
Erda Tea; a new local tea purveyor, created by viticulturist, Annie Favia of Favia wines. Organic leaves, hand harvested in Coombsville. Check out the holiday gift pack called First Flush: with three bags of tea and a mini pot.
For the Wellness Enthusiast
CryoAid; I would get them a certificate for a Cryo Session plus Infrared Sauna!
TrueRest; there is two for one Gift Card special going on, so buy one for yourself while you are at it!
Pro Foot Massage (on Jefferson, near the high school); for $30 bucks you can get a certificate for an hour-long foot and body massage. If you haven't tried this place, yourself, you should. Best deal in town!
Wine Country Crossfit: If they really care about wellness, get them moving! A certificate for a month of boot camp, OnRamp, or a certificate for a personalized Nutrition Coaching'
For Your Entire Family
The Napa Valley Give Guide: I highly recommend making it an annual tradition to give your entire family something that helps the community. You can do this easily and make everyone feel like they gave back! You can tailor it to find a gift that suits your family's likes or you can find a gift here that speaks to each member of the family. For example, give to Napa United for your soccer player, Lucky Penny for your theater enthusiast, and Napa Humane, for your pet. There is literally one charity that suits everyone here. Its so easy and fun to peruse all the choices and they all MAKE AN IMPACT on someone's life!
