The holiday gift exchange looms. The shopping world seems to be all fuzzy socks, scented candles and coffee gift cards. It’s long after Black Friday, and big box stores are crowded messes with tossed-around inventory from all their “BIG!” “SALES!” Online orders might not arrive in time. But local brick and mortar businesses are here to save you. Here are 15 unique finds—all priced under $30—sold in Sonoma County stores. Click through the above gallery for details.
15 Gifts Under $30 from Sonoma County Stores
You don't need to spend a lot of money to get great gifts.
Old vine opener: Elsie Green vintage style purveyors found these corkscrews that were made from a vineyard's grapevines and given to the property's guests. $24, Elsie Green, The Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-634-0333, elsiegreen.com (Courtesy photo)
For the bartender: For stirring, measuring or pouring, a vintage bar tool adds elegant utility to drink-making. $15 (and up per piece), Elsie Green, The Barlow, 6770 McKinley St., Sebastopol, 707-634-0333, elsiegreen.com (Courtesy photo)
Style Staple: A perfectly classic beanie. $25, Kaliber, 315 D St, Santa Rosa, 707-528-0182, shopkaliber.com (Courtesy Photo)
Beaded Beauties: Give some pretty pops of color. This expandable bracelet is handmade in artisan-rich Morocco. $10, Bay-Ti Home. $175-$250, Bay-ti, 1 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-774-6561, baytihome.com
For the writer, artist or handwriting enthusiast: Century-old Blackwing pencil company makes these quality smooth-but-firm graphite pencils. Perfect to indulge one's love of making marks in the world. $24.95 (set of 12), Chateau Sonoma, 23588 Arnold Dr., Sonoma, 707-935-8553, chateausonoma.com (Courtesy Photo)
Locally spun sweetness: Spinning cotton into design gold, Lichen Lane of Petaluma makes mushrooms, sea life ornaments and more. The delicate details of these creations are a must-see (and have). $18 and up, Flourish, 5 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-971-7666, flourishbayarea.com
Pocketful of seeds: Seed balls, by Santa Rosa-based Seed-o-sphere, can be breezily tossed somewhere outside. The reward for those efforts? Wildflowers! $14, California Sister, 6790 McKinley St. #190, Sebastopol, 707-827-8090, californiasister.com (Courtesy photo)
Perfect pouches: Sweet little circles of suede for coins, lip balm or other sundries. $24, Robindira Unsworth, 115 Petaluma Blvd. N, Petaluma, 707-773-3147, robindira.com
Coffee cone: For those who want intensity of flavor in their coffee, pour-over methods beat regular drip machines. Here's a handmade pour-over tool, a piece in the stunning array of offerings by Hayes Ceramics of Petaluma. $25, Made Local Marketplace, 529 4th St, Santa Rosa, 707-583-7667, madelocalmarketplace.com
Colorful, cozy throw: This pretty blanket is woven in Rosarito, Mexico. It provides a flexible employment opportunity for women whose caretaking responsibilities limit their ability to work. $29, Flourish, 5 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-971-7666, flourishbayarea.com
For the little (or big) collector: These Abiza wood animals are hand carved and painted in a manner described as PolePole (poleh-poleh)—Swahili for “slowly, slowly.” $16, Scout West County, 780 depot St., Suite 140, Sebastopol, 707-827-6045, scoutwestcounty.com (Photo by Michelle Pattee)
Hand painted mugs: Moroccan artisans make these pretty ceramic tumblers. Mix or match. $10 (each), Bay-Ti Home, 1 Fourth St., Petaluma, 707-774-6561, baytihome.com
To soothe sore muscles: For the very active, but often sore person on your list, The Stick is a great massage tool for back and legs. $27.50, Heart and Sole Sports, 900 4th St., Santa Rosa, 707-545-7653, heartandsoleshoessantarosa.com (Courtesy photo)
For the crafter: DIYers tend to have vast supplies of material on hand, but this yarn would be a special addition. It's hand-dyed—using natural materials—at Fiber Circle Studio. $28.50 (per skein) Fiber Circle Studio, 8099 La Plaza, Cotati, Suite H, 707-242-3400, fibercirclestudio.com (Courtesy photo)
A love letter to snail mail: A letterbox with a magnetic opening holds 20 cards featuring prints of stamps from Smithsonian's National Post Museum. $19.95, Tiddle E. Winks, 115 E. Napa St., Sonoma, 707-939-6933, tiddleewinks.com (Courtesy photo)