I'm going to tell you what the women in your life want, and, it's not another bathrobe. We will gladly take experiences over random “things” that check off boxes. I can't speak for all women but we love self-care! This holiday season, consider supporting local businesses when gifting to your loved ones. It is so important to our local economy and, it feels better. Here are my top San Diego gift ideas, with a non-toxic/holistic wellness flair of course! While many are geared to women, men would also enjoy so many of these ideas! Be sure to follow the places in case they offer Black Friday gift certificate deals.
SPAS
Shop Good - North Park & Del Mar
Absolute best non-toxic skincare and makeup shop with an amazing holistic facial spa. The Natural Lift facial is my favorite facial. It's a facial that includes lymphatic drainage and gua sha. They have great skincare, makeup, and wellness stocking stuffers in store as well. Both locations offer facial services.
Four Moons Spa - Leucadia
Nestled off the 101 next to the railroad tracks, when you step onto the property you like you’ve entered into a desert wellness retreat. It has a super zen vibe that's perfect for calming the nervous system. This holistic haven boasts a large spa menu and offers classes, events, and ongoing services. They offer massages, facials, waxing, scrubs, and an infrared sauna. You can book many services including acupuncture, a private sound bath class, or do a tarot card reading with one of their resident mystics.
Saffron & Sage - Bankers Hill
This holistic health club is a wellness lover's dream. I have taken classes here and received a Reiki session here and it's a beautiful space. Their expansive offerings include cupping, facials, acupuncture, nutrition assessments, Naturopathic services, breathwork, Reiki, IVs, meditation, and more! They also offer membership packages.
Yu Spa - Kearny Mesa
This Koren Day spa has been on my list of places to try for years. I’m determined to make it happen in 2024. I have had many friends go and loved the experience. From multiple saunas, and hot and cold tubs to body scrubs, this is something you want to set aside a few hours to enjoy. If you don't feel comfortable around same-gender nudity, this place may not be for you.
Eco Chateau Wellness Spa - Otay Ranch
This luxury wellness spa offers body wraps, infrared saunas, energy healing reiki, ion foot baths, and even 21-day detox programs! It's a great option for South Bay residents.
The Lullabar - La Costa
A nail salon and coffee shop with childcare. Need I say more? This genius establishment recently opened and I’m here for it. They've created a beautiful space where Moms can be pampered while their children go to daycare. They also offer dance, music, and child development classes.
Non-toxic Nail salons. If you just want a nail salon that offers non-toxic services, check out Paint Nails - in Encinitas or Leo Nails in Brooklyn Heights. Paint just re-opened and I had a lovely experience. Their salon is spacious, they don't use any products with fumes and there are no annoying drills ruining your relaxing experience. Their pedicure area offers comfortable chairs, ceramic foot bowls, and blankets if you are cold. You are also offered mimosas, juice, coffee or tea upon arrival. This will be my new nail salon going forward!
EXPERIENCES
House of Colour - La Jolla
Treat your loved one to a color or style analysis. Louise does an in-depth analysis to find your season and your best colors within it. As I’ve shared many times on my IG, this has had a HUGE impact on my life and how I show up. It’s so fun, grab a friend to go with you so you can “oh” and “ah” together at how amazing you look in your best colors. Louise books far out, so don’t wait to book! I’ve done both the color and style analysis and I highly recommend both.
Breathe Degrees - Carlsbad
Also on my wishlist, this studio leads clients through breathwork, yoga, and then hot and cold plunges. All of my friends who have been are quick to return to experience the invigorating physical and mental benefits from these classes.
Miss Lymph - Carmel Valley
For all my wellness lovers, this one is for you. If you haven't experienced a lymphatic massage, this is your sign. What's a lymphatic massage? To put it simply, your lymphatic system is your immune system. Its role in the body is to protect you from illnesses and transferring/removing all toxic fluid from the body through cellular waste. Sometimes your body need help stimulating the lympathic system to work optimally and keep you healthy! Miss Lymph has offerings that include lymphatic drainage massages, detox sauna body wraps, and vibration therapy.
The MuddHouse Studio - Leucadia
Want to tap into your creative side and get your hands dirty? The Muddhouse Studio is for you. Take a private or group pottery class and then you can sign up for uninstructed wheel time to throw as much pottery as your heart desires.
LOCAL GIFT SHOPS
Pigment - North Park & Del Mar & Point Loma
My personal favorite gift shop. From cheeky cards to mushroom ornaments, they have creative and trendy gifts, decorations, live plants, and clothing. You can find something for everyone in the family here, even babies. I have never gone to Pigment looking for a gift and not left with something amazing!
Wild Island Collective - Normal Heights
If you identify with the phrase, “I think I just need 1 more houseplant”, Wild Island Collective is for you. It’s the cutest plant shop on Adams Ave. that offers yoga classes amidst the plant jungle!
Adobe by Jess Vargas - La Costa
A home decor lover's dream. I love browsing this store. They have gorgeous tapestries, hand-woven bowls, pottery, and gorgeous decor pieces. They also carry some of my non-toxic candles made by Adobe. It's beautifully curated and it is clear everything is intentionally chosen. Adobe products are responsibly sourced, made of high-quality materials, and are chosen with sustainability at top of mind.
Earth + Clay - Sabre Springs
A brand new boutique offering handmade jewelry, women's and children's clothing, and unique artisan gifts. They will be hosting events, workshops, and pop-ups. Opening Saturday!
Artelexia - North Park
Picture Pigment but with a Mexican flair. They offer a wide range of Mexican gifts, art, home décor, and gourmet foods. The store is aesthetically beautiful and you will be sure to find a vibrant gift for everyone in the family.
If you want more gift ideas, I have a brand new Non-Toxic Holiday Gift Guide with many discount codes!