Snow-capped mountains, rolling surf, sky-high redwoods, and serene deserts—California has a lifetime’s worth of natural beauty to explore. To enjoy these simple luxuries, you don’t need anything more than a beating heart and a sense of adventure. That said, a few creature comforts can make getting outside a lot more fun. Think a plush camping blanket with a waterproof seal or a stiff-bristled brush to get the sand out of hard-to-reach places. For the outdoorsy person on your list, consider these made-in-California gifts, inspired by the great outdoors.
SugaMat C2G, $199
Developed by a San Diego–based surfer passionate about reducing his carbon footprint, Suga’s yoga mats are made from recycled wetsuits. Luxuriously thick and flaked with fun colors, the C2G (Cradle to Grave) mat is intended to be the last one your yogi will ever need. (If anything ever happens to their C2G, Suga will replace it for free.)
Ford and Elm Beach Brush, $29
Ford and Elm’s Temecula showroom is where you go to find beautifully designed eco-friendly goods. This clever beach brush features a shark-fin shape and stiff bristles to help you remove sand before you get back in the car. It’s a didn’t-know-you-needed-it gift for the sunbathers, mountain bikers, and new parents in your life.
The Jonsteen Company California Poppy Flower Seed Grow Kit, $11
A sunrise in a single bloom, California poppies open saucer-wide each morning and close tightly at night. This grow kit from a family-owned nursery in McKinleyville comes with 30,000 seeds, enough to pepper a garden or populate a whole field.
Make Smith Leather Co. Field Notes Case, $125
Inspire your beloved naturalist to lean into their inner John Muir with a chic notebook for journaling by the campfire. Every Make Smith item is a product of three generations of Santa Barbara craftsmen, built to last and sustainably produced.
Sketch & Press California Collage Vintage Poster, $9
For the wanderer who is constantly planning her next backcountry adventure, this colorful poster will inspire and delight. Printed in San Francisco and sold by way of a husband-and-wife mercantile in Redding, the illustration features vintage logos from Yosemite, Muir Woods, Kings Canyon, and more.
Arbor Collective Veda Camber Snowboard, $575
From Tahoe to Mammoth, California boasts some of North America’s very best powder. Part board, part art piece, the Veda Camber is crafted from carbonized bamboo and manufactured with 100 percent solar energy by Arbor Collective out of Venice. Even better: The company is focused on rebuilding forests with 500,000 trees planted—and counting.
Slowtide Jensen Camp Blanket, $59
Make picnics and beach days a little cozier with a blanket built for the outdoors. One side features plush recycled fleece while the other is water-repellent to ensure your favorite camper stays dry. Based in Costa Mesa, Slowtide is passionate about prints like this muted blue-and-tan plaid.
Oru Kayak Inlet, $899
Oru founder Ardavan Sobhani grew up in the woods of Mendocino, more than 12 miles from the nearest town. After moving to the Bay Area, he longed for access to the open water—but had no space for a boat. The foldable Oru kayak was born. At a compact 20 pounds, this vessel can be stored almost anywhere, perfect for the urban adventurer on your gift list.
Miche Niche On-the-Go Cutlery Pouch, $27
Handmade in Sacramento by Michelle Adcock (aka “Miche”), this reusable cutlery pouch is a cute way to reduce dependence on single-use plastics—and an ideal companion for camping trips. The kit comes with a cloth napkin and a stainless steel straw, plus a cleaning brush, spoon, fork, knife, and a pair of chopsticks—all made of bamboo.
Grizzly Menswear Scenic High Pile Fleece, $248
Stay warm while adventuring with this cozy-yet-rugged statement piece. The Truckee-based brand Grizzly designs for those living—or longing for—the Lake Tahoe lifestyle. Crafted from 100 percent recycled fleece, the jacket’s design was inspired by mountain sunsets.
