California Deserts Gift Guide

It’s impossible to leave a trip to the California Deserts without a souvenir. The desert community is made up of creators, free thinkers, makers, and entrepreneurs. In turn, there are countless shops that beg you to pop your head in and look around. Although we all might not be able to travel to Joshua Tree and pick up a souvenir ourselves before the holidays, we can still support these small businesses from afar. Here’s a curated list of five small businesses in the California desert that offer gifts you can buy online. Give the gift of the desert and support the local business community.

#1

Thick as Thieves - Palm Springs, California

 
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*Featured in Issue 2:California Deserts

Thick as Thieves is a boutique home goods store started by a husband and wife duo from the Midwest, Sam and Jeremy. They’ve got a hip and well-curated collection of handmade goods, gifts, clothing, and other fun and unique things. Grab a postcard for grandma or a blanket for home.

Gift Ideas:

 

#2

Windmill City Super #1 - Palm Springs, California

 
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Windmill Super #1 is a new shop in Palm Springs, but the owners are not new to the neighborhood. Super #1 is a brick and mortar store for Windmill City Screen Printing. This new shop is full of locally-crafted goods. Their shop is perfect for any desert lover.

 

Las Palmas Brewing Company - Palm Springs, California

#3

 
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*BIPOC-owned business + featured in Issue 2:California Deserts

Las Palmas is a local brewery and natural wine bar serving up pizza and tacos on the weekends. The shop was started by Reynoldo, a first-generation Mexican American, and Sam, the brewmaster, is from LA. If you’re not able to pop in for a drink, order their merch online––it’s perfect for any hip wine lover.

Gift Ideas:

 

Roaming Travelers - Joshua Tree, California

#4

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Roaming Travelers is another husband and wife duo who came to the West Coast from a small town in Connecticut. They recently opened up this brick-and-mortar store in JT and sell clothes, home goods, art, and more.

 

#5

Shop(pe) - Palm Springs, California

 
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*BIPOC-owned business + featured in Issue 2:California Deserts

Shop(pe) is a combination ice cream and gift shop (hence the name). Their shop selection is as varied and unique as their ice cream flavors. Looking for a pool floaty? The'y’ve got it. A greeting card for Mom? They’ve got that too.

Gift Ideas:

 

Other Notable Mentions:

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