Hidden Treasures: Best Places To Buy Homemade Gifts In Los Angeles
Cookie Good
www.cookiegood.com
(310) 720-1642 or email info@cookiegood.com
As a self-labeled "writer who bakes," Ross Canter started Cookie Good from his California home in between jobs. Canter's mission is for everyone to feel "cookie good" and that begins the minute you taste one of his mouthwatering treats. From the popular Birthday Cake and Caramel-Pretzel to the unique Mexican Hot Chocolate and $100,000 Bar, Cookie Good makes every day a bite of heaven. Canter's brownies and bars, with flavors such as Banana Cream Pie Blondies and Salted Peanut Butter Brownies, are not to be missed. Cookie Good will delivery your homemade gift anywhere and can be bought directly through the website or you can call or email Canter directly. In addition, a few of his classic flavors can be found at Blue Plate and Greens Up in Santa Monica.
Related: Girls Scout Cookies Go High-Tech
Raven & Lily
1568 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(310) 990-4497
www.ravenandlily.com
A true gem, Raven & Lily's motto of "Empowering women through design" is a philosophy that is evident in the items they sell. Each product in the store is handmade by women from all over the world, including journals and notecards from India and exquisite jewelry from Africa. In addition, the store also offers handmade organic lavender sachets and soap sets. Visit the website to meet the designers, view their work and read their bios--you will be moved by their stories.
Related: Indian Artist Anoushka Shankar
Cheryl Fudge
1010 Montana Ave.
Santa Monica, CA 90403
(310) 393-3333
www.cherylfudge.com
Cheryl Fudge clothing and accessory creations are one-of-a-kind fashion statements. Created by the designer and her artistic team, Cheryl Fudge recycles vintage clothing, jewelry and accessories to re-design dresses, scarves, belts and handbags. Both the Vintage Tie Tube Top and the Reversible Vintage Scarf Halter come in a variety of colors and patterns and go perfectly with your summer white capris or cut off jean shorts. And, don't forget to pick up a signature Cheryl Fudge Vintage Button Ponytail holder to jazz up second-day hair or keep locks at bay while walking on the beach.
Related: Best LA Vintage Shops
Made by DWC
438 S San Pedro St.
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 213-2881
www.madebydwc.org
Made by DWC features handmade items that are created by poverty-stricken, homeless and unemployed women with proceeds from each purchase going directly back to the Downtown Women's Center. The shop features handmade gift items including all-natural soy candles and soaps, repurposed journals and refurbished vintage items. All goods are handmade with love and dedication and truly are one-of-a-kind. Made by DWC also has a café where you can sit for a quick bite from food vendors that are committed to organic and healthy living. The menu offers a variety of sandwiches, salads and pastries and coffee from local manufacturer Groundwork Coffee.
Related: Women Helping Women in LA
Spitfire Girl
2203 Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90026
(213) 989-1977
www.spitfiregirl.com
What began as survival and a creative outlet for a newly divorced housewife, Spitfire Girl has transformed into a thriving business focusing on unique and handmade gifts, clothing and accessories. The two store locations (Los Feliz and Echo Park) feature items like Harry Allen's Grab Hand Hook, which is casted from the designer's own hand and is ideal for holding keys or loose change; Laura Zindel Sparrow Bottle, a hand-crafted ceramic bottle that can be used as part of a table centerpiece or accent in a guest bathroom; and Xenia Taler Tree Tile, a hand-painted ceramic tile that will certainly add dimension and texture to your home décor. In addition, the shop sells handcrafted jewelry from Victoria Bekerman, exclusive leather goods from Barbara Wiggins UK such as the distressed leather clutch and R&L's distinctive pocket notebook.
Related: Green and Sustainable Gifts in LA
