The holidays are a great time to show family and friends you care with thoughtful, curated gifts. But life is hectic, and while you always have grand plans, we know how things go. Last-minute shopping tends to focus on just getting something instead of finding a gift that’s truly personal.
Don’t be that person who becomes known for generic gifts (that usually end up at a White Elephant gift exchange). We can help. We’ve assembled a variety of home-grown inspiration for everyone on your gift list.
For the foodie
Treat the gourmet in your life to a gift certificate at one of the many local culinary gems. Whether you spoil them with a certificate at a favorite high-end establishment or introduce them to a new-to-them hidden gem, your gift of a dining experience will be appreciated. The best part? Your gift will go a lot farther in January with all the discounts and specials on offer.
There’s no sweeter way to win a chocolate lover’s heart than a gift from Annabelle’s Chocolates. Order a box of homemade sea salt caramels, truffles, or assorted chocolates online and treat yourself to a wine and chocolate flight while you’re at it.
For the cook
Discover a variety of cooking and food-inspired gifts on Historic Main Street in Downtown Placerville and El Dorado Hills Town Center, ranging from wine and cheese to olive oil and more.
For the adventurer
If you have an adventurer, a nature lover, a thrill-seeker, or just someone who is hard to buy for on your list, a whitewater rafting trip is a perfect gift. It’s an experience they will never forget this holiday season! There is no shortage of rafting companies in El Dorado County, and many of them are offering holiday specials worth checking out.
Got someone who’s looking to embrace their inner cowboy? Gift them the experience of horseback riding through vineyards, foothills, and the beautiful terrain in Somerset at Saluti Horse Adventures. Make it an extra-special gift by adding wine tasting at neighboring Saluti Cellars afterward.
For those who prefer cold-weather adventures, the Sierra-at-Tahoe 3-Pak is an ideal option for your favorite skier or snowboarder. Want to give the gift of fun? Try a Tube Tahoe gift card, good for admission during the winter season.
For the oenophile
El Dorado Wines: Give the gift of a wine experience! Tickets to their signature wine festival event, Passport, are always appreciated. The popular spring event gives you access to 20+ wineries on one ticket. Think food pairings, barrel tastings, reserve wines, and much more.
Wine clubs: With over 70 wineries in El Dorado County, there are plenty of choices for bottles, wine clubs, and other gifts. To learn more about the region’s award-winning wineries, start with wine associations, including El Dorado Wine Country, Fair Play Wine Association, Carson Road Wine Association, and the Apple Hill Growers Association.
For the cocktail (and history) aficionado
There’s not one, but two local distilleries offering a range of hand-crafted spirits:
Georgetown Distillery: The Georgetown-based distillery, bar, and restaurant sells several craft spirits that you can try in one of their craft cocktails. Treat yourself while there – their lunch menu features interesting dishes like Quail Wellington and Bourbon Onion Potato Skins.
Dry Diggings Distillery: Named for the original name of Placerville, which refers to the earliest style of (pre-Gold Rush) mining, this distillery has a distinctly Motherlode theme.
For the crafter
The South Lake Tahoe-based Wildwood DIY Boutique showcases a unique variety of local and independent artists, with many goods handcrafted in the Tahoe basin. You’ll find more than gifts and treasures here, however, as Wildwood also offers the tools to do-it-yourself, through workshops, craft kits, books, and supplies. Gift certificates here are valid for workshops or anything in the boutique.
