If you want Santa Barbara to have wonderful independent shops, you need to support them. So this holiday season—and year-round, really—make an effort to spend your money here. I’ve done some advance work, picking out possible gift items at the Santa Barbara Museum of Art and Mate Gallery at the Montecito Country Mart. First up, the art museum’s gift shop:
Vagnbys Cool Carafe ($60): you impale fruit on the skewer.
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With the Buddha Board ($40), the medium is water, the effect ephemeral.
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The retro-cute Muzen radio ($139) plays actual radio stations and functions as a speaker for your phone.
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A hot mess of a Dolly Parton Christmas ornament ($21). Also pictured: Bob Marley and Stevie Wonder.
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Ramen socks ($23).
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The Vincent mug, named after you-know-who ($28).
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And now, Mate Gallery:
Miansai anchor bracelet ($75); they’ll be the envy of the yacht club.
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Wood-bead bracelets ($5) in a rainbow of colors.
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Sea urchin candles ($20 for two).
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Vintage Santa demitasse cups, probably designed for eggnog but totally acceptable for whatever gets you through the season.
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It’s only polite to say thank you ($24 for six).
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Previously:
••• Part 1: Gear and The Blue Door
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