If we want Santa Barbara to have wonderful independent shops, we need to support them. So this holiday season—and year-round, really—let’s make an effort to spend our money here. I’ve done some advance work, picking out possible gift items at Domecíl (above), The Daisy, Chicken Little, Italian Pottery Outlet, and Art Essentials, with many more shops to come. (This series of posts ends up costing me money because I keep buying stuff.) And of course there’s far more at these stores—and all over town!—than whatever catches my eye.
First up, Domecíl in Victoria Court:
Domecíl owner Stephanie Payne-Campbell’s recent trip to Mexico City surely inspired this cast-iron tortilla press ($60), which pairs well with heirloom red corn masa harina ($15).
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Nothing against Post-Its, but to-do lists look much better on a chic wolf notepad ($11). Here’s something to write down: Victoria Court’s holiday artisan market is Saturday, December 13 (10 a.m.-4 p.m.).
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“The melodic jingle of Kashiwagi bells ($32) is considered the quintessential sound of summer in Japan. They date back to 1686 and are made of a copper and zinc alloy. People often write a wish or intention on the paper to set it out into the universe.”
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Domecíl now has its own hand-poured vetiver candle, made with food-grade soy wax ($78).
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Shuffle in style with Liberty playing cards ($14).
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Just across the way is The Daisy:
I never made it to San Francisco’s Queens restaurant/shop before it closed, so this buchim garu, or savory Korean pancake mix ($16), will have to suffice.
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And I have yet to try Sqirl in L.A., so I may keep this fruit spread for myself, too ($15). When I said these posts cost me money, it wasn’t necessarily because I was buying gifts for other people.
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Who can resist a cookie named after a cat’s tongue ($12)?
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And across the street is Chicken Little:
Go ahead and laugh, but you can do quite well with little stuffed animals ($25).
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“Ping pong without the table” ($30) is only advisable for those who have a doorway that doesn’t get much use.
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A child who receives a toy drum ($38) may not remember who gave it to him, but his parents will never forget.
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Next up, the Italian Pottery Outlet:
“Beware of dog” just sounds better in Italian ($35). Also, bear in mind that everything in the store is 20% off through December 1.
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The shop has an impressive array of books for those of us who like a potent potable. Hidden in back is The I ❤ Trader Joe’s Cocktail Book ($20), with recipes using ingredients from the grocery store. And a shoutout to whoever came up with the title of the book in front.
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Add a little color—and welcome kitsch—to the table with fruit-and vegetable serving utensils ($43).
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Or just fill a big bowl of shiny ceramic produce ($15 each).
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Supplement whatever your purchase(s) with a free postcard highlighting the County Courthouse and the Mission.
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And finally, Art Essentials:
Creative types are probably happiest if you just buy them a gift card for art supplies, but it’s nice to have something more substantial to unwrap—like a soapstone carving kit ($30).
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But be careful with this one ($15).
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Either way, splurge on nice paper. It makes all the difference.
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