Explore California’s Gold Country
‘Tis the season to go shopping! Make holiday shopping a holiday vacation in California’s Gold Country. From western Main Streets to ma’ and pop’s, find the best gift for everyone on your list without the hassle of shipping delays and- heaven forbid- repeat gifts.
Pay special attention to the pro-tips and sign up for Gold Country newsletters for more!
Sacramento
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 Find Santa at Arden Fair
If you’re not stopping in at a mall for your holiday shopping, are you even really shopping? Tis the season for holiday cheer, and Arden Fair Mall has so much going on. With over 165 stores and restaurants to visit, you’ll be sure to find gifts for everyone on your nice list.
After stopping by the Salvation Army Angel Tree to help purchase gifts for children in need, be sure to make your way to Center Court for a glimpse of the big guy. Santa arrives on Nov. 12. Are you on his nice list? Visit with him to find out.
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Moppet Shoppe
Stop by the Moppet Shoppe for some holiday cheer and unique gifts for all the little elves in your life. This children’s boutique is full of clothing, hair accessories, shoes, plush, and more. With complimentary gift wrap, you’ll have your holiday shopping done in no time and feel good for shopping small.
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Stage Nine
With so many varieties of new and classic toys to choose from, you’ll definitely find that perfect Christmas gift for the toy lover in your life at Stage Nine. And if that’s you, we won’t judge. Who doesn’t want the Star Wars Mandalorian edition of Monopoly or some crew socks with Bob Ross on them? If those don’t tickle your fancy, we’re pretty sure you’ll find something that will.
Shop LGBTQ+
Strapping
If you are looking for something funny, on point, and perhaps a little edgy to give this holiday season, look no further than the Strapping Store. You’ll find items with the perfect message for that special someone. Tell them how you really feel with a pair of socks, a mug, pins, patches, and more. Dubbed as one of the raddest stores in Sacramento, this LGBTQ- owned business invites you in to have a look around – and to find that perfect gift for your favorite humans.
Shop BIPOC
Black Coffee Roastery
Listen, we’re not saying you need a coffee subscription in your life, but every coffee lover should have a coffee subscription in their life. Not only can coffee show up on your doorstep weekly, but you can also purchase coffee gifts, merchandise and a whole lotta freshness at Black Coffee Roastery. With dark roast, decaf and organic flavors to choose from, you can send the gift of a daily cup of joe to all the coffee lovers in your life all the while supporting this Sacramento Black-owned business.
Rancho Cordova
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 Sign up for the Barrel District Passport to taste craft beverages and have the chance to redeem prizes!
#2 Head over to Strad Meadery, which is only a few minutes away from Bliss Marketplace, to taste their delicious flavors. With the Barrel District Passport, you can get a free 1 oz. Flight just by checking in!
Shop Family Owned
Award-winning spirits and meals wait for your arrival at J.J. Pfister Distilling Co. Their Restaurant and Tasting Room offers farm-fresh meals, craft spirit tastings, cocktails. Visit their gift shop for merchandise or purchase online. Don’t forget to check in on your #BarrelDistrictPassport
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It’s nearly impossible to find handcrafted coffee made by an award-winning Head Roaster unless you go to Black Sails Coffee. Purchase their award-winning blends on their website and follow them on Instagram & Facebook for updates on holiday deals.
Shop Women-Owned
Bliss Marketplace Rancho Cordova
Drop by Bliss Marketplace Rancho Cordova to shop for unique Christmas gifts. As you walk around the aisles filled with vendors, you can admire the antique and homemade items. They are only open on select dates, make sure to visit before it’s too late!
Shop Local
Reopening on December 1st, schedule your visit to the Sacramento Children’s Museum! Although they don’t have an online shopping option for merchandise, feel free to purchase their memberships on their website. Use the code LEO22 to get $17 off membership, which is the price of two admissions!
Elk Grove
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 Stop by McConnell Estates Winery and enjoy a tasting at the family’s historic 1800’s farmhouse, a picturesque private lawn, and a recently renovated 100-year-old barn—all with vineyard views. Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
#2 Take a Chalk Paint® workshop at The Red Door before strolling through the historic Old Town Elk Grove. Follow them on Instagram!
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Family-owned and operated, The Secret Garden has been serving The Sacramento area for over 15+ years. They are not just a locally owned business, but a part of the community. In today’s fast-paced world, The Secret Garden continues to bring customers quality products at competitive prices and then back that up with exceptional service. The Secret Garden offers a wide range of products and plants from all over the globe. From windchimes to fountains, plant picks to lip balm, The Secret Garden is happy to introduce you to quality products made in the USA, in California, and often right here in Sacramento. Follow them on Instagram!
Shop LGBTQIA
A Seat at the Table Books, Elk Grove’s bookstore and cafe, uplifts the oppressed and smashes the kyriarchy through books, coffee, and community. A Seat at the Table strives to represent and honor every citizen of Elk Grove’s culture, race, spirituality, gender and sexual identity, size, neurodiversity, and (dis)ability. A Seat at the Table offers books, toys, games, and gifts for all ages; a café with Temple espresso, food, and Kalani Kakes treats; a quiet room for neurodiverse and nursing people; community events; a conference room & coworking space; and a camping-themed play area.
They are the place to go when you need your next favorite book, great coffee, a quick meal, a place for your kids to play while you chat with friends, community connection, education, a last-minute birthday gift, or just somewhere to hang out and be yourself! Follow them on Facebook and Instagram!
Shop BIPOC
Savvy House Coffee Bar
Savvy House Coffee Bar, a half-Black-owned business, is owned and operated by Jamaar and his wife. Jamaar is a Sacramento native, raised in Natomas, Rosemont, South Sac, and currently residing in Elk Grove! His coffee journey started when my wife and I moved to Oakland, CA, for a few years. The first job I landed was at a recently opened coffee shop. After a few jobs in 2017, Jamaar started doing research to invest in a coffee shop. After months of planning, studying coffee, and looking for locations, we found a nice little space in a great part of the town we live in. Doors for business on March 31, 2018! Besides their amazing menu of food, coffee, and tea, Savvy House Coffee Bar regularly hosts events and pop-ups that support the local and Black community.
Placer County
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 Pick up a pie from Ikeda’s Market in Auburn and be the favorite guest at your holiday dinner. Follow them on Instagram!
#2 Refuel during your shopping adventure with a cup of coffee and a slice of cake at the local bakery: The Baker and the Cakemaker in Auburn. You’ll be sure to take home a few extra treats as well. Follow them on Instagram!
Shop and Sip Local
Support local – sip, shop, and explore the Placer Wine Trail during Holidays in the Hills. From Thanksgiving through the New Year, enjoy festive holiday decorations and special activities at participating wineries. Enjoy wine tasting, live music, food trucks, new releases, and shop from local vendors. Bring a new, unwrapped toy to support Toys for Tots. Follow them on Instagram!
Shop Downtown/Main Street
Shop small throughout Placer County. Our downtown businesses are full of unique shops and galleries to find something original for that someone special on your list. Head over to Old Town Auburn, Downtown Auburn, Downtown Lincoln, and Downtown Roseville to explore one-of-a-kind local shops.
Follow them all on Instagram!
- @oldtownauburn
- @downtownauburnca
- @downtownlincolnca
- @godowntownroseville
Shop Local at the Flower Farm
You can spend your whole day soaking up the local goodness at The Flower Farm in Loomis. The Flower Farm Nursery and Gift Shop makes shopping easy with their succulent nursery, outdoor garden art, and gift shop filled with local artisans and décor. After checking off your list, enjoy a delightful lunch from The Flower Farm Café in the beautiful garden setting followed by a wine tasting on the patio at Casque Wines.
El Dorado County
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 Check out the Blacksmith or go Gem Panning at Gold Bug Mine
#2 Don’t miss the opportunity to see “Home Sweet Home or Where to Hang the Holly” Melodrama at Olde Coloma Theatre
#3 Start a new family tradition and cut your own Christmas Tree!
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Historic Main Street Placerville
Winterhill Olive Oil – Find a lot of character and charm in this little store! Not only a great variety of infused oils but lots of locally produced food items (jams, jellies, sauces), Italian-made pasta, pottery, wooden bowls, and cutting boards, furniture made from barrel staves, as well as some lovely original acrylic paintings and watercolors.
Under The Arbor – Under The Arbor is made up of a total of 22 individual vendors plus consignment items. Find unique quality merchandise at affordable prices. Lots of DIY too!
Man Cave – Man Cave/ She Shed Placerville is a local store that specializes in Sports Memorabilia, T-Shirts, Nostalgic Signs, Sports Cards, She Shed Signs, Cut Metal Signs, Neon signs, Beer signs, and much more.
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Boeger Winery – Besides great wines, you will find fun curated gifts that pair perfectly with a bottle or two!
Gold Bug Mine – Hattie’s Gift Shop is a treasure trove of unique gift items. Hand-forged items made by the blacksmith on site.
Calaveras County
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 It’s the perfect time of year to visit Big Trees State Park – but go early as they close entry when the parking lot fills up.
#2 We have plenty of Electric car charging stations, including eight new stations that have just been installed in Copperopolis Town Square.
Shop Local
Come spend time amongst a huge collection of Gold Rush artifacts at the Angels Museum in Angels Camp. Visit the gift shop to find all sorts of locally sourced gifts for the Holidays!
Drink Local
Keep warm this Holiday Season by visiting Calaveras’ first and only distillery, Hinterhaus. Be sure to try the Anarak digestif, it tastes just like the Holidays.
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Spices from all around the world feature in this tiny shop, The Spice Tin in Murphys. The best place to shop to kick off your Holiday cooking.
Tuolumne County
Insider Pro Tips:
#1 This year Sonora is turning into a Christmas Town! Visit from November 26th-December 15th to see Washington Street covered in lights, Christmas trees, window decorations, and much more including the Sonora Christmas Parade!
#2 Travel back in time to Christmas past at Columbia State Historic Park! Shop small for the perfect gift for the history buff or adventure lover in your life!
Drink Local
Cheers to the holiday season! Enjoy one of the deliciously brewed beers in Tuolumne County, like at Around the Horn Brewing Co in Groveland!
Shop Local
Each town in Tuolumne County seems to be more charming than the last! Shop locally throughout them to find unique gifts for everyone in your life!
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Little Roots Toy Store in Sonora is every child’s dream! Complete with puppet theater, play area, and gifts for all ages, you’ll feel like you’ve entered Santa’s Workshop!