The San Fernando Valley and surrounding areas contains an extraordinary collection of artisans and creators who bring vibrancy to the region. This holiday season, we encourage you to support local businesses as much as possible.
Charcuterie LA
Charcuterie LA was founded by women who are committed to blending thoughtfully-curated ingredients with impeccable attention to detail.
Premium produce, cheeses, and meats for their products are sourced from local LA artisans and farmers markets. Perfect for anyone who strives to be conscious of what they consume without compromising on presentation.
Perfect for events and gatherings of all sizes.
@charcuteriela
Creative Fire Kiln and Kitchen
Creative Fire Kiln and Kitchen specializes in producing small batch artisanal hot sauces and handmade ceramic kitchen food prep items. Whether from soil or clay, the garden, the studio or the kitchen, “All good things come from Earth, Fire and Water.”
Cost: $6-$18
CreativeFireKilnandKitchen.com
@creativefirekilnandkitchen
Random Acts of Breadness
Hand-crafted artisan sourdough breads and chef-curated accoutrements make memorable gifts for any occasion. Breadness loaves are organic, gluten-neutral, 3-day process, vegan and made with super-clean ingredients. Ranked #1 on yelp for Best Bread in Burbank!
Cost: $10–$200.
Visit the bakery in Burbank or shop online at breadness.com.
Wine Country Woodcraft
Host your next party in style with Wine Country Woodcraft’s handcrafted Party Plates. Combining beauty and functionality, these lightweight, cherry hardwood boards turn any gathering into a memorable occasion. Like having a third hand, these “charcuteME” plates are great for eating AND greeting. They also make a thoughtful gift!
Cost: $60/set of 4
Thomas Toffee
Handcrafted from the family’s generations-old recipe, Thomas Toffee’s English toffee might prove to be the best toffee you’ve ever tasted. Family-owned and crafted in Agoura Hills. Use coupon code ESFV for a 10% discount on your first order.
Cost: $20-30
Ten Thousand Villages, Pasadena
These products are handcrafted in developing counties all around the globe. Each item is Fair Trade, insuring no child labor and use of ethically sourced materials. Find unique one-of-a-kind items great for gift giving.
Mention this guide for a 20% discount in store at 567 S. Lake Ave., Pasadena.
Product Prices: $4.99-$150
Paradise Pantry
Known for pairing foods and experiences Paradise Pantry offers unique gifts for everyone on your list. Choose from more than 400 cheeses, an expansive wine selection, specialty vendors of jams, nut butters, and chocolates. Not sure? Pair a Gift Certificate and let them choose their own!
Cost: Varies
Bennett’s Honey
Since Bennett’s Honey Farm harvested their first batch of Topanga Quality Honey, the priority has been the bees. Like a fine wine, natural honey gets its distinctive flavor from the flowers, Bennett’s honey is produced in Ventura County, home of the best sage, orange blossom and wildflower fields in California.
Starting at $7
Edible SFV Subscription
And of course, saving our top pick for last, we think that a subscription to Edible San Fernando Valley magazine makes an excellent gift at any time of the year! We produce four print issues per year, full of seasonal recipes, helpful how-to tips, inspiring local stories and useful farm, food and drink resources. Each subscription helps us to continue to support and celebrate the local chefs, artisans and growers who make the Valley and surrounding areas an extraordinary place to live and eat.
Send us an email and we’ll even make sure you have the latest issue to accompany your gift.
Cost: $29
ABOUT THE CONTRIBUTOR
Before becoming a publisher/editor, Tami Chu used her first masters degree in special education to teach middle school and her second masters degree in holistic nutrition to teach nutrition classes in her community. She finds that her current job utilizes every skill she has ever acquired.
