A Little Something for Your Lady: A Women's Holiday Gift Guide

Gentlemen, the holidays are here and it's that time of the year to spoil the special woman in your life. This gift guide will help you get into the giving spirit and hopefully entice you to shop and explore the local Santa Barbara area. Not only are these gifts unique, the majority also offer opportunities to spend some quality time with your lady, an added bonus. Simply click on the links and pictures to discover more information. Happy holidays!

Rejuvinate

Shangri-La Spa Package from Ojai Vally Inn and Spa, $560

No one can say no to a day at the spa, especially when you spend it in scenic Ojai. This particular package is the full deal including a choice of three classic spa treatments, a lavender or seasonal manicure and pedicure, and lunch at Cafe Verde.

Cuddle Up

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Exotic Faux Fur Blanket from Restoration Hardware, $239

Luxuriously soft and warm, this faux fur blanket is likened to a personal cloud. It's perfect for those rare cold and rainy winter nights in Santa Barbara when you're cozied up by the fire place. Order from our local Restoration Hardware on State Street.

Adventure

"Top Deck" Tour from Captain Jack's, $400

For the adventurous couple who wants a little bit of everything, this tour is the perfect fit. A guide will accompany you throughout your day as you start off by kayaking the Gaviota Coast. Next, enjoy lunch at a secluded resort, horseback riding through the beautiful mountains, and, to top it all off, wine tasting at two local Santa Barbara wineries.

The Ultimate Luxury

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Paraiba Tourmaline Earrings from Silverhorn Jewelers, contact Silverhorn for pricing

Jewelry is a classic and timeless way to express your love for someone. Silverhorn jewelers in Montecito has a variety of unique and elegant pieces that are sure to impress. They also have gem carvings, mineral specimens, gem stones, and other stunning objects of art available so be sure to explore their entire store.

Splurge Day

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"49 Square Miles" Outfit (left) from Wendy Foster, total $1,658

Back to the basics: a new outfit never hurt anybody. Wendy Foster is a high-end fashion boutique with locations in Montecito, State Street, and Los Olivos. This store has clothing options for every type of woman - from casual to business attire, accessories to small gifts, this place has trendy written all over it. Buy her a full outfit or take her on a shopping spree, if that's more your cup of tea; there are plenty of delicious restaurants nearby to make this a splurge day for your special lady.

For the _____ In Your Life: A Men's Holiday Gift Guide

During the holiday season you want to impress that special someone with a gift that's as incredible as they are. Good news: we're here to help. This men's holiday gift guide has a little something for every type of personality to ensure that each individual's unique needs are satisfied. These distinct items may be purchased or experienced locally in Santa Barbara, simply click on the pictures and links to discover more information!

Surfer

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9' 10" Andreini Owl Tribute Vintage Longboard from Surf-n-Wear's The Beach House, $1,650

Winter has arrived and so has the swell. What better way to ride those long waves at Rincon than with a vintage longboard from a local surf shop established in 1962. Sounds like a surfer's fantasy!

Food Fanatic

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Farmer's Market-To-Fork Dining Experience from the Four Season's Biltmore Santa Barbara, contact the Biltmore for pricing 

With Executive Chef Alessandro Cartumini as your escort, visit the local farmer's market to select fresh produce. Then, continue your journey with a private cooking class; finish off the experience with a remarkable four-course lunch and wine pairing at the oceanfront Bella Vista restaurant. Guests at the Biltmore resort are invited to partake in this gourmet dining experience, so book a room and enjoy a romantic day!

Business Man

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42 mm Burberry Round Leather Strap Watch from Nordstrom, $695

Keep things classy and traditional with this Burberry watch. It's available at Nordstrom in the Paseo Nuevo Mall in a variety of colors, making it a quick buy but a guaranteed timeless piece.

Adventurous Spirit

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Hot Air Balloon Ride from Cloud9Living, $432 for two people

The sky's the limit with this fantastical adventure! Experience a Santa Barbara sunrise and California wine country from an entirely different perspective. And to top it off, enjoy complimentary champagne and a continental breakfast upon landing.

Health Conscious

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Fitness Retreat from Sky Ranch Fitness, $2,900 for 4-day all inclusive trip

Fitness, nutrition, and rejuvenation are the highlights of this retreat. Whether you're trying to kickstart a healthy lifestyle or simply desire a wholesome fitness trip, this gift is great for every fitness level. Hikes, training, healthy cuisine, therapeutic spa treatments, personal coaching, and a 4- or 6-day stay at the Bacara Resort and Spa are all included.

Montecito Luxury Gift Guide: For Him

As the second installment to our 2012 Montecito Luxury Holiday Gift Guide, here's a look at some fabulous gifts for him. Happy Holidays! PART 2: FOR HIM

1. With warmer temps and a year-round outdoor lifestyle, what Montecito guy wouldn't want his very own outdoor gourmet pizza oven? This little beauty will be the hit of the party, and blends in fabulously with other stainless steel outdoor kitchen hardware. Its gas flame mimics the heat of a wood-burning pizza oven, and can cook a perfect neopolitan-style pizza in just 3 minutes.  Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet Artisan Fire Pizza Oven, $6,495

2. If Tom Brady is wearing UGGS, perhaps your guy will want to? While UGGS may still be a brand that registers primarily with women, the Santa Barbara based company has stylishly expanded their men's line.  These cozy velvet slippers are irresistible, complete with the infamous sheepskin lining. UGG Mens Ascot Velvet Slippers, $130

3. The perfect stocking stuffer for guys of all ages! Saxs Fifth Avenue has stocked up on the ultimate man refuelling system, complete with face wash, shave cream, moisturizer, lip balm, soap and hand salve. Kiehl's Since 1891 Ultimate Man Refuelling System, $58

4. What Montecito holiday isn't complete without a trip to the beach? Stylize your man with Ray-Ban's latest twist on their classic aviator style with luxurious leather touches, available at Nordstrom.  Ray-Ban 'Outdoorsman' 58mm Polarized Aviator Sunglasses, $239

5. Generally the waves are great this time of year on the Central Coast. These locally made custom wood surfboards are as light as foam boards but should last a lifetime and look amazing. Made with a 100% recycled foam core and highly sustainable wood, the Sugar Glider is a classic longboard available between 9' and 9'8". Timberline Surfboards Custom Sugar Glider Longboard, $1,800

Montecito Luxury Gift Guide: Deck The Halls

To get everyone it the mood for the holiday season, we've put together a 2012 Montecito Luxury Holiday Gift Guide. Each week we'll cover a new topic, including gifts for the home, him and her. Happy Holidays! PART 1: DECK THE HALLS

1. This year succulents have become in staple in home decor, adding beautiful accents in seaside communities such as Santa Barbara and Montecito.  This gorgeous faux succulent wreath by Botanik of neighboring Summerland is the perfect addition to holiday decor and will last year after year.  Botanik Succulent Wreath $195

2. What could be more luxurious than toasting family and friends with a crystal-clad champagne flute? Swarovski Crystalline Toasting Flutes, $390

3. Don't forget the perfect wine for your upcoming holiday parties. Look locally for a varietal that will wow even the most discerning guest. Just this year, Wine Spectator awarded Vogelzang Vineyards with an outstanding rating for their 2010 Sauvignon Blanc Reserve, receiving 92 points. In sunny Santa Barbara, a Sauvignon Blanc pairs perfectly with appetizers and seafood even during the winter holidays. Want to really impress your guests? Purchase the entire 180-acre Santa Ynez Valley Vogelzang Vineyard, currently listed with Rebecca Riskin & Associates. 2010 Vogelzang Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc Reserve (12 bottles), $384; Vogelzang Vineyard, Happy Canyon, $7,250,000

4. When decking the halls, don't forget to deck your pooch! To make a real impression at your next holiday gathering, fasten this striking genuine leather bow tie on your favorite four-legged friend and turn on the charm. D.O.G. Pet Boutique Bow Wow Tie Collar, $69.95

5. Deck the halls of your Santa Barbara or Montecito Beach Home with a fabulous driftwood tree. Restoration Hardware's decorative trees are handcrafted by artisans with natural driftwood and promise to provide the perfect touch of seaside shabby chic. Restoration Hardware Driftwood Tree (35"), $125

Our Montecito Holiday Gift Guide

1. Lend some warmth to your loved ones with the Hermés lightweight jacquard blanket. The equestrian print fits perfectly in a Hope Ranch estate or a Montecito Country Estate, not to mention, the Hermés family are Montecito residents. Hermes Finish Blanket, $1850

2. This Jo Malone candle will turn a house into a home with one flick of a match. Bring one when you visit your favorite hostess. Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir Luxury Candle, $400

3. Look locally for the bottle of vino that will wow even the most discerning wine connoisseur. With Jonata's luxurious cab, you can bet you'll bring something new to the table (and to your friends' palates)-- the ultra exclusive winery is one of the best-kept secrets of the California wine industry. Jonata Wines 2008 El Desafio de Jonata, Cabernet Sauvignon, $125

4. Montecito's beaches wouldn't be the same without the its residents' ubiquitous, beloved pooches. A bed with graphics as appealing as luxury pet brand, Blueblood's, not only makes a great gift for Fido, but looks wonderful in a Montecito beach estate. Blueblood "Cardiff By The Sea" Trellis Bed, $105-210

5. Wrap an electronic gift as exquisitely as possible with Chloe's tablet case. The tassels add a touch of couture to the simply sleek design. Chloé Leather iPad Case, $600

6. Local jeweler Daniel Gibbings presents an African-style, gold-and-silver confection. The exotic look honors the bohemian-chic style Montecito has become known for. Daniel Gibbings Safari Five Strand Cross Gold and Silver Elephant Hair Bracelet, $245