Part II: North Lake Tahoe Gift Guide: Handmade Gifts
In the first part of this two-part series, we focused on North Lake Tahoe-inspired gifts that you experience rather than consume—adventures, tours, and excursions. But not everyone on your list can make it to North Lake Tahoe this year. And some people prefer a more traditional gift, something to unwrap and treasure. In the spirit of shopping local and giving unique, memorable, earth-friendly gifts, this piece focuses on handmade gifts from local artisans.
Jewelry
There are so many talented jewelry artists in North Lake Tahoe. Browse local, handmade jewelry at Riverside Studios Truckee, Bespoke Truckee, Trunk Show, and the studios of artists like Lorien Powers. This brass Apache blessing cuff from Krista Tranquilla ($69) is elegant and inspiring.
Hand-crafted in North Lake Tahoe from natural, earth-friendly ingredients, home and body products from Sierra Essentials are healing and useful. I especially like the cocoa mint hand and foot balm ($13), which makes a great stocking stuffer.
Local wine from Truckee River Winery is always a welcome gift. Try the 2014 Chalk Hill Malbec ($58), described as a “truly hedonistic wine,” with “aromas of cedar box, violets and leather, spiced blackberry and toasted oak flavors.” Buy a case of the Red Barn Red Table Wine ($26 per bottle) to serve with your holiday meal.
Spirits
Make Tahoe Blue Vodka, an award-winning local vodka made with Tahoe water, the star ingredient in your holiday cocktails. Pick up a few extra bottles for easy holiday gifts, or throw together a cocktail basket with fixings for one of Tahoe Blue’s signature cocktails, like the “Tahoe Pumpkin Pie,” crafted with Tahoe Blue Vodka, Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur, Amaretto Disaronno and Saint Elizabeth Allspice Dram Liqueur.
Foodies will appreciate a curated selection of olive oil and vinegar from Tahoe Oil & Spice. Choose from over 50 varieties of infused oil and vinegar, plus spices, rubs and honey. Visit the tasting room in downtown Truckee to try before you buy.
Shop for handmade sweets and chocolate at Tahoe City Chocolates, a small, locally-owned confectionery with a carefully-curated collection of homemade and vintage candies, perfect for stuffing stockings. For an unexpected but delicious combination of intense flavors, try the grapefruit-habanero truffles.
Gift a handmade leather piece from local artist, Kahlil Johnson. I especially love the toiletry bags and wallets, which are simple but lovely. Prices range from $22 for a simple wallet to $225 for a shoulder bag. You can buy a piece online or browse at Riverside Studios Truckee.
Shop for handmade custom soaps, bath bombs, and scrubs at Lather & Fizz Bath Boutique , online or in Olympic Valley or Tahoe City. The Milk & Honey Face & Body Sugar Scrub ($29.95) is a treat.
Browse the shops in downtown Truckee and you are sure to stumble upon a unique ceramic piece from a local artist. I especially like the one-of-a-kind bowls, mugs and tumblers from local ceramic artist Alanna Hughes. You can buy them online or browse her collection at Riverside Studios Truckee. A pair of tree tumblers or mugs ($32-$36 each) makes a cozy gift for a couple.
To visit Happy Cabin during your trip to North Lake Tahoe / Tahoe Vista / Kings Beach, click here.
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