Last-Minute Local Holiday Gift Ideas

It happens to the best of us. We think we’ve got it all under control, and suddenly it’s December 23rd and the only thing under the Christmas tree is a couple of stray pine needles. When in need of quick holiday gift inspiration, look no further than local San Diego businesses, ready to supply us with a sleigh full of goodies.

Once the big boxes are wrapped and set in place, there are still those dangling stockings that beg to be filled. If your loved ones aren’t getting a lump of coal this year, San Diego restaurants, spas, and shops are offering the perfect last-minute fix. Shop local and finish off the season in style with these local gift ideas.

The Sanctuary Day Spa

At the Sanctuary Day Spa, you can give yourself a little love and spread it along, too. When you receive any treatment at The Sanctuary Day Spa, you’ll be given a $20 gift card, perfect stocking-size. It’s the gift that keeps on giving, where you and the recipient of choice will find tranquility in the all-organic treatments. The Ocean Beach day spa offers everything from waxing, to massages, facials, make-up application and then some. Or, take a bigger step into self-health with the aesthetic vacuum massage, reducing cellulite and detoxifying cells. Total wellness packages that make an ideal gift include the Wow Brow Package featuring a brow lift and brow shaping, the Lover’s Bliss Couples Massage, A Day at the Sanctuary Package, and combos for the Bride and Groom. The Sanctuary Day Spa proudly carries Leaf and Rusher, Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics, Eminence and Enessa products.

GoCar Tours San Diego

Gather up the family this holiday season and see a new side of San Diego in the world’s first GPS-guided storytelling car. The latest sightseeing option, GoCar Tours San Diego, is giving locals and visitors alike the chance to jump in and cruise around San Diego’s finest landmarks. The miniature yellow cars narrate fun and educational stories as renters drive through the Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Little Italy, Seaport Village, Cabrillo Monument and other main or quirky San Diego attractions. Perfect for a family fun gift idea, GoCar Tours San Diego is open Christmas and New Year’s Day. Save up to 50% off rental prices when you mention DiscoverSD (reservations required). For more information and to book your GoCar Tour, visit gocartours.com.

Urban Girl Accessories in Del Mar Plaza

While the Del Mar Plaza is full of hidden gems, Urban Girl Accessories is a top spot when shopping for the chic and stylish woman. Most popular for the season are the wide selection of TOMS shoes, available in Tinys, Youths, Women’s, Men’s and Wedges. These pay-it-forward purchases make the world a better place, as TOMS donates a pair to a child in need with every pair sold. Following this trend, Urban Girl is also introducing the new TOMS Eyewear, helping give sight to a person in need. Urban Girl Accessories is the perfect place to shop this holiday season with hip and chic selections, including other fun options of eco-friendly jewelry, candles, and more.

Bien Etre Spa

At Bien Etre, esthetician Jennifer Laz is providing guests with a thoughtful way to give well-being. The spa is celebrating the season with a $50 gift card for every $100 spent. Spoil yourself, and watch how the simple act of self-care can continue to help others. Just in time for the month of holiday parties, Bien Etre is introducing their Holiday Brightening Facial. Designed to prompt the skin to glow, the treatment includes a lactic acid cleanse, while infusing extra moisture into the skin cells. Soft, smooth, and glowing skin is the main-objective here, with special attention given to the eyes with a peptide treatment. The Holiday Brightening Facial is 90 minutes long, for $99, a $120 value. Find more information here.

Dick & Jane’s Waxing Salon

The waxing salon deliberate in their specialized treatments for both ladies and gents is giving guests a $25 gift card with every $100 purchase. Dick & Jane’s boasts a comfortable, clean waxing environment, as well as skin care treatments. If you prefer not to give the gift of hair pulling, their facial menu features GM Collin facial treatments to maintain beautiful skin. The European Organic Facial uses the GM Collin Bio Organic Line that respects the environment, while bringing out a visible glow. The facial costs $65 each or a series of four for $195, saving $65.

The Social Cycle

After all the feasting, give the family something to do outdoors, showing off San Diego’s finest. The West Coast’s first 16-passenger touring bicycle is an official staple in the community now, offering downtown tours, hourly rentals for custom events including a Christmas cruise, tailgating and bar-hopping. Every tour comes with a driver who handles the steering, signals and brakes, so you can take it easy and spin through the city. The Social Cycle can be rented by the hour, with a two-hour minimum. A group experience is priced at $200 per hour Friday through Sunday, and $185 per hour Monday through Thursday. For more information and to book your tour reservation, visit socialcyclesd.com.

Café Sevilla

Purchase a Café Sevilla stocking stuffer for the foodie friends and family on your list, which includes $20 worth of food and beverage at any Sevilla location. Patrons can buy five for only $60, a $100 value. For locals who love Spanish nightlife, food, and spirit, Café Sevilla is the hotspot that boasts all three. Located in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter for more than 20 years, Café Sevilla’s gifts are prime for anyone looking to try a unique taste of downtown nightlife. Give someone an authentic Spanish experience, a Flamenco show, gypsy musicians, or real cuisine all in one.

Leoluca Handbags at Mog and Rue

These bags are more than high-end, contemporary chic storage vessels for women. They are domestically produced, designed and sourced from materials and labor in the United States. The edgy and bold bags are becoming a fashion must-have in San Diego, landing right on-trend for the holiday season. Pick up a studded leather bag or three, available at Mog & Rue in Encinitas.   

Discover more holiday shopping ideas in our 2011 San Diego Holiday Guide