The Santa Barbarian Gift Guide for Those that Have Everything


The holiday season is upon us and for many, we struggle with finding the perfect gift. What do you get someone that has everything? What do you get someone who buys what they need and rarely wants? What do you get someone that you don’t know well enough to buy a personal gift for? Finding the perfect gift is often an added stress during the holiday season and this non-gift gift guide is here to help minimize any unwarranted stress. I have gathered some unique gift options for you that require no lines at Target, no waiting on Amazon to deliver in time, and are all still incredibly thoughtful! An added plus, the majority of these options are local to Santa Barbara, I encourage you to shop local this holiday season and help support our local businesses. 

1. Donation

2. Membership

3. Service or Experience

4. Printed Memories (AKA: Photography & Albums)

First, consider making a donation in someone’s name.


This gesture is a wonderful way to honor the recipient. As we get older, we are able to give in a way that we haven’t before. Most of us are quite partial to one cause or another, and the gift of giving in one’s name is a special way to support a cause that they often support. For me, Hospice of Santa Barbara is near and dear to my heart. Other organizations to be considered are: Direct Relief, ASPCA, DAWG, and the Dream Foundation.  

Have you ever thought about gifting someone a membership? 


Santa Barbara has many opportunities! A membership to the Santa Barbara Botanical Gardens grants free admission throughout the year, tea services, and advanced registration options for classes, special events, and more! Another option is a CSA food delivery box that supports our local organic farmers. Other local options include a family membership to Cathedral Oaks Athletic Club, Moxi, or the Natural History Museum. Kiwi Kids is a monthly membership box delivered each month. These boxes, which kids are always excited to get in the mail, are age-based, hands-on, science projects that kids will love!

Services or experiences make wonderful gifts and Santa Barbara has a plethora of options!


A brunch at Rosewood Miramar or a special dinner at Carusos Rosewood Miramar while listening to the waves crash and watching the light sparkle off the ocean. The Champagne Nail Salon will certainly impress anyone needing a touch-up. A Nok Thai massage will knock your socks off, ask for Nichole! Molly Maids does wonders for those needing a deep clean and a tour of Casa del Herrero or Lotus Land is always impressive and unique. Gift cards for Handlebar coffee or Dart coffee are sure to warm anyone from the inside out. A beautiful arrangement from Kaleidoscope Flowers makes a great gift year-round. Theater tickets or tickets to a concert at the SB Bowl always make for a fabulous evening. For those who have an adventurous side, consider lessons at the Santa Barbara Trapeze Company. It will surely get your adrenaline pumping!

Finally, consider the gift of printed photos and albums. 


I know this is technically a material gift, but these are more than just another coffee mug. The joy and love that comes from a moment remembered is the actual gift. I personally love large black-and-white photo walls, but these images can be given in a unique frame, a wall portrait, or an album.  

This holiday, I encourage you to consider a more thoughtful gift over a material gift that will eventually be lost in the clutter. These meaningful gifts create lasting feelings of joy and are an opportunity for new memories. If you have any other great ideas send me an email letting me know!