Time to Go Green
Holiday plant delivery direct to your giftee’s home — need we say more? Léon & George ships its entire collection of plants big and small nationwide. And the best part? Customers also get lifetime access to personalized Plant Doctor support to ensure their greenery stays healthy. The plants are hand-selected, California-grown and picture perfect upon delivery. Choose plants that come potted in one of the gorgeous stoneware ceramics for a festive finishing touch. www.leonandgeorge.com, starting at $59
Need for Speed
Do you know someone whose dream it is to hop into a supercar and take a few laps around Sonoma Raceway’s 12 challenging turns? Well, after a brief instructional course, your speedster can crank up a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche, Corvette, Dodge Challenger Hellcat or Nissan supercar and tackle the course sans speed limits. And if they aren’t quite ready for that type of adventure, they can ride shotgun with a professional driver to learn how the pros tackle those turns. Sonoma Raceway, www.thextremexperience.com/tracks/sonoma-raceway, starting at $249, drivers need $39 insurance
Power to the Kids
Now the whole family can enjoy the ability to tackle hills and go longer distances when they put their child on a new made-just-for-kids (perfect for 8- to 11-year-olds) Bluejay WILD electric bike. It’s the transportation mode they (and Mom) have been waiting for: safe, adjustable and with a low maximum speed of 12 mph. The bike includes five power levels, Shimano 10-speed external gears, ultra-safe Tektro hydraulic brakes, pedal assist, and a light, bell and reflectors. www.bluejaybikes.com, $1,995
Countdown to Christmas
Elevate a beloved tradition with Diptyque’s Advent calendar. While you’ll need to give this gift early enough for it to be enjoyed in the days leading up to Christmas (trust us, no one will mind), it’ll leave a lasting impression with each day revealing a delightful new surprise. The limited-edition offering includes several of the brand’s fragrant candles that are sure to create a festive atmosphere, a set of holiday decorations, and scented beauty indulgences like perfumes, shower oil, soap and hand lotion. Diptyque, Marin Country Mart, www.diptyqueparis.com, $510
Hit the Slopes
Is there someone on your list who loves to ski and plans to hit the slopes more than a few times this winter? Well then, the Epic Pass is the ideal gift. This coveted pass has different tiers to accommodate just about anyone: the die-hard who wants to ski all over the country and Canada all the way to the person who is looking for downhill fun whenever they want (excluding peak days) with a nice pass discount for Heavenly, Northstar and Kirkwood in Tahoe. www.epicpass.com, prices vary depending on pass and purchase date
All That Glitters
You simply can’t go wrong giving the gift of elegance with Cast jewelry’s statement pieces. Our picks? The Iced Icon Wristlet and the Aspen Flip Ring. The wristlet, a 14K gold chain bracelet linked together with white pavé diamonds, will make her feel like a million dollars. And the ring stylishly morphs to match any outfit — 18K gold surrounds a fluidly rotating center that allows you to mix and match black onyx, white pavé diamonds and black pavé diamonds. Cast, The Village at Corte Madera, www.castjewelry.com, Iced Icon Wristlet, $16,000; Aspen Flip Ring, $12,500
Italian Art Getaway
Caroline Lizarraga is an in-demand San Francisco–based decorative artist steeped in Old World tradition who honed her plaster and painting skills in Italy — and she wants you to share the same experience. Caroline and her husband, Riccardo, joined by local experts, lead a one-week, one-of-a-kind escape to Italy for culture-curious adults. The Curiosare Italia experience combines ancient painting techniques, cooking classes and a curated exploration of the Puglia region into one epic getaway for adults. www.curiosareitalia.com, $7,300 single occupancy/week ($6,300 double)
‘Tis the Season to Snuggle Up
Soft, luxurious and sustainably created, a bespoke alpaca throw from Sandra Jordan Prima Alpaca is the gift that will keep giving year after year. Plus, you can feel good about the brand’s production process, which is low impact and creates jobs for herdsmen and textile workers in Peru. It’s as easy as choosing a fabric in a solid color or plaid, picking a sumptuous texture, selecting a size and last of all choosing the stitching details. It takes four to six weeks to be made, so shop early! Order at Shears & Window (101 Henry Adams Street, Ste. 452, San Francisco) or www.sandrajordan.com, starting at $700
