THE ‘NICE’ LIST
When shopping for gifts, décor and party favors this holiday season, support our community by buying goods locally. From festive table settings to the latest fashions and other finds for beneath the tree, Newport Beach offers a host of sweet places to peruse. Here is a list of our favorites.
Home
For holiday wreaths, tabletop décor, floral arrangements, beautiful tree ornaments, knit stockings and more, Roger’s Gardens (2301 San Joanquin Hills Road) is your one-stop shop. It’s also a great spot to pick up a scrumptious gift basket for your party host. At Newport Colony Company (1129 Newport Center Drive), find holiday essentials for the home as well as an array of gift ideas. Coastal-themed ornaments, dishes and cloths are always appropriate in Newport Beach. Coffee table books, handcrafted jewelry and other art pieces made by locals make great presents. If West Coast cool is more your style than holiday kitsch, check out Juxtaposition (7976 Pacific Coast Hwy.), where holiday finds for the home are more earthy than festive. We love an understated wreath, winter flowers held by rustic pottery, and serving a sweet holiday spread on nontraditional tree-trunk platters. Icy blue and ivory textiles also add a nice seasonal splash to the home.
Him
Whether the man in your life is a jacket and tie guy or a surfer, Newport Beach has a shop to suit him just fine. Enlist the talented craftsmen at Almond Surfboards & Design (2429 W. Coast Highway) to cut and color him a bespoke board. The shop also carries a collection of caps, towels, bags and other beach essentials. Dress him head to toe with smart finds from At Ease (8056 E. Coast Hwy.), shelving everything from sport coats to slacks to shoes — for the street and the golf course. Beach living is best with a bike: check out Newport Cruisers (2233 W. Balboa Blvd.) for a set of wheels for him, and be sure to pick one up for yourself too so you can cruise together.
Her
Coastal-chic women love the classics. Find one of Newport’s best-curated collections at Laguna Supply (3250 E. Coast Hwy., Corona del Mar), where you’ll also discover fun accessories like locally-made jewelry and artsy books. At Island Tales Bookshop (308 Marine Ave.) or Lido Village Books (3424 Via Oporto), buy a stack of Bestsellers she can take to the beach, bed and beyond. (Whatever her genre, you’re sure to find it at one of these local, mom and pop shops!) Help her slip into something comfortable and pretty — with a purchase from YogaWorks Newport Beach (230 Newport Center Drive, #230). Yoga gear, spiritual jewelry and journals are among the options here. She’ll think of you whenever she’s in downward-facing dog.
Kiddos
Lend Santa a helping hand and head to Engine Ear Toys (1003 Newport Center Drive), Toys Ahoy (1649 Westcliff Drive) or Marbles: The Brain Store (401 Newport Center Drive) to grab that must-have Star Wars lightsaber, Saddle-n-Ride or Guitar Hero set. If this holiday requires spiffy attire, stop by Along Came a Spider (938 Avocado Ave.), where you’ll discover the finest designer duds for little guys and gals.
Pets
Throw Fido a bone with a stocking filled with — well, bones and other treats. Find them at Muttropolis (865 Newport Center Drive), as well as beds, collars and Newport Beach-appropriate attire for four-legged friends.
