All I Want for Christmas: 10 Gift Ideas from Sonoma County

In Her Image Photography

Every woman wants to feel like a goddess or a model or both, and now she can with a one-of-a-kind photo shoot that captures the beauty of Sonoma County. 

With packages named  “Goddess” or “Mama to Be,”  Petaluma photographers Tara Baxter and Heidi Margocsy want to draw out each woman's magic and make them feel not only beautiful, but empowered and real. Most photo shoots are held outside and no artificial light is used.

“Some of our clients have felt transformed,” says Baxter. “It’s an hour and half to two hour experience where women get seen and get paid attention to.” Photo session and 25 photos start at $200.

Petaluma Gap Wine

Morning fog, afternoon sun and cool breezes make Petaluma an excellent wine grape growing region. Check out the Petaluma Gap Association’s list of local grape growers (there are more than 35!) then head to Wilibees Wine & Spirits at 309 Lakeville Street to stock up.

Zazzle.com

Looking for something interesting for a friend who has it all? Consider gifting an “I Love Petaluma” T-shirt or hat or photos of iconic Petaluma views such as the Ghiradelli Barn or Turning Basin. Zazzle is an online marketplace featuring the creations of many local designers.

McEvoy Olive Oil

Inspired by a love of Tuscan olive oil, local resident Nan McEvoy imported 100 seedlings from Italy, against the advise of many who said the soil was not right. Since then, the company has expanded into soaps, lotions, body oils, even lip balm, made with olive oil. All olives are grown, harvested, milled using a cold press, blended and bottled on the ranch in West Petaluma.

McEvoy is also closing its nursery at the end of this year and has some amazing deals on potted olive trees, starting at just $4 each.

Cowgirl Creamery

Who says a wheel of artisan organic cheese is not an appropriate Christmas present? Pick out from a dozen tasty varieties at Petaluma’s favorite cheese company or let your loved ones select themselves with a gift card, offered in denominations of $25, $50, $75 or higher.

Blockhead Press

More than 20 years ago, local artist Jenny Paisley received linocut tools from her father, who had used them as a student at Parsons School of Design. Today Paisley is the creator of a unique line of cards, prints, gifts and items for the home, made from original linocut images. Available at iLeoni, Knitterly and EverMay Garden or online at Etsy.com.

Farm Equipment Art

Richard H. Crane is a fifth generation Sonoma County farmer known for his famous Crane Melon. But when he’s not tending his fields, he loves to tinker with antique farm equipment which he turns into art. Many parts Crane uses are rare and hard to find, making each sculpture, whether a bird, a dog or an alligator, quirky and original.

Bert’s Desserts

Shopping for someone with a sweet tooth? Check out Bert’s Desserts, a line of chocolates, truffles, fudge and other sweets from Petaluma resident Bert Smith. The treats are simply wrapped, but oh-so-good. Sold at Powell’s Sweet Shop and G&G Market.

Moon Essence Organic Skin Care
15 Western Ave.

With a full line of skin care products and mineral makeup, Moon Essence is the kind of store where it’s easy to lose yourself. There are face washes, shampoos and organic soaps, all made from aloe vera juice. Moon Essence products are also free of synthetics, petroleum, parabens and sodium lauryl sulphates, which means they are good for your face and the planet. They also offer a range of spa services from facials to massage.

Copperfield’s Underground
140 Kentucky St.

Patch often sings the praises of our lovely downtown bookstore, but did you know that Copperfield’s also has an impressive used and rare book collection? Copperfield's Underground is filled with more than 20,000 used books and rare editions at affordable prices. Whether you’re looking for history, poetry or fiction, Coppefield’s Underground has you covered. The store also has its entire used and rare book collection online, so you can even shop without leaving your home.

Have your own ideas for locally-created and inspired gifts? Let our readers know by sharing them in the comments below.