GIFTS FROM THE EAST

A Trading Post
12473 Woodside Ave Ste C, Lakeside, CA

Native American doll from A Trading Post in Lakeside was created by a local artisan.

A Trading Post in Lakeside offers a fabulous array of Native American jewelry, from bracelets set with precious stones to elaborate squashblossom necklaces.

Hand-painted sheepskin throws at A Trading Post in Lakeside

Specializing exclusively in Native American handicrafts,
the trading post carries items made by Indian tribal members across North
America, including many created by Kumeyaay Indians right here in East
County.  Among my favorite "finds" are the beautifully life-like
Indian dolls, hand-painted sheepskin throws, dream catcher ornaments
and wind chimes, plus fabulous Indian jewelry at very reasonable prices.

Craft Fairs

Gold-dipped leaf jewelry at a Julian craft fair

Hand-crafted hot pads at a Julian craft fair.

Local craft fairs are among the best places to find wonderfully unique
gifts at very affordable prices.  At a recent craft fair in Julian,
I found crocheted hot pads, gold-dipped leaves made into jewelry, wooden
ornaments and many other treasures. Julian's next craft fairs are scheduled
for December 12-14 and December 26-31, in the Julian Town Hall from 9
a.m. to 5 p.m., or check out a craft fair in your own neighborhood to
find neighboring artists and artisans.  

Julian Cider Mill
2103 Main Street Julian, CA

Julian Cider Mill offers tasty syrups, ciders, jams and more -- all locally made.

No visit to Julian is complete without a stop in the Julian Cider Mill,
which has a variety of delicious, locally-made food products including
honey, jam, syrup, candy, nuts, dried fruits, and my personal favorite,
spiced apple butter.  Warning: fragrant aromas may entice you to
interrupt your shopping and savor a caramel-dipped apple or piping-hot
cup of cider.

Julian’s Yesteryears
2116 Main St., Ste D Julian, CA

Locally-made scarves and caps at Julian's Yesteryear.

Hand-dipped beeswax candles, including some suited for Hanukah menorahs, at Julian's Yesteryears.

This charming store carries an assortment of old-fashioned items sure
to warm the hearts of those on your holiday gift list, from hand-dipped
beeswax candles to kitchen wares to  locally-made, soft-knitted
scarves ($32.95) and caps ($24.95) in every color of the rainbow.

The Lavender Fields
www.thelavenderfields.com

Lavender bath and body gift pack ($30) from The Lavender Fields, Valley Center.

Located in Valley Center, The Lavender Fields recently closed its fields
and gift store to the public.  Fortunately, you can still buy their
pungent items online including essential oils, bath and body products,
culinary lavender, pet products, aromatherapy, therapeutic lavender items,
and bundles of French lavender--ooh la la! Or opt for a gift bag with
lavender body wash, classic lavender body lotion and lavender sleep balm
($30). 

Mountain Oaks Trading Post
4470 Highway 78, Julian, CA

Locally-made scarves and caps at Julian's Yesteryear.

Hand-woven Indian basket and jewelry at Mountain Oaks Trading Post, Julian.

Choose from a delightful assortment of mountain crafts and Native American
items, including hand-woven Indian baskets and for the papoose on your
list, hand-made white buckskin baby moccasins trimmed with beads ($45).

Olaf Wieghorst Heritage of the
Americas Museum gift shop 
131 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, CA.
www.wieghorstmuseum.org

"Navajo Madonna" is among the prints by famed Western artist Olaf Wieghorst available at the Olaf Wieghorst Heritage of the Americas Museum and Gift Store in El Cajon.

Original paintings by Wieghorst, the world-famous Western artist who
lived in El Cajon for many years, have sold for more than $2 million.  A
former cowboy, Wieghorst painted beautiful and realistic renditions of
the Old West which can be viewed at the museum.  The adjacent gift
store carries prints of his works ranging from several hundred dollars
to around $1,000.  The shop also has art books on his work, as well
as original art and sculptures by other Western artists, including some
local artists. 

Orfila Vineyards
Two locations and tasting rooms:
4470 Highway 78, Julian, and
13455 San Pasqual Road, Escondido

Local wines and other gifts displayed at Orfila Winery.

Winner of over 1,000 medals for its fine wines, Orfila Winery is located
in Escondido, where Syrah, Viognier, Marsanne, and Roussane, as well
as Sangiovese and Merlot are produced from locally-grown grapes.  Orfila
Vineyards & Winery also produces wines made from Johannisberg Riesling,
Gewuerztraminer , Pinot Noir, and Chardonnay grapes grown in other California
areas. Sample vintages at two local tasting rooms in Julian and Escondido--or
sign up wine-lovers on your list in the Owl Club to get regular shipments
of wines at members-only prices.

Sophie’s Gallery and Gift Shop
109 Rea Avenue, El Cajon, CA

Sales of hand-painted clothing at Sophie's Gallery and Gifts benefit the artists: disabled adults.

All gifts at Sophie's are hand-made by disabled adults in programs through
St. Madeline's Sophie's Center.  Bring a smile to the faces of these
special artists by supporting this program that fosters their creativity
and independence.  Choose from a variety of colorful items, including
many "green" items crafted from recycled materials.   Among
my favorites:  hand-painted caps, scarves, ties and denim jackets,
and jewelry, all moderately priced.

Herbal soap gift pak – 10 soaps for just $10.50.

Summers Past Farms
15602 Olde Hwy 80,  Flinn Springs, CA
www.summerspastfarms.com/herbalsoap.htm

Treat friends or family to an herbal soap making kits ($58), or pick
up a sample pack of 10 delightfully-scented soaps for just $10.50.  All
soaps are vegetable based herbal soaps.  A special blend of
natural ingredients: coconut oil, palm kernel oil, olive oil.  Enriched
with jojoba and wheat germ oil to soften your skin.  Choose from
seasonal, specialty or traditional soap varieties.