20 Thoughtful Gift Ideas for That One Friend Who Loves the Desert

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Take home a dash of summer magic with keepsakes that capture the spirit of Greater Palm Springs — all available at local retailers.

by | Jun 16, 2025

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Toffee Tin

With artwork from renowned Palm Springs illustrator Shag, this collectible tin packs 4 pounds of locally made almond toffee bites — a family recipe originally made by local students fundraising for an international field trip that turned into an Oprah-endorsed business. Brandini Toffee, $150; brandinitoffee.com

Cat-Eye Sunnies

Make a statement in these Italian-made tortoise frames — effortlessly stylish and UV-protective. Oliver Peoples, $556; oliverpeoples.com

Illustrated Cards

This set of 12 blank notecards features vintage illustrated covers by early local artist and Palm Springs Life founding art director Earl Cordrey. Palm Springs Life, $25; shop.palmspringslife.com

Santal Candle

With an 80-hour burn time, this scented candle comes in a custom handmade vessel — designed to be reused and treasured. Lolo Interiors, $220; lolointeriors.com

  Breezeway Glasses

Raise a glass to midcentury design — these cocktail glasses pay homage to the iconic breeze blocks of modernist design. PS HomeBoys, $18.95; shoppshomeboys.com

Oil and Vinegar Set

Drizzle, dip, or dress — this set of premium extra virgin olive oils and fine balsamic vinegars brings bold flavors from California and beyond. La Quinta Olive Oil Company, $19.98 (set of two) or $39.96 (set of four); laquintaoliveoilcompany.com

Scent of the Earth

This Japanese incense by The Haas Brothers infuses your space with dry, earthy, and woodsy notes — bringing the scent of this Southern California oasis home. Matching Haas monster incense burners are also available for $800. Dragonette Limited, $70 (incense only); dragonetteltd.com

Palm Charm

Carry a piece  of the oasis with this 18k gold-plated palm charm delicately set on malachite and enamel. Gorjana, $45;gorjana.com

Collectible Hardcover

Jazz up your coffee table with Palm Springs, a stunning photo book from acclaimed French publisher Assouline. Just Fabulous, $105; bjustfabulous.com

Woven Baskets

Handwoven by Native American artisans, these baskets blend function and tradition, available in various sizes and patterns at Temalpakh Farm’s market. Temalpakh Farm, $8 (small), $40 (large); temalpakhfarm.com

 Breezy Button-Down

This 100-percent linen shirt from the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa gift shop features a graphic of the property’s view where mountains and palms meet the sky. Rosa Boutique, $110; tommybahamamiramonte.com

Retro Weekender

Travel back in time with this tote, inspired by vintage ads for Palm Springs Airlines. Destination PSP, $70; destinationpsp.com

 Summer Scent

A spritz of this California room spray — blending sea salt, vanilla, and teak — brings back memories of sunny days. Peepa’s, $30; peepasps.com

Blooming Tee

Snag a small-batch branded T-shirt from this local coffeehouse for a constant reminder of the landscape’s inspiration to bloom. Everbloom Coffee, $35; everbloom.coffee

  Flora Keychain

Embrace a desert state of mind every day with this enamel keychain inspired by the tranquil landscape. The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, $12; livingdesert.org

Sage Body Minis

Indulge in the healing properties of Coachella Valley white sage with this mini set of locally made products including body wash, scrub, and lotion. The Body Deli, $59; thebodydeli.com

  Handmade Vessels

High Desert artist Tony Soares honors Indigenous clay traditions with handcrafted ollas, shaped using a paddle and anvil coil method. Indian Canyons Trading Post and Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Gift Shop, starting at $38; indian-canyons.com

Beaded Bag

This delicately beaded coin bag with a palm tree motif keeps essentials organized and vacation vibes alive. Coco Rose, $26; cocorose.com

Date Butter

Spread a little sweetness with this creamy date-based treat from a century-old date farm. It’s perfect for breads, oatmeal, and desserts. Shields Date Garden, $12; shieldsdategarden.com

Summer Brews

Locally crafted and widely available throughout the valley, La Quinta Brewing Co.’s Poolside Blonde is a refreshing go-to for summer afternoons. La Quinta Brewing Co., $10 (four-pack); laquintabrewing.com

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