There’s no Place Like Home for the Holidays
Topanga and its neighboring communities are blessed with an abundance of artists, artisans and shops that showcase the one-of-kind things they create. If there was ever a year to support these amazing local businesses, this is it. Supporting community businesses offers many rewards—keeping our neighbors in business, but also finding truly unique and meaningful gifts. In a year when so many of us won’t be together for the holidays, sending a loved one something made with love and selected with care has new meaning.
Because shopping in the time of coronavirus is complicated, we at TNT invite our readers to enjoy a bit of virtual window shopping on our new online gallery of local shops. Here’s a selection of the businesses we are featuring. Look for part two of our local shopping guide in our December 18 issue.
All photos and videos are by Chloe Chapman unless otherwise noted.
Alkemie Road Shoppe
Alkemie’s owl door is open 12ish-5ish or by appointment. Everything in the mobile shop is handmade, including the caravan that houses the store. The shop offers the entire Alkemie jewelry collection (unisex collection of handmade accessories made in LA of reclaimed metal ), a curated collection of unique vintage treasures, an organic clean beauty and CDB wellness apothecary, candles, incense and more.
“Alkemie is offering a holiday special for TNT’s readers. Spend $150 in the shop and receive a hand-poured beeswax sun/moon candle in a reusable tin (while supplies last).”
Find Alkemie at 275 N Topanga Canyon Blvd, www.alkemiejewelry.com, and @alkemiejewelry
Topanga Homegrown
TopangaHomegrown is proud to celebrate their 21st Holiday Season with the community. “Although we are in uncertain times we always keep a positive outlook and look forward to seeing all of you. As always you will find wonderful gifts and clothing for holiday giving and sharing. Once here you will see our newest selection of Topanga Homegrown t-shirts, hats, hoody sweatshirts, mugs and tea towels. Thank you for your support!”
Topanga Homegrown: 120 South Topanga Canyon Boulevard, Ste 102, 310-455-8781, @topangahomegrown, www.topangahomegrown.com
Blackbird General Store
Blackbird General Store is a Modern General Store focused on unique, one of a kind gifts and goods for the whole family. “We feature a highly-curated selection of apparel, jewelry, accessories, apothecary, home goods, gifts, books, gourmet foods, sweets, and so much more. Shop our selection of pre-curated gift boxes or create your own for that extra special one-of-a-kind gift.
“We invite you to visit us at our general store in Calabasas, California. You’ll find us in the little red barn filled with a delightful array of unique goods and gifts. You might find us spinning an old Miles Davis album on the record player. The doors are open and the sunshine and cool breeze flow inside. You will be greeted warmly by what feels like an old friend, and we’ll help you find the perfect, unique gift chosen especially for the occasion, and you’ll leave and know that we appreciate each and every one of you.”
Blackbird General Store, 23504 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, CA 91302, www.blackbirdgeneralstore.com
Cafe Mimosa
Cafe Mimosa is open for take-out and outside dining. We have a wide selection of hot and cold drinks as well as amazing pastries and lunch items. Gluten free and vegan friendly. Our expanded gift section features many beautiful unique creations from local artisans and beyond. Come in and find a special gift for someone while sipping a hot drink or smoothie. Cafe Mimosa is proud to be one of Topanga’s oldest businesses, almost 28 years going strong! Thank you for all your support, we feel the love of the community.
Cafe Mimosa, 395 S Topanga Canyon Blvd., cafemimosatopanga.com, 310-455-4341.
Jalan Jalan
Jalan Jalan Imports is a boutique importer of unique design items from Bali, Indonesia. Our product line includes teak furniture, hand chiseled statuary and fine handicrafts. Topanga Rocks is Los Angeles’ newest and most diverse “rock shop”, carrying fine crystals, a wide selection of rocks and minerals, hand-crafted jewelry and unique gifts.
Both businesses are located at 525 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd, home of Owl Falls, Topanga’s only accessible spring fed waterfall. www.jalanjalanimports.com
Moona Star
Moona Star Collective is an oasis in Topanga Canyon, where you can find unique, beautiful, handmade clothing, adornment, apothecary, home and vintage goods. Supporting and celebrating conscious living in harmony within and with all.
Moona Star, 137 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., www.moonastarcollective.com, 310-455-3088
The Well
Clean refills for the home and body! Bring in your own containers or buy ours and we will fill them up! We handpicked quality cleaning supplies and personal care products with our planet in mind. We also offer a selection of low-waste essentials and second-hand homewares.
This holiday season, help nudge your friends and family to be a little less wasteful by gifting them your favorite sustainable home and body goods.
120 South Topanga Canyon Boulevard. www.thewellrefill.com
The Canyon Gourmet
Canyon Gourmet was originally a wine and cheese shop, but our vision was always to establish a place that would provide customers a local resource for the preparation of complete, wholesome meals. That meant fresh, seasonal fruit, vegetables, and proteins. We now curate the best from the farmer’s market, and have the ability to call in daily deliveries of fish, meat, and poultry. And while modest in size, our wine department has become one of LA’s best, due largely to the extraordinary talent and growing reputation of our buyer, Elaina. We know most customers by name because we live here, and take deep personal satisfaction in sharing this important resource with the village we love.
The Canyon Gourmet, 120 S Topanga Canyon Blvd., www.canyongourmet.com, 310-455-4200.
Be Love
Be Love offers beautiful, one of a kind clothing made with Love in Los Angeles! The fabrics are super soft, natural and sustainable. Profits from our ‘I Choose Love’ and ‘We Are Family’ designs give back to people in need. Wonderful holiday gifts!! We’re ever so grateful for your support!
123 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd. https://beloveapparel.com/
Pebbles
Pebbles is a magical place filled with goodies for the whole family. When you walk in the door, a smile will instantly come to you as you gaze around at all the treasures. There is a large selection of kids clothing and toys for all ages. Pebbles women’s selection is hand-curated with cozy sweaters, soft sweats sets and beautiful, one-of-a-kind dresses. Pebbles home/gift area is a must see… they have their own Topanga brand T-shirts and hats for all ages, as well as beautiful throw pillows, frames, and candles from around the world. Stop and enjoy the magic of Pebbles!
Open 11-6 everyday. https://pebblesclothing.com 111 S. Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Topanga Canyon Gallery
Topanga Canyon Gallery brings together many well-known and emerging artists from the greater Los Angeles area. The gallery was originally founded in the 1980’s and opened at its current location in Pine Tree Circle in the fall of 2000. As a cooperative gallery, the member artists are responsible for all aspects of the gallery.
With ever changing exhibits (about once a month) Topanga Canyon Gallery is always fresh with new art and artists. Our Annual Holiday Show “The ART of Giving” runs December 4 – 20, Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays 12–5 or by Appointment
Pine Tree Circle
120 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd., Suite 109
Topanga, CA 90290310-455-7909
