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Shop local this season: 6 unique gift ideas from Palo Alto Pulse

photo by 2bDesign

If you are still in search of something unique for the special person on your holiday gift list, Palo Alto Pulse has you covered. From dresses, to furniture, to stuffed animals, and even an accessory for your Apple watch, these local companies have gift ideas that will surprise and thrill. Shop locally this holiday season and support these cool Palo Alto companies!

For the busy mom…Sonnet James dresses 

Beautiful,+modern,+everyday+dress.+Unbelievably+comfortable,+machine+washable+stretch-jersey+and+virtually+indestructible!+(Via+www.sonnetjames

Every purchase of this Sonnet James dress during the holidays will help Syrian refugees in Turkey. Photo by Sonnet James.

Sonnet James is a Palo Alto company whose casual dresses look great and play hard too. With over 20,000 followers on Instagram, Sonnet James’ founder Whitney Lundeen is starting a movement to encourage moms to connect with the playful side of being a parent. For the holiday, Sonnet James is also giving back: For each dress purchased, $3 goes to a specific charity from Syrian refugees to water access to Save the Children. Buy one for all the great moms in your life (kids’ sizes too!). Check out the Palo Alto Pulse story about Sonnet James to learn more….or order online at www.sonnetjames.com.

photo by Sonnet James

Sales of this dress will support Save the Children. Photo by Sonnet James

For the person who loves one of kind things….Beyt by 2b design 

Beyt by 2b design, a new store at Town and Country in Palo Alto, creates unique furniture and home decorations made from abandoned buildings and materials.  Beyt by 2b design is a certified B Corp and has a commitment to giving back at the same time that it makes profit. Visit the store to discover pieces that each tell a story, from glasses made in Damascus to Christmas ornaments made in South Africa. You can read more about Beyt by 2b design on Palo Alto Pulse and see a few highlights from the store below….all items available Beyt by 2b design, 855 El Camino Real, Palo Alto CA.

photo by 2bDesign

photo by 2bDesign

ANGEL ORNAMENTS — Hand-crocheted wire, bead, & feather angel ornaments made in South Africa as part of a fair trade Social Enterprise. There is an angel factory in Karoo. The surrounding semi-desert landscape is arid, stark, and striking – endless dry vistas of mountains and scrubland. The angels are made by the Vondeling village crafters. Angel ornaments come in many different styles, but in three different sizes: small ($25), medium ($49), & large($75).

tile tables made from repurposed 19th century cement tiles. Photo by Beyt 2b design

tile tables made from repurposed 19th century cement tiles. Photo by Beyt 2b design

TILE TABLES — made out of repurposed cement tiles from the 19th century. No one is absolutely certain of the origin of the tiles. The mystery of the cemento’s past added to the allure. Some say Italian craftsmen, inspired by the natural colors of granite and marble dust, were the creators. Short tables — $269 // tall table — $299

For the elegant techie…Bucardo’s jewelry for the Apple Watch

Bucardo is a jewelry company that strives to merge the aesthetic of long ago with the sensibility of Palo Alto, Silicon Valley and our hyper-connected world. Bucardo’s signature item is an adaptable case that turns the Apple Watch into a pendant necklace or pocket watch. With a nod to the ‘steam punk’ movement, Bucardo allows wearers to keep their technology close but still feel stylish. Learn more about Bucardo on Palo Alto Pulse, and buy online at www.bucardostyle.com.

Bucardos necklaces and pocket watches are a new way to wear the Apple Watch.

Bucardos necklaces and pocket watches are a new way to wear the Apple Watch.s

 

 

Girl with pendant

The Apple Watch is neatly disguised as a beautiful pendant. Photo by Bucardo.

For the young…or young at heart…Poketti

Poketti are adorable stuffies that also have a practical side: flip them over and you’ll find a pocket to hide your mobile phone or glasses. Poketti, with its award-winning design created by teen Palo Alto sisters Sydney and Toni Loew, makes a great gift for anyone on your list. These inspirational entrepreneurs are proving that you’re never too young to see your ideas come to life. Read more about Poketti on Palo Alto Pulse and buy these cute toys online at www.poketti.com. Get 20% off using the special code: Holiday20.

Palo Alto sisters Sydney and Toni Loew, teen entrepreneurs, with their namesake Pokettis

Palo Alto sisters Sydney and Toni Loew, teen entrepreneurs, with their namesake Pokettis

 

 

Sydney the penguin was the first Poketti. Photo by Poketti

Sydney the penguin was the first Poketti. Photo by Poketti

For the hostess, or the foodie…Mrs. Moskowitz’s Munchies (free delivery for Palo Alto!)

Mrs. Moskowitz may not look like your typical Palo Alto entrepreneur, but this graduate of the Stanford Ignite program is just as determined to make her mark on the world. Her delicious treat is a mix of matzoh, chocolate, raisins and nuts (nut free version available too). It makes a perfect gift for holiday parties or to fuel late night studying (or coding). Read more about Mrs. Moskowitz on Palo Alto Pulse and order her yummy munchies online at http://mrsmoskowitzsmunchies.com. If you live in Palo Alto, Moskowitz will DELIVER for free – just email her at susan@mrsmoskowitz.com. Free tote bag for every order of three large bags!

susanwithtray

Susan Moskowitz, creator of Mrs. Moskowitz’s Munchies. She’ll deliver your holiday order in Palo Alto for free! Photo by Palo Alto Pulse.

Mrs. Moskowitz's Munchies- fuel for innovators

Mrs. Moskowitz’s Munchies- fuel for innovators

For the cyclist…Bouclier

Bouclier’s innovative cycling visor keeps harmful UV rays off your face without creating extra wind resistance. Biking is the perfect way to get your errands done in Palo Alto, and with Bouclier, you don’t have to worry about getting sunburned while riding around town. Check out the Palo Alto Pulse story about Bouclier and learn about its Palo Alto founder, Lydia Callahan. Visit www.boucliervisors.com for info about how to order.

Photo by Bouclier

Photo by Bouclier

 

 

Bouclier founder Lydia Callahan. Photo by Bouclier.

Palo Alto resident Lydia Callahan was inspired to create Bouclier when she lost her father to skin cancer at a young age.

 

 

 

About the author

Victoria Thorp

Victoria Thorp

Victoria is the founder and editor of Palo Alto Pulse and has lived in Palo Alto since 2007. Victoria's diverse professional background includes working as the editor of GreatSchools.org , as a senior writer for KIPP and Teach for America, and as a radio producer for City Visions on KALW (91.7FM San Francisco). She is a graduate of Leadership Palo Alto and a member of the Palo Alto Partners in Education Advisory Board.

She has a BA in English from Tufts University and Masters in Education and Secondary Teaching Credential in English from UCLA.

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