The edit • May 2017
Non-touristy souvenirs to pick up in Los Angeles
Hollywood’s a wonderful place, but once you’ve drawn lightsabers with a fake Darth Vader and crouched for a selfie with Bono’s star on the Walk of Fame, Tinseltown can begin to feel a bit tacky. Fortunately, your souvenirs needn’t be. Los Angeles local Emma Patterson recommends where to go in the City of Angels for keepsakes you’ll treasure
For fitness fanatics
Los Angelinos love a spot of yoga in the sunshine, so when it’s raining back home, a vibrant yoga mat will help boost your mood and fire up those seven chakras. Discover beautiful, Mexican folklore-inspired yoga mats by eco-friendly locals Ceiba at one of the Artists & Fleas Sunday markets in Downtown LA and Venice Beach.
Souvenir jackpot: The La Rosa mat ($65) by Ceiba.
For homebodies
Head to Co-op 28 in Los Feliz Village and stock up on decadent scented candles with witty names. The gift boutique is a treasure trove of vintage and handmade clothes, antiques and one-offs.
Souvenir jackpot: A cheekily named Dandywick candle ($28-48) will keep your guests in giggles back home.
For foodies
No trip to ‘America’s coolest street’ is complete without an indulgent meal at achingly hip Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Order lamb sausage pizza, smoked-trout salad and impossibly delicious mushroom toast.
Souvenir jackpot: Recreate the menu at home with Gjelina’s cookbook ($35).
For luxury lovers
The Beverly Hills Hotel is celebrating 105 years of impeccable, timeless hospitality. Sip a cocktail at the Polo Lounge, enjoy a treatment in world-class La Prairie Spa, and head to the hotel’s iconic gift store to browse its signature banana-leaf print collection.
Souvenir jackpot: A banana-leaf iPhone cover ($55) makes a great keepsake, or splash out on super-cool Buscemi 100mm high-top trainers (from $900, pictured).
For little ones
Dubbed ‘the Soho House for kids’, Jessica Biel’s food-meets-artistic haven in West Hollywood will delight the whole family. Au Fudge boasts a creative space and cookery classroom where kids can bake, paint and get crafty, while you smugly sip a Jessica Rabbit’s Rabbit cocktail and celeb spot at the bar.
Souvenir jackpot: A vintage-style Mouse in a Matchbox by Maileg ($22-60).
For wine enthusiasts
Malibu Wines is one of LA’s most celebrated vineyards. The stunning hilltop tasting room invites guests to bring a picnic and enjoy live music and fabulous views while enjoying a glass of the local drop. For a special treat, take a guided tour of the winery’s safari animal park.
Souvenir jackpot: A bottle or two of Saddlerock Brut ($37) – a great sparkling wine to be savoured back home.
British Airways flies direct to Los Angeles from London Heathrow, including a service on the A380. Find out how many Avios you need to get there using the Avios calculator
This article has been tagged Fashion + Style, Destination