Where to Buy *Actually Cool* LA Souvenirs
Hihi!!
I had a few coworkers visiting from New York this past week and they were keen on finding some LA merch. Though we had one too many margs at the Waterfront and didn’t make time for shopping… This was such a fun topic to ponder and I’m genuinely so excited about the list I came up with for y’all!
Whether you’re looking for unique goods made by local artists, a really comfy hype sweatshirt or you just want a really good trucker hat - we’ve got it all today, folks.
This is the kind of newsletter topic where I immediately think of more ideas right after I hit publish. But hopefully 54 shop ideas give you a decent amount to choose from! ;) let’s goooo!
Signature / Hype Coffee Shops & Restaurants
Go Get Em Tiger - you can always grab a bag o’ beans, but they also have really cute merch - sweatshirts, coffee cups, etc!
Community Goods - I think they have a few fun things to choose from, but if I was picking up something - I’d grab a tin of Rocky’s Matcha
Jon & Vinny’s - J&V are no stranger to an #epiccollab but they also have their own merch sold at restaurants on the daily. Full online shop with all the options here
Alfred - dare I say… maybe the most LA signature coffee shop on the list? Merch here and there’s also a bunch of coffees, teas and syrups
Cofax - their stuff is SO good. Great for if you want something Dodgers-esque but a little more unique
Deus Ex Machina - this one is good for DUDES. + if you want more of a masculine look - i.e. trucker hat or this tee
Woon Kitchen - so good. SO good! Love their merch designs + sauces etc to take home
Great White - Venice neutral surfer vibes 10/10
Flowerboy Project - dad hats for days
Bloom & Plume - really pretty, colorful stuff! And great coffee ofc
La La Land Kind Cafe - so many good hats. Also love the tanks
Layla Bagels - love their lil’ bagel mascot
Courage Bagels - THE hat. Sometimes they have sweatshirts and other things but really depends on the moment! Also ICYMI - their Madhappy collab last year was incred
Clark Street Diner - great shirts, great mugs, great coffee!
Sua Superette - I know Fly by Jing is sold everywhere now but I still claim this as an LA memento. Pick up a jar or grab a Sua souvenir :)
Streetwear/Hype
Madhappy and/or Pantry - arguably think Pantry items are more unique but you could also splurge on a Madhappy sweatshirt!
RIPNDIP - they actually don’t have too many items branded with “LA” specifically, but this is such a classic Fairfax hype experience to me and I’ve taken many visitors here bc it’s so fun!
Braindead Studios - potentially the priciest option on my list. This is for someone who spends a lot of their time on StockX and GOAT
Free & Easy - Venice surfer vibes to the max. Loveee their stuff
The Hundreds - also on the higher end of the options, but The Hundreds love to pay homage to the city in their collabs and I love that. Dig around their online shop or browse in store on Fairfax
Cherry LA - their new Western-inspired collection got me good. Immediately bought a shirt
Cutesy/Boutique-y Gifts
Lundeen’s - this tiny shop supports a lot of local artists, really unique curation
Midland - more candle/home goods type gifts
Broome St General Store - an assortment of home goods, art, and merchandise
Skylight Books - I love their bookmarks & stickers, easy affordable option
Vin on Rose - great shirt designs but also feel like you could easily snag a wine opener etc!
Vinovore - wine totes and things!
Museums - LA Memorabilia + Own Merchandise
The Broad - such a good museum shop, I love getting posters from my favorite exhibits and have a Keith Haring one hanging on my wall currently!
California Cowgirl Vibes
Malibu Country Mart -
Broad St Oyster Co - their merch is SO good. This fanny pack?? Love the tees too
Wittmore - skews male but love their tee selection
Fred Segal - bougie but they usually have some fun gift-y things
Shellback Tavern - the hats have taken on a life of their own - and have their own account
Brentwood Country Mart Post Office - shoutout to Paige for putting me onto this one! The post office always has cute merch, loving the hat & coin purses
Signature LA Points of Interest
The Last Bookstore - for the book lovers!
Los Angeles Public Library - arguably the best curation of special, unique Los Angeles merchandise. I got a limited edition anniversary print of the Central Library and love it so much.
In N Out Burger - the shirts are so iconic. Put this one on X Games mode and find a vintage one at the flea market or a thrift shop!
Amoeba Music - I love their logo & music-related merch
Grand Central Market - SO good! This one backfired on me - just purchased this limited edition Clay Hickson print
Hollywood Bowl - oftentimes artists will create limited edition posters for their shows here too - keep a lookout if you’re going to a concert!
Breweries - Golden Road, Angel City
Melrose Trading Post - really fun way to find a unique souvenir and support small businesses! I’ve seen vintage LA restaurant menus before, custom illustrations, etc.
Where would you take a friend on the hunt for a cool souvenir? Reply directly to this email or comment on Substack with your faves!
Last week was extremely social and ~outside~ - I’ll be posting what I’ve been up to over on TikTok, see you there?
Ticket to Sarahdise Event Digest - Week of 2/19
Every week, I’m sharing events you should be checking out in LA. Here’s this week’s download!
Lou x Found Oyster (!!!) - Epic Collab Alert!! My favorite Nashville restaurant is popping up at Found this coming Wednesday 2/21. Do not miss!!
Mister Parmesan x Hot Water Bagel Brunch - another ECA!!! This Saturday - bagels with Hot Water at Tilda in Echo Park!
Frieze Los Angeles - the most chic art fair is back at the Santa Monica Airport Hangar 2/29 - 3/3! I love this event and if you can swing it (tix are ~$100) - it’s so worth it
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