Gourmet Gift Baskets: Not Your Usual Suspects

If you’re running around for last-minute food and drink gifts, these six unique and independently owned shops across the 818 are not on the “usual suspects” list—and that’s exactly why they are […]

If you’re running around for last-minute food and drink gifts, these six unique and independently owned shops across the 818 are not on the “usual suspects” list—and that’s exactly why they are worth a stop. Keep this list handy for gift-giving all year long.

Blue Table: This Calabasas gourmet shop makes baskets of any size and fills them with gourmet pastas and sauces, wine and cheese, pancake mixes, coffee and a slew of other treats. 4774 Park Granada, Calabasas, 818-222-5195

Flask Fine Wines: This carefully curated small shop in Studio City creates custom gift baskets and fine wood boxes with an array of items including wine openers, glassware, flasks and a fine selection of wine, beer, Champagne and spirits—all at varying price points. 12194 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, 818-761-5373 

The Grains & The Greens: This organic Studio City food boutique will create a gift basket or festive box filled with items of your choice. There’s a wide selection of organic and international products, fresh fruit and vegetables, plus this all-natural Fiasconaro panettone (Italian Christmas cake) that is a gift on its own with red wrapping and a ribbon (above). 12196 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, 818-308-7484

Nesmon Café: Create your own custom-wrapped gift basket at this French café in Sherman Oaks. Choose from imported French foods and home imports, aprons, kitchen accessories, dish towels, soaps, fresh-baked treats, serving dishes, handmade cake platters and more. 13333 Ventura Boulevard, Sherman Oaks, 818-855-8818

Olimila Gourmet: This Studio City shop is an olive oil and vinegar mecca, with 40 oils and vinegars on tap (you can taste them all). They also carry artisan salts and sugars, local honey, California stuffed olives, handmade jams, artisan soaps, pastas and more. Create your own basket or wood box with select bottles. Added plus: There is a recipe section on the website that includes their products. 11923 Ventura Boulevard, Studio City, 818-358-8950

Pistachio: This kosher Encino shop is well-known for pistachios, of course, as well as their jumbo sunflower seeds, unique "easy pop" pumpkin seeds, peanuts and cashews that they dry roast in-house. There's also dried fruit and an array of candy, including chocolate-covered nuts and fruits, saltwater taffy, gummies, jelly beans and dark chocolate cordials filled with eggnog, Sambuca and Irish cream. Gift baskets and small, round containers can all be created for individual needs. Ready-made for quick pickup gifts are also available. 17940 Ventura Boulevard, Encino, 818-881-2636

More Stories
Advertorials, Eat & Drink

The Sweet Spot

With the rock-solid support of her family, Sari Megan Kern has flipped for the pancake business.

Join the Valley Community

Receive the latest stories, event invitations, local deals and other curated content from Ventura Blvd.
By clicking the subscribe button, I agree to receive occasional updates from Ventura Blvd.