Merry Christmas my friends!  Alex Stowell here.  It is that time of year where people seem to want things.  Moreover, they want you to buy or make them things!  Regardless of how we got here, this is the hand we are playing.  So, if you are all the way broke and can’t even pay attention, get crafty and create something.  Perhaps a drawing and a heartfelt poem would be just the thing. But, if you do have some cash to spend on your loved ones, spend it locally.  That’s right!  Patronize your local Venice merchants for all your holiday gift giving needs.  Here is a handy list to help out!  From skate lessons, to sushi, marijuana to margaritas, this list has something for everyone!

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Give the gift a shred!  Shop local at Maui Surf & Skate Shop.  Maui and Sons’ Retail Surf and Skate Shop offers everything from Surf Lessons and Board Rentals to Boardshorts, Rashguards, and everything in between. Give a surf or skate lesson with a pro.  Check out Maui and Sons for this one of a kind present.    Two locations to find that perfect gift.   Maui & Sons Retail #1, 1415 Ocean Front Walk,  Venice, CA 90291.  Maui & Sons Retail #2, 23 Washington Blvd, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292.   For more info:    mauiandsonsretail.com

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Buy Juice Magazine gear or a year magazine subscription.    Since 1993, JUICE MAGAZINE has been dedicated to the core of skateboarding, surfing and punk rock with a focus on in-depth interviews by the icons of skate, surf and punk rock culture. The JUICE MAGAZINE crew includes a line-up of surf & skate legends, and the honest approach of their stories and photos make JUICE MAGAZINE more than just a magazine. Juice Magazine is committed to giving credit to the true pioneers and innovators of skateboarding, surfing and music and keeping it punk.

– 4 ISSUE SUBSCRIPTION.  Price: $19.95 + s/h.

Get your Juice Magazine Subscription,  jackets, jerseys, shirts, hoodies, hats and gift packs on juicemagazine.com/home/the-juice-shop

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Here is a good book on Venice, California history!    Pick up a copy of Jeffrey Stanton’s book “Venice, California – Coney Island of the Pacific.”   The book contains over 300 photographs, mostly B/W, but a few in color appeared as postcards or are more recently taken photos by the author. Many are full page-sized archival quality photographs of great historical interest. Additionally, there are a half-dozen schematics of amusement park layouts.   There is extensive well-written & well-researched textual material on the rise and fall of Venice, its heritage & many eccentricities over the past 100 years.   You can  order online here  or purchase it directly from Jeffrey Stanton at [email protected]. Click here for more info on the book.

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Calling all fashionistas!  Discover new designers at the Creative Market Colletive Christmas Pop-Up.  Event hosted by  Virginia Gunn.  Every Saturday and Sunday of December at 324 Sunset Avenue.  Open from 9am to 9pm.  Happy hour 6pm to 8pm!  Details here. 

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Give someone a day of fresh air and exercise!  All day bike rental gift card for $15 at Jay’s Rentals!  Jay’s Rental has been assisting tourist and locals in Venice Beach since 1996. Located on the corner of Windward and Speedway, it’s the most recognizable shop having been in almost every movie filmed on Venice Beach.   Bikes, Boards, Skates and all your beach needs can be found at Jay’s Rentals. In town for a couple hours or a LA local showing friends and family the town, Jay’s has what you need to experience the beach and boardwalk with no hassle and a guaranteed good time.  JaysRentals.com.

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Gift the gift of Venice! Adopt-a-Bulb and become part of the legacy!  When Abbot Kinney officially introduced the world to Venice-of-America in 1905 he did it in style.  Across Windward Avenue at Pacific (then Trolley Way), 3-foot high letters glowed to electric life and spelled out the place to be on that 4th of July – in VENICE.  Historic Windward Avenue with its Italianate architecture and colonnade began life as the entrance to the wonderful amusement pier.  Today it remains our gateway to the remarkable scene known throughout the world as Venice Beach.   Details here.

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A swanky affair!  Give the gift of great food and drinks high above the Pacific with a gift card to Barlo Kitchen and Cocktails or High Rooftop Lounge at  Hotel Erwin.  Chill out under the stars, with heat lamps and blankets on their comfy couches while sipping hot toddy’s with warm bodies!

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Get the Muscle Beach Souvenir cup from Muscle Beach Juice Bar!   Grab the iconic orange dumbbell cup for your favorite smoothie drinking workout fiend.  And, while you are there, power up on wheatgrass and ginger shots, fresh juice, smoothies, protein shakes, peanut butter and jelly, breakfast burritos, vegetarian options, more!   View menu!   Muscle Beach Juice Bar is located on the Venice Beach Boardwalk across from the world famous Muscle Beach Gym.  1809 Oceanfront Walk.  Venice, Ca 90291.

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 Pick up some authentic Venice Boardwalk souvenirs, knick knacks, trinkets, and oddities for that special someone!   Check out this list of suggestions. 

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Crab legs for Christmas!    Tony P’s Dockside Grill gift card is the perfect answer! For every $100 in gift cards you buy, receive a $25 bonus gift card to give or keep for yourself!!  Nothing says Happy Holidays like a gift card from Tony P’s!!  www.TonyPs.com

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Sushi and Sake makes ’em smile!  Purchase $100 gift card from Hama Sushi and get $20 Hama Gift Card with your purchase for your next visit!  Treat yourself and friends!

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Boss burgers and bad ass brew!   Give the gift of beer and awesome food!  26 rotating taps.  Cheers!  Give someone special a gift card from Simmzy’s Venice.

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Give the gift of health with a gift card to Muscle Beach Juice Bar!  They have cleanses, organic salad, cold pressed juice, shots, Wheatgrass, smoothies, breakfast burritos, coconuts and more! A nd, it is perfect timing to get the new year off on the right step!   www.venicepaparazzi.com/businesses/muscle-beach-juice-bar

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Get wired!  How about a gift card to the Cow’s End Cafe for the coffee drinker in your life?!  The Cow’s End has awesome caffeinated drinks and fantastic food as well.

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Surfers Sashimi from Santa- Give the deliciousness of Poke Poke for Christmas!  And, get some for yourself while your at it.  Poke Poke, now located at Jody Maroni’s,  is a real Venice treasure and if you have eaten there, you already know it is some of the best food in the V.

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For all Venice Beach Fun, check out VisitVeniceCA.com