Pasadena gift-giving is an art form—part neighborhood pride, part impeccable taste, and part “I found this at a place you’ve probably never heard of.” This year, the city is overflowing with distinctive items in the $50–$1,000 range, perfect for partners, parents, friends, and the particularly selective people who insist they “don’t need anything.” Here is a look at what Pasadena shops, restaurants, and boutiques are offering this holiday season. And check back with us, this list is going to grow!
The reMarkable gets Remarkable-er. Again.
The newest reMarkable “Move Pro” writing tablet leads this year’s guide not just because it’s sleek and brilliant, but because Pasadena Now readers have watched this product evolve year after year—and it really has become more and more remarkable-er. The Move Pro refines everything the earlier models hinted at: a crisp E-Ink display, whisper-light hardware, handwriting-to-text conversion, seamless cloud sync, and that uncanny paper-like writing feel that makes the brain relax and ideas flow. For journalists, students, designers, and analog thinkers who need a digital home, it’s easily one of 2025’s most elegant tools.
Price: $449–$549 depending on configuration
Store: Online at reMarkable; also available through Best Buy Pasadena
Best Buy Address: 3415 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 351-2356
Website: https://remarkable.com
Let’s Get Groomed
Jack Black’s “Triple Play” grooming trio makes an easy win for men who might never buy upscale skincare for themselves. The set includes a face cleanser, shave cream, and moisturizer—simple, effective, and travel-friendly. At $54, it feels like an upgraded routine without tipping into novelty.
Price: $54
Store: Ulta Beauty – Hastings Village
Address: 3393 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 351-1421
Website: https://www.ulta.com
This Year, Everybody Rocks
For aspiring musicians—or the uncle threatening to revive his college indie band dreams—the Fender CC-60SCE at Guitar Center offers warm tone, comfortable size, and built-in electronics for live gigs. It’s the ultimate “first real guitar” in the mid-$300 range. Let’s rock, peeps.
Price: $329–$369
Store: Guitar Center Pasadena
Address: 2660 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 304-0463
Website: https://www.guitarcenter.com
Like a Record, Baby, Right Round…
Audio Element remains one of Pasadena’s most refined specialty shops, offering Music Hall turntables that feel like sculpture and sound like a revelation. With grown-up engineering and premium cartridges, these decks transform an entire room—perfect for the vinyl lover who walks by the portable players.
Price: $450–$800
Store: Audio Element
Address: 117 E. Union St., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 793-7229
Website: https://audio-element.com
Hömage Confetti Strand Necklace
Hömage’s Confetti Strand Necklace is one of the prettiest mixed-metal pieces in Old Pasadena, featuring sterling silver discs floating along a 14k gold chain. Light-catching, minimalist, and handmade, it’s ideal for partners, sisters, or stylish moms.
Price: $345
Store: Hömage Pasadena
Address: 100 N. Fair Oaks Ave., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 657-9090
Website: https://www.homagepasadena.com
Gold Bug Silver Spike Fringe Necklace
For a piece with more attitude, Gold Bug’s Silver Spike Fringe Necklace offers sculptural drama with just the right amount of edge. It’s the perfect Old Pasadena statement piece—bold without overwhelming, artistic without pretension.
Price: Around $395
Store: Gold Bug
Address: 38 E. Holly St., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 744-9964
Website: https://www.goldbugpasadena.com
From Inside Your Head
The Meta Quest 3 is this year’s breakout tech gift, if you will. This one has sharper resolution and powerful mixed-reality experiences, so say goodbye for a while to the gamers, teens, fitness enthusiasts, and curious adults in the family who want the closest thing to sci-fi in their living room.
Price: $499.99 (512GB)
Store: Best Buy Pasadena
Address: 3415 E. Foothill Blvd., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 351-2356
Website: https://www.bestbuy.com
Apple 10th-Generation iPad. Because iPad.
Anything more useful than an iPad? Streaming, travel entertainment, sketching, FaceTime, music, homework—it does it all. And with bright colors and a sleek screen, it remains one of the most reliable, popular gifts in Pasadena.
Price: Starting at $349
Store: Apple Store Pasadena
Address: 54 W. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 463-4760
Website: https://www.apple.com
A Puzzle in Pasadena, and Maybe a Gift Card?
Vroman’s Pasadena Geometric Puzzle paired with a gift card makes a thoughtful, cozy two-part present—part activity, part literary license. It’s the perfect stocking-stuffer combination for readers, teens, parents, or visiting relatives.
Price: Puzzle $32.99; Gift card any amount
Store: Vroman’s Bookstore
Address: 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 449-5320
Website: https://www.vromansbookstore.com
Warm and Cheesy
A gift card to Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery is a warm night of wood-fired dishes, artful cheese boards, and craft cocktails in the heart of Playhouse Village. Few Pasadena dining rooms feel more inviting during the holidays.
Price: $150–$250 recommended
Store: Agnes Restaurant & Cheesery
Address: 40 W. Green St., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 389-3839
Website: https://www.agnesla.com
A Perle on Union Street
Perle brings Michelin-recognized French-inspired dining to Old Pasadena, so its gift cards have gotta be one of the most romantic presents of the season. With seasonal ingredients and refined plating, it’s an instant “special occasion.”
Price: $200–$400
Store: Perle Restaurant
Address: 43 E. Union St., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 460-8819
Website: https://www.perlerestaurant.com
Get your Chuan On
For someone who needs true rest (that would be all of us), the Langham Huntington’s Chuan Spa offers one of Pasadena’s most luxurious escapes. A gift voucher becomes a full afternoon of massage, ritual, and quiet inside one of the city’s most iconic hotels.
Price: About $230 for a 60-minute massage
Store: Chuan Spa at The Langham Huntington
Address: 1401 S. Oak Knoll Ave., Pasadena
Phone: (626) 585-6414
Website: https://www.langhamhotels.com
Gold Always Works
For big celebrations, both Gold Bug and Hömage offer hand-crafted fine jewelry in the $700–$1,000+ range. Pearls, diamonds, artist-made metals—these are heirloom-level gifts that stay in families for decades. The future begins now.
Price Range: $700–$1,000+
Gold Bug: 38 E. Holly St. | (626) 744-9964 | https://www.goldbugpasadena.com
Hömage: 100 N. Fair Oaks Ave. | (626) 657-9090 | https://www.homagepasadena.com
