These 7 LA startups have gifts you won't find on Amazon

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Published on Dec. 17, 2014

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Buying a holiday gift from a department store is not only boring, it's also inconvenient. With so much amazing technology out there, especially available locally, holiday shopping doesn't need to be either of those things. Here at Built In LA, we scoured the startup scene to find you the best, most innovative gifts that support local startups. Read on to find the best technology, delivery services (hello wine and chocolate!) and concert tickets for this holiday season.  

 

For the Coffee Lover

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Nothing beats having a fresh, delicious cup of Joe in the morning.  Get your coffee-loving family member a subscription to LA-based BeanGenuis. You’ll need to do a little reconnaissance work to find out your loved ones taste in coffee. Deliveries are tailored so that customers can discover their perfect cup of coffee.  Your family will thank you on Monday morning after the holiday.  

 

For the Homeowner

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At Built In LA, we love it when tech companies combine simple hardware with software to make our lives easier. For the homeowner in your family, check out Ring, the most advanced doorbell we’ve ever seen. The doorbell has a video function that allows you to see who is at your front door, even if you aren’t home.  It makes getting packages easy and helps cut down on crime. 

 

For the Health Nut

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LA is known for being health conscious and there’s no better gift than helping keep someone healthy for 2015.  For the health-conscious in your family, give them a yearlong membership to Thrive Market.  The company sells healthy products at a deep discount to your regular grocer.  They are all about giving back – for every one paid membership, the company tries to pair with a nonprofit to give another one to a needy family.  

 

For the Florist

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Everyone loves flowers and while they make be a failsafe gift, getting beautiful bouquets from a LA-based BloomNation means you’ll get flowers from a local shop. It’s the perfect way to brighten someone’s holiday. Or check out Bloom2Bloom’s holiday bouquet – each order helps support another order of flowers to a non-profit that helps families, women, the elderly and much more.

 

For the Wine Lover

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LA-based companies love tailoring their products for each customer (see gift for coffee lovers), and this wine club does just that. For your frugal but picky wine-loving family members, consider giving them a gift to Club W. Instead of picking out a bottle they might not like, recipients will get to choose from Club W’s wine suggestions.   

 

For the Art Lover

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Nothing pulls together a room like a beautiful piece of art, plus you’ll look classy giving the gift of culture. LA is home to a handful of great art dealers that can help you pick the perfect piece for your loved one. Saatchi Art sells art from all around the world and has reasonably priced pieces (along with very expensive ones!). Browse their online site or their app to find the piece that would best suit your loved one. Or check out the Tappan Collective – with lots of choices under $100, you’re sure to find something you’ll love. 

 

For the Sports Lover or Music Fan

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Nothing beats being in the stands for your favorite game or seeing a band in concert. Get your loved ones tickets to their favorite sporting event or concert this coming year by checking out ScoreBig’s listing of events in town and then offer up a price (under face value). 

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