10 gifts for people who love Arizona
— Our editors review and recommend products to help you buy the stuff you need. If you make a purchase by clicking one of our links, we may earn a small share of the revenue. However, our picks and opinions are independent from The Arizona Republic’s newsroom and any business incentives.
With an average high temperature of around 67 degrees Fahrenheit in December, Arizona may not be the place most people think of when it comes to holiday cheer. But those who call the state home know there is nothing like celebrating Christmas in Arizona.
So whether you're in Phoenix, Tucson, Mesa, or Scottsdale — or if your travels have taken you far from the desert — here are a few gifts we recommend for any fan of our 48th state.
From Crescent Ballroom tees to Cutino hot sauce, these gifts are perfect for anyone who wants to rock their Arizona pride this holiday season.
1. For the person who likes to cuddle up: A Fortoul Brothers blanket from Tuft & Needle
Phoenix-based mattress startup Tuft & Needle makes our Best Value mattress-in-a-box and we recommend their quality. With this 100% cotton throw blanket designed by local artists the Fortoul Brothers, the company showcases their Arizona roots with style.
Get the Fortoul Brothers blanket from Tuft & Needle for $200
2. For the sentimental—or scentimental—giftee: A candle that reminds you of home
Sometimes a certain scent can bring back fond memories of your favorite place. We recommend Homesick Candles for their long-lasting quality and array of localized scents. (In addition to an Arizona candle, they also offer Phoenix and Grand Canyon aromas.) If you want a more personalized option, check out the custom candles at Phoenix’s Standard Wax. Starting at $30, you can choose the jar, lid, label, and scent of the candle you want to give.
3. For the person who wants to display their Arizona pride without being too obvious: A T-shirt with local cachet
Want to celebrate your Phoenix pride without looking like a tourist? These fun T-shirts with desert-themed designs should do the trick. Whether you’re sharing your love of hiking Camelback or your fun evenings at the Crescent Ballroom, these shirts will let your giftee rock their local roots.
4. For the reader in your life: "A Small Story About the Sky"
Alberto Rios’s "A Small Story About the Sky" is a beautiful book of poetry that is sure to resonate with any literary-minded recipient — and even a few who haven’t picked up a book in ages. This 110-page collection is a must-have on any Arizonan’s shelf.
Get A Small Story About the Sky from Amazon for $12.22
5. For the cocktail connoisseur: A Phoenix map rocks glass
These fun glasses are etched with a map of Phoenix’s local roads, letting your spirits fan display their hometown pride with every sip.
Get the Phoenix map rocks glass from Uncommon Goods for $16
6. For the spicy enthusiast: Cutino hot sauce
Looking for chef-approved Arizona hot sauce? You’ve gotta snag a few bottles of Cutino. It’s made in collaboration with the Valley’s pizza kingpin Chris Bianco.
Get Cutino hot sauce starting at $8
7. For the homesick Arizonan: Creosote bundles from Phoenix General
Arizonans know there’s no smell better than desert rain. Which is why locals and former Phoenicians alike enjoy hanging a bushel of creosote in the shower for a dreamy steam.
Get a creosote bundle from Phoenix General for $9.50
8. For those who like to know where they are: A Grafomap customized map
Grafomap lets you create a custom map for any address and offers options to print it out in a number of fun designs. Your recipient can receive their map printed on paper and framed or even printed on canvas or directly onto metal.
Get a customized Grafomap starting at $49
9. For the host: An Arizona cheese board
A good party host will offer great snacks and fun ways to share them. A bamboo cheese board shaped like Arizona would be perfect to serve appetizers during a Cardinals games or at any other gathering.
Get the Arizona cheese board from Uncommon Goods for $48
10. For the one with a sweet tooth: A delicious taste of Arizona
What’s sweeter than chocolate? Chocolate that’s locally made. If you wanna go old school, opt for candies from west-side classic Ceretta. If you’re more into hand-crafted, bean-to-bar chocolate, Zak’s is the place.
The product experts at Reviewed have all your shopping needs covered. Follow Reviewed on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest deals, reviews, and more.
Prices were accurate at the time this article was published but may change over time.
This article originally appeared on Reviewed.com: 10 gifts for people who love Arizona
