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Small-biz enthusiast Marina Hernández explores unique ways to shop local in the 908! Enjoy these couple-themed gift ideas for brides and grooms and beyond!

GIFTS FOR ADVENTUROUS COUPLES

For a gift that will have practical use on the couple’s many adventures, we suggest an item that would fit right into their cookware camp box. Our top pick is an engraved grill spatula bearing the couples new family name ($15.99 including engraving). Find this gift and many more including cutting boards with personalized adventure graphics from local gift shop The Better Half Boutique.

The Better Half Boutique | 3803 Atlantic Ave, 90807 | (562) 336-1100

Surprise the thrill-seeking couple to an experience 800’ above Long Beach’s picturesque coastline with California Parasail. The experience includes a boat ride, a thrilling ascent in a safe and comfortable harness high above the Pacific Coast and chances to observe local marine life; all while testing the courage of the newly committed couple. ($95/pp) California Parasail | californiaparasail.com/

Set the newlyweds on a quest to discover and fulfill the travel adventures of their dreams with the selection of gifts at Romance Etc. We suggest purchasing the travel book, “The Bucket List: 1000 Adventures Big and Small” and pairing with either a leather bound travel journal or a frameable Scratch Map for documenting the couples escapades.

Romance Etc. | 5407 E. Village Rd, 90808 | (562) 439-5372

Get your peeps together and pitch in for one of the many options of Yeti Roadie Coolers that are stocked at your local Ace Hardware. It's a gift that is sure to last through many of the couples adventures together. Don’t forget to pair your gift with a 6-pack of beer from your favorite micro-brewery. We enjoy Steady Brewing’s Grasshopper IPA.  

Ace Hardware | 6441 E. Spring St, 90808 | 746 E. 4th St, 90802 | 2720 E. Anaheim St, 90804

Steady Brewing | 2950 Clark Ave, 90815 

GIFTS FOR SOPHISTICATED COUPLES

Treat the newly married couple to a crash course in cheese appreciation with a Cheese of the Month Membership from local shop Oh La Vache. The membership includes: one pound of various cheeses from around the world, an accoutrement (like a jam, mustard, crackers, etc) and first Friday private party with wine, small bites and pairing suggestions. This gift will have the couple ready to host dinner parties in no time. Choose between a 3-month membership gift ($135) or a 6-month ($270).

Oh La Vache |  2112 E. 4th St, 90814 | (562) 434-2112 |  ohlavachecheese.com/cheese-of-the-month-club

We all know what’s in the near future for these newlyweds, right? Carpal tunnel… from writing all the thank you cards. Make the experience more enjoyable by surprising the couple with custom stationary by local graphic designer (and new mama) Creative by Kelsey. Kelsey’s cards have been featured in the LB 908 subscription box and are a personal fave for their personalization and whimsical aesthetic. 

Creative by Kelsey | creativebykelsey.com/shop

Congratulate the newlyweds with season tickets to the vivacious Long Beach Symphony. Choose from a 5-concert Classical series (seating options range $120-$441/pp), or we recommend the Pops series for the couple who like to cut a rug (Disco Fever dance emoji here). Bring your picnic and libations and dance the night away ($104-$730/pp). Relaxing to internationally acclaimed performers, easy parking and no LA traffic make for a great pre- or post-wedding experience! Long Beach Symphony | longbeachsymphony.org/subscription-options/

For a gift the couple can create together, Bowman Ceramics arranges a one-hour private session to hand-make a matching set of morning coffee mugs. This experience has all the feels of Demi Moore and Patrick Swayze in the movie, Ghost, and has us blushing (private session $125).

Bowman Ceramics | www.bowmanceramics.com/ 

Treat your fave newlyweds to an evening of lessons with Chef Tech cooking classes. The couple will enjoy a 3-hour cooking lesson with feasts such as Korean Street Food, Argentina Open Sky Grill and Pizza Dough to name a few. Classes range from $104-$120 and include approximately 5 dishes including appetizers, main course, sides and a decedent dessert within the night’s theme.  

Chef Tech | 3842 Atlantic Ave, 90807 | www.cheftechcookingschool.com/gift-certificates