With the holiday gift-giving season ahead of us, it seems like the perfect time to help guide those who have a beer enthusiast among their family and friends. As always, the goal is to support our local businesses — especially independently owned breweries and beer-adjacent partners.
What Not to Buy
Let’s start with what the beer enthusiast doesn’t need this holiday season. While results may vary, my careful case study of one beer lover has made it clear that there are a few things they just don’t want:
- Another beer cozy (no matter how clever the comment on it is)
- Another shaker pint glass (no matter how personalized)
- Another generic beer shirt found on Amazon’s “gifts for beer lover” search (invariably and incredibly both too small and too large at the same time)
- Another bottle opener (unless it comes with a bottle of something to open)
What to Buy Instead
Here are some options that will truly impress:
Swag from Local Breweries: Let your gift recipient show off their “if you know, you know” beer knowledge wherever they go.
- For something funny, check out Inzane Brewing’s selection of beer-witticisms.
- For local vibes, South O Brewing has redesigned its merch to highlight its community zeal and history.
- Burgeon Beer Company gives 1% back to the planet through their tree-planting initiative, so that’s two gifts for the price of one!
Hoppy Beer Hoppy Life Merchandise: Locally owned and specializing in stylish, beer-themed designs, Hoppy Beer Hoppy Life offers high-quality, unique options. Check out their website or Instagram for the latest releases.
Special Beer Releases: Many local breweries announce new beer releases on their social media platforms. Keep an eye out for holiday-themed beers.
Craft Markets at Breweries: Shop for unique, beer-inspired gifts at local craft markets hosted by breweries.
Pure Project Guided Beer Tastings: Impress your beer-loving friend with in-person or virtual tastings led by one of Pure Project’s in-house, Cicerone-certified staff. Check their website for details.
The Brewers Taproom Mystery Bags: Travis Hudson, manager of the Brewers Taproom in Encinitas, says their bags include 6-8 beers of different styles and breweries. “It’s a great way to get people to try beers they wouldn’t normally buy and expand the palates of typical beer drinkers,” Hudson said. Mystery Bags are also perfect for BBQs, camping trips, or holiday parties.
Membership Clubs: Big spender, are you? Ok, here’s one: a membership to AleSmith’s Order of the Anvil. At $375 annually, it offers exclusive beers, free tastings, and discounts. Other local breweries also have membership clubs worth exploring.
Homebrewing Supplies: SoCal Brewing Supply, a local family and veteran-owned shop, has starter kits for beginners and hard-to-find equipment for experienced brewers. “If we don’t have something, I’ll get it,” says co-founder Travis Johnson.
Books About Beer: A few standout options include:
“Drink Beer, Think Beer” by John Holl changes the way readers approach and appreciate beer.
“The Beer Bible” by Jeff Alworth is an updated deep dive into all things beer.
Joel Grier’s “Flights Across America: A Brewery Lover’s Journey,” which will be released Dec. 17, inspires readers to explore breweries across the country.
Beer Events and Festivals
Tickets for local beer events and festivals make fantastic gifts. Here are a few upcoming events to consider:
- Dec. 7: South O Brewing’s 3rd Anniversary Invitational (featuring exclusive bottle offerings)
- Dec. 6-7: Pizza Port’s Strong Ale Festival
- Jan. 11: San Diego Beer Fest
- Jan. 18: Burgeon Beer Company’s 8th Anniversary Invitational (known for its impressive guest brewery lineup)
Of course, what beer enthusiasts — and perhaps all of us — want most is the gift of time. Take time to visit local breweries and taprooms, supporting local businesses while enjoying live entertainment and games.
Jeff Spanier is the co-host of I Like Beer the Podcast. He receives no commissions or benefits from the businesses mentioned (though sometimes if he’s lucky, a pint or two). Follow Spanier’s adventures on Instagram @ilikebeerthepodcast.
