One of the things that gives the Toluca Lake area its character is our business community, abounding with stores, eateries and service providers you can’t find anywhere else. So why search far afield this season when you can get gifts for everyone on your list, not to mention everything you need for holiday entertaining, without leaving the neighborhood? You’ll be boosting the local economy, cutting your carbon footprint, enjoying friendly and personalized service, dazzling your loved ones with one-of-a-kind picks, and probably treating yourself to something special along the way. Happy shopping!

A Generales & GeneralesTop

Toluca Lake

Whether you’re on the hunt for a heartfelt stocking stuffer or a statement piece that’s destined to become a future heirloom, Generales & Generales is the destination for sparkling keepsakes this season. Co-owner Sylvia Generales recommends taking a personalized approach to gifting with customized pendants, bracelets or earrings. “Consider adding your loved one’s birthstone or select a special charm that marks a significant milestone in your shared journey,” she advises. “Each creation becomes a cherished reminder of love, connection and cherished memories.” In addition to their customizable options, the shop offers a curated selection of watches, vintage jewelry and stunning in-house designs. “We are happy to serve the people in our community and beyond, and love giving back to various charities that are important to us and our customers,” Generales says.

B The Rouge CosmeticsTop

Toluca Lake

Embrace luxurious comfort this holiday season with a selection of cozy offerings at The Rouge Cosmetics, a curated lifestyle boutique on Forman Avenue. This holiday collection includes PJ Salvage pajamas, which are “always a huge hit that sells out every year!” owner Tianna Hope says. “Our other popular items include lavish robes, blankets and casualwear from Barefoot Dreams and luxury supportive slides and loafers from Roam, which come in cool colors and designs. We also offer custom spa baskets, which can include Voyage et Cie candles, organic body products, Caudalie skincare products and more.”

C PergolinaTop

Toluca Lake

This season, Paulanna Cuccinello is featuring gifts that celebrate an age-old Southern Italian holiday custom: the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a meal of at least seven different kinds of seafood dishes that are served before midnight on Christmas Eve. “Pergolina honors the fish,” she says. “We always celebrated the seven fishes at my Nonna’s home.” To create your own version of this classic meal, Pergolina is offering tinned salmon, sardines or tuna packed in extra virgin olive oil from Portugal, as well as accoutrements such as 100% cotton sardine napkins screen-printed in Britain, a set of three French mixing bowls (which are perfect for calamari salad, Cuccinello notes) and a cookbook from Italy filled with traditional recipes and meal inspiration for gatherings large and small.

D Aldik HomeTop

Van Nuys

“A trip to Aldik Home is the best way to get inspired during the holidays!” Bryan Gold says. “We’ve been proudly showcasing the best Christmas display in the country for 70-plus years.” Visit the dazzling winter wonderland and treat your family to a magical season with all the trimmings, starting with the best-quality artificial trees available. Aldik’s exclusive AH Gold Label line features stronger-gauge wires, innovative lighting solutions and an array of styles and sizes to show off your ornaments. Try the Snowy Deluxe Canyon LED tree for a full-yet-layered flocked look; the Brilliant LED system extends a light to the end of every tip, includes a dimmer and is easily repairable with a separate light string for each branch.

E Priscilla’s CoffeeTop

Toluca Lake

Treat yourself and your loved ones to a cup of holiday cheer at Priscilla’s Coffee. Priscilla’s is offering a variety of coffee selections this holiday season, such as Jack Frost (Swiss chocolate with hints of mint and Irish cream), Frosty’s Favorite (cinnamon and a hint of graham cracker) and Reindeer Caramel Crunch (homemade caramel with a crunchy nut flavor). “Priscilla’s is a wonderful place to cozy up with a good book or computer, hang out with friends or just pick up a cup of your favorite drink,” owner Shannon Hartman says. “Also, we will be open every day for the rest of the year except on Christmas. Mark your calendar for our annual New Year’s Day pancake breakfast!”

F The Enchanted FloristTop

Burbank

A bouquet of vibrant seasonal blooms from The Enchanted Florist is a meaningful way to express your gratitude for the ones you hold dear during the holidays and year-round. Owner Kim Williams says the “Designer’s Choice” mix consistently ranks as her top seller each year, as it allows people to work with her to craft personalized arrangements with their choice of colors, scents and textures. “Any item that magically shows up at our flower market that no one is expecting or looks extra special that day to be mixed with holiday greens, pines and firs” can be incorporated into a design, she says. “It can be very natural and gardenlike or very festive with bulbs and bows.” In addition, the shop features a variety of host gifts, including Toluca Lake–themed holiday dish towels, ceramic ornaments with Holy Family and snowmen scenes, cards and more. Complimentary gift wrapping is available for all items purchased in store.

G Random Acts of BreadnessTop

Burbank

Randall Michael Tobin founded Random Acts of Breadness on the spirit of generosity, gifting his artisan sourdough breads to hundreds of people before opening his Burbank bakery in 2021. So it’s no surprise that Breadness has plenty of options for holiday gift-giving and entertaining. Pick up the bestselling traditional country loaf or cinnamon raisin maple pecan sourdough and augment it with an array of butters, olive oils, tapenades, balsamic vinegars, honeys and jams to create a festive spread, or package it with a knife, cutting board and tea towel as a host gift. The newest offerings are artisan sourdough crisps, available in plain, smoked, herb and cinnamon-raisin varieties to enhance any charcuterie board or even, Tobin suggests, replace Santa’s milk and cookies. “For the holidays, I have a slogan,” he adds. “‘Merry Crispness from Random Acts of Breadness!’”

H El Portal TheatreTop

North Hollywood

What do Mel Tormé, Irving Berlin and Frank Loesser have in common? They’re all Jewish songwriters who wrote some of the most iconic Christmas songs of all time, from “White Christmas” to “The Christmas Song” (which was penned right here in Toluca Lake!). This holiday season, the El Portal Theatre’s Oy! To the World: Christmas With a Twist showcases the Jewish composers who created countless Christmas classics that have filled the homes of families around the country for decades. The musical runs from December 14–23, so be sure to purchase your tickets today and treat your family, your friends and yourself to this unique seasonal celebration.

I The Perfect ParrotTop

North Hollywood

Whether you’re looking for a gift for the bird lover in your life or something for your own feathered friend, there’s no better source than The Perfect Parrot. “We have been serving the community since 2007 and are proud to be part of the Toluca Lake family,” owner Kim Everett says. In addition to offering cages, grooming services, food, treats and “the best selection of bird toys in SoCal” year-round, the store is renowned for its selection of special handmade holiday ornaments featuring more than 50 different varieties of parrots. Furthermore, local bird owners who are headed out of town for the holidays can take advantage of The Perfect Parrot’s boarding services — just call as soon as possible to learn about health requirements.

J 1-800-GOT-JUNK?Top

Burbank

Need to get your home ready for holiday entertaining or make room for all those great new gifts? Resolving to declutter for the new year? Want to give someone else the precious gift of space? As Burbank/North Hollywood’s premier local junk removal company, 1-800-GOT-JUNK? takes the frustration out of home cleanouts with free, no-obligation onsite estimates and friendly same-day service. Just point to whatever you want removed and they’ll provide an up-front, all-inclusive price, then remove the items (even from your yard, attic or basement), load them into their truck and sweep the area before they leave. “Since we opened our first office in Toluca Lake 18 years ago, we’ve completed more than 1,500 service calls in 91602 for home and business owners,” Burbank general manager James Williams says, adding that customers can receive a free $50 gift card during the holiday season.

K The Strength CodeTop

Burbank

Strength training is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your health and fitness. Getting started might feel daunting — but that’s where The Strength Code comes in, with experienced certified trainers who can design a safe, effective and sustainable workout for your unique needs, lifestyle and wellness goals at any age or fitness level. “Why not give the priceless gift of strength this holiday season and purchase a gift certificate for your loved one (or yourself!)?” owner Sheila Melody says. For a great stocking stuffer, the $50 intro offer includes a consultation with a certified strength specialist, medical body composition analysis and two one-on-one sessions. If you’re into biohacking, The Strength Code offers packages featuring the high-tech RX ViiV Isometric machine and the AI-driven CAROL Bike. No matter what, Melody promises, “All you have to do is show up and we will take care of the rest.”

L Mailbox Toluca LakeTop

Burbank

Mailbox Toluca Lake is no ordinary post office box business. Beyond the mailboxes, postal supplies and greeting cards, the neighborhood institution is the premier purveyor of vocal remedies for professional voice users and everyday people alike. Owner Jonathan Kramer, known as “Dr. Voice” to the stars, is renowned for his vast knowledge and selection of natural products that help soothe laryngitis, hoarseness and other throat ailments. He recommends Grether’s Pastilles, a calming candy whose use dates back to 1930, and Entertainer’s Secret relief spray to keep the mouth and throat moist and protected. This season, Kramer invites the community to stop by to check out the shop’s specialized merchandise and gifts, learn about throat and voice health, and snag a free backpack filled with samples of his bestsellers (while supplies last).

M Milt & Edie’s DrycleaningTop

Burbank

The holiday season is a great opportunity to gift your loved ones time and convenience, courtesy of a Milt & Edie’s gift certificate. This award-winning business has been the neighborhood’s top choice for the cleaning and care of casual couture, luxury streetwear, shirt laundry and household goods for more than 70 years. “Give someone time to enjoy the holiday season rather than doing laundry and folding clothes,” co-owner Michael Shader says. “Let Milt & Edie’s do the dirty work!