Well Baby Center, 12316 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, CA 90066 (310) 402-2229 ext 101

Well Baby Center, 12316 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista, CA 90066 (310) 402-2229 ext 101

The Studio MDR, in nearby Marina del Rey, uses the Megaformer, a Pilates-inspired machine, similar to the Reformer. They run their SPX classes on this machine and designed the BABYlates class so that pregnant women could utilize the machine and safely get a great workout. The class is held every Saturday at 2pm. See their website for how to sign up.

I really liked the location and the atmosphere at the Studio MDR – and I highly recommend trying it out. Pregnant or not. Male or Female.

The Studio MDR, 330 Washington Blvd., Unit C, Marina del Rey, CA 90292

NCJW Thrift Store, 12120 Venice Blvd., Mar Vista 90066

Soaptopia

Of course I’ll begin with Soaptopia, one of my all-time favorite places to be in just to smell the delicious scents – and it’s my go-to-place for gifts. Everyone I’ve ever given a soap, scrub or boxed set has loved it and wanted more. You can’t go wrong, especially since this is the time of year to get my favorite: Candy Cane! **ALSO: Plum District is running a great deal right now on Sopatopia products: $20 for $40 worth – but hurry, this deal only lasts a little bit longer.

Venice Grind

Arguably the anchor tenant of the Mar Vista Business District, the Venice Grind was the coffee house that really got the ball rolling in terms of Mar Vista’s transformation into a hip, happening neighborhood. While the best thing to do at the Venice Grind is sit and linger over a cup of Stumptown coffee, the gift items they carry include a great T-shirt and one of my favorite coffee mugs. Or there’s always a pound of coffee beans to brew up at home.

The Curious Palate

This is one of my favorite places to eat in Mar Vista and I was thrilled when they opened up. It’s no secret the Blue Paradise sandwich (or salad) is my favorite thing to eat at the Curious Palate, but I’ve had a terrific breakfast there on more than one occasion as well. They’ve got a market as well as a cafe, so the gift idea I have is their homemade jellies and jams. Blackberry is my personal favorite, but there is something for every taste. By the way, if you’re ever in Santa Monica, they’ve recently opened a second outpost in the Santa Monica Place Mall Marketplace where they can serve beer and wine, just FYI.

Rotem Gear

R. Jean Roth, Mar Vista Designer of both graphics and T-shirts, offers up Chanukah-themed shirts in her Rotem Gear shop. I think we can all agree that a Got Latkes? shirt would certainly enhance any wardrobe. She’s got many more items to choose from, and now’s the time to shop, since Chanukah begins December 20th this year.

{This is not a sponsored gift guide; these are just my choices of great things to buy here in Mar Vista, from businesses I’ve shopped at and loved for years.}