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In honor of the iconic Christmas song, here are our 12 favorite Catalina holiday gifts – including nine presents we love to give and get, plus three that you can give to the Island.

Catalina Express Gift Cards
This one’s easy. Giving a Catalina Express gift card is like giving the Island itself. Our gift cards come in any denomination and can be used for the journey to Catalina Island or any of our restaurants in San Pedro or Long Beach.

Catalina Artwork
From dramatic photographs to intriguing paintings creating en plein air, Catalina Island has been immortalized in thousands of pieces of art. Your options range from creating your own keepsake by printing a favorite photo on stretched canvas to investing in a masterpiece that will become a family heirloom.

New Year’s Eve Celebration
On December 31, the Catalina Casino Ballroom is host to a black-tie gala that creates lifelong memories. Complete with live music, dinner and party favors, this year’s 45th annual New Year’s Eve Celebration promises to be a truly spectacular evening. Tickets are available through the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce.

Dining Certificates
Most of our favorite restaurants on Catalina offer gift certificates. Give your favorite island travel buddy the promise of a great meal and a good time by arranging a gift certificate to your favorite place to dine on the Island.

Catalina Island Activities
There are dozens of activities to experience on Catalina that offer gift certificates, including golfing, scuba diving, parasailing, ziplining, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and much more. Or give the gift of relaxation with a gift card for a massage or a spa experience.

Catalina Postcards
Looking for a stocking stuffer for the Catalina fan on your list? The island’s history as a tourist destination goes back more than a century and throughout that time visitors have been sending postcards back home. These picture perfect postcards are readily found online and any shop on Catalina. Once framed, they are a nostalgic homage to everyone’s favorite island.

Catalina Pottery
More than 90 years ago, clay from Catalina Island was used to create colorful tiles and pottery. Now, those original pieces are highly sought-after collectors’ items that make perfect gifts for the Catalina fan in your life. Replica tiles, featuring similar designs and colors are a more affordable alternative and are widely available both online and on the Island.

A Catalina Island Vacation
The ultimate gift for the person who has everything. Give a Catalina vacation package with your favorite accommodations and boat transportation.

Catalina Gift Certificates
Can’t decide, but still want to give the gift of Catalina Island? The Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce offers gift certificates that can be redeemed at dozens of island businesses.

Three ways to give back

• Gift Memberships
  A great gift that also gives all year long, memberships to the Catalina Island Conservancy and the Catalina Island Museum come with plenty of perks. You’ll also know that you are supporting two organizations that work tirelessly to preserve and protect the island and its culture.
• Donate
  Speaking of support, there are several Catalina Island charities that would be eager for yours. Year-end donations are an essential means of fundraising for non-profits and island organizations are no exception. Consider making a gift to the Catalina Island Foundation, Catalina Island Medical Center Foundation or the Catalina Island Humane Society.
• Volunteer
  Whether you chose to make volunteering part of your Catalina vacation or arrange to contribute from the mainland, the gift of your time is a priceless present.

by Sherri Cline