San Francisco sourdough is special. It's the recipe, the particular humidity in the air, the ovens. As one who left the Bay Area 30 years ago, I know, there's nothing like it. There is a bread company in Truckee that bakes sourdough and other breads and they are really good...the best around here, but they don't compare to San Franciso bread...or the Sonoma Bakery. My friends always bring me some when the come to visit. If you are going to be on the road some days, the bread would not be a good gift. It will get stale and it will turn into a rock. I find that if I get to it right away, wrap it well and freeze it, I can dampen the crust, put it in the oven and it's really good, but still not the same a purchased fresh daily.

From SF, I always bring back Sees lollipops or Mrs. Sees chocolates. Wine is a great choice but can be heavy if you're flying. You might want to see about having it sent.

>>i would hit the wineries and have stuff shipped home!<<

Out of curiosity: Has the policy changed according to which it appears to have been unlawful for the wineries to ship their products?
I was told last year that they could not even do intra-state shipping due to state legislation. I could not believe it in the first place anyway.

I agree with purchasing the blankets in Tijuana. We purchased a couple of them over 25 years ago, and it still looks like new.

Years ago, someone brought back a sourdough "starter" kit that you used at home to make your own sourdough. Why not look for one of those?

p_m, ha! i guess i overlooked your post. i would practically go to california just to stock up on wine!
hsv...very good question. i'm in new york, and there were always problems with shipping the wine into new york, although i think that just changed. i'm sure it depends on the state. kerry...perhaps just hit a few wineries website's before you go tomorrow, or just ask when you are there. i've carried wine home from paris and europe several times as well by myself, and never had too much of a problem.