Nest
2300 Fillmore Street
San Francisco, CA 94115
Situated on the corner of Fillmore and Clay in Lower Pacific Heights, Nest is an eclectic store that offers a wide variety of items. For a small shop, Nest’s collection is extensive. From expensive fine jewelry and clothing to affordable books, textiles, and decorative items, there are new objects to discover in each and every corner. Whether you are looking for something as simple as a holiday card or as extravagant as an antique wooden table, you are sure to find it at Nest.
Green Apple Books
506 Clement Street
San Francisco, CA 94118
This quintessential San Francisco bookstore is famous for its selection of new and used books. Whether you are looking for 19th century poetry, newly released science fiction, or a classic novel from your childhood, Green Apple will not disappoint. The store’s focus on local works allows for a wide variety of unique literature. Make sure to set aside a good chunk of time if you decide to visit Green Apple because it is not uncommon to lose yourself in the shop’s extensive collection and emerge hours later.
Topo Designs
645 Divisadero Street
San Francisco, CA 94117
Looking for a gift for the outdoorsy people on your list? Topo Designs is the place to look. The company, which specializes in clothing and accessories for the modern outdoors person, has a storefront on Divisadero Street. While they are most known for their bags and packs, which are on the pricey side, they also have a wide variety of accessories that are quite affordable. Some accessories include hats, caps, mugs, tumblers, ski goggles, camera straps, wallets, dopp kits, and more. And as an added bonus, all of their products are made in the USA.
Poco Dolce
2421 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94107
If you are looking for a sweet treat to gift this holiday season, check out Poco Dolce in Dogpatch. This gourmet chocolatier offers a wide variety of bittersweet confections in addition to special holiday treats, including “mint snowballs” (mint truffles), olive oil truffles decorated with snowflakes, cranberry-pumpkin Sees chocolate tiles, drinking chocolate, and more. Their holiday baskets and sets also make for great host/hostess gifts for when you attend your next holiday party.
Ambassador Toys
186 W Portal Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94127
and
2 Embarcadero Center #6
San Francisco, CA 94111
This toy store is a little kid’s paradise. Straight out of Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium, Ambassador Toys sells every toy, game, and stuffed animal you could possibly think of. I would particularly suggest this shop for presents for the young gift recipients in your life. With two locations in the city – one conveniently located on West Portal and the other in Embarcadero Center – an Ambassador Toys is never far from home (or Lick).
Sockshop Haight Street
1742 Haight Street
San Francisco CA, 94117
Sockshop is the one stop shop for crazy socks. Whether you are looking for ankle socks decorated with bananas, superhero knee socks, or neon green tights, Sockshop has it all. Everyone needs socks, so why not get them a pair they will love at Sockshop?
Azil Boutique
451 Hayes Street
San Francisco, CA 94102
Situated on Hayes between Octavia and Gough, Azil’s street presence is minimalist, but inviting. Once inside, you will be greeted by a collection of simplistic handmade jewelry. Their sleek pieces, which range from very expensive to very affordable, reflect their chic clientele. I would highly recommend this shop as you search for gifts for the style icons in your life.
SFMOMA Museum Store
151 3rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94103
If you are looking for unique and artistic gifts, the SFMOMA store is the place to look. Selling everything from one-of-a-kind jewelry to furniture to prints of famous works, and offering a wonderful collection of books (and kids’ books) there is no shortage of gift options at SFMOMA. The shop’s focus on design makes for an extremely interesting and varied collection. I am particularly fond of their glassware, which will enhance any kitchen. And, as a bonus, I guarantee a walk through the exhibits will make for the best shopping excursion yet.
Aroma Tea Shop
302 6th Avenue
San Francisco, CA 94118
This Asian tea shop on Clement street offers hundreds of teas for the tea-lovers on your list. Their selection includes varieties of jasmine, white, green oolong, black, Pu Erh, and herbal teas. If you are looking for something unique, they also sell blooming flower teas in flavors like chocolate hibiscus, mango, and peach that will look beautiful at the holiday dessert bar (and taste great too)! Aroma also sells ornate bamboo tea trays and porcelain tea pots. And if that isn’t enough to lure you into the shop, just think of the delicious aroma (no pun intended) you can enjoy as you shop.
