(Qianhui Yu / For The Times)
90 special L.A. shops to find the perfect holiday gift
- Forget about online shopping and big box stores. It’s fun to shop for holiday gifts in real life at these bricks-and-mortar stores in Los Angeles.
- From Malibu to Pasadena, here are 90 stores where you can find inspired holiday gifts in Los Angeles area.
- When you spend your dollars at a neighborhood store, you are not only buying something special for someone you love but you’re also extending a hand of support to small businesses in L.A.
During the holiday season, the allure of online shopping can be strong. But there’s something special about visiting local stores, with their festive decor and thoughtfully chosen gifts, to get you in the holiday spirit. Another incentive: When you shop locally, you’re not just purchasing a gift for someone you love but you’re also supporting small businesses struggling amid a challenging retail landscape.
So why not savor the unique experience of shopping in person instead of worrying about the arrival of your Amazon purchase? Even if you’re not a “shopper,” making a day of it is fun in a city like Los Angeles, where you can shop for hand block-printed textiles, locally made jewelry and ceramics along Glendale Boulevard in Atwater Village. Or sip a complimentary Turkish coffee while shopping for small-batch blankets, skincare products and cotton loungewear on Colorado Boulevard in Eagle Rock. And if your giftee prefers vintage or secondhand goods to something new, our Los Angeles thrift store, vintage Midcentury Modern and flea market guides are at your service.
More gift guides
In what has become an annual tradition as part of our holiday gift guide, we’ve compiled a list of some of our favorite bricks-and-mortar shops, from Malibu and Long Beach to downtown L.A. and Pasadena. As with all our guides, this is not meant to be a definitive list, and we encourage you to share your favorite places to shop for gifts by sending an email to lisa.boone@latimes.com. We’ll try to include them in next year’s list. So start exploring and sharing your local gems.
Showing Places
(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Abierto
Malibu Retail
You would be hard-pressed not to find something special at Amanda Weir’s delightful gift shop inside the Point Dume Village shopping center. Dedicated to “nurturing connection,” according to its website, the store offers small-batch goods by many local small businesses, such as Flora Animalia clothing and Le Feu De L’Eau candles.
Given its location near the beach, it’s not surprising the store stocks sun hats. Other possible gift items you’ll find: cookbooks, cutting boards, apothecary items, cards, palo santo sticks and goodies for kids.
Given its location near the beach, it’s not surprising the store stocks sun hats. Other possible gift items you’ll find: cookbooks, cutting boards, apothecary items, cards, palo santo sticks and goodies for kids.
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(Acorn)
Acorn Eagle Rock
Eagle Rock Gift Store
Packed with plants, candles, ceramics and casual apparel, Erin and Laura Tanaka’s Eagle Rock store features a refreshing variety of accessories that won’t break the bank: Maison Louis Marie candles, handmade ceramics by Elizabeth Benotti, Moroccan leather Babouche slippers. The store is focused on California indoor-outdoor living, with an outdoor space devoted to gardening and houseplants. The mother and daughter duo also offers personal shopping services and custom arrangements.
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(Ana Ross)
Alchemy Works
Playa Vista Gift Store
Several years after opening Alchemy Works in the Arts District in downtown Los Angeles, husband and wife Raan and Lindsay Parton added a showroom in Newport Beach and most recently the Free Market at Playa Vista. The stylish showrooms are designed to feel like a well-appointed home where vintage furnishings mix with handwoven linens by Heather Taylor Home, bedding by Morrow Soft Goods, market bags by Apolis and jewelry by many woman-owned brands. Creative director Raan Parton describes it as “a California edit on everything.”
The downtown Los Angeles location is located at Signal, 821 Traction Ave.
The downtown Los Angeles location is located at Signal, 821 Traction Ave.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Bauer Pottery Showroom
Elysian Valley Retail
One year after losing its longtime lease in Glassell Park, Bauer Pottery has reopened in an open and airy showroom walking distance of the Los Angeles River bike path in Elysian Valley (a.k.a. Frogtown).
Fans of Bauer’s colorful ringware pottery will find it all here — in a combination of firsts and seconds (which have small flaws) — from coffee mugs and plates to oil jars, vases and planters. This is the place to look if you’ve got a loved one in need of colorful dog and cat bowls (choose from 17 shades) or planters for both indoors and outdoors (Bauer offers free drilling if you’d like drainage holes). In addition to Bauer pottery, owner Janek Boniecki also stocks equally colorful ceramics by Corita Kent and Russel Wright that are perfect for holiday gift-giving.
Fans of Bauer’s colorful ringware pottery will find it all here — in a combination of firsts and seconds (which have small flaws) — from coffee mugs and plates to oil jars, vases and planters. This is the place to look if you’ve got a loved one in need of colorful dog and cat bowls (choose from 17 shades) or planters for both indoors and outdoors (Bauer offers free drilling if you’d like drainage holes). In addition to Bauer pottery, owner Janek Boniecki also stocks equally colorful ceramics by Corita Kent and Russel Wright that are perfect for holiday gift-giving.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Belljar
Los Feliz Gift Store
Located along a bustling strip of Vermont Avenue in Los Feliz, this cozy shop backs up its motto of “good vibes” only. The store features new and vintage clothing for women, candles, locally sourced chocolate and coffee, ceramics and small batch apothecary goods.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Block Shop Textiles
Atwater Village Retail
Fans of Lily Stockman and Hopie Stockman Hill’s Bauhaus-inspired wood block printed textiles can shop for napkins, tablecloths and pillows — and even dog beds — at their colorful and inviting Atwater Village showroom.
For the holidays, Block Shop plans to debut a new line of pajamas and jackets as well as hand-printed calendars for 2025 by Dolphin Studio. Plus vintage pottery, hand-blown glassware, picnic knives by Opinel and Mason Pearson hairbrushes. Petra Hardware and Hopie Stockman Hill recently debuted their first collection of little drawer knobs and pulls, inspired by the snail knobs that greet visitors as they open the doors of the Atwater store. The collection has the snail and four other designs: a potato, a dimple, a block and a peapod (available in limited quantities at Block Shop and online at Petra).
For the holidays, Block Shop plans to debut a new line of pajamas and jackets as well as hand-printed calendars for 2025 by Dolphin Studio. Plus vintage pottery, hand-blown glassware, picnic knives by Opinel and Mason Pearson hairbrushes. Petra Hardware and Hopie Stockman Hill recently debuted their first collection of little drawer knobs and pulls, inspired by the snail knobs that greet visitors as they open the doors of the Atwater store. The collection has the snail and four other designs: a potato, a dimple, a block and a peapod (available in limited quantities at Block Shop and online at Petra).
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Broome Street General Store
Silver Lake Gift Store
Designed like a corner bodega for one-stop shopping, this gift shop offers special pantry items for home chefs, candles, skincare products, sweets, books and toys. It’s a great place to shop for gift baskets with its surplus of olive oil, tinned fish and chocolates.
Also at Platform, 8840 Washington Blvd., Suite 103, Culver City.
Also at Platform, 8840 Washington Blvd., Suite 103, Culver City.
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(Stephanie Breijo / Los Angeles Times)
Kinship Station
Topanga Shop
Kinship Station is a stylish treasure trove. The Pine Tree Circle boutique that fills a former auto shop boasts some of Topanga’s most well-curated knick-knacks, home items, jewelries and other curiosities, which owner Hediyeh Nikbakht collects and sources from locales as local as the canyon and as far-flung as Australia, Brazil, London, Papua New Guinea and Guadalajara.
Find a dizzying array of incense bundles, bath soaks, natural soaps, tinctures, candles and body oils meant to calm or energize, while items for the home — such as handmade ceramics, woven baskets, stained-glass trinkets, brass bowls and heavy, glossy wooden cutting boards — are always in view somewhere, beckoning. The racks of artisanal shawls and leather goods are just as enticing as the cases glowing with gold and gem-dotted necklaces, rings, studs and bracelets. Nikbakht keeps sustainable practices and a fair-trade ecosystem in mind, and she rotates the wares frequently, so drop by often to browse something new on nearly — if not every — visit.
Find a dizzying array of incense bundles, bath soaks, natural soaps, tinctures, candles and body oils meant to calm or energize, while items for the home — such as handmade ceramics, woven baskets, stained-glass trinkets, brass bowls and heavy, glossy wooden cutting boards — are always in view somewhere, beckoning. The racks of artisanal shawls and leather goods are just as enticing as the cases glowing with gold and gem-dotted necklaces, rings, studs and bracelets. Nikbakht keeps sustainable practices and a fair-trade ecosystem in mind, and she rotates the wares frequently, so drop by often to browse something new on nearly — if not every — visit.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Burro
Venice Gift Store
Erinn Berkson’s lifestyle store radiates an independent spirit among the many brand-name retailers on trendy Abbot Kinney Boulevard. Perhaps it’s because Berkson opened Burro, which she says takes its name from the “hard-working, loyal burro pioneering across the desert landscape carrying goods from all over,” in 1999, long before Abbot Kinney became a tourist destination.
The sunny boutique is curated to suit everyone on your gift list: Cookbooks and pretty boxes of tinned fish for foodies, games and books for kids, jewelry, hats and casual clothing for women, home goods and ladybug gardens for gardeners and fabulous stationery and cards for everyone. The store features many local brands, including Flamingo Estate, Brightland, jewelry labels Chan Luu and Victoria Cunningham Jewelry, skin-care and olive oil brand Wonder Valley.
The sunny boutique is curated to suit everyone on your gift list: Cookbooks and pretty boxes of tinned fish for foodies, games and books for kids, jewelry, hats and casual clothing for women, home goods and ladybug gardens for gardeners and fabulous stationery and cards for everyone. The store features many local brands, including Flamingo Estate, Brightland, jewelry labels Chan Luu and Victoria Cunningham Jewelry, skin-care and olive oil brand Wonder Valley.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Cici ’n Tux
Glendale Gift Store
A few blocks from the Americana shopping mall in Glendale, Arax Hoonanian has opened a gift shop devoted to handmade products from around the world, including many female-owned businesses. Hoonanian stocks natural skincare lines such as Real Fruit Body, plus jewelry, soaps, candles that can be re-purposed as lotion, barware and insulated backpacks you can take to the Hollywood Bowl. Hoonanian’s bespoke inclinations don’t stop with her vendors. On a recent visit, she offered to create a custom gift box from any retail items in the store.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Clover
Silver Lake Gift Store
This longtime Silver Lake boutique offers clothing by local designers, a great assortment of cards, cookbooks, apothecary items, jewelry and specialty gift boxes.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Coop
Fairfax Gift Store
Jenna Cooper’s sunny space is inspired by her travels and offers a wide variety of gifts including cotton throws, pottery, socks, table books, candles, soaps, pillows and baskets.
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(Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)
D.L. Rhein
Palms Gift Store
D.L. Rhein, which opened in 2006, is the brainchild of Deborah Rhein, who began by crafting unique accessories at home. She expanded over the years into full-scale design and retail. “I love collecting and hunting for beautiful objects,” Rhein says, “old, new, antique and vintage.” For more than 10 years the store has been stocked with a varied mix of hostess gifts, jewelry and furniture, with a special focus now on serving ware and home products. During the holidays, the store features a wide variety of fun ornaments that depict people from RBG to AOC and David Bowie.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Danny D's Mud Shop
East Hollywood Gift Store
After making a name for himself throwing pots in his single-car garage in Echo Park, Daniel Dooreck recently opened a bricks-and-mortar store in the heart of East Hollywood, just a few doors down from Saffy’s restaurant. The former restaurateur and noted sommelier describes the plywood-lined studio as “the Japanese-style craftsman shop of my dreams” and offers hand-thrown tumblers, vases, planters and wine glasses that he engraves with cowboy boots, snakes and cactus motifs. His goods, which he produces on-site, balance the craft of pottery with the accessibility of flash tattoos and vintage American West art. On a recent visit, he shared new pendant lamps that move beyond his western themes as well as some surprises: fresh-cut floral bouquets to complement the vases. Keep an eye on Dooreck’s Instagram account for forthcoming carving workshops and a chance to experience his artistic processes firsthand.
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(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Dekor
Atwater Village Gift Store
Swedish-born interior designer Isabelle Dahlin’s hygge-centric showroom in Atwater Village is filled with an eclectic mix of vintage furnishings, colorful Turkish kilims and pillows and coffee table books. She also stocks her own line of custom furniture and candles that are made in Los Angeles as well as ceramics and a selection of casual women’s apparel.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Dotter Store
Highland Park Gift Store
Mother-and-daughter duo Susanne McLean and Annika Huston’s eclectic selection includes American-made women’s clothing, handmade jewelry, shoes, housewares and a wide selection of children’s clothing, games and books.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Earthing Earth
Long Beach Thrift store
Located on Retro Row in Long Beach, Earthing Earth is a mix of old and new: selected vintage home decor along with plants, baskets and low-waste sustainable home products.
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(Dania Maxwell / Los Angeles Times)
Espacio 1839
Boyle Heights Gift Store
If you’re searching for a place to feel the pride of Boyle Heights, look no further than Espacio 1839.
Here you can snag custom T-shirts emblazoned with Boyle Heights logos, books by BIPOC authors, handcrafted finds by local artists and every knickknack in between. The store’s walls and ceilings are adorned with colorful art displaying Chicano and Latin American culture and social activism. But what you’ll discover here extends beyond material goods.
The place constantly shape-shifts into a community venue hosting poetry readings, workshops, art exhibits and book readings. Owners Nico Avina and Myra Vasquez, artists themselves, have created a space that centers on community and culture. Its broadcast booth, Radio Espacio, provides a place for youth and other community members to start their audio journey.
Check out CaminArte, its bimonthly art walk featuring local artists and vendors, every second Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m.
Here you can snag custom T-shirts emblazoned with Boyle Heights logos, books by BIPOC authors, handcrafted finds by local artists and every knickknack in between. The store’s walls and ceilings are adorned with colorful art displaying Chicano and Latin American culture and social activism. But what you’ll discover here extends beyond material goods.
The place constantly shape-shifts into a community venue hosting poetry readings, workshops, art exhibits and book readings. Owners Nico Avina and Myra Vasquez, artists themselves, have created a space that centers on community and culture. Its broadcast booth, Radio Espacio, provides a place for youth and other community members to start their audio journey.
Check out CaminArte, its bimonthly art walk featuring local artists and vendors, every second Friday of the month from 6 to 10 p.m.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Espionage
Fairfax Gift Store
Pasadena native Taylor King’s ties to the Rose Bowl Swap Meet are evident as you stroll through her delightful gift shop. Next to vintage clothing and barware, you’ll find crystals, candles, presidential portraits, Richer Poorer socks, antique globes and notepads. The store also offers custom curated gift packages.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Esqueleto
Los Feliz Gift Store
Inside her tiny sun-drenched showrooms in Los Feliz, Oakland-based jewelry designer Lauren Wolf has assembled an eye-catching array of distinctive handcrafted items including custom fine jewelry, art, decorative objects and colorful kilims, hand-painted ceramic bells and dishes by the New York-based MQuan and ceramics by Los Angeles artist Heather Levine.
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(Solomon O. Smith / For The Times)
East/West Shop
Chinatown Clothing Store
A small, eclectic outpost in the Far East Plaza, East/West Shop is a hidden treat for those looking for handmade, recycled and “reenergized” clothing crafted by locals. Veteran designers Dennys Han and Erin Wignall Han created the company as a way of battling fashion waste in the garment industry. Through the shop and the brands they carry — East West Stuff, Gentlemen’s Fight Club and Opus Footwear — they aim to educate people about what goes into making clothes. (Erin created an illustration showing the life cycle of a single garment that lives on a curtain in the shop.)
At East/West Shop, you’ll find items like hair clips made of cloisonné (a handpainted enamel) from a Chinatown shop that closed down, handmade quilt coats and vintage sweatshirts embroidered with the brand’s rose logo. It’s best to revisit the store often — upcycled items are often snagged as they’re put up for sale.
At East/West Shop, you’ll find items like hair clips made of cloisonné (a handpainted enamel) from a Chinatown shop that closed down, handmade quilt coats and vintage sweatshirts embroidered with the brand’s rose logo. It’s best to revisit the store often — upcycled items are often snagged as they’re put up for sale.
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(Alon Goldsmith / For The Times)
Flowerboy Project
Santa Monica Gift Store
With Flowerboy Project, which is equal parts coffee house, florist and gift shop, partners Sean Knibb and Stella Shirinda have created an intriguing space that offers a feel-good mix for all the senses. On Lincoln Boulevard in Venice, the concept cafe and flower shop offers apparel, jewelry, Venice Organics chocolate, home decor and apothecary items alongside fresh-cut and dried floral arrangements and a cafe serving specialty coffees and local pastries. Custom flower arrangements are offered at prices ranging from $90 to $175.
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(General Store)
General Store
Venice Gift Store
Serena Mitnik-Miller and Mason St. Peter’s Venice boutique places the spotlight on Los Angeles artists, including ceramics by Victoria Morris, BX Ceramics and Mount Washington Pottery and handmade jewelry by Orfeo. You’ll also find skincare by Wonder Valley and handwoven table linens from All Roads Studio, also in Venice. Vintage goods and an assortment of gifts for kids make it a reliable destination for everyone on your holiday list.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Gibson
Fairfax Gift Store
It’s easy to get lost in the details of designer Gary Gibson’s showroom. The homey-yet-edgy environment is a good example of what you can’t experience online. See original artworks hung salon style, sink into contemporary furnishings and be amused by the quirky found objects, such as bundles of twine and baseballs. Gibson has a great eye for what makes a statement and knows how to craft high design that feels like it belongs in a home, not a museum.
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(Ross May / Los Angeles Times)
Gjusta Goods and Flower Mart
Venice Retail
After grabbing some sourdough loaves and baklava croissants at Gjusta, head two doors down to Gjusta Goods, which offers more than just food provisions for people who appreciate marinated olive oil made with chile, garlic and herbs. In addition to locally sourced blooms in the flower shop in back, the Venice bakery sells its own line of ceramics, including mugs, bowls, plates and planters, as well as vintage rugs and linen napkins, and jumpsuits and aprons made in collaboration with Suay Sew Shop in downtown Los Angeles. Gjusta also offers a Pantry Box for $72 that includes marinated olive oil, herbed salt and California sage honey. Gift wrapping is available, and Gjusta will include a brief handwritten gift note if you like. A Deluxe Pantry Box ($130) comes with seven standard pantry goods from the Venice bakery.
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(Justin Harrison)
Gold Bug Pasadena
Pasadena Gift Store
Shop for quirky one-of-a-kind collectibles — fossils, trilobite specimens, framed preserved squid — at this family-run store inspired by the Edgar Allen Poe short story “The Gold Bug,” in which an enchanted gold scarab beetle leads the way to buried pirates’ treasure. Located down an alley in Pasadena, Gold Bug features works by more than 100 artists, including art, decor and odd collectibles.
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(Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)
Goodies
Atwater Village Gift Store
It’s hard to resist a gift shop that promises “Unique goods. Nothing over $25.” Budget gifts include wooden goods, among them chopsticks for $5 and teak salad servers for $24, plus marble accessories, minimalist ceramics and candles.
Also at: 5308 2nd St., No. B, Long Beach; 1309 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 1219 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; and 333 E 17th St., Unit 20, Costa Mesa.
Also at: 5308 2nd St., No. B, Long Beach; 1309 Montana Ave., Santa Monica; 1219 Abbot Kinney Blvd., Venice; and 333 E 17th St., Unit 20, Costa Mesa.
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(Pilar Valtierra)
Greenwood Shop
Studio City Gift Store
Situated on a bustling retail strip in Studio City in what longtime locals will remember as Mark’s Tropical Fish, Greenwood Shop offers a nice mix of plants along with ceramics, hand poured candles and incense, home decor and apothecary items by local makers. “My goal is to provide unique gifts for yourself and others,” says owner Kate Nelson. “My focus is on home goods, including one-of-a-kind locally made pottery, jewelry (much of which is created by Southern California women designers such as Maddalena Bearzi, Margaret Solow and Lili T.), apothecary and more. We also have a very extensive collection of ornaments for the holidays.” Keep an eye on the store’s Instagram account for a block party and holiday sale hosted with some of the other businesses on the street. In addition to houseplants, which are available for local delivery via Door Dash and Uber Eats, the store also offers custom succulent planters.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Haley Solar
Eagle Rock Gift Store
Warm, colorful and inviting, Haley Solar’s Eagle Rock showroom below her studio on the second floor offers something for everyone on your gift list: locally sourced small-batch clothing, nail polish, plants, makeup and jewelry. Just outside the shop’s backdoor, visitors can step outside and enjoy the pet-friendly patio of next-door neighbor Muddy Paw Coffee.
Also in Silver Lake: 3318 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026.
Also in Silver Lake: 3318 Sunset Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90026.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Heath Ceramics
Fairfax Gift Store
In addition to its noted line of handmade ceramics and tile, the longtime Beverly store is a safe bet for grab-and-go gifts spanning ceramic bud vases ($32) in a variety of colors to fun tea towels, olive oils, candle holders, teas, soaps and books.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Highlow Gift Shop
Torrance Gift Store
Tucked away in a nondescript strip mall in Torrance, Sonya Gallardo’s thoughtfully curated gift shop is a delightful surprise among the longtime businesses and Japanese restaurants at Van Art Square (formerly Del Wee Plaza).
In addition to showcasing her Highlow Jewelry line, Gallardo — a former buyer for the Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand Poketo — stocks items by independent makers, including handcrafted wooden objects by Koppa Wood, beautiful linen tea towels by Elana Gabrielle, Maum Co and P.F. Candle Co. candles, stationery and cards, plus gifts for children. “Para esos momentos especiales” is her guiding principle at Highlow Gift, shown by the unique objects she selects.
There’s also a great selection of affordable pantry goods, from Momofuku chili crisp to taco sauce, yuzu vinegar, Woon teas and custom coffee mugs that read “Somebody in Gardena Loves Me.” (There’s a Torrance version too.) Gallardo also offers jewelry services, for which reservations are recommended.
In addition to showcasing her Highlow Jewelry line, Gallardo — a former buyer for the Los Angeles-based lifestyle brand Poketo — stocks items by independent makers, including handcrafted wooden objects by Koppa Wood, beautiful linen tea towels by Elana Gabrielle, Maum Co and P.F. Candle Co. candles, stationery and cards, plus gifts for children. “Para esos momentos especiales” is her guiding principle at Highlow Gift, shown by the unique objects she selects.
There’s also a great selection of affordable pantry goods, from Momofuku chili crisp to taco sauce, yuzu vinegar, Woon teas and custom coffee mugs that read “Somebody in Gardena Loves Me.” (There’s a Torrance version too.) Gallardo also offers jewelry services, for which reservations are recommended.
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(Michelle Shiers)
Homage Pasadena
Pasadena Gift Store
Owner Jill Pearson grew up in Monterey Park and strives to highlight unique gifts by emerging artists from Los Angeles. Her Pasadena shop, which recently expanded, is stocked with everything you might need for gift giving, including ceramics, candles, cards and incense and handmade jewelry.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
House of Intuition
Echo Park Gift Store
You can’t help but smile when you walk into Marlene Vargas and Alex Naranjo’s longtime metaphysical store and are greeted by a sign that reads, “Your Intuition Led You Here.” Even the most cynical gift recipient will find it hard to resist a manifestation candle or a specialized energy box for their zodiac sign. You’ll also find organic essential oil kits, crystals and candles.
There are additional locations in L.A. County: 5148 York Blvd., Highland Park; 7449 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 14520 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 5018 E. 2nd St., Long Beach; and 5223 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood.
There are additional locations in L.A. County: 5148 York Blvd., Highland Park; 7449 Melrose Ave., West Hollywood; 14520 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks; 5018 E. 2nd St., Long Beach; and 5223 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Household by Nickey Kehoe
Fairfax Gift Store
Interior designers Todd Nickey and Amy Kehoe’s Household showroom, located next door to their home furnishings store, offers pottery, candles, plants, locally made apothecary items, books and the brand’s signature bedding and pillows.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angles Times)
Huset
Venice Gift Store
With an emphasis on Scandinavian design, Huset stocks colorful textiles from tea towels to throw blankets, home decor including glassware and cutting boards, jewelry, clothing and kids’ items by more than 60 designers.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, there’s always the self-serve Swedish candy and savory snacks.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, there’s always the self-serve Swedish candy and savory snacks.
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(Joanna Williams)
Kneeland Co. Rarities
West Adams Gift Store
Joanna Williams, a longtime vintage textile consultant, expanded her company to include a bricks-and-mortar store in West Adams specializing in one-of-a-kind, globally sourced and handmade home goods and jewelry including floral candles from Oaxaca, Gregory Parkinson textiles and ceramics made by artisans in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
LA Home Farm
Glassell Park Gift Store
At their Glassell Park neighborhood grocery and farmer’s market called LA Homefarm, Lauri Kranz and Dean Kuipers offer everything from high-end gifts to produce.
Shopping is fun here, whether you’re looking for art, truffle oil or handcrafted ceramics by local potters. If you can’t decide on a gift, Kranz and the staff are incredibly helpful at creating custom gift baskets that will leave their recipients swooning or, in my friend’s case, with happy tears.
Shopping is fun here, whether you’re looking for art, truffle oil or handcrafted ceramics by local potters. If you can’t decide on a gift, Kranz and the staff are incredibly helpful at creating custom gift baskets that will leave their recipients swooning or, in my friend’s case, with happy tears.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Lake
Silver Lake Gift Store
This high-end clothing store offers beautiful bohemian pieces by independent brands such as Xirena, Apiece Apart and Toit Volant, and many gift items are available on shelves and tables throughout the space. In addition to jewelry by Los Angeles-based Jennie Kwon, be sure to check out the back room where the store stocks apothecary goods by Circular Living and Living Libations, robes by Block Shop Textiles and gifts for kids.
It’s easy to make a day of it on this stretch of Silver Lake Boulevard, with Now Voyager and Müsh across the street, OK down the block and Botanica Restaurant and Market next door.
It’s easy to make a day of it on this stretch of Silver Lake Boulevard, with Now Voyager and Müsh across the street, OK down the block and Botanica Restaurant and Market next door.
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(Thomas Brodahl)
Late Sunday Afternoon
Venice Gift Store
All the scarves, ascots, pocket squares, and bandanas in this Venice store are handcrafted from locally sourced dead-stock fabrics and are knotted and blessed. The store also offers home goods, books, hats and hoodies, baby blankets, candles, jewelry and custom requests. Additionally, sustainably minded gift recipients will appreciate the brand’s “heritage revival program” in which old clothing is transformed into new scarves and handkerchiefs.
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(Sydney Krantz / For the Times)
Lawson-Fenning
Hancock Park Gift Store
On the second floor of Glenn Lawson and Grant Fenning’s Melrose furniture showroom, the designers have a shop within a shop, where the shelves and tables are artfully stocked with functional and decorative accessories, the vast majority of which are made in L.A. The showroom features limited-release ceramics by locals Victoria Morris, Mt. Washington Pottery, Heather Rosenman and BZippy as well as tabletop items, pillows and other gifts.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Leanna Lin's Wonderland
Eagle Rock Gift Store
Walking into Leanna Lin Fong’s gift shop and art gallery is like walking into a colorful birthday party. Established in 2010, the store focuses on brands that will make you smile, including art, accessories, jewelry, collectible toys, stationery, books and home goods by Miss Mindy, Genevieve Santos, Horrible Adorables, Kidrobot, Meri Meri, Momiji, Naoshi, Paddywax, Studio Ghibli, Tokidoki and more.
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(Lost & Found)
Lost & Found
Hollywood Gift Store
Owner Jamie Rosenthal opened Lost & Found in 2000 as a single storefront on Yucca Street in Hollywood. Now she has five storefronts in a row along Yucca and a Santa Monica showroom that offers men’s and women’s clothing, home goods, leather accessories and children’s clothes and furniture from around the world.
The Santa Monica showroom is at 2230 Main St.
The Santa Monica showroom is at 2230 Main St.
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(Tracy Levy)
Luca
Highland Park Gift Store
In an effort to create a nontoxic, sustainable alternative to commercial drugstores, Judith Goldstein opened what she describes as “a clean grocery store,” filled with nontoxic nail polish, skincare, pet goods and house cleaning products. Many of the independent low-waste brands, such as Fat and the Moon, Yassi’s Butta and 123 Farm are based in L.A. and California.
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(Made by DWC)
Made by DWC Cafe and Gift Shop
Downtown L.A. Gift Store
Made by DWC, the Skid Row gift shop launched by the Downtown Women’s Center in Los Angeles in 2011, offers handmade gifts — soaps, bath salts, soy candles and greeting cards — crafted by women on L.A.’s skid row as part of a vocational training program.
All profits from the Made store and cafe, which sells organic coffee, smoothies, salads and pastries from Homeboy Industries, help fund the center’s career training and mentorship programs. Note: The gift shop is not open on weekends.
All profits from the Made store and cafe, which sells organic coffee, smoothies, salads and pastries from Homeboy Industries, help fund the center’s career training and mentorship programs. Note: The gift shop is not open on weekends.
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(Jamie Chapman)
Marz
South Pasadena Gift Store
Owner Marcia Ellinger and her daughter Jasa Cocke stock their South Pasadena gift shop with unusual items including books, candles, papers, hand-milled French soaps, textiles from India, baby accessories, games, toys and vintage finds.
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(Dan Arnold)
Maude Woods
Pasadena Gift Store
Carrie Davich’s Pasadena store is a mix of old and new, offering antiques, new furnishings and unique home décor, including pillows and throws, apothecary items, candles and vintage jewelry.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Merchant
Santa Monica Vintage Store
Walking into Merchant in Santa Monica is like walking into an artist’s enclave packed with vintage furniture, antiques, contemporary ceramics and art.
“I wanted it to look like a house,” says co-owner Denise Portmans, who runs the store, along with an Atwater Village location, with her artist daughter Sara Marlowe Hall. “I like things that are a little unusual.”
The stores are an homage to Portmans’ mother, an artist and ceramicist, and they are stocked with Midcentury Modern furniture, vintage Moroccan rugs, contemporary ceramics from Paris and Italy, and goods by local artists such as Heather Rosenman and All Roads Studio. On a recent visit to the Santa Monica store, prices ranged from $120 for a wooden wine rack to $2,500 for a vintage leather safari chair. Portmans also is open to making deals.
The second showroom, Merchant Modern East, is at 3127 Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village.
“I wanted it to look like a house,” says co-owner Denise Portmans, who runs the store, along with an Atwater Village location, with her artist daughter Sara Marlowe Hall. “I like things that are a little unusual.”
The stores are an homage to Portmans’ mother, an artist and ceramicist, and they are stocked with Midcentury Modern furniture, vintage Moroccan rugs, contemporary ceramics from Paris and Italy, and goods by local artists such as Heather Rosenman and All Roads Studio. On a recent visit to the Santa Monica store, prices ranged from $120 for a wooden wine rack to $2,500 for a vintage leather safari chair. Portmans also is open to making deals.
The second showroom, Merchant Modern East, is at 3127 Glendale Blvd. in Atwater Village.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Mohawk General Store
Silver Lake Retail
As Sunset Junction in Silver Lake becomes populated with more chain stores, this longtime boutique remains steadfast in its independent spirit. It offers a unique selection of apparel and accessories by California brands and is a haven for designer apparel for men and women. The store also stocks a variety of items that are perfect for gift giving, including apothecary goods by Noto Botanics, Flamingo Estate and Wonder Valley, as well as jewelry, socks, candles and perfume.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Müsh
Silver Lake Gift Store
Owner Michelle van der Heijden’s tiny storefront is jam-packed with wonderful gift ideas, from the latest cookbooks to vintage jewelry, crystals and ceramics. She also sells vintage furniture online.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Native Sol
Long Beach Thrift store
This Retro Row store is an eco-friendly lifestyle store offering handmade clothing and jewelry by May Salem as well as selected vintage clothing and apothecary items by local makers.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
NicSon Mercantile
Highland Park Gift Store
In York Boulevard’s hip shopping district, NicSon Mercantile is part retail store, part design studio built on the Sonny Boy brand. It’s a great place to pick up limited-edition merchandise for the creative soul in your life. The store stocks art, clothing, jewelry, home goods and greeting cards by local brands Estevan Oriol, Mike Giant, Tristan Eaton, Risk Rock, Gustavo Rimada, Lizz Lopez, Spitfire Girl, Bandits and P.F. Candle Co.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Now Voyager
Silver Lake Gift Store
At her cozy Silver Lake store, Now Voyager, Los Angeles interior designer Wendy Haworth offers pillows, vintage ceramics, home decor and ceramics that she and designer Michael Towey throw in a ceramics studio behind the shop. Haworth plans to use her Silver Lake Boulevard space as a design studio and gift shop, with an ever-changing inventory of vintage pieces, art and accessories. It’s open by appointment.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
OK
West Hollywood Gift Store
Larry Schaffer’s lifestyle store, now in several locations, offers a wide range of gifts spanning handmade jewelry and books to Heather Rosenman ceramics, barware and decorative housewares. On a recent visit, Schaffer’s keen eye for unique gifts, such as the pot holders and $10 milagros hearts made from fabric scraps by Christina Kim’s Dosa, were on display. In a nice touch, the store offers pre-wrapped grab and go gifts during the holidays.
Other locations are at 1716 Silver Lake Blvd. in Silver Lake and 2413 Main St. in Santa Monica. A Velvet by Graham and Spencer/OK store is at 13020 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood.
Other locations are at 1716 Silver Lake Blvd. in Silver Lake and 2413 Main St. in Santa Monica. A Velvet by Graham and Spencer/OK store is at 13020 San Vicente Blvd. in Brentwood.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
OddBird Co.
Eagle Rock Retail
Shop for handwoven Turkish textiles and size-inclusive loungewear while sipping complimentary Turkish coffee at Ceren Alkaç-Lee’s serene showroom in Eagle Rock.
The Turkish native started OddBird in 2016 to showcase her homeland’s traditional textiles made from 100% natural fibers.
In addition to beautiful small batches of Turkish towels, robes, blankets, pillows and scarves, Alkaç-Lee stocks gifts from Los Angeles brands such as Flamingo Estate and Loam Candles. Loungewear spans sizes XS to 5X. There are also small handcrafted cups and saucers for $40, incense, handmade leather goods and curated gift boxes.
The Turkish native started OddBird in 2016 to showcase her homeland’s traditional textiles made from 100% natural fibers.
In addition to beautiful small batches of Turkish towels, robes, blankets, pillows and scarves, Alkaç-Lee stocks gifts from Los Angeles brands such as Flamingo Estate and Loam Candles. Loungewear spans sizes XS to 5X. There are also small handcrafted cups and saucers for $40, incense, handmade leather goods and curated gift boxes.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Pergolina Shop
Toluca Lake Gift Store
Paulanna Cuccinello‘s longtime Toluca Lake gift shop offers gifts from around the world including European soaps, handwoven throws from Scotland, room diffusers from Italy and masks handmade in Venice.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Phoebe Peacock
Burbank Gift Store
The parasols hanging from the ceiling at Jennifer Hardaway’s charming Burbank gift shop are your first indication that you will find something fun and unexpected inside. Hardway offers a wide variety of goods including her own line of KleanSpa perfume and body products (you can even book a session and create your custom scent based on your personal selections), vintage glassware, candles, incense and home decor. On a recent visit, the store featured an entire wall devoted to tea, including specialty looseleaf types, vintage tea cups, honey sticks and other tea-themed gifts.
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(Kemal Cilengir / For The Times)
HYA
West Adams Gift Store
This colorful gift and decor store comes from co-owners Lene and Mark Houck, who also own the sandwich shop next door. At HYA, an acronym for “here you are,” there’s plenty to tempt you across toys, books, kitchenware, cards and other adorable items, many of them handmade by local artists. After you’re done shopping, pop over to the shaded patio next door to dig into Danish-style open-face sandwiches and hot dogs.
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(DGA)
Poketo
Santa Monica Gift Store
Founded in 2003 by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, the design accessories and housewares brand has grown from a small startup into a mainstay of the Los Angeles creative community. Shop for colorful paper planners and notebooks, clothes and housewares, jewelry and desk accessories.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Pop Up Home
East Hollywood Vintage Store
Tricia Benitez Beanum’s three-story luxury vintage showroom on Western Avenue offers goods from the ’50s through the ’80s, with new inventory arriving every week, largely from Europe.
“I wanted it to feel like New York,” Beanum says of the airy third floor, which is filled with curvaceous furnishings in leather, velvet and corduroy. “Everyone is interested in postmodern furnishings right now.” In addition to furniture and accessories, including a wide variety of ceramics, artwork is mixed in with the furniture and decor as part of UNREPD, a gallery devoted to emerging and mid-career artists of color as well as women artists and LGBTQIA+ artists. Beanum also offers custom upholstery.
“I wanted it to feel like New York,” Beanum says of the airy third floor, which is filled with curvaceous furnishings in leather, velvet and corduroy. “Everyone is interested in postmodern furnishings right now.” In addition to furniture and accessories, including a wide variety of ceramics, artwork is mixed in with the furniture and decor as part of UNREPD, a gallery devoted to emerging and mid-career artists of color as well as women artists and LGBTQIA+ artists. Beanum also offers custom upholstery.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Potted
Atwater Village Retail
Nearly 19 years after it opened in Atwater Village, Potted closed its doors in 2023, only to reopen a year later under new ownership in a location just down the street from the original garden store. The new Potted is a rambling shopping experience with housewares and garden gifts arranged in a quirky series of rooms that include a pinball machine, a jukebox and an indoor fireplace. Although you’ll find outdoor and indoor plants, including rare varieties, the store also offers fresh floral bouquets, handcrafted ceramics by L.A. artists Lisa Barnet, Olivia Snow and Ian Wolterstorff, cards and assorted china. If you are looking for something for the plant lover in your life, there are plenty of options, from colorful ceramic pots to garden gloves, pruning shears and pollinator seed pops.
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(Alison Ables)
Prelude & Dawn
Highland Park Gift Store
Alison Ables’ Highland Park boutique, named for a jazzy song by the English drummer and composer Basil Kirchin, includes unique handmade candles by Esh, Via Wax and Le Feu de L’Eau, fanny packs and towels by local brand Baggu. Located on a bustling stretch of Figueroa, the store also features a selection of vintage and secondhand clothing.
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(Prism)
Prism Boutique
Long Beach Gift Store
Dayna Mance has been highlighting small, independently owned brands since opening her boutique in the heart of Long Beach’s historic Belmont Heights in 2013. Expect vintage and modern clothing, home goods by local designers like P.F. Candle Co., Baggu and Claystreet pottery. Mance also offers “Prism Take Care” specialty gift sets.
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(Nathan Cabrera)
Pygmy Hippo Shoppe
Fairfax Gift Store
Founded in 2010, Pygmy Hippo is an irreverent boutique where you can shop for “Nude and Naughty” gift sets, Zodiac and magic-minded items, vintage collectibles and rare books and zines.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Restrained Whimsy
Studio City Gift Store
Scott Marshall-Miller and Brian Miller opened their Studio City gift shop “to empower local artists, when possible, in support of their dreams. Moreover, we wanted gifts that also give back to the community and causes we believe in together.” Their gift shop, located inside Studio Plaza, offers goods by artisans like Ojai Olive Oil, Joshua Tree Candle Co. and Laguna Salt Co. along with fine jewelry, crystals, books and chocolate. On a recent visit, they offered cookies with purchase. Nice.
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(Diane Staples)
Retreat
South Pasadena Gift Store
At Diane Staples’ South Pasadena boutique, visitors are encouraged to pick up and play the handcrafted ukuleles or try on all the jewelry they’d like with no obligation or pressure. Her specialty store includes unique table-size clocks, candles, bath and body products as well as hand-drawn cards, journals, pottery, books and barware.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Ririku
Highland Park Retail
Designed as a “dreamy concept shop,” this ethereal boutique offers unexpected and delightful items, making shopping a fun and entertaining experience. Gift possibilities include hand-poured candles by Mar Mar Los Angeles; skin care products by Noto Botanics, whose flagship store is next door; vegan handbags; ready-to-wear apparel from independent designers; and vintage accessories and jewelry. An artfully designed perfume wall anchors the shop, offering vegan and cruelty-free fragrances from Eau So, Who Is Elijah and Wile Scents in the alcoves created by Jamaica Cole. From mesh dresses to delicate glassware in pastel shades and pink Croc ornaments, Ririku delivers on its attempt to make shopping fun.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Rolling Greens
Culver City Drought-tolerant plants
The garden and home design flagship in Culver City, which rests on 2 acres, offers indoor and outdoor plants, succulents, planters and home decor. Owners Greg Salmeri and Laurie Resnick travel the world to shop for home and garden goods. Customers can create their own arrangement at the store’s Arrangement Bar.
Also at 7505 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; 12833 Ventura Blvd. #145, Studio City; and Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica.
Also at 7505 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles; 12833 Ventura Blvd. #145, Studio City; and Lincoln Blvd., Santa Monica.
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(Silvia Rázgová / For The Times)
The Good Liver
Downtown L.A. Home store
The Good Liver home goods shop feels like a gallery, with displays of Japanese glassware and knives, British teapots, Korean incense holders and more. The personal selection of artisan crafts collected by founder Bert Youn might also include wood bird callers, porcelain figurines, brass flower vases and steel fabric scissors, as well as Teutonic soaps and U.S.-made leather work gloves.
An elegant tea bar in one corner of the store is a fairly recent addition, featuring teas from Kettl and occasional tastings and classes. And Youn keeps expanding. If you’re a fan of City Pop — the style of Japanese pop music associated with emerging Western influences in the 1970s and ’80s — newly custom-built shelving holds a collection of LPs. And through a side door, a new stationery shop is now connected to the store.
An elegant tea bar in one corner of the store is a fairly recent addition, featuring teas from Kettl and occasional tastings and classes. And Youn keeps expanding. If you’re a fan of City Pop — the style of Japanese pop music associated with emerging Western influences in the 1970s and ’80s — newly custom-built shelving holds a collection of LPs. And through a side door, a new stationery shop is now connected to the store.
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(Courtney Rawls / Wüm)
Wüm Essential Elements
Topanga Shop
Pine Tree Circle’s Wüm is a bit like a sunny, modern-day apothecary crossed with a compact vintage boutique. With a collection of teas, herbs, tinctures, candles and other items meant to promote wellness for the self and the home, as well as retro and well-curated glassware, kettles, books and blankets, you’ll want to pore over every shelf. Cubbies of bagged dried herbs and tea blends — some hyper-local, such as canyon-grown nettles and jujubes — line the wall, while glass jars hold dried yarrow, heather and more for bulk orders. The local ethos extends beyond the dried goods, as does a focus on sourcing from women-owned and sustainable-practice purveyors. Owners Coco Rawls and Mina Shahvali also infuse and sell house-made tinctures in flavors such as lemon zest and green tea or hibiscus, elderberry and apple cider vinegar, which can be taken by the dropper or added to tonic or soda water.
“Everything that’s here is a pretty small cluster of what I think are the essential herbs that you would need in a home apothecary,” said Rawls. “There’s hundreds and thousands of different plants, from ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medicine, Latin America, Africa, but these are the ones that I think are central.”
“Everything that’s here is a pretty small cluster of what I think are the essential herbs that you would need in a home apothecary,” said Rawls. “There’s hundreds and thousands of different plants, from ayurvedic, traditional Chinese medicine, Latin America, Africa, but these are the ones that I think are central.”
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(Tamara Houghten)
Shout and About
Echo Park Gift Store
Tamara and Russell Houghten’s tiny Echo Park store is an urban oasis jam-packed with gifts by local brands and independent makers as well as Compartes chocolates, kids goods and jewelry. Always a reliable source for terrific greeting cards, the store also stocks a selection of stunning potted plants.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Soap Plant/Wacko
Los Feliz Gift Store
Billy Shire’s irreverent gift shop offers an eclectic range of pop-culture ephemera (Iggy Pop action figures), novelties (beetles in resin), housewares (colorful oil cloth) and gifts (hedgehog nail brushes).
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(Spitfire Girl)
Spitfire Girl
Los Feliz Gift Store
Kristin Scott’s longtime store offers unusual gifts such as mystical ritual kits and handcrafted fragrances, and home goods with a humorous edge (heart lamps and turn-of-the-century-inspired embroidered pillows). Scott also offers custom gift boxes ranging from the Great Outdoors to the Witches’ Spell.
Also at 7401 Melrose Ave.
Also at 7401 Melrose Ave.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Stark Studio
Silver Lake Gift Store
Stark Studio, a Silver Lake place specializing in face and body services, has a delightful gift shop in front that offers goods from mostly local makers. The selection of apothecary items, jewelry, kids’ items and accessories includes Los Angeles-based brands Wild Yonder Botanicals, Maya Brenner, Carrie Hoffman, Kin & Kind and Maptote.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Stay Home Friend
Burbank Gift Store
Stay Home Friend, formerly Mindfulnest, in Burbank was designed to be a mindful way to shop. “We support local artists and small American companies,” says owner Amanda Vernon. “We buy directly from artists who speak to us.” The sunny store features works by more than 100 artists who hand-make jewelry, pottery and prints, including many irreverent candles, stickers, tea towels and cards for a dose of humor during the holidays.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Suay Sew Shop
Downtown L.A. Gift Store
This sewing and production shop manufactures home goods and clothing from a “combination of post-consumer waste, deadstock and domestically, organically grown fibers” that are gathered from community donations and corporate recycling. You can drop clothing and sheets off at the monthly community dyes, or shop the sales racks, which often include free items to keep clothing out of landfills.
When it comes to gifts, the shop offers one-of-a-kind clothing made from repurposed fabrics, napkins, pillows and other home goods. A Suay Sew Shop gift card can be used to repair and alter cherished items.
When it comes to gifts, the shop offers one-of-a-kind clothing made from repurposed fabrics, napkins, pillows and other home goods. A Suay Sew Shop gift card can be used to repair and alter cherished items.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Sumi's
Los Feliz Gift Store
Store owner Sumi Siegel’s warm and inviting gift shop, in Los Feliz Village since 2014, specializes in handmade and small-production goods that are ethically made. Stop by Sumi’s after catching a movie at the Los Feliz 3 or shopping at Skylight Books or one of Vermont Avenue’s many independent stores, and you’ll find jewelry, cards, ceramics and original artworks, including Polaroids of neighborhood dogs. Bonus: Store staff have been known to pass out dog treats.
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(Silvia Rázgová / For The Times)
Still Life Ceramics Studios
Downtown L.A. Ceramics studio
Neighborhood ceramics studio Still Life is expanding; the space soon will double in size, taking over the adjacent storefront that used to house the Spirit Guild distillery on Mateo Avenue. Owners Ana Henton and Mel Keedle have built a community hub for potters. In addition to a retail space featuring local ceramic artists, the studio hosts classes on handbuilding, using the potter’s wheel, specialty glazes, slipcasting and more. But you don’t need to be a proficient or even very committed pottery student.
Classes include one-hour workshops, such as its Bowl in One lesson offered on Fridays and Sundays: Sign up to learn how to throw a bowl on the potter’s wheel, no experience necessary. Make a bowl, then choose a glaze; the studio will glaze and fire it for you (you’ll pick up your finished piece on a later date).
Classes include one-hour workshops, such as its Bowl in One lesson offered on Fridays and Sundays: Sign up to learn how to throw a bowl on the potter’s wheel, no experience necessary. Make a bowl, then choose a glaze; the studio will glaze and fire it for you (you’ll pick up your finished piece on a later date).
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(Kendra Frankle / For The Times)
Brentwood Country Mart
Brentwood Shopping Center
Upscale shopping meets nostalgic longing at this 76-year-old high-end plaza that abuts Santa Monica’s eastern border just south of San Vicente Boulevard. Part of that has to do with the look — a red-and-white barn-like façade fresh out of Mayberry, two courtyard areas full of gleaming white, umbrella-shaded picnic tables and the occasional coin-operated toy horse that you probably thought went the way of the landline phone. But a lot of it has to do with a retail mix that’s Fred Segal by way of Garrison Keillor: a barbershop (Lloyd’s) where kids sit patiently getting their hair cut, the window display at the toy store (Toy Crazy) includes an honest-to-goodness board game (and Candy Land at that) and the men’s haberdasher (Sid Mashburn) has a full-service tailor shop upstairs and boxes of home-cooked Virginia peanuts across from the cash wrap.
The narrow alleys connect a rabbit warren of postage-stamp-sized shops that range from the retro-delightfully mundane (a U.S. Post Office substation, a shoe repair place and a takeout barbecue joint called Reddi Chick) to the SoCal stylish (the Paris-meets-L.A. vibe of Clare V. and the elevated basics of James Perse, to name just two). Throw in a Goop lifestyle store, a Christian Louboutin boutique and a luxe kid’s store (Poppy) and you’re well on your way toward the rare kind of retro-retail romp that will empty your wallet and feed your soul at the same time.
The narrow alleys connect a rabbit warren of postage-stamp-sized shops that range from the retro-delightfully mundane (a U.S. Post Office substation, a shoe repair place and a takeout barbecue joint called Reddi Chick) to the SoCal stylish (the Paris-meets-L.A. vibe of Clare V. and the elevated basics of James Perse, to name just two). Throw in a Goop lifestyle store, a Christian Louboutin boutique and a luxe kid’s store (Poppy) and you’re well on your way toward the rare kind of retro-retail romp that will empty your wallet and feed your soul at the same time.
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(Maggie Shannon / For The Times)
Mavven Mercantile
Pacific Palisades Wellness Center
Equal parts curated boutique and wellness center, Mavven Mercantile opened in March and is hosting yoga classes ($30), sound baths ($45) and a full moon ceremony ($90). Owner Lisa Waters also has rented out the serene, earth-tone storefront for a kid’s birthday party and to a local women’s group. “The concept was to create a community space,” she told me. “We’ll keep doing more of what people want.”
On the retail side, beautifully arranged display tables showcase books, journals, ceramics, jewelry, dried bouquets and tarot and oracle cards — many of them from local artists, designers and writers. Woven blankets and straw hats from Guatemala adorn two of the walls. A line of ayurvedic-inspired beauty products line the shelves of a third wall.
How can a retail store also be a yoga studio? It helps if everything is movable. When a friend and I attended a Wednesday morning yoga class, Waters pushed the display tables to the edge of the space and set up sand-colored mats, blankets and low-slung meditation chairs on the floor. The class was lovely and appropriate for people of all ages and skill levels, but I couldn’t help glancing around the store as I did my sun salutations. So many beautiful things! My friend felt the same way. We both left the yoga class feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and wearing the new necklaces we purchased after class.
On the retail side, beautifully arranged display tables showcase books, journals, ceramics, jewelry, dried bouquets and tarot and oracle cards — many of them from local artists, designers and writers. Woven blankets and straw hats from Guatemala adorn two of the walls. A line of ayurvedic-inspired beauty products line the shelves of a third wall.
How can a retail store also be a yoga studio? It helps if everything is movable. When a friend and I attended a Wednesday morning yoga class, Waters pushed the display tables to the edge of the space and set up sand-colored mats, blankets and low-slung meditation chairs on the floor. The class was lovely and appropriate for people of all ages and skill levels, but I couldn’t help glancing around the store as I did my sun salutations. So many beautiful things! My friend felt the same way. We both left the yoga class feeling relaxed and rejuvenated and wearing the new necklaces we purchased after class.
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(Mariah Tauger / Los Angeles Times)
Tansy
Burbank Plant Shop
In addition to plants, owners Shawna Christian and Colette Fowler offer bohemian home goods with flair: colorful fair-trade garlands, plants, metal bells, mobiles, pom-poms and suncatchers. “It’s all about color and plants and fabrics,” says Christian. “I am trying to perfect the art of being insanely creative without being claustrophobic.”
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(Tesoro)
Tesoro
Beverly Hills Gift Store
Replete with artist-made decor objects, hand-crafted bath essentials and out-of-the-box gift ideas for the person who has everything, Tara Riceberg’s shop also offers gifts for babies, kids, and pets and in-house, hand-painted wrapping paper.
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(The Give Store)
The Give Store
Hollywood Gift Store
The Give Store is an indie boutique that offers handmade goods, ceramics, fragrances and incense from France, Japan and Mexico. In addition to housewares and gifts, the store stocks a variety of houseplants, succulents and planters. The store also offers gift boxes comprising popular items from the store.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
The House of Woo
Downtown L.A. Retail
In the Arts District around the corner from Hauser & Wirth art gallery, Staci Woo and Mike Badt’s gift shop and studio offers clothing and home goods produced in their workroom in the back. The husband-and-wife’s Uplifters Ranch, a California lifestyle clothing line that includes baseball caps, cozy sweats and T-shirts, has a California beach vibe. Additionally, the designers stock napkins, funky long wrap skirts and other clothing items. On a recent visit to the downtown L.A. shop, gifts by local makers filled the storefront, including holiday ornaments, crystals, apothecary goods and jewelry. Whether you are looking for stocking stuffers or a special gift, the House of Woo will likely cover all your holiday needs.
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(Amelie Emi Uchiike)
Tortoise General Store
Venice Gift Store
Keiko and Taku Shinomoto opened Tortoise General Store in 2003 with the concept of “slow and steady” design. The Mar Vista showroom offers a curated selection of timeless Japanese home goods such as Tajika kitchen scissors, ceramic Japan Infinity bowls and colorful 100% cotton Tenugui cloths.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Treehaus
Atwater Village Gift Store
Michelle Pedersen and Saralynne Precht started Treehaus as a pop-up in a vintage VW bus and now highlight local independent makers, with a focus on socially conscious and female designers, on a permanent basis.
Their lifestyle boutique covers a wide range of goods, including clothing and jewelry, toys, books and games for kids, L.A.-centric tea towels, unique cards and small-batch leather goods.
Their lifestyle boutique covers a wide range of goods, including clothing and jewelry, toys, books and games for kids, L.A.-centric tea towels, unique cards and small-batch leather goods.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Twirls and Twigs
Sherman Oaks Gift Store
If you’re in the market for a gift that will bring a smile, Shawna Dalton’s shop on Magnolia Boulevard in Valley Village won’t disappoint. At Twirls + Twigs, where the motto is “Give Gratitude,” you’ll find a wide range of tongue-in-cheek gifts such as “You Are a Badass” shower steamers, “Bitch Please, I’m From the Valley” coffee mugs and “Damn Dude” lavatory air fresheners. What sets Dalton’s shop apart is her commitment to stocking one-of-a-kind wares by local female makers, a cause she’s passionate about. You’ll also find crystals, goodies for kids, jewelry and irreverent cards featuring the likes of Taylor Swift, Beyoncé and Dolly Parton.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Village Heights
Windsor Square Gift Store
From crystal barware to tea towels and jewelry, Louis Eafalla’s gift shop in Larchmont Village has something for nearly everyone on your list. In addition to gifts, the store is known for its seasonal items and festive window displays, including tea towels, decor, gift wrap, ornaments and cards.
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(Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times)
Central Library gift shop
Downtown L.A. Library
It’s worth popping into the Central Library for its rotating art exhibits, extensive list of events or even just to visit its gift shop, one of downtown L.A.’s best. There are books, yes, exploring the city’s culture and history, but also art, local crafts and even fancy gummy bears. Come for the stationery, go home with some California-branded socks.
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(Sarah Zing)
Wildflora
Studio City Plant Shop
This full-service florist shop offers houseplants, succulents and tillandsia and aeriums, along with home decor such as pillows and candles. You can also build your own gift box from a wide assortment of products including candles, candies, books and floral arrangements.
There is also a location at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St. Stall No. 708.
There is also a location at the Original Farmers Market, 6333 W. 3rd St. Stall No. 708.
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(Lisa Boone / Los Angeles Times)
Yolk
Silver Lake Gift Store
This tiny independent design store in the heart of Silver Lake’s Sunset Junction specializes in home decor, toys and apparel for kids, and gifts by local brands such as P.F. Candle and Boy Smells. Toys and home goods include Marimekko designs, Calico Critters toys, coffee table books and witty salt and pepper shakers.
Also at 3191 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village.
Also at 3191 Glendale Blvd., Atwater Village.
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