Remember the good old days of holiday shopping? Rather than rummaging through wasteful packages of ill-fitting clothing in your apartment lobby, we headed out for a truly special social adventure–frantic, last minute shopping at your favorite brick & mortar stores. Not only can you actually touch and feel beautiful products of all sorts, there’s always that cute retail guy to help you find just the right fit or gift.
And there’s no better place to shop than San Francisco. From Union Square with its gargantuan xmas tree to Hayes Valley to the Haight and Castro, there are stylish, creative boutiques to find the perfect gift even for the person who has everything.
Check out the following list of great San Francisco stores. See you in the fitting room!
1. Castro queer whimsy
How about we take this to the next level?
Our newsletter is like a refreshing cocktail (or mocktail) of LGBTQ+ entertainment and pop culture, served up with a side of eye-candy.
Looking for that perfect boa and tiara? Better yet, a leather tool belt? No better place than Cliff’s Variety on Castro Street. Check out a show at the next-door Castro Theater while you are at it.
2. Invest in original art
Art Attack’s exceptional collection of paintings, ceramics and sculpture make for some very original gifts.
3. Peruse cool local products
San Francisco Mercantile takes iconic images and traditions of San Francisco and turns them into souvenirs, but not of the ticky tacky variety. These are keepers.
4. Own a piece of San Francisco
Golden Gate Furniture Company fashions handcrafted goods out of remnants of the real Golden Gate Bridge repainted in the legendary burnt orange color.
5. The gift of exercise & health
The athletic store Sports Basement is perfectly situated along the trail to the Golden Gate bridge so you can pick up everything from a bike rental to jogging shoes. Give the gift of life.
6. Gadgets galore
From smart speakers home security systems, Target Open House has everything for that tech nerd in your life.
7. Luxury Goods
Gump’s is noted for the quality of its luxury items, many imported from across the globe. From silverware to linens to buddha sculpture, the presents are nothing if not memorable.
8. Explore a modern ballpark on the bay
The ballpark on the bay is one of the great sports facilities in the world. The AT&T Park Tour will show off everything from box seats to the giants’ clubhouse. The views of the bay alone are worth the price of admission.
9. Create & share your own art
Fish Studios allows you to create your own gift, with an assist from the owners, fine artists in their own right. So personalize your presents this year with your own special flair.
