by Allie Pape - 10 Reviews - 45 List
The season of giving is upon us, and so is the quandary of what to give. But while most of the nation might be limited to the offerings at the local mall, San Franciscans have at least one advantage: some pretty fabulous local boutiques. Read our list for the scoop on the best San Francisco shops for cool holiday gifts for everyone on your list.
Updated: November 13, 2011
Whether they're moms, wives, or swinging singles, the women in your life probably spend plenty of time slaving away in the kitchen. Give them a break with a basket of goodies from this incubator for female-run culinary businesses. Every La Cocina box boasts quintessential San Francisco flavor, with buttery shortbread, spicy salsa and chocolate-covered delights. Keep it simple with a $35 half-pint box, or go all out with a $100 stock pot box.
For hip, flattering clothing that won't break the bank, this Hayes Valley boutique is the gold standard. Whether her taste runs to locally crafted bracelets or Italian wool sweaters, you'll find plenty of solid pieces under $100. Afraid to get the wrong size? Go for the gift certificates-- you can even throw in an extra $25 for a manicure at the in-house nail salon.
Your taste in clothes is metrosexual, but his is Marlboro Man. Split the difference at this manly Castro boutique, which specializes in American heritage pieces like Carhartt jackets, Pendleton sweaters and Woolrich flannels. He'll maintain a veneer of ruggedness, while you'll gain enough credibility to push him towards those skinny jeans.
Introduce him to his new favorite band with the help of the accommodating staff at this Mission record shop. If you take a few notes on the contents of his record collection, they'll help you pin down a new album that he's sure to love.
When it comes to fun and sassy gifts for the younger set, this Inner Sunset shop is a popular choice. Options include rattles and bath books for babies and unique stuffed animals for bigger kids.
Though the mother ship is mainly known for its taxidermy animals, Paxton Gate's Curiosities for Kids (which recently opened next door) keeps things much more tame. From a volcano-making kit to a 3-D puzzle to a shadow-puppet theater, the gifts here are definitely a cut above Toys 'R Us, and often sneakily educational as well.
For the fashionable kid (or the kid with fashionable parents), this boutique offers tot-sized versions of duds from Juicy Couture, Harajuku Lovers, Puma, and more. Not ready to drop big bucks on kids apparel? The store also has fun lunchboxes, backpacks, teething toys, and other cheap thrills.
