Holiday Gift Guide

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Updated: October 30, 2009

Rather than joy and good cheer, many shoppers feel something closer to panic when faced with the seasonal chore of purchasing holiday presents. Don't stress, and don't settle for some corny gift from the mall, either. Instead, check this guide for unique, chic and boutique gifts for everyone on your list, from econo-stocking-stuffers to big-ticket super-presents. (Photo: Flight 001--hard to beat for last minute shopping).

On this page:Gifts for Her, Gifts for Him, Gifts for Kids, Gifts for Everyone.

Gifts for Her

  1. 1 White Ginger Day Spa & Art
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    143 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)

    Wow a special someone with a gift card to this Inner Richmond day spa-meets-art gallery and she'll be able to treat herself to a relaxing massage, mani-pedi or facial.

  2. 2 Shotwell
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    320 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

    Head to this Union Square shop for vintage dresses, repurposed jewelry and one-of-a-kind pieces by local designers, all suitable gift options (if you know her size).

  3. 3 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Ambiance
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    1458 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    There's a little something for every woman at this SF mini-chain: pick a location and swing by for $20 tops or $200 jackets, and take a look at the accessories for stocking stuffers.

  4. 4 Clary Sage Organics
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    2241 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    For the eco-friendly but image-conscious girl, choose from the high-end organic beauty products or clothing designs at this Pacific Heights boutique.

  5. 5 Urban Mercantile
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    85 Carl St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Dating a nester? Buy her a little something for her place--a soft blanket or quirky screen-printed wall art--from this eclectic and reasonably priced Cole Valley gift shop.

  6. 6 Jeanine Payer Inc
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    760 Market St Ste 533, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    This tiny Union Square boutique features hand-engraved jewelry pieces--choose the standard quote (usually something wise from a poet or philosopher) or have it customized with your own words.

  7. 7 Lava 9
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    542 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    Edgy leather handbags in a rainbow of colors and quirky hand-crafted accessories provide an endless supply of gift options at this Hayes Valley shop.

Gifts for Him

  1. 8 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Kidrobot
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    1512 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Fans of J-pop art and collector toys will appreciate something from this Haight Street shop--they also have a cool T-shirt selection as well.

  2. 9 3.5 Star Rating: Average Best Buy
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    1717 Harrison St, San Francisco, CA 94103 (map)

    Ignore the impulse to avoid the big chains just this once (or at least head to the website) and get him what he really wants: Rock Band 2 or a flat-screen TV from the SoMa location of this big-name store.

  3. 10 Free Gold Watch
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    1767 Waller St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    No free gold watches, but creative shoppers at this NoPa destination will find a custom screen print shop (and studio) perfect for the hard-to-shop-for guy.

  4. 11 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Hlaska Inc
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    2033 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    This Lower Pac Heights flagship store stocks sophisticated high-end wallets and bags, great gifts if you've got a little money to throw down.

  5. 12 Chrome Industries
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    580 Fourth St, San Francisco, CA 94107 (map)

    Bikers and couch potatoes alike will thank you for one the distinctive, almost indestructible messenger bags--the ones with the cool seat belt-style strap--from Chrome's flagship home in SoMa.

  6. 13 4 Star Rating: Recommended Villains-Clothing-Shoes-Acces
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    1672 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    Pick out a funny tee or new pair of kicks for your guy at this Haight Street staple for accessories, designer jeans and brand-name clothes.

Gifts for Kids

  1. 14 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Lavish
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    540 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    Mom will likely appreciate a gift from this Hayes Valley store more than the baby, but for tiny tykes, give adorable handmade onesies, cashmere blankets or any of the cute odds and ends available.

  2. 15 5 Star Rating: Highly Recommended Tutti Frutti
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    718 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)

    This cluttered Inner Sunset spot has cards and seasonal items galore, but head to the back for a cool set of books and toys for kids of all ages.

  3. 16 3 Star Rating: Average Kar'Ikter
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    418 Sutter St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (map)

    Swap your kids' Dora the Explorer and Hannah Montana obsessions for Babar and Wallace and Gromit at this Union Square gift shop dedicated to European cartoon collectibles and novelty items.

  4. 17 4 Star Rating: Recommended Ambassador Toys
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    186 W Portal Ave, San Francisco, CA 94127 (map)

    West Portal toyland goes beyond your standard board games and puppets, providing the parents with an awesome selection of mind-blowing variety of playthings.

  5. 18 Ark Toy Store
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    3325 Sacramento St, San Francisco, CA 94115 (map)

    For classic and imaginative toys you won't find at the big box stores, stop by this family-owned Laurel Heights business and pick up a gift for the tots.

  6. 19 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Jeffrey's Toys
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    685 Market St, San Francisco, CA 94105 (map)

    Piles of puzzles, tons of comics and enough Legos to construct a skyscraper--this Market Street store has it all, and it's a convenient after-work stop for anyone with an office downtown.

Gifts for Everyone

  1. 20 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Amoeba Music
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    1855 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    A gift card here to this Haight Street music haven is perhaps the best idea, unless you know exactly which CD, DVD or old rock poster your giftee is looking for.

  2. 21 4 Star Rating: Recommended Booksmith
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    1644 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 (map)

    For bookworms both old and young, try this Haight Street bookshop that stocks a solid variety of fiction, magazine and kid's books.

  3. 22 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Wishbone
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    601 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122 (map)

    Stylish, urban and cute, this adorable Sunset boutique offers everything from cards and accessories to retro candy and Paul Frank tees.

  4. 23 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Flight 001
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    525 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102 (map)

    Head to this ultra-hip Hayes Valley store for an amazing selection of trendy travel items that range from luggage tags to survival kits to actual luggage.

  5. 24 4 Star Rating: Recommended Park Life
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    220 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118 (map)

    This Inner Richmond space is part gallery and part retail store--look for design-oriented books, funky T-shirts and a variety of quirky knick knacks.

  6. 25 4.5 Star Rating: Recommended Paxton Gate
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    824 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94132 (map)

    So it's not for everyone, but this peculiar Mission shop is a perfect spot for buying exotic plants, science project-like preserved bugs and all sorts of weird stuff you won't find anywhere else.