San Francisco Holiday Gift Guide

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

Gifts for Her in San Francisco


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La Cocina

2948 Folsom St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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.


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Azalea Boutique

411 Hayes St, San Francisco, CA 94102

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.


Gifts for Him in San Francsico


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Unionmade

493 Sanchez St, San Francisco, CA 94114

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.


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Aquarius Records

1055 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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.


Gifts for Kids in San Francisco


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Tutti Frutti

718 Irving St, San Francisco, CA 94122

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.


Paxton Gate

824 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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.


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Bubble

3108 Fillmore St., San Francisco, CA 94123

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.