Shop Small 2020

Acacia

A modern design boutique with home decor, tabletop, soft goods, and accessories. Current adored highlights include cute felt animal ornaments, Sue Pryke mugs, Sowden grinders, Hasami everything, and Slowdown Studio throws.

San Francisco Local

Aggregate Supply

Solid mix of giftables, fashion-forward clothing, and self-care goods. Favorites here include: Game Night Gift Box, Nothing Fancy by Alison Roman, HAY 6 Color Reusable Bag, Bornn Swirl Enamelware, and of course, the en vogue ornaments.

Aldea Home & Baby

My go-to pre-baby shower shopping destination featuring bright-colored sustainable toys, Jellycat softies in multiple sizes, calming aromatherapy goods for sleepless parents, and plenty to decorate the newly minted home of a young family.

Bird & Beckett

Named after legends Charlie “Bird” Parker and Samuel Beckett, this must-visit book and record store also hosts intimate jazz nights, poetry readings, and stand-up comedy. Books skew on the cultural side with a solid section on jazz.

Creativity Explored

Original art, card sets, and home accessories created by humans with developmental disabilities in the non-profit’s vibrant, eclectic studio in the Mission. Artists receive 50% of all sales, and the rest goes to keeping the organization afloat.

Dog Eared Books

A cozy haven of new and used books ranging from wondrous obscurities to the most talked-about bestsellers and classics. The new issue of The San Franciscan is now available, and they’re also happy to do custom book orders.

Earthen

Stocked with beauteous ceramics crafted in the back of their shop, you’ll be in stoneware heaven. You’ll also find a carefully curated array of homeware, kitchen goods, and kids’ toys from Hawkins NY, Moon Picnic, Raduga Grëz, and more.

Fool’s Errand

While sipping zinfandel inside their wine bar would be better, they also serve as a superb wine shop. No fools here, just a prosperous selection of California and international vino and a promise of a blushing buzz — wine tipsy is the best tipsy after all.

General Store

Amongst an ambiance saturated with warmth and a welcoming backyard garden, you’ll find a carefully curated selection of small home goods, open-air apparel, coffee table books, ceramic jewelry, and delightful personal accessories.

Healthy Spirits

Focusing on quality, this liquor and craft beer shop holds strong with its name and stocks beverages that will certainly keep your spirits in proper health. There’s no better cure to this year than a bottle of high-end mezcal or — and! — whisky.

Heath Ceramics

Not necessarily small but: Timeless thoughtful tabletop and home goods made with intention and simplistic bliss since 1948. You can’t go wrong with a lemongrass matte bud vase, a rim line stack mug, or a beautiful cookbook.

Jeffrey’s

My dog’s favorite is a cup of the housemade beef yams and veggies, but she’d also recommend a mash-up goodie bag from the plentiful treat bins. A Wildebeest fold-up water bowl and a bottle of Kennel One Vodka are pretty great too.

Life

As a sanctuary for fine fragrances, you’re sure to find just the right scent. The custom oil filling station is divine, and it’s very likely you’ll walk out with your own rollertop to give you a little aura of bliss in addition to a gift. Props to the White Musk.

Lola of North Beach

A little gift shop for all ages but especially the kiddos. You can find San Francisco-themed go-to’s like Good Night San Francisco, magnetic cable cars, Brenna Daugherty’s Victorian enamel pins, and those super soft Culk sweatshirts.

Mendels

Nothing sparks the imagination like a store full of arts and crafts supplies and a blank slate. With sparkly fabrics, sturdy canvases, neon paints, and stellar pens and markers, you’ll find inspiration to either make a gift or give the gift of creativity.

Mission Minis

Sometimes a batch of sugared treats is the best gift. This Mission favorite won’t let you down. Grab a pink box of mini cupcakes to drop off at a friend’s door, or washi tape on a lottery ticket from the corner store for an extra cute combo.

Needles & Pens

Not sure what more you can ask for than a neighborhood gallery slash shop that carries the best minimalist jewelry, local zines, colorful cards, and trinkets you didn’t know you needed plus also often has vintage sidewalk sales.

Often Wander

Soy wax candles that turn your home extra homey. My favorite is the amber/musk/vanilla blend, and 1/2 off refills have been greatly taken advantage of with these. Custom vessel fills available. Rotating goods from local designers top the cake.

post.script

My go-to for when nostalgia arises thinking of the Dwell Store stationery and accessories collections. You’ll find classic HAY trays and those metallic pens, Moglea notebooks, mint/pink Papier Tigre ballpoints, Poketo socks, and abstract Hanaduri soap.

Rare Device

With a modern and whimsical aesthetic, each item chosen has a unique story of its own — whether coming from within the 7x7 cityscape or far off lands. Holiday gift sets, Angela Chvarak planters, and confetti mugs are all more than winners.

Serendipity

When you need a good card or last-minute gift wrap, you need it asap, and this neighborhood staple won’t let you down. Political-vibing enamel pins, kids’ boutique art supplies, and small thinking of you grabs are also always in season.

Succulence

With all of the time we’ve spent in our homes this year, a little air purification and oxygen can’t hurt. Whether it’s houseplants, succulents, or both, giving the gift of green has a lot of benefits. The Euphorbia Trigona even shows off a little red too.

The Booksmith

This classic book shop has served as a Haight-Ashbury staple since 1976 and houses independent writers and general interest. Another reason to support: Co-owner Christin is a vibrant advocate for the unhoused and organizes to make a real impact.

The Perish Trust

Coined as a modern-day general store, local creatives Rob and Kelly collect and curate an array of handcrafted goods and local artwork to perfectly blend the old and the new. Don’t forget to check out George McCalman’s artwork as well.