Finding the perfect gift can be a challenge, but San Francisco boasts a treasure trove of unique gift shops offering something for everyone. From quirky souvenirs to handcrafted treasures, this guide explores 35 of the city's best gift shops, categorized for easy browsing. Whether you're hunting for a special occasion present or a little something for yourself, you're sure to find inspiration here. Remember to check each store's website for opening hours and any COVID-related restrictions before your visit.
Unique & Quirky Gift Shops
These shops offer a diverse range of unusual and memorable gifts, perfect for those hard-to-please individuals on your list.
- The Curiosity Shoppe: Known for its eclectic collection of vintage and antique items. Expect to find everything from antique maps to vintage jewelry.
- Gift Horse: This Haight-Ashbury staple offers a unique blend of bohemian and quirky gifts, with a focus on local artists.
- Marbles: This charming shop offers an impressive selection of marbles, along with other unique gifts and collectibles.
- Red Balloon: A classic San Francisco shop featuring whimsical toys, games, and gifts for all ages.
- Beetle & Burrow: This Mission District shop is a haven for lovers of all things quirky and fun. Expect to find quirky home decor and unique gifts.
Home Goods & Decor Gift Shops
Looking for a special gift for the home? These shops specialize in home goods and decor, with a range of styles and price points.
- Heath Ceramics: Known for its beautiful, handcrafted ceramics, Heath offers a sophisticated selection of tableware, home decor, and gifts.
- Arhaus: Arhaus is a high-end home furnishings store with several locations in the Bay Area, offering unique and stylish gifts for the discerning home owner.
- West Elm: A popular modern home goods store with many locations that carries a large collection of stylish home decor and gift items.
- CB2: This stylish and modern home decor store offers a great selection of contemporary gifts.
- Crate & Barrel: A classic home goods store that offers a wide range of gifts for all occasions.
Jewelry & Accessories Gift Shops
For those who appreciate delicate pieces and stylish accessories, these shops offer a wide range of jewelry and accessories.
- Tiffany & Co.: A world-renowned luxury jeweler, Tiffany & Co. offers a breathtaking selection of engagement rings, necklaces, earrings, and more.
- Bario Neal: This San Francisco-based jeweler creates stunning, handcrafted jewelry using recycled materials.
- Shinola: This brand is known for its high-quality leather goods and watches. A perfect spot to find classic and timeless gifts.
- The Green Goddess: This shop offers an extensive selection of spiritual jewelry, crystals, and other accessories.
- Miadora: A popular online retailer with a physical location in San Francisco, Miadora offers a broad selection of jewelry at various price points.
Art & Design Gift Shops
These shops offer beautiful and unique gifts from local and international artists and designers.
- The San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA) Store: A great place to find art books, posters, and unique gifts inspired by modern art.
- Museum of Craft and Design (MCD) Store: Offers a wide selection of handcrafted objects, from ceramics and jewelry to textiles and furniture.
- Gallery 17: Find unique gifts and artwork from local artists.
- Southern Exposure: A gallery and gift shop showcasing contemporary artwork by emerging and established artists.
- Fort Point Gallery: A gallery showcasing a variety of artistic mediums and offering unique gift options.
Food & Drink Gift Shops
These shops offer delectable treats and unique food and drink items perfect for foodies and gift-givers alike.
- Ferry Building Marketplace: A huge marketplace with numerous vendors offering gourmet food items, making it ideal for finding unique foodie gifts.
- Ghirardelli Square: Home to the famous Ghirardelli chocolate, it's an excellent place to find sweet treats and souvenirs.
- The Tea House: A beautiful tea shop with a wide selection of loose leaf teas and tea-related gifts.
- Dandelion Chocolate: For the chocolate lover, Dandelion offers beautifully packaged chocolates and other chocolate-based gifts.
- Local artisan food shops: Many smaller shops around the city offer locally produced honey, jams, and other delicious food gifts.
Books & Stationery Gift Shops
For the bookworms and stationery enthusiasts in your life, these shops offer a thoughtful selection of gifts.
- City Lights Bookstore: A San Francisco institution, City Lights offers a vast selection of books and gifts.
- Green Apple Books: Another San Francisco classic, Green Apple offers a wide selection of new and used books.
- Paper Source: This stylish shop offers a wide range of paper goods, stationery, and gifts.
- Stationery on Fillmore: A classic stationery store offering a refined selection of stationery and related gift items.
- The Booksmith: Another independent bookstore with a curated selection of books and gifts.
Specialty Gift Shops
These shops offer a unique selection of items that cater to specific interests or hobbies.
- Little Skates: A shop dedicated to all things skateboarding, offering a unique selection of gifts for skating enthusiasts.
- The Gardener: If you're looking for gardening-related gifts, this shop provides a large selection of tools and plants.
- Dog Eared Books: A used bookstore specializing in children's literature. Perfect place to find unique children's books as gifts.
- Musee Mecanique: This unique museum boasts an extensive collection of antique arcade games and machines. While not strictly a gift shop, you can buy some memorable souvenirs here.
- San Francisco Zoo Gift Shop: If you're visiting the zoo, stop by their shop for animal-themed gifts and souvenirs.
This list provides a starting point for your gift-hunting adventures in San Francisco. Remember to explore beyond these suggestions – the city is brimming with hidden gems waiting to be discovered! Happy shopping!
