Nothing says "I didn't really think about a gift" like getting your brother another pair of socks or your girlfriend a generic heart-shaped necklace you found online. This year, give a gift that shows you're proud to live in the Bay! We hand-picked the following vendors because they offer items that are rad and unique, while also giving you the opportunity to support local businesses and artists. Now get to shopping!
Last updated on November 17, 2022
Clothing + Accessories
Broke-Ass Stuart is a source of Bay Area news and entertainment for us all, but did you know they’re also a source of some seriously great merch? Often relying on knowledge of the Bay and its culture, your local friends are sure to love them. Other Bay Area brands serving up comfy classics: Marine Layer, Culk, Oaklandish, and SanFranpsycho.
These handmade clogs are definitely on the pricey side, but you get what you pay for. With a number of colors and styles, these just might be the coolest (and comfiest) kicks around. Plus, they’re made to order! Production takes some time, but we promise they’ll be with the wait. Searching for more styles? Check out Freda Salvador or the ever-popular Birdies.
(3169 16th St. // Mission)
A tiny store filled with all sorts of tiny things, Fiat Lux sells jewelry from a variety of Bay Area makers. With everything from minimal classic rings, to wildly unusual statement necklaces, to one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, you’re sure to find something for everyone on your gift list. Margaret Elizabeth, Love and Luxe, and Melissa Joy Manning sell jewelry we love too!
Via Bart Bridge
A pocket hat is pretty self-explanatory, and Bart Bridge is slinging hats that are cool and functional. They design patches for cities in the Bay Area and beyond, and stitch the patches on hats, leaving a sneaky pocket for your ID, credit card, or anything else you might want to stash. We also love the headwear from Bay Area businesses like Hampui Hats and AB Fits.
Via Rickshaw Bagworks
(904 22nd St // Dogpatch)
Made daily right here in San Francisco, the backpacks, messenger bags, handbags, laptop bags, totes, duffles, pencil pouches, and more (!) from Rickshaw Bagworks blend modern style with impeccable quality. There's also options to customize your bag, so you can make sure it's perfectly suited for the special person you're gifting it to. For more variety, pack a bag and swing by more Bay Area accessory hotspots like Timbuk2, Nooworks, Claflin, Thayer & Co., and Odsy.
Food + Drink
Via Ritual
(Multiple Locations)
A bag of coffee from Ritual is great, but what about three? In a festive box? Ritual’s holiday gift set includes three seasonal roasts, or you can spring for a subscription if you’re shopping for a constant caffeine fix. Awesome gift sets (and subscriptions) are also available from Lady Falcon Coffee Club, Timeless Coffee, and Saint Frank.
This woman-owned business really puts the cute in charcuterie and supports a good cause to boot: every board you buy helps feed a child suffering from hunger. Their Bespoke Collection — dedicated to Bay Area locals — is the move for this holiday season. Tasty centerpieces like "Dolores Park," "The Painted Ladies," and "The SF Charcutewreath" (yes, it's exactly what it sounds like) are full of luxe bites that will keep stomachs and hearts happy. For more fresh meat, cheese, and fruit, you can also order straight from local farms like Frog Hollow Farm, Greenhearts Family Farm, and Stemple Creek Ranch.
Via Bi-Rite Market
(Multiple Locations)
We all know and love Bi-Rite, so why not share it with everyone on your list this year? They have a variety of gift boxes filled with the best snacks, sweets, and condiments that the Bay Area has to offer. You can even choose your shipping date! Gift boxes from La Fromagerie, Sincerely San Francisco, and La Cocina are all solid options as well.
Of course, no food and drink gift list would be complete without alcohol, and the Bay Area (unsurprisingly) has some pretty great offerings. Whether your friend is a serious wine snob or just looking to branch out from their usual bottles, a monthly subscription of hand-picked wines from the experts at this Dogpatch hotspot will do the trick. Other top-tier boozy gifts can be found at Fieldwork, Haus, and Cellarmaker Brewing Co.
Via Goldbelly
If you're anything like us, you always save room for dessert — especially dessert from one of the Bay's most iconic bakeries. Get a gift pack filled with cookies, brownies, tea cake, and bread, or pick out packages of individual treats. You can also never go wrong with a gift box of goodies from Chantal Guillon, Recchiuti Confections, or The Xocolate Bar.
Home + Novelties
Via Mud Witch
Though it can be difficult to score a piece from Mud Witch (whose website restocks and sells out approximately monthly) you can arrange for a truly unique gift with the Build-A-Mug Gift Certificate. Your giftee can choose their mug color and shape, and will get their made-to-order piece in about 8 weeks! Check out our other fave ceramics at Heath, Morningtide, Artillery AG, and Earthen.
Via Often Wander
(593 Valencia St. // Mission)
This shop is full of good smells, as well as gifts that keep on giving. All of their candles can be brought back in and refilled (when you’re done burning of course) for half price! Plus, if you have a container you think would make a great candle, they’ll fill that too during monthly custom candle events. Other smells we love? Juniper Ridge and Basik Candle Co.
Via Paxton Gate
(824 Valencia St. // Mission)
Paxton Gate is one of those places that you really have to see to fully appreciate – from taxidermy to crystals to plants, they’re a source for all things natural, unexpected, and low-key spooky. If giraffe heads aren’t your vibe, there are plenty of other quirky gifts to be had at Rare Device, Atomic Garden, Needles and Pens, and Park Life.
Via Chronicle Books
Written by Sally Schmitt — one of the founders of The French Laundry and a pioneer in farm-to-table cooking — this book's stories, cooking tips, and irresistible recipes are an essential lesson in California cuisine. We Are La Cocina, Diasporican, deYoung 125, Black Food, and Chinatown Pretty are all great Bay Area books too!
Via Golden Gate Furniture
What could be more Bay Area than furniture made out of the literal Golden Gate Bridge? When the Golden Gate Bridge's handrail was replaced in the '90s, owner Richard Bulan rescued some of the original 1930s steel and fashioned collector's edition furniture out of the pieces. Buy a one-of-a-kind paperweight or a quirky table here, and you'll own a piece of SF history. You can also snag unique home goods at Past Perfect or General Store.
Experiences
Via Milk & Honey
(123 N Main St // Sebastopol)
Who says Halloween can't be in December? Classes at Milk & Honey range from witchcraft to tarot card reading, and they make for a totally unique gift for the crystal and healing enthusiast in your life. Seeing more herbs, gems, candles, and the like in your future? The Scarlet Sage Herb Co., Twisted Thistle Apothecary, and The Raven's Wing Magical Co. all have you covered, too.
SF has an amazing food scene (which, if you live here, you already know), and the next step up for every local foodie is learning how to make bomb dishes all on their own. BiteUnite offers fun food experiences where you can learn to make sushi, Thai food, dumplings, and more. More into eating than cooking? A fancy res through Tock always makes great gift for the foodie in your life too.
Art, Science, and Culture Centers
Getting a membership to one of the many cool, educational, and artsy spots throughout the Bay is the gift that gives all year long. Snag an annual membership to the SF Zoo or Oakland Zoo for the animal-lover, or the de Young or SFMoMA for the art buff. Want to get cultured sans-kiddos? Tickets to Cal Academy NightLife and Exploratorium: After Dark are great options.
Via Punch Line San Francisco
Comedy Shows
Laughter is the best medicine (and also the best holiday gift). See some side-splitting stand-up at clubs like Punch Line San Francisco and Cobb's Comedy Club, or check out the local improv comedy scene at Endgames Improv and Leela Improv Theatre.
Shows have been on the books for months now, and there are already plenty of great events on the calendar for 2023. No matter who you need a gift for, you're sure to find an artist and a venue that will be the perfect fit. And a concert in the Bay Area? Best. Present. Ever.
Written by Grace Orriss and Katherine Andrews
