Shop Local: San Francisco Gift Guide
San Francisco is home to many local shops and designers. The gifting season is here and that means a great opportunity to support your community and ethical businesses by investing in local shops and makers.
Whether it's a locally made candle from Scarlet Sage, vintage pieces from Wildflower, an ethically sourced cow skull from Paxton Gate, an astrology reading with Wild Witch of the West, or a hair treatment at Steel + Lacquer, you'll find it here. Beginning with the Haight and the Mission, here are some of my favorites to shop ethically and locally in San Francisco. Price ranges as follows: Low: Under $40 Medium: $40 - $100 High: $100+
I hope this guide to shopping local in San Francisco inspires you skip Amazon and chain stores and add even more thoughtfulness to your gifts.
[gallery ids="541,542,543,544" type="rectangular"]
Scarlet Sage Herb Co. | The MissionEstablished in 1995, the Scarlet Sage Herb Co. is a mainstay for wellness and holistic enthusiasts in the Bay Area. It is an apothecary, wellness bookstore, health, beauty and spiritual market. The staff are a collective of herbalists and healers, so feel free to ask for recommendations. Stop by for a custom blend of tea, herbs, crystals, beauty products, tarot decks, books, journals and more. All products are cruelty-free & chemical free.Good for: Useful gifts, wellness products, natural health & beauty, spiritualPrice range: mediumAddress: 1193 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Phone: (415) 821-0997
[gallery ids="553,552,554" type="rectangular"]
Love of Ganesha | The HaightAnother San Franciscan favorite, the Love of Ganesha has been winning hearts since 1990. There is a huge collection of crystals and stones from distant lands like Madagascar, India, Morocco and Guatemala. Choosing a crystal can be a challenging feat, let alone choosing one as a gift. Not to worry, the sweet staff are there to help.Good for: home decor, spiritual gifts, imports, jewelryPrice range: low - highAddress: 1573 Haight St, San Francisco, CA 94117 | Phone: (415) 863-0999
[gallery ids="545,550,547,551" type="rectangular"]
Wallflower | The MissionWallflower is a beautifully curated and well-organized local shop on Valencia street. There you will find high-quality vintage pieces spanning the decades of the 60's, 70's and 90's as well as the Wallflower's own vintage line. The back part of the shop is dedicated to local makers, like these all-natural candles from Oakland. They have an array of purses, sunglasses, jewelry and other accessories. You can even shop online!Good for: vintage and new fashion and accessories, home decor, small giftsPrice range: medium - highAddress: 1176 Valencia St., San Francisco, CA 94110 | Phone: 415.341.0314
[gallery ids="556,561" type="rectangular"]
Wild Feather | Lower HaightAs the name suggests, the items in this space are for the wild at heart. This unique boutique showcases vibrant jewelry and fashion for men and women from local SF independent designers.Good for: SF designers, unique fashion, accessories, home decor, festival wear, jewelryPrice range: low - highAddress: 597 Haight St. San Francisco, California | Phone: (415) 786-2614
[gallery ids="564,563,565" type="rectangular"]
Paxton Gate | The MissionFor those on your list who are adventurous at heart, who seem to already have it all, or who have a deep fascination with insects, plants and animals, Paxton Gate has some unforgettable treasures. Think ethically sourced taxidermy, crystals, journals, plants, books and more. They even have a plant potting space in the back so you could make a succulent or air plant gift. This curious SF shop has been around over 26! years now.Good for: taxidermy, home decor, plants, crystals, books, odditiesPrice range: medium - highAddress: 824 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110 | Phone: (415) 824-1872
Beauty + Wellness Gift Certificate
Perhaps the best gift to receive is a gift certificate for a high-quality beauty or wellness treatment from San Francisco's best in their business. Here are my top recommendations for beauty and wellness in San Francisco.
Hair | Steel + Lacquer | SOMAFour years ago, hair gurus Jarrod Aldama and Lena Garcia founded this chic SOMA salon. To give a gift of self-care and a seamless high-quality experience, these beauty angels are here to help. They also give back to the community - most recently bringing hair stylists together to raise money for the fire relief efforts.Good for: self-care gifts, luxurious experiencesCost: medium-highAddress: 14 10th St, San Francisco, CA 94103 | Phone: (415) 503-1210
Massage | Janet DeHart Bodyworks | The SunsetJanet is the most talented body worker I have found in California. My first massage with her was gifted to me. Her background is in NeuroMuscular therapy and her list of certifications is extensive. This is, hands-down, my favorite gift on this list.Cost: highAddress: 1395 31st Ave, San Francisco, CA 94122Gift Cards available online, see link above
Astrology Reading | Wild Witch of the WestBefore astrology became trendy, Rebecca Farrar was already about it. Her study of philosophy led her to the root of Greek mythology - astrology. She has a Master's in Philosophy, Cosmology, & Consciousness. This woman knows her stuff. Don't take it from me though, she was recently named Best Astrologist. Read her blog for more info.
Yoga + Pilates | The Pad Studios | The MarinaOne of the brightest, cleanest studios in San Francisco with warm-hearted staff and super experienced teachers, The Pad Studios is great for all levels. They offer yoga, reformer and mat pilates, pre-natal, private and corporate lessons.Cost: medium - high Address: 1694 Union St, San Francisco, CA 94123 | Phone: (415) 929-1690
More great shopsBooks:Green Apple Books | Inner SunsetCity Lights | North BeachDog-Eared Books | The MissionClothes + Accessories:Re-Love Vintage | Polk StEnde Collective | Jewelry made in SF | shop onlineIndustry of all Nations | Hayes ValleyAlamere Designs | Upper HaightFood + Wine:Puerto Alegre | The MissionArlequin Wine Merchant | Hayes ValleyHappy local + ethical treasure hunting San Francisco!xxKaeli