We've all heard the calls to shop local and support struggling local businesses through this trying year. Although 2020 seems to be unending, the holiday season is upon us, and it’s worth remembering the wealth of small businesses scattered across San Francisco that offer the perfect gifts for friends, loved ones, and even yourself — even while non-essential interaction must remain limited. While we can’t list all of our favorites, one locally-owned gift-buying option from 10 different neighborhoods is featured below:
Tenderloin
Fleet Wood’s fifth year in the Tenderloin (on Larkin Street between Geary and O’Farrell) didn’t turn out as expected, but owner Nicole Schwieterman is using the holiday season to sell her own hand-printed wares while promoting other locally-crafted items in curated gift boxes.
“Each box has a curated collection inspired by some of our favorite things — Coffee, Good Grammar, Plants, Self-Care, and our home-base, San Francisco,” she said. The boxes range in price based on the items included, and Fleet Wood’s typical selection of shirts, art, accessories, home décor, and more is still available to order online. Use “SHOPTL” for at checkout for 20% off.
Little Saigon
Just down Larkin Street, in Little Saigon, vintage store Vacation has shifted its in-store shopping to by-appointment-only, but its online shop is always open. Check out its Instagram store for available items — don’t miss the daily deals featured in the stories — and some of its collection is listed on Etsy while it works to update its website to allow for more online shopping.
SoMa
Decant’s retail wine, beer, and gourmet food store is still open at 1168 Folsom St., in SoMa, for in-person shopping, or you can order online for in-person pick-up or local delivery. The women-owned business also sells gift cards and offers monthly and quarterly bottle clubs, which can be shipped as gifts nationwide.
Decant's SoMa wine, beer, and gourmet shop | Photo: Carrie Sisto/Hoodline
Polk
Middle Polk’s Russian Hill Bookstore is open for in-store shopping at 2162 Polk St., and its collection is available to buy on Biblio and ABE Books. For more food-centric gifts, check out Cheese Plus, just across the street at 2001 Polk. It offers nationwide shipping and local delivery of food gift baskets and a cheese-of-the-month club, and is open for curbside pick-up as well.
Cheese Plus has a monthly club available for local delivery or nationwide shipping | Image: Cheese Plus
Hayes Valley
Hayes Valley’s Rare Device (600 Divisadero St.) has an online shopping guide to help you find the perfect gift for those hard-to-shop-for people. It’s also offering holiday gift sets for kids, budding astrologists, backyard farmers, and more.
Castro
Plant Therapy is asking customers to shop online, but it has two locations to pick up a gift plant or some plant-themed cards and candles. Its 2095 Market St. space is open everyday, while its Tenderloin depot, at 687 O’Farrell St., is open Thursday through Sundays. It is also offering local curb-side delivery to San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley addresses on Sundays.
Plants spilling onto the sidewalk of Plant Therapy's Tenderloin location. | Photo: Plant Therapy/Instagram
If you’re in the Castro picking up a plant, be sure to stop by Local Take’s 17th Street location for a San Francisco themed gift or work of art. Its full collection is also available online.
Mission
Casements Bar in the Mission has a curated Irish Whiskey and Gin subscription club, available for a range of prices. The subscription includes local delivery or pick-up, and can be easily gifted at checkout. You can also get a hot toddy kit for your own holiday enjoyment.
Haight
In the Haight, do-it-yourself haven WorkshopSF is hosting multiple online classes for those who prefer to share homemade gifts. You can create wreaths, macrame plant holders, soy candles, and more, or buy the class and maker kit for a friend to create one for themselves.
Richmond
After taking a hike in Lands End or soaking in some sun at Baker Beach, pick up some home holiday cheer in decorative plant form from Clement Nursery. Then, swing by Foggy Notion apothecary (124 Clement St.) to pick up some holiday cards to send to friends and family you haven’t seen far and wide, or choose from a variety of local-themed gifts to bundle with your cookie care packages.
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Sunset
San Franpsycho has been a San Francisco institution for nearly two decades, but 2020 is the first year it’s offering holiday ornaments. You can pick up one at its Sunset headquarters, 1248 9th Ave., or order one online. The ornaments come in red, yellow, white, and silver — and be sure to pick out a shirt or beanie for someone in your bubble, so you can borrow it frequently.
San Franpsycho ornaments | Image: San Franpsycho
Did we miss your favorite local gift shop? Let your neighbors know where to find your favorite local holiday goodies in the comments!
