San Francisco is full of independently owned shops and boutiques where you can find the perfect items for friends, family, and a little retail therapy for yourself. Instead of heading straight to the mall, take a stroll down one of these charming SF streets that are simply packed with charming local shops and pleasant surprises.
1. Divisadero Street in NoPa/Alamo Square
The NoPa (North of the Panhandle) district is a great destination for gifting and general boutique shopping, especially home goods and other handy items.
- Rare Device – Gift shop with a focus on home goods, cards, prints, and other unique items.
- Perish Trust – Modern general store carrying rustic, vintage home goods & unique pieces made by local craftspeople.
- Asmbly Hall – Clothes and accessories with a focus on sophisticated “prep” style.
- Onyx – A clothing boutique that carries curated pieces from local and independent designers.
- The Mill – This bakery and cafe also carries an assortment of ceramics, curated grocery items, and coffee brewing equipment.
2. Hayes Street in Hayes Valley
Called one of the “coolest streets in the world, ” This walkable neighborhood is packed with charming gift shops and clothing stores for all styles. Here are a few to check out.
- Epicurean Trader – An upscale food shop that is the perfect place for spices, chocolate, and other fun stocking stuffers.
- Pact – Classic clothing and home goods made with organic cotton in Fair Trade certified factories.
- Reliquary – Highly curated shop showcasing vintage and contemporary fashion, home goods, and jewelry.
- Azalea – A clothing store that carries a curated selection of goods for men and women.
- Outdoor Voices – Clothing store with a focus on stylish technical apparel for recreation.
3. Haight Street in Haight-Ashbury
The Haight is home to shops that range from “Summer of Love” to Berlin-ready clubwear and more. There are also plenty of cute gift shops to choose from. Here’s a small taste.
- The Booksmith – Independent bookstore with great stocking stuffers and gifts.
- The Sockshop – A full range of unique socks with incredible designs and fun styles.
- SF Mercantile – T-shirts, pins, and other items that celebrate of all things San Francisco.
- Amoeba Records – SF’s best selection of new and used vinyl records, CDs, DVDs, posters, and other music-related items.
- Indigo Vintage along with several other excellent vintage and thrift shops to choose from.
4. Valencia Street in the Mission District
This famously hip and fashionable street in SF is full of local designers, boutiques, and gift shops that should cover your bases this holiday season.
- Everlane – Clothing store and brand with a focus on responsibly manufactured classics.
- Taylor Stitch – Men’s clothing store and brand that specializes in durable, classic looks.
- Paxton Gate – Unique shop specializing in taxidermy, crystals, plants, and other curiosities.
- Bernal Cutlery – Specialty knife and kitchen supply store for both home and professional cooks alike.
- Dandelion Chocolate – A chocolate factory and cafe selling hot chocolates as well as a variety of bean-to-bar chocolate.
5. Chestnut Street in the Marina
This upscale neighborhood by the water is very walkable and full of charming little shops that will help you check a few more gifts off your list.
- Madewell – A great spot for classic and effortless cool looks that are easy to mix and match.
- Marine Layer – An SF-based clothing store that sells “absurdly soft” tees, sweatshirts, and other staples.
- Aggregate Supply – An Industrial-chic boutique offering apparel, home decor, backpacks, blankets, and more.
- GAP – Let’s face it, we all need something from the GAP. It’s an easy place to find great clothes that won’t break the bank.
6. Clement Street in the Inner Richmond
This charming street is packed with extraordinary restaurants, extraordinary bakeries, and lots of fun places to shop.
- Tantrum – A boutique children’s clothing and toy store that carries unique, handcrafted items that you won’t find in the big box stores.
- Foggy Notion – A little shop that carries handmade, eco-conscious merchandise by independent designers, including lotions, bags, and home goods.
- The Spanish Table – This Spanish specialty food store is a great place to pick up unique snacks, wine cookware, and other treats.
- Park Life – A creative shop that carries a range of design-centric goods, including books, prints, and homewares.
- Green Apple Books – As one of SF’s largest and best-stocked bookstores it’ll likely have exactly what you’re looking for.
7. Grant Street in North Beach
Tucked away from the main drag of Columbus Avenue, Grant Avenue is home to a row of small businesses that are as unique and magical as the neighborhood itself.
- Vacation – This impeccably curated vintage store is where you might come across treasures like a ‘70s Halston gown, a vintage Bob Dylan t-shirt, and countless other treasures.
- Work – A vintage showroom that houses the constantly rotating collections of 10+ vintage sellers under one roof. They offer a balanced mix of high-end and affordable fashion.
- Professor Seagull’s Smartshop – This little shop sells a variety of herbal remedies and botanical samples that can help with relaxation, lucid, and beyond.
- Al’s Attire – This custom tailor shop uses vintage materials alongside new fabrics and leathers sourced directly from mills and tanneries.
- AB Fits – This denim-focused boutique puts people in clothes that embody character and quality.
- 101 Music – This eclectic record and music shop has no website or social media, but it’s an SF gem that absolutely worth a visit.
Featured image: @parklifesf via Instagram