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San Fran’s Ultimate Local Gifting Guide

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Yep, they’re baaaack! Like it or not, the holidays are here. And as we gear up for eggnog-fueled festivities, we also need to start prepping for days of tirelessly prowling around for the perfect pressie. Unless you listen to us and de-stress the entire sitch, that is. We have the ultimate, fuss-free guide to help make gift-giving easier. We sifted through the Mission and Hayes Valley’s hottest shopping haunts (Mira Mira, Acrimony, Welcome Stranger, and many more), and basically planned you a single day's worth of shopping (and snacking) that will satisfy every finicky friend or family member on your list. So, are you ready to get a leg-up on your holiday shopping? Follow us around two of S.F.’s hippest ‘hoods, and get ready to eat, drink, and shop up a storm.
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acrimony
Acrimony — Let’s start at our must-stop shop for cool-girl (and guy) wares, Acrimony. It’s no secret that we have a serious affinity for this Hayes Valley store. So, if you are looking for the latest in Laugh Cry Repeat, Vena Cava, Jeffery Campbell, or My Pet Square, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll never get enough of Acrimony’s edgy adornments—like these bright Vanessa Mooney necklaces, for $40.
Acrimony, 333 Hayes Street (between Gough & Franklin streets); 415-861-1025.

For The Hip Guy Pal: Super Tortoise Flattop Sunglasses, $171
“Buy them for your guy, but since they are unisex, you can wear them too. It’s like buying a gift for yourself.” –Jenny Chung, Owner

For The Bestie: Vanessa Mooney Rope Necklaces, $40/each
“Buy your bestie all four—or keep two for you, two for her. Best friends share, right?”-Jenny Chung, Owner

For The Stylish Sis: Rodebjer Triton Jacket, $382
“For the sister that has everything. This jacket is bold and sophisticated. Your sister always wanted a pony—instead get her a furry jacket. Almost the same thing.” –Jenny Chung, Owner

celbowChristopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate — Got a sweet tooth? ‘Tis the season to treat yourself. Escape the cold and head to the beyond-tasty Hayes Valley gem, Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate. These velvety, super-sweet treats are a neighborhood staple. We highly recommend trying the Peanut Butter hot coco—an amazing cool-weather cure.
Christopher Elbow Artisanal Chocolate, 401 Hayes Street (between Gough and Octavia streets); 415-355-1105.
welcome
Welcome Stranger — Our next stop is for the fellas. Welcome Stranger is one of the best boutiques for boy-centric goodies. You’ll get lost in the racks of sartorial goodness (even if you’re a gal). The woodsy store carries top-of-the-line brands by the likes of Topman, Band of Outsiders, and Life After Denim. Gifting the guy in your life? Just grabbing some gear? You won’t walk out empty-handed. The Fjallraven Kanken backpack is a wardrobe essential for the trailblazing guy in your life.
Welcome Stranger, 460 Gough Street (at Hayes Street); 415-864-2079.
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For The Style-Conscious Boyfriend: Welcome Stranger Varsity Jacket, $620
“Perfect weight for the city. This awesome varsity jacket is cut and sewn in S.F.” – Justin Hager, Store Manager

For The Dapper Dude: Welcome Stranger United Plaid Bowtie, $68
“Great accessory to complete your holiday party outfit.” –Justin Hager, Store Manager

For the Adventurist: Fjallraven Kanken Backpack in Brown, $65
Fjallraven backpacks are a staple for any stylish thrill-seeker. This one (in brown) is the ultimate hiking accessory.

absinthe

Absinthe — Holiday shopping just isn’t complete without a bit of brunching—plus all of that shopping is sure to work up your appetite. Swing by the adorable eatery, Absinthe to get your grub on, fuel up on a few Bloody Marys and you’ll be good to go. The shopping continues!

Absinthe, 398 Hayes Street (at Gough Street); 415-551-1590.

dish

Dish — We can’t bid Hayes Valley adieu without popping into Dish. Browse the carefully-curated selection of cozy cableknits, scarves, and boots. Stop by the open and airy shop and pick up a frock or a holiday party clutch by local designer, Herringbone.

Dish, 541 Hayes Street (between Octavia & Laguna Streets); (415) 252-5997.

For The Glamazon: Herringbone Clutch, $116
“These amazing, locally made clutches have the perfect splash of color—and make a great accessory for holiday parties.” –Sherise Eways, Manager

For The Girlfriend: Hortense Necklace, $408 and Earrings, $152
“14k rose gold with diamonds! Elegant, dainty, and bohemian. A great gift for your love—with just a touch a rose gold.” -–Sherise Eways, Manager

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For The Pattern-Lover: Prana Scarves by Matta, $264
“Gorgeous jewel tone accessories. Pairs well with the Herringbone clutch.” -–Sherise Eways, Manager

2sisters

Two Sisters Bar and Books — Bookworms and boozers, this one’s for you. If you want to take a break from all the holiday-hoopla—we can’t think of a better place. Kick back in the newly-opened, lit-themed spot. It boasts an impressive drink and book selection and is great for recharging your boutique-browsing batteries.

Two Sisters Bar and Books, 579 Hayes Street (between Octavia and Laguna streets); (415) 863-3655.

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BellJar — Our first stop in the Mission is the always-charming boutique, BellJar. Not only is this stunning shop a local favorite, it has everything you need for gift giving. From insanely-cute paper dolls to yummy-scented soaps—this is the stocking stuffer headquarters. Looking for larger items? Don’t fret—BellJar’s got you covered. Check out these Lucca Couture Wide-Leg Pants, for $78. Perfect for post-party lounging.
BellJar, 3187 16th Street (at Albion Street); 415) 626-1749.

For The Rocker-Chick: Luv Aj Fools Gold Choker, $288
“I love this piece because it will turn heads. And that is what you want your accessories to do, make a statement” –Jennie Wan, Sales Associate

For The Comfy-Chic Babe: Lucca Couture Wide-Leg Pant, $78
“They are affordable, comfy, and chic.”—Jennie Wan, Sales Associate

For The Kid-At-Heart: The Shackman Collection Die-Cut Paperdolls, $12/e
“These are so fun and nostalgic. They take you back to when you were little and wanted to dress like these women.” –Jennie Wan, Sales Associate

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For The Spa-Queen: Emporium Soap Bars, $18/e
-in Blood Orange, Snow Gardenia, and Black Cherry Plum-
“Beautifully packaged, and they smell great! Excellent stocking stuffers.” –Jennie Wan, Sales Associate

fourbarrelFour Barrel — Get your caffeine on—you’re gonna need it. Four Barrel serves up a serious cup of Joe. And it’s going to be a jam-packed day, so get ready (and don’t forget to grab a chocolate croissant). Yum!
Four Barrel, 375 Valencia Street (at 15th Street); 415- 252-0800
gravel
Gravel + Gold — What can we say—there’s no place quite like this warm and quaint nature-themed shop. You will find an eclectic variety of books, cards, ceramics, and tools from a plethora of skilled artists and craftsmen. Perfect example? These Maria Schoettler Veggie Calendars, for $30. A great find for the art-loving foodie. Oh, and the staff is beyond-versed in the origin of every item.
Gravel + Gold, 3266 21st Street (between Bartlett & Lexington Streets); (415) 552-0112.

For The Art-Lover:
Maria Schoettler Calendars, $30
“Maria is an Oakland-based artist that illustrates calendars of local flora and veggies. Her beautiful paintings, paired with the format and heavy paper make them ideal wall calendars.” –Cassie McGettigan, Co-owner

For The Chef: Opinel Set of Four Pairing Knives, $40
“These joyful pairing knives are a pleasing and efficient tool for getting all of your kitchen business done.” –Cassie McGettigan, Co-owner

For The Exhibitionist: Gravel + Gold Boob Shirt, $125
“We designed our boob print in honor of the many (all beautiful) boobs out there! This top—being somewhat sheer—you can celebrate your own and the plenty of other boobs out there.” –Cassie McGettigan, Co-owner

For The Coffee-Lover: Echo Park Pottery Mugs, $32/e
“Peter Shire, the only American member of the Memphis design group, has been making these rad slab construction mugs since 1972.” –Cassie McGettigan, Co-owner

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birite

Bi-Rite Creamery — It’s no secret that this iconic S.F. creamery is at the top of everyone’s must-hit list. With enticing flavors like coffee toffee, salted caramel, ricanelas and more—it’s the sweets-fiend’s dream. Stop in for a scoop between shops, or if you’re looking for a stocking stuffer—check out the ‘Hey Boo Coconut Jam.’

Bi-Rite Creamery, 3692 18th Street (between Dolores & Oakwood Streets); 415-626-5600.

miramira
Mira Mira — Just what we need when the holidays hit. With flirty frocks and edgy accessories, Mira Mira has a sweet selection of S.F’s quirkiest, need-to-know labels. Like this Mary Meyer Party Purse, for $79. It’s calling our name! After a jam-packed shopping day we earned it, right?
Mira Mira, 3292 22nd Street (between Bartlett & Valencia Streets); (415) 648-6513.

For The Siren: Gat Rimon Opal Shorts, $97
“Who doesn’t look amazing in her man’s t-shirt, with a little something silky added? Any guy would score major points with these silk shorts from Paris.” Mira Pickett, Owner

For The Party-Girl: Mary Meyer Party Purse, $79
“The perfect size for a funky party dress. Keys, lipstick, cellphone? Check!” Mira Pickett, Owner

For The Man-Repelling Maven: Ay Not Dead Leopard Furry Collar, $45
“I could literally pair this collar with everything and be happy. The perfect present to dress up any rocker tee.” Mira Pickett, Owner

For the Eco-Conscious Lady: Priti NYC Eco-Friendly Nail Polish and Soy Remover, $16/$16
“Priti polish and remover are a great gift for all the eco, yet style-conscious ladies out there. They both are non-toxic and vegan, so they are safe on the nails and also environmentally friendly.” Mira Pickett, Owner

For The Tight-Fiend: Hansel From Basel Rust Pin-dot Tights, $29
“The perfect pair of tights for the quirky girl on your list. I’d wear these with jean shorts and booties all winter long!” Mira Pickett, Owner

berettaBeretta — Popular for its mouth-watering pizza and fancy drinks, grab a seat at Beretta. This much-loved brunch spot is the ideal ending to your retail-wracked day. Time to pig out!
Beretta, 1199 Valencia Street (at 23rd Street); 415-695-1199.
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