Mission Holiday Block Party
For the fourth year in a row, holiday shoppers of all types can scope out gifting ideas at the Mission Holiday Block Party. Over 43 local shops will be hawking their goods. Some of our top picks from the action-packed event: Mira Mira's 15% night-long discount (and meat and cookies!), BellJar's 10% discount and fancy cocktails, eggnog shots at Candystore Collective, a stencil workshop at the Curiosity Shoppe, and live music and art at Nooworks. Plus, while you’re in the 'hood, be sure to check out the Valencia Holiday Street Fair happening the same night.
When: Friday, December 9, 5-10 p.m.
Where: Valencia Street Corridor 14th to Cesar Chavez streets and Dolores to Mission streets
Holiday Market at Rare Devices
While you're in the Mission, be sure to mosey on up to Guerrero and Market, where Rare Device is throwing its own special holiday block party and trunk show featuring artsy knickknacks and works by emerging local artists and designers. Expect a special selection of merchandise — quirky décor, clocks, bags, note cards, gift tags, and more—up for grabs. The evening will also include raffle tickets with fabulous prizes, a gift-wrapping station, and local tasty treats to keep you company. And, even if you don’t win anything, don't worry. You can take 15% off full-price merchandise, excluding art and the trunk show wares. And if you can’t make it this Friday, note that the show will remain up through the entire weekend.
When: Friday, December 9, 6-9 p.m.
Where: Rare Device, 1845 Market Street (between Laguna and Guerrero streets); 415-863-3969.
Local Jewelry Designer Trunk Show at D&H Sustainable Jewelers
Who says jewelry and wine don’t mix? D&H Sustainable Jewelers is the first of its kind — a sustainable jewelry boutique that has a fully stocked wine bar! Be sure to head over to the inventive spot this Friday to check out jeweler Kirsten Muenster’s trunk show. Muenster will be debuting a new collection of cool braided chain jewelry (and you know how we feel about braids!).
When: Friday, December 9, 5-8 p.m.
Where: D&H Sustainable Jewelers, 2323 Market Street (between 16th and Noe streets); 415-500-2550.
49 Square Miles 3-Day Sample Sale
It only seems fitting that sample sales and the holidays go hand-in-hand; that’s why hand-crafted luxury handbags and accessories labels, 49 Square Miles and G. Hensler & Co. are both hosting a sample sale at the new 49 Square Miles boutique, for a three-day stretch. Shoppers should especially take note of awesome deals on clutches, hobo bags, satchels, belts, and a bevy of one-of-a kind prototypes.
When: Thursday, December 8, thru Saturday, December 10, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Where: 49 Square Miles, 160 South Linden Avenue, Suite 200 (at Dollar Avenue); 415-904-0690.
Liz Palacios Designs Sample Sale
And if one sample sale won’t do, then we've got another! Liz Palacios Designs is having its own holiday sample sale Thursday and Friday. Stock up and expand your jewelry collection with gorgeous and super-sparkly (yet affordable) semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals, fresh water pearls, and hand-painted enamels. Prices start as low as $12!
When: Thursday, December 8, and Friday, December 9, 12-6 p.m.
Where: 1251 Howard Street (between 8th and 9th streets); 415-626-4630.
Photo: Courtesy of Rare Device (left) and Mira Mira (right)