We’re in the last weekend of the year before Christmas and Hanukkah - a no-mans gifting land where it’s too late to get anything delivered and too scary to brave the crowds at a large retailer. If you’re looking for a hostess gift or a last minute idea, I wanted to share The best gift shops in your neighborhood:
Albany: The near perfect east bay food market is called Of All Places which offers a well-curated selection of local wines, snacks, gift boxes and more - making sure you’ve got the best and most aesthetically pleasing treats for your holiday festivities and dinner hosts. If you’re really feeling stumped, I’d suggest grabbing a cooler full of locally churned Chunky Butt ice cream - makes for a great hostess gift and gift for the tough to buy for folks on your list.
West Berkeley/4th street: This shopping district continues to boom with a growing roster of retailers like Anthropologie, Madewell, Nike, Vuori, CB2, etc— but my favorite standby shop for gifting (and for home) will always be The Gardner. You can easily lose a whole day in this neighborhood and when you’re done shopping, I highly recommend a stop on fifth street to some of the Berkeley wineries like Donkey&Goat, Broc Cellars and Hammerling wine. Also great places to pick up some hostess gifts.
Grand Lake: I’ve walked by Brother and Sisters Flower Shop, an alleyway oasis off Grand Lake ave maybe fifty times before finally venturing through this peaceful, plant-filled sanctuary. It’s easy to forget you’re tucked mere steps away from the bustle of Grand Lake. Come for the gorgeous flowers and plants, stay for the hand-picked selection of holiday gifts, vases, books, candles and these lovely gift boxes, which are sure to surprise and delight even your most discerning giftee.
Lafayette: if you’re shopping for the dude or dad in your life, family-run Venture Quality Goods on Mt Diablo carries a little bit of everything with local well-made clothing brands like Taylor Stitch and Marine Layer, as well as drinkware and home goods.
Oakland/Broadway: I can’t get out of Umami Mart without spending a fortune - they have the best selection of Japanese goods and pantry items like Ume Shisho Furikake and Yuzu extract. Plus fine Japanese whiskeys and barware. If you have a thoughtful artist or romantic in your life, they’ll appreciate pretty much anything from Umami mart, and if you have a teenager, they’ll love the wide variety of Kit Kat flavors on offer.
Orinda: a lovely little gift shop called the Garden Nest quietly opened in downtown Orinda a few years back and hosts a surprisingly abundant collection of homewares and gifts, whether you’re looking for a smudge kit to ward off bad spirits in the new year, hand poured candles, fresh wreaths or jewelry, this spot has something for your mom or your sister or your bestie or your niece.
Piedmont: it seems that plant and flower shops are the best purveyors of gifts this holiday season, the well-named Crimson Hort on Piedmont ave is offering beautiful and rare species of houseplants in addition to a nice collection of ornaments, candles and vases. Good spot for a last min gift
Some of my other favorite dependable local gifts:
Oaktown Spice Shop (the best local herbs and spices)
Fat Gold (spring for an annual subscription for your favorite home cook)
Juniper Ridge (some of the best smelling local scents)
Balestrieri Farm (they make wine and olive oil, but I live for the honey)
Local organizations that need our support
Food Bank of Contra Costa delivers nearly 3M meals every month to our friends and neighbors. They’re always seeking donations, but please consider donating your time too.
The George Mark Children’s House is a home for pediatric palliative care for children and can use volunteers and donations.
Happy Holidays, everyone!