We’ve reached the season of gifting and gratitude — opportunities to show appreciation and joy, no matter if we’re together or apart. While gifting is an extraordinary quest for some and an anxious affair for others, a prevailing principle for finding the perfect present is to seek something that sparks joy — whether it be more practical or more extravagant. Luckily, for those of us avoiding shipping slowdowns and hoping to support local during this holiday season, San Francisco offers an array of creative, independently-curated boutiques to fulfill your giving spirit. Here are six nearby shops that keep it local, yet span a wide variety of gifting desires.

1. General Store

Peruse an eclectic inventory of home goods at this charming California-minded emporium. This local store situated in Outer Sunset carries all unconventionally beloved goods from vintage coffee table books to handcrafted jewelry. For those with a love for artisanal items and clean, rustic aesthetics, General Store is your one-stop shop. 

2. St. Frank

Located in Presidio Heights is St. Frank — a San Francisco-founded store that carries ethically-sources handmade, vintage, and printed pieces from around the globe. A step into St. Franks is like travelling to a microcosm of markets across the world, with options ranging from alpaca throw blankets woven in Peru to Oaxacan pottery fired in the south of Mexico.

3. b8ta

No Bay Area gift guide would be complete without paying homage to the tech hub that San Francisco has evolved into. While consumer electronics tend to toe the line of the more practical side of gifting, there’s no reason as to why tech can’t be festive and fun — which is why SF is lucky to have two b8ta locations in Hayes Valley and Mission Bay. A gifting haven for tech-lovers, b8ta stocks the most innovative electronics, from typewriter-inspired bluetooth keyboards to AI voice translators that fit into your pocket.

4. Le Dix-Sept

Perfect for more casual acquaintances, the sweet and edible variety of gifts are the perfect mix of ephemeral and practical. Le Dix-Sept is the Mission District’s tastiest artisan bakery and patisserie. Known for their botanically-inspired pastry art, Le Dix-Sept is also offering a delectable nougat gift box this time of year — soft and chewy confectionery treats with a generous shelf life of a couple of months.

5. Museum of Craft and Design

Known for their engaging exhibitions and collaborations, the waterfront Museum of Craft and Design also has a store with an inventory practically made for leisure gifting. This contemporary design store offers curbside pickup for their wide variety of unique accessories, home goods, books, gifts and children’s toys. From handcrafted home goods by local artisans to carefully curated art books for children, their collection spans all of your recipients’ needs.

6. The Epicurean Trader

Holiday parties may be out of style in 2020, but spirits remain as classic gifts perfect for any occasion. The Epicurean Trader has several in-person shopping locations open, and has been recognized by several publications as the best store for wine and spirits in the city. Peruse their rare Japanese whisky collection or go for a cocktail kit for the quintessential box-and-bow gift.