Shop Local – Our San Francisco Gift Guide
November 20th, 2025 \\ RentSFNow Blog
The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, reconnect, and show appreciation for the people and places that make San Francisco shine. Supporting neighborhood businesses for your holiday gifts and gatherings helps keep that spirit alive. From corner bookshops to artisan boutiques, every local purchase helps sustain the creative community that gives our city its unique charm.
Dog Eared Books
900 Valencia Street
Dog Eared Books brings energy and creativity to the Mission District. With shelves full of new releases, classics, and works by local authors, it’s a haven for book lovers. Rotating artwork from neighborhood creatives adds a cultural spark, making it more than a bookstore.
Helpers Artisan Boutique
1947 Union Street
Helpers Artisan Boutique is known for thoughtful gifts that give back. The shop showcases handmade work from artists with developmental disabilities, offering retail opportunities and building visibility through community partnerships and events. Every purchase supports their mission of creativity, inclusion, and empowerment.
Nikoniko Gifts
2181 Union Street
Nikoniko brings together Japanese- and Korean-inspired goods with a modern, playful sensibility. You will find stationery, home items, teas, snacks, and other small gifts made by Asian artisans and creators. It’s a reliable stop for design-focused stocking stuffers and thoughtful everyday presents, and the shop is dog-friendly.
Nest
2300 Fillmore
Nest brings a European touch to Fillmore Street with artful jewelry, linens, antiques, and seasonal ornaments. Each piece reflects classic craftsmanship and thoughtful design, making it a great stop for gifts that feel elegant, unique, and full of character.
Aquitaine
216 Church Street
Aquitaine brings its French charm from the Financial District to Church and Market Streets. Chef Laurent Manrique serves Southwestern French classics alongside a deep, all-French wine list. Gift cards and curated bottles make it easy to treat someone who loves food and wine.
Aviator Nation
1501 Haight Street
Looking for gifts that are cozy, stylish, and instantly wearable? Aviator Nation delivers with handmade, vintage-inspired hoodies, sweatpants, and casual basics designed to feel broken-in from day one. Perfect for family, friends, or anyone who values comfort with California flair.
Redmint
1958 Union Street
Redmint in the Marina blends ancient wisdom and modern wellness with acupuncture, sound therapy, facials, and more. Their herbal bar and curated skincare collections make gifting thoughtful and easy. Visit their store to check off a few names from your shopping list and make an appointment for yourself for some well-deserved self-care.
Shop No. 3
2354 Polk Street
Founded in 2013, Shop No. 3 has been called a “modern-day jewel box” by Architectural Digest and a “must-see” by Vogue France. From antique diamonds and sapphires to gray diamonds and opals, every piece reflects timeless craftsmanship and thoughtful design. Shop owner Jenny Chung and her friendly staff can help you find the right piece for your loved one, including sourcing stones. Want something completely unique? They also offer one-of-a-kind pieces, or you can commission a custom design.
Smitten Ice Cream
904 Valencia Street
One of the best things about living in San Francisco is that ice cream is always in season. Smitten Ice Cream turns every visit into a playful, delicious experience. Made fresh in-house daily, their ice cream is light, fluffy, and packed with flavor. Favorites like mango cream and chocolate ganache keep locals and visitors coming back. Share a little joy with a Smitten Gift Kit, which includes three ice cream pints of your choice, a side of cookie dough bites, and a special occasion card, complete with your personalized message.
Verve
2101 Market Street
San Franciscans take their coffee selection very seriously, and rightfully so. Verve Coffee pairs innovation with equitable direct trade, partnering closely with producers worldwide to ensure each cup reflects care, quality, and character. In 2024, Roast Magazine named Verve Roaster of the Year, recognizing its efforts to innovate the coffee industry while uplifting the people behind every stage of the journey.
Hero image courtesy of Kira auf der Heide.
