By Barbara Forsyth | SDUN Reporter
There’s nothing wrong with shopping at a mall, exactly, but how about making your holiday shopping a fun and stress-free outing by visiting San Diego’s many vibrant neighborhoods? There is no shortage of whimsical and funky boutiques in our Uptown districts, and supporting them this holiday season will help ensure that they survive these tough economic times. This gift guide can help keep shopping economic for shoppers too – all of the items listed below are less than $50.
An eco orb from Pigment in North Park (www.shoppigment.com) starts at $39 and adds instant style and greenery to any decor. Or, if you or your lucky recipient is the crafty type, simply purchase the components (glass orb, decorations, plants) and design your own – you’ll get more bang for your buck that way.
Do you always bring a bottle of wine to the white elephant gift exchange? Mix it up this year. Shatterproof, reusable, and recyclable wine/cocktail glasses and champagne flutes by Govino are perfect for entertaining or picnicking. These stylish vessels are ergonomically designed, BPA-free, and a mere $13 for a four pack, also at Pigment.
Sustainable fashion is a great trend that continues to find new and unique expressions. Mouse and Moe’s colorful geometric jewelry, for instance, is made from heat-fused, recycled shopping bags; find them at Make Good in South Park starting at $32. Or check out the wildly stunning up-cycled earrings by Grammatique, fashioned from old vinyl records (available at North Park’s Hunt and Gather, South Park’s Pixie Salon, or on Etsy).
Send your favorite foodie the Exotic Salted Caramel Collection from Eclipse Chocolat: a half-pound selection of salty chocolate goodness including both bars and caramels. Visit their shop and restaurant on El Cajon Blvd. or shop online at eclipsechocolat.com. A gift certificate from Viva Pops in Normal Heights is sure to bring out anyone’s inner child and makes a perfect gift for your children’s teachers or coworkers. Or, invite someone to try their hand at food and craft beer pairing with Stone Brewery’s new cookbook, The Craft of Stone Brewing, $25, available at their company Store on 30th Street (www.stonebrew.com/book).
For the kids in your life, StyleChild in Hillcrest offers a wonderfully curated selection of toys and clothing. Their line of magnetic figures by Mudpuppy ($15), in various themes such as ballerinas, robots, or “retro chic,” are essentially updated versions of the paper doll that won’t tear. Perfect for travel or restaurants, they are sure to delight. Teenagers can be a challenge to shop for, especially boys. Instead of giving them an iTunes card for the fifth year in a row, how about a Mexican surf poncho? Yes, they are back in fashion and the $20 version sold at Tienda de Reyes, located in fiesta de Reyes in Old Town, is not itchy like the ones you wore in high school, thanks to its cozy fleece lining. Unique ornaments, tile trivets, Temecula olive oil, and hot chili products are just some of the fun gifts on offer at this later incarnation of the former Bazaar del Mundo. For the young ladies on your list, visit All Vegan in University Heights and check out the fun prints by Bungalow 360, offering up copious style, cruelty-free (Happy Handbags $27-36, wallets $15).
What do you buy the woman who has everything? Well, she might not have a handbag hanger, and certainly she doesn’t want to set her Hermès on a filthy floor. NYLA in Kensington offers a selection of styles, with more or less bling ($9.95-$19.95). How about the hipster with impeccable taste? Progress in South Park is one of those stores with something for anyone who appreciates great design. They are now offering awesome San Diego Beach Town prints by local design duo Orange & Park with a sophisticated yet playful aesthetic ($25). Everyone can use another tea towel. Valentine Viannay’s No Nonsense Dish Towels are hand printed with witty images and proverbs right here in San Diego (also available at Progress, $15). You can never go wrong with a massage, so pick up a gift certificate from The Knot Stop in Hillcrest and you’ll be guaranteed a pampered and very pleased recipient.
Need more inspiration? Three fun shopping events are coming up where you can knock out a bunch of your gift purchases at once. The first is North Park Mall Relief Shops’ Black Friday Sidewalk Sale on Friday, November 25 from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at 30th and University. Local favorites Aloha Sunday, Rufskin, Hunt & Gather, Ms. Vintage, Pigment, and Mimi & Red will put out their best wares for your perusing pleasure. November 26 is small business Saturday, which is sure to mean specials and sales in its honor. Last but not least, Saturday December 3 is the final South Park Walkabout of the year. Go early to this popular event to find parking; the numerous independent businesses in the ‘hood will certainly be brimming with holiday cheer.
