San Diego Shopping Guide: Small Businesses to Support this Holiday

This holiday season, I promised myself to shop more at small businesses – I’ve found that they have the perfect stocking stuffers. From coffee table books to candles to unique jewelry, there’s something for everyone on your list. I’m sharing my San Diego shopping guide, split by neighborhood, so you can also shop at some of my favorite small businesses.

DEL MAR & NORTH COUNTY

Tin Marin – Artisan handbags and accessories that embody artisan culture. We love their Ana Belt Bag, which is multifunctional and so chic!

Pigment – Stop by Pigment’s brick & mortar in One Paseo or North Park for locally and internationally designed gifts, plants, and furniture. One of our favorite San Diego shopping destinations.

Shop Good- Shop Good provides the best clean beauty and skincare products. They offer so many products and minis that make the perfect stocking stuffers. Locations in One Paseo & North Park.

Van de Vort – From trendy clothing to chic housewares, check out Van de Vort for the fashionista on your list.

Salt Culture– this lifestyle boutique in the heart of Encinitas carries an array of top fashion brands for women and men, unique home decor, gifts, and custom surfboards.

LA JOLLA

Trilogy Sanctuary Yoga – Trilogy offers outdoor and online yoga classes. They also have a vegan and gluten-free cafe that offers pick up!

Dessertier – Order your holiday treats from Dessertier; you won’t be sorry! You can also purchase gift cards for your friends with a sweet tooth.

Warwick’s – Warwick’s is the country’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated bookstore. In addition to their curated selection of books, they also sell jewelry, stationery, art supplies, and many other gifts.

Adelaide’s – Have flowers delivered to your loved ones’ doors from Adelaide’s. At their brick & mortar, they also sell seasonal gifts and housewares.

Bobbi Rocco– This fashion-forward boutique offers the cutest casual clothes and accessories.

PACIFIC BEACH

Green Gardens Nursery – Treat the plant lover on your list with flora from Pacific Beach’s Green Gardens Nursery. We also love their holiday decor!

Mimi + Red – Two lifelong friends opened this boutique in 2007, and they carry all of the best beach ready brands.

Sweet Insights – Sweet Insights creates seasonal gift baskets and boxes with delicious cakes, brownie jars, and goodies like champagne, tea, cheeses, and even skin care products.

Seaside Cinema – Enjoy a date night or a socially distanced movie night with friends on the beach with Seaside Cinema. They provide a 100″ viewing screen + projector, seating, and blankets to make it the perfect evening.

Powerhaus Pizza Boutique – In addition to making delicious pizza and kombucha on tap, Powerhaus Pizza also has a boutique that carries local wares, including jewelry, candles, clothing, and accessories.

MISSION HILLS

Venissimo – All the best cheeses in the world can be found at Venissimo. Purchase a Cheese of the Month subscription for the foodie on your list.

Cinema Under the Stars – Another great date night idea to treat that special someone, reserve tickets at San Diego’s premier outdoor theatre.

Backbone Floral and Vintage – Backbone offers weekly to monthly bouquet subscriptions for anyone who loves fresh flowers in their home.

Moon & Sun Studio – If you’re looking for gifts for the kids in your life, look no further than Moon & Sun Studio for stylish infant and children clothing you might be envious of.

LITTLE ITALY

James Coffee – In addition to stopping by for your morning coffee, you can take latte art classes to elevate your barista skills.

Wine Vault & Bistro – Because of their dedication to fresh and seasonal ingredients, Wine Vault & Bistro changes its menu daily. They offer takeout and a unique meal experience each day they are open.

Often Wander – Handmade jewelry, candles, and other gifts that will help you feel grounded and energized. They even offer candle refills and classes to make your own.

Stroll– This adorable boutique sells fun and affordable fashion, handmade local items, and the perfect gifts.

SOUTH PARK

communal_coffee_san_diego — Native Poppy

Communal Coffee – Coffee, flowers, and gifts all in one place. We love their cards for personal messages to your giftees.

Native Poppy – A full-service floral design shop, they have a daily flower menu to help you choose the right arrangement for anyone in your life.

Thread + Seed – Modern and minimalist design dominates the shelves at Thread + Seed. Check out their curated gift guides on their website if shopping online.

NORTH PARK

Verbatim – Come for the books, stay for the romantic ambience and decor. They sell exclusively used and rare books but also have a program for local zine and book authors.

Home + Hound – For the pooch on your list, check out Home + Hound for modern dog toys, leashes, bowls, and more.

Artelexia – If you’re looking for the best Mexican-inspired gifts in San Diego, this vibrant shop is guaranteed to brighten your day. From coloring books to jewelry, Artelexia has online gift guides for everyone on your list.

POINT LOMA

Branches and Blossoms – Boho vibes reign supreme at Branches and Blossoms, so stop by to shop for the boho queen in your life.

Moniker General – Find high-quality and unique gifts, home goods, and apparel at Moniker General. Their retail space also offers coffee and cocktail bars if you choose to hang out.

Miss Match Boutique OB– This trendy and fashion-forward boutique in Ocean Beach offers cute staples, holiday outfits, and accessories perfect for little stocking stuffers.

SOUTH BAY

Lucia’s Closet Tie Dye – Handmade with love, these tie-dye pieces are perfect for the trendy fashionista on your list. You can also commission custom pieces in your favorite colors.

Petra de Luna – Elevate the textiles in your home with Petra de Luna.

Posh & Paws – Keep your pooch warm and stylish all winter long with Posh & Paws dog bandanas.

OTHER SD SMALL BUSINESSES

A few more of our favorites aren’t in the above neighborhoods. You can find them at the different farmers’ markets or online!

The Knottery – This macrame shop has everything from plant holders to wall art to custom-made ornaments! Their Etsy shop is launching soon, but until then, find them on Instagram and at various Farmers’ Markets.

Quinn Bee Jewelry – This unique gold jewelry shop is perfect for those with sensitive skin! Pieces are gold-filled, sweat & water resistant. Our personal favorites are the El Dorado hoops!