Survival of the Fittest

Best Place to Shop for a Cause

Thread Spun

Much as you’ll want to, you can’t move into Thread Spun, a sustainably minded Encinitas boutique on North Coast Highway. But you can stock up on beautifully made, thoughtfully curated homewares, apparel, accessories, personal care items, and goodies for kids to turn your own abode into the closest approximation, knowing you’re doing good in the process—Thread Spun donates two percent of its sales to charitable causes. Excellent excuse to pick up a seabuckthorn facial serum for yourself when you grab beaded coasters for your bestie’s birthday.

Best Retail Relocation

REI

Every climber’s favorite store just got fresh digs: North County’s REI moved from Encinitas to Carlsbad in the La Costa Town Square in February. The grand-opening ceremony included free camping mugs, activities, and a ribbon-chopping ceremony (starring an axe instead of scissors)—a fitting debut for an adventure-focused outpost in one of America’s outdoorsiest cities. Stop by for anything you might need to live your best life al fresco, whether that means an off-the-grid camping trip or a day at the beach with a reusable water bottle and a nice, new umbrella.

Best Spot to Source Century-Old Doorknobs

Architectural Salvage

Egyptian doors from the Napoleonic era, North Park street lamps from the early 1900s, and 100-year-old Hungarian workbenches are just a few of the eclectic treasures you’ll find at Architectural Salvage. Walking into the home and building materials shop feels like stepping into a real life I Spy book—a world of whimsy packed with storied relics. Formerly located in Little Italy, the beloved store reopened this past November in a new Barrio Logan location. Whether you’re giving an antique a second life or hunting for a hidden gem, this spot delivers surprises you didn’t know your home needed.

Best Source of Rare Star Wars Action Figures

Replay Toys

In February, heaven on earth for toy lovers and collectors—Replay Toys—moved from Ray Street into a newer and larger location on University Avenue in North Park. Mom of two Kim Nabours started selling her kids’ old playthings at the swap meet 14 years ago. Her side hustle turned to a permanent brick-and-mortar where kids can pick out new and used toys and grown-ups can chase down rare collectibles and nostalgic mementos.

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Best Store For Spell Ingredients

Datura

Get out your grimoire—North Park’s Datura (named after a lovely but hallucinogenic and potentially deadly f lower) carries everything you need for witchy business: candles and crystals, incense and oils, plus more than 200 different dried herbs and plants. Seeking shatavari for boosting libido? Gentian root for better intuition? Frankincense for warding off the haters? It’s all here.

Best Replacements For Your Decade-Old Work Shirts

Uniqlo

People call Uniqlo the “Japanese Gap” for a reason: It’s an affordable, reliable, wildly popular source of wardrobe staples. So, last year, when the first San Diego location opened at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, the 1,000-person crowd that gathered at its grand opening celebration came as no surprise. The store had a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a taiko drum performance, and even Japanese pastries and tea. Now, the beloved store will unveil an outpost at Fashion Valley Mall later this year. Get in line early.

Best Bookshop That’s Old Enough To Drink

Maxwell’s House of Books

Maxwell’s House of Books’ 22-year tenure in La Mesa makes perfect sense once you learn that owner Craig Maxwell’s grandpa Vernon Wahrenbrock ran the iconic Wahrenbrock’s Book House in downtown for more than seven decades. Maxwell’s packed used book emporium stocks rare editions and budget-friendly finds alike across genres. While you’re digging for your next read, don’t forget to say hi to the shop’s most esteemed bibliophile: its chubby resident cat.

Best Rose-Scented Ode

David’s Daughter

A surefire way to brighten a loved one’s day? Flowers—especially ones as thoughtful and artfully arranged as the bouquets at David’s Daughter in North Park. Owner Chandler Rossi named the chic, welcoming shop in memory of her father, a fellow florist and lifelong inspiration. Offering custom or premade arrangements, floral subscriptions, cute knick-knacks, and collaborative workshops like Pilates & Petals, David’s Daughter purveys everything you need to express sympathy, say thank you to a devoted family member, or help a new romance bloom.

Best New Obsession For Budding Designers

Fringe Fabrics

We love San Diego’s small businesses, and you should, too. In these pages we’ve highlighted a sample of the many independently owned and effortlessly cool retail shops that make up our city. At these brick-and-mortars, both old and new, you can score a secondhand statement piece, shop handmade accessories, discover local brands, and fall in love with shopping small all over again.

This holiday season, help support local by visiting some of our favorite haunts around town. Got your credit card? You’re about to do some damage.

Clothing & Accessories

Whiskey & Leather

Soon after One Paseo shopping center began welcoming tenants, fashion entrepreneur and self-described tomboy Ariel Hujar opened Whiskey + Leather fashion boutique. This high-end men’s and women’s clothing shop stocks luxury brands from across the country, including One Teaspoon, Spell, Scotch & Soda, and For Love and Lemons. They also carry stylish accessories and home goods such as candles, books, and barware.

3665 Caminito Court, Carmel Valley

Gold Dust Collective

Quality comes first at Gold Dust Collective, where all the accessories are handmade and sourced as sustainably as possible. The North Park storefront carries goods from three local artists: Flight of Fancy jewelry, Haberdash hats, and El Gato Montes leatherwork. Shop here for unique readymade pieces like beetle pendants and adorned felt hats, or to start customizing one.

3824 Ray Street, North Park

The Fresh Yard

Hip-hop and street culture inspired the formation of The Fresh Yard. This independent boutique carries some of the most anticipated brands in streetwear, such as Raised by Wolves and Black Market Tailors, along with its own signature clothing and accessories like T-shirts, hats, and beanies. With a strong tie to the local art and music communities, The Fresh Yard releases exclusive collaborations and often hosts art shows and live events. When they’re not running the store, the team also organizes food and clothing drives to donate to people in need.

41 E 8th St, National City, CA 91950

Bradley Mountain

Tyler Axtell started this line of refined leather and canvas bags, backpacks, and jackets in a garage in Ocean Beach, and later moved to a store in East Village. All the items in this adventure goods collection—such as the best-selling camouflage Wilder backpack—are made to withstand travel and camping, but their polished look also works for the day-to- day. The bags are made to last, and free repairs are included for each purchase. The company had to close their 17th Street storefront, but they’re still crafting the line right here in San Diego and you can order online.

Cradled Boutique

Onesies, cardigans, teething necklaces— this just-opened Alpine boutique serves the wee one in your life. Consider Cuddle + Kind dolls, which are knitted by hand in Peru, and Stokke, a sophisticated Norwegian furniture brand specializing in cribs and high chairs that grow with your baby.

2507 Alpine Boulevard, Alpine

Salt Culture

Sophie Machado isn’t bashful to admit that, yes, being married to a professional surfer has its perks. She’s followed her husband, Rob, to countries around the world, including Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, and his native Australia—but she jokes that in humid countries, you can only lie about for so long. So instead, her habit is to jump in a tuk tuk or taxi and drop into the heart of a city’s artisan district to see firsthand the care and craftsmanship that go into the imports we buy. Sophie’s never been one to gloat about those experiences. Instead, she’s on a mission to make something more of them, and that’s where Salt Culture comes in. The boutique stocks products from their travels and their favorite local brands.“Salt Culture is basically a scrapbook, and a place to tell our stories,” she says. It’s an homage to the girl she once was, a college student living on a shoestring; and the guy Rob’s always been, a surfer with an affection for supporting local. Salt Culture stocks Rob’s signature Smiley Face merch in the form of sweatpants and shirts, and it’s also the only brick-and-mortar storefront in the world where you can buy a custom-made Rob Machado surfboard. Sophie just launched her own loungewear line, too, named “Reawakening.”

930 South Coast Highway 101, Encinitas

Beauty & Self Care

Four Moons Spa

Take a step into Four Moons Spa’s Bali-inspired oasis. The spa’s stated focus is on “wholeness”—meaning the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual layers of each guest. Visitors can experience everything from an astrological reading to a massage. They recently introduced a hammam treatment, inspire by Muslim public bathing culture, which can be done with a therapist or self-guided. A shop on site is full of products to keep up the Zen long after you leave.

Amid a crazy year, we’re still finding plenty of things to be thankful for—starting with San Diego’s many small businesses. This Small Business Saturday, you can still show your support for our local boutiques by shopping online and getting a head start for everyone on your holiday list (yourself included, it’s been that kind of year). Find fashion-forward clothing, home goods, colorful giftables, and much more—these are our picks for local online shopping.

 

Beauty

 

Thread and Seed

The health-conscious shopper will want to stock up on Thread and Seed’s curated selection clean beauty products from 20 unique brands. Can’t decide? Purchase a gift box to try a few different products! Thread and Seed is also offering ‘Holiday Vibes’ boxes specially curated to get you into the holiday spirit.

Shop Good

Give the gift of a great skincare routine at Shop Good. The clean beauty shop focuses on holistic wellness with makeup products and skincare that are all eco-friendly and green conscious. You can even purchase an at-home facial package to bring the spa right to your home.

 

Clothing and Accessories

 

Lone Flag

The Encinitas-based menswear store offers premium selections of clothes, accessories, and footwear that are both functional and fashion forward. In addition to their online store, Lone Flag is offering private appointments for those that still want to shop in store.

Timshel

With a mix of contemporary and vintage pieces, Timshel puts the spotlight on sustainably-sourced and ethically-made products. Shop here for a minimalist’s approach to clothing, jewelry, and home gifts. Take advantage of being a local with their discount for free San Diego-based shipping!

Mimi and Red

Shop Mimi and Red to add trend forward picks to your hippie-chic wardrobe. The boutique has an ever-changing inventory of new styles and silhouettes from over 35 unique clothing brands. You’ll find your Zoom holiday party look here!

Van De Vort

Band tees, event dresses, eye-catching everyday wear—you’ll find it all at Van De Vort. The clothing boutique houses an expansive collection of edgy fashion inspired by global trends.

Child of Wild

Child of Wild offers a thoughtful collection of jewelry and accessories that are representative of cultures from around the world. From authentic turquoise pieces from Navajo and Zuni artists to necklaces and chokers sourced directly from Istanbul, each piece is one-of-a-kind and rich in history.

Overload

Skateboarders, shop cool streetwear and new rides from over a dozen select brands to support this North Park staple. The shop also offers stylish backpacks, beanies, and other accessories to complete the look.

The Gold Dust Collective

The Gold Dust Collective houses the handmade work of three artists. Find celestial and natural stone jewelry at Flight of Fancy, leather goods and boots at El Gato Montes, and stylish hats from Haberdash. Take advantage of their upcoming sales and specials on Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and their one-year anniversary on December 5.

The Rising Co.

The co-op Oceanside hub is home to a number of creatives with online stores to support. From Mr. B’s Necessities, Parks Project and Wild Habit to Rais Case, Mar y Lana and more—shop all of your handmade necessities here. Find the full list of residents on their site!

 

Home Goods and Decor

 

Simón Limón

Handmade gifts and home goods are the name of the game at this colorful Barrio Logan brick-and-mortar. Shop jewelry, accessories, stationary and more, all made by artists from San Diego and Tijuana. Your selections can also be scheduled for curbside pickup online.

Gathered Home

Add a feminine touch to your space with a new piece from Gathered Home. The mother-daughter duo offers a collection of colorful decor and functional items for every room in the house. Don’t know what to gift? The online store offers the duo’s top picks for giftables!

Home Ec

The home goods shop is divided up to catch the eye of every kind of homebody, including kitchen enthusiasts, gardeners, and DIY-ers. Gift a bottle of wine in one of their colorful, art-forward wine bags or go kitsch with ‘stick of butter’ ornaments!

Clay + Craft

Nicole Novena’s ceramic and handcrafted pottery pieces are all designed through a minimalist’s eye. Right now you can purchase items from the modern collection and take advantage of free shipping, both available for a limited time.

Artelexia

This colorful store has been a long-loved staple in the San Diego community. Find a wide variety of handcrafted Mexican imports—from art prints and mementos to fiesta decor and candies—and curated grab bags with surprise goodies. The shop has gift ideas online for everyone in the family to make your holiday shopping a little easier.

Pigment

The beloved lifestyle boutique (and it’s two sister locations in Liberty Station and One Paseo) offers their inventory of sweet gifts and stylish home goods all online. Yes, you can even purchase a potted plant to keep you company during social distancing.

Moniker General

Moniker General blends style with function to provide a varied offering of beautiful home goods, handmade bags, locally-made accessories, candles and much more.

Hi Sweetheart

Your source for every kind of celebration, Hi Sweetheart is a must-shop for sweet gifts, cute cards, stationary, home goods and more. Giftables are a no-brainer here, so think of it as a one-stop shop for everyone on your list!

Current Collective

Current Collective made the recent switch to live exclusively online. There you’ll find all of the curated gifts that make them a beloved staple in the small biz community, with accessories, home finds and vintage pieces.

Wild Island Collective

Plant lovers can still put their green thumb to work through Wild Island Collective. The shop is continuing to sell their plants for curbside pick-up or delivery through their Instagram stories.

Gold Leaf

The South Park storefront’s online shop is well-stocked with all of our favorite finds. From home goods and hostessing gifts to children’s toys and DIY kits, there’s something to keep everyone busy.

Norden

The husband-and-wife duo has created a successful home brand reflective of the California lifestyle. Shop hand thrown dishes, wool throws, and fragrances inspired by the region’s dreamiest locations.

Among the things to be thankful for every year is San Diego’s diverse landscape of homegrown small businesses. And though there’s never a bad time to shop, dine, or drink at local boutiques, bars, or bistros, many of them are getting in the spirit for Small Business Saturday by offering sales, live music, and other promotions. Let Nov. 30 be the perfect excuse to find special gifts—and get some sweet deals—while shopping local and small.

One Paseo

At this newly unveiled shopping center, chat with the owners of several San Diego-based businesses, including Shop Good and Urban Beach House, to get personalized shopping advice, tips on trends of the season, and tailored gift recommendations. Stick around for a tree lighting ceremony…because it’s never too early for Christmas.

3725 Paseo Place

Marrow Fine

This jeweler at One Paseo has three specials this year: A buy-one get-one offer for $499; a limited edition run of a new black onyx design; and each visitor can enter the giveaway of their new Pearl Arch Bracelet. Every purchased piece gives participants an extra entry.

3725 Paseo Place

Shop Good

Shop Good at One Paseo will be gifting a self-care kit valued at $100 with all purchases over $100—so treat yourself! Sip on a free warming CBD cocktail while you visit the free brow bar, open all day, no appointment necessary.

3725 Paseo Place

North Park

If you want funky, one-of-a-kind gifts, North Park is holding. On Small Business Saturday, the hip burg is debuting a new mural painted by local artist Bandit entitled Love Thy Neighborhood. Follow your ears to find 50 musicians playing at 16 local restaurants and breweries in the area.

3939 Iowa Street

Home and Hound

Looking for gifts that you and your favorite fur child will? Sniff around Home and Hound for dog- and human-friendly merch at a cool 15 percent discount off your entire purchase.

3768 30th Street

The Lab A Salon

Pamper yourself by purchasing one of Lab A Salon’s fabulous products and receive 10-15 percent off when you post about their store on social media.

3034 University Avenue

True North Tavern

Slake your shopping-induced thirst with $4 pints of beer or cocktails at this tavern when you show a receipt from any North Park purchase.

3815 30th Street

Little Italy

Little Italy is full of cute shops, places to mangiare, and killer views of the Bay. So why not spend Small Business Saturday with special discounts offered by these shops?

Little Italy Food Hall

Spend more than $50 at any of the locations and you’ll receive a free tote bag. Know what you can do with a free tote? Stuff it with more great things!

550 W. Date Street

Love and Aesthetics

Unique gifts are spilling out of this home goods and lifestyle store. Where else can  you find a banana bud vase or an anatomically-correct heart necklace? Fifteen percent off all regularly priced items.

621 W. Fir Street

L.Y.M. Salon

Does your hair need some love—at a 20 percent discount—this holiday season? Get an additional 10 percent off all Kevin Murphy products.

1550 Front Street

Ocean Beach

In between finding great deals, check out OB’s 1960s vintage bus photo experience and the complimentary trolley transporting shoppers between Newport Avenue and Voltaire Street. With $75 in receipts from local shops, you’ll receive a $25 gift card or be entered into a raffle for a local gift basket.

1868 Bacon Street

Bankers Hill

This little neighborhood tucked behind Waterfront Park is full of deals to sip, snack, and shop the day away.

Thread and Seed

Find complimentary drinks and snacks while you browse this clean beauty products store and pop ups by jewelry maker Jen Morales of Pan and Tea. Meet Molly Beane, founder of one of Thread and Seed’s top selling clean beauty lines, From Molly With Love.

2870 Fourth Avenue, Unit 106

Extraordinary Desserts

How sweet is this deal? Twenty percent off all retail and private label merchandise.

2870 Fourth Avenue

James Coffee Co.

Fuel up for the long day of shop-hopping with a Java from James Coffee Co. Maybe get a pour-over brew in a new mug, because on SBS merchandise is 15 percent off.

2870 Fourth Avenue, Suite 107

Liberty Station

Stock up on needles, yarn, and other supplies while taking advantage of all this naval base-turned-shopping-center offers.

2850 Womble Road

Apricot Yarn & Supply

Step inside a world of pillowy yarn, pointy needles and more at this one-stop yarn shop. Deals include 20 percent off selected yarns, $25 gift cards when you spend $125, and a free gift with a purchase of $50 or more. Bring extra canned food for a food drive they’re conducting for the nonprofit Loaves and Fishes.

2690 Historic Decatur Road

We get it: It’s tough to decide between San Diego’s 50 weekly farmers’ markets supplied by farms and vendors producing everything under our glorious sun. (After all, San Diego County has 6,500 small farms—the most of any county in the United States). From the best market to take a date to where to find the most on-trend items, we’ve helped narrow down the options, so you can decide which is best for your eating, drinking, and shopping needs.

Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market

Best for: Dates

When: Saturdays, 8 a.m.-2p.m.

Where: Date Street, between California Street and Amici Park

We didn’t name this market best for dates just because it encompasses five blocks of Date Street. Boasting 200 vendors, it’s among the biggest in the county. Which means you and that special someone will have no shortage of farm fresh produce, meat, fish, flowers, and local chefs’ specialties to stroll between while you enjoy live music. Want to impress your date with your adventurous side? Try the just-caught sea urchin. Visitors the world over rave about it.

Hillcrest Certified Farmers’ Market & Open-Air Bazaar

Best for: Global cuisine

When: Sundays, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

Where: 3960 Normal Street

Hillcrest Market takes over the asphalt near the DMV with more than 175 vendors offering local produce, gifts, arts and crafts, flowers, clothing, and more. The large variety of prepared and hot food items includes an emphasis on international cuisine. And with free parking and a free shuttle (every 15 minutes) from San Diego Unified School District’s parking lot at 4207 Campus Ave., it’s easy to get here and start browsing. It’s the most fun you’ll ever have at the DMV!

Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market

Best for: When you’re low on cash

When: Tuesdays, 2-7 p.m.

Where: Bayard Street between Garnet Avenue and Grand Ave.

No cash? No problem! A unique feature of the Pacific Beach Farmers’ Market is that you can swipe your credit or debit card at the information booth to buy “market money” (does not expire) for use at all vendors. You’re welcome for that gift idea!

North Park Farmers’ Market

Best for: Coolhunting

When: Thursdays, 3-7:30 p.m.

Where: North Park Way and 30th Street

Perpetually on the hunt for trendy products? Look no further than this market in North Park, where vegan cookies, reusable straws, CBD tea, and alcoholic kombucha are just some of the cool commodities on offer.

Ocean Beach Certified Farmers’ Market

Best for: Grabbing dinner and watching the sunset

When: Wednesdays, 4-8 p.m.

Where: Newport Avenue

Ocean Beach’s signature funky vibe can be felt throughout this farmers market. In addition to fresh produce, there’s prepared food and live music to set the tone for a fun night out. The market runs until 8 p.m., so it’s the perfect time to grab dinner (might we suggest the Torpasta, a pasta-stuffed baguette?) and head to the pier to take in the sunset.

La Jolla Open Aire Market

Best for: Starting a family beach day

When: Sundays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Where: La Jolla Elementary School, 7335 Girard Ave.

Wake up early and grab the kids to shop for a good cause. All of La Jolla Open Aire Market’s proceeds benefit La Jolla Elementary School. After perusing the 120 vendors offering local artisans, fresh produce, and delicious food, pick up some snacks and make the short journey to the coast for a family beach day.

Coronado Farmers’ Market

Best for: Fresh produce

When: Tuesdays, 2:30-6 p.m.

Where: 1201 First Street

One of San Diego’s longest-running farmers’ markets, vendors come here from all over the county to sell locally-grown, fresh-off-the-truck produce.