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San Francisco Shopping Makes Everyone Happy

Shopping for others in San Francisco is the best gift you can give yourself
Tom Molanphy

// By

By
San Francisco Local Expert

 
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    The Best Christmas Stuff in San Francisco

    If you find yourself in San Francisco during the holiday shopping season, count yourself lucky. The "City by the Bay" has a world-class selection of shopping options, all wrapped up in the gorgeous geography and temperate climes that make the Bay Area a top tourist attraction.
    We've put together a great tour of San Francisco that will help you check everyone off your holiday shopping list.

    Photo courtesy of dannymac15_1999

  • slide 2

    Goorin Bros. Hat in North Beach

    Nothing complements an outfit like a stylish hat. Goorin Bros. has a long, successful history in San Francisco, so a hat from Goorin Bros. will always remind you of your wonderful San Francisco holiday. And if you're looking for a special gift for that special someone, nothing will impress them quite as much as a Goorin Bros. hat. One of their most popular: "Strong Man," an everyday Wool Fedora ($58).

    Photo courtesy of Goorin Bros.

  • slide 3

    Anchor Steam Christmas Ale

    There are several San Francisco legends behind how Anchor Steam got its name. Some claim it's called a "steam" beer from the way steam rolled off of the vats of ale cooling on rooftops.
    Whatever the origin, Anchor Steam makes a specialty Christmas drink every holiday. If you want to give a gift with real San Francisco roots, buy a magnum of Christmas Ale ($16).

    Photo courtesy of Anchor Steam Beer

  • slide 4

    Ghirardelli Chocolate

    Ghirardelli started in San Francisco back in 1852, so it's hard to find a more San Francisco gift than their chocolate. If you're picking up a box for someone back home, be sure to treat yourself, too. It's almost impossible to choose the best Ghirardelli chocolate, but we recommend the Jolly Santa Bag with Squares ($16.95).

    Photo courtesy of Ghirardelli Chocolate

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    Espresso Cup from Heath Ceramics

    If you don't have time to cross the bay to Sausalito and visit the original Heath Ceramics location, don't worry. The new San Francisco location has an amazing selection of the world-renowned ceramics. Heath is incredibly dedicated to making quality items that last a long time. The simple and gorgeous Espresso Cup and Saucer duo ($35) is a stylish and thoughtful gift.

    Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy

  • slide 6

    Timbuk2 Designer Messenger Bag

    Timbuk2 bags blend style and durability with uncommon grace. Handmade in San Francisco, these bags are the go-to satchel for any self-respecting hipster or techie roaming the Mission neighborhood. If you want a gift that represents the future of San Francisco, head to Timbuk2. The Custom Prospect Laptop Backpack ($124) cradles computers in style.

    Photo courtesy of Timbuk2

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    Book from City Lights Bookstore

    We love our Kindles, but what about a beautiful hardback book, something big and warm to fall asleep with? If you're looking for a gift for a true bookworm, head to City Lights Books, San Francisco's temple for books. For an authentic San Francisco gift, buy Beat Poets ($14.95, hardback), a collection of the very best of Beat poetry.

    Photo courtesy of City Lights Bookstore

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    Bottle of Francis Ford Coppola Wine

    There's more wineries than you can shake a corkscrew at in the Bay Area, but we suggest a bottle from local legend Francis Ford Coppola. Although the winery itself is in Geyserville, grab a bottle in the Ferry Building, a good excuse to browse through the amazing food and wines in that iconic marketplace. Try the Rosso, a classic California red table wine, light and fruity and only $12 per bottle.

    Photo courtesy of Francis Ford Coppola Wine

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    Sourdough Bread from Tartine Bakery

    Next to clam chowder, sourdough bread is probably the food item most associated with San Francisco. Since clam chowder doesn't travel well in the overhead, we suggest grabbing a loaf of sourdough for that special someone back home. Lots of places make sourdough, but there's only one Tartine Bakery, which itself is worth a visit. This bakery is incredibly popular, but they do take pre-orders with three days advanced notice.

    Photo courtesy of Tartine Bakery

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    Tie-Dye T-Shirt from Jammin' On Haight

    Jammin' On Haight replaced the iconic Positively Haight store in 2012 but remained true to its tie-dyed roots. With art by Jerry Garcia himself hanging on the walls, this spot is the closest you'll get to the tie-dye heyday of the "Summer of Love" without a time machine. Deck yourself out in the classic Jammin Tie-Dye for $60.

    Photo courtesy of Jammin On Haight

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    San Francisco Giants Gear

    It's an even year, 2014, so the Giants won the World Series. If you want a gift that almost every San Franciscan would approve of, head to the Giants Dugout at AT&T Park and grab a jersey. If you want a gift that has a lot of wild personality, make it a Hunter Pence T-shirt. If you're looking for a more reserved but dependable gift, grab a Buster Posey jersey. The 2014 World Series Champs T-shirts start at $24.95.

    Photo courtesy of San Francisco Giants

If holiday shopping is an event that gets you stressed, then head to San Francisco for a shopping experience that makes everyone happy.

If you happen to be the shopper, what you have ahead of you is a delight. Instead of sitting in traffic or slushing through snow, you can walk San Francisco's compact shopping district in a cozy, temperate climate. You'll have all your gift-getting done in time for a cappuccino in North Beach.

Kick off your spree in downtown's shopping central: Union Square.

Once you've browsed through the big department stores like Macy's, head up the hill for trinkets in Chinatown and books at City Lights in Northbeach. (Enjoy treats of dim sum and cannoli along the way. You need your strength!)

Shop San Francisco's City Lights BookstoreShop San Francisco's City Lights Bookstore — Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy

Continue your shopping spree by taking a joyous San Francisco cable car ride over to Fisherman's Wharf. If the tourist items there don't grab you, head down the Embarcadero to the iconic Ferry Building for an amazing array of food and comfort items. 

If you still haven't found that special something, consider yourself lucky. It's a great reason to hop on the BART and head to the Mission District.

In addition to small specialty stores of every size and stripe, you'll find that you can continue your food theme of gifts with some fantastic sourdough bread at Tartine's. Or pick up some quality ceramics at world-renowned Heath Ceramics. 

Heath CeramicsHeath Ceramics — Photo courtesy of Tom Molanphy

Still not satisfied? Since San Francisco's bread and butter is tourism, rest assured that there are many, many people who want to help you spend your money here.

For example, if you'd rather have a clear structure to your shopping day, sign up for Holiday Shopping's in the Bag, the Warwick Hotel's answer for those who want someone else to do their shopping.

This high-end experience includes a one-night package that kick-starts holiday shopping in Union Square with an energizing power breakfast at Aveline and two stylish yet sturdy shopping tote bags, courtesy of The Warwick San Francisco.

At the end of the day, you get to tuck into the Warwick’s cozy European Bar & Lounge and unwind over a couple of celebratory cocktails. Now it's time to toast to having your holiday shopping “in the bag.”

Whether you decide to do it alone or get some professional help, we guarantee a fun and fruitful shopping experience in San Francisco. 

Tom Molanphy

About Tom Molanphy

Tom Molanphy has lived in the Bay Area since 2000. He thinks every day feels like a holiday in San Francisco.

Read more about Tom Molanphy here.

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