It's the last thing on your San Francisco vacation to-do list: what to get for that special someone back home? If you've followed our tips and done your San Francisco vacation right, then we know you'll want to get something as unique and memorable as San Francisco itself.
Maybe you'll be wondering: How can I capture that sea fog that glistened on my skin as I walked over the Golden Gate Bridge? Or what about that stunning sunset over the Pacific that I watched from the hills of the Presidio? Or what about the thrill of that roller skating disco party that I stumbled on during my leisurely stroll through Golden Gate Park?
Sadly, most airlines do not allow carry-ons of sea breezes, sunsets and roller skating disco parties. Thankfully, there's a shopping destination in San Francisco that offers the same brand of youthful joy and imagination that those gifts offer: 826 Valencia.
826 Valencia's got your pirate gear needs covered — Photo courtesy of 826 Valencia
If you've had bad experiences at other pirate supply stores (Mismatched leggings? Dull hand hooks? A parrot that turned out to be real and not fake?), 826 Valencia will restore your faith in what a pirate store should be.
In fact, even if you're not in the market for pirate supplies (Strangely enough, this can happen.), 826 Valencia also offers a wide range of books.
Pirates love books. Who knew?
But be open-minded to their pirate supplies. Some might be just what you or a friend back home needs.
For example, if you decided to be "budget-conscious" for your return trip and are bunking for six weeks in the steerage section of a freighter, load up on their "Scurvy Begone." Each capsule contains the power of one entire lime or lemon.
Inside 826 Valencia's store — Photo courtesy of 826 Valencia
Or maybe that tattoo that you got at some point during your wild night in the Mission is a souvenir you'd rather not take home. Get an authentic "Tattoo Remover" for only $7, which comes complete with inspiration: "You had the guts to get that ridiculous thing. Now have the guts to get rid of it."
The store even has those rare greenhorns covered. You know, the unlikely few who have never been in a pirate store before and need the security of buying a comfortable stereotype, such as: Eye patch. Black. Five bucks.
How about a skull bracelet? Beard extensions? Siren song silencers?
If you're still not willing to give this fun and inventive store a chance, we will fire this musket ball straight into your cold heart: all proceeds from this store go to helping kids practice reading and writing.
That's right. Uh-huh. We'll see you there.
Books for sale at 826 Valencia — Photo courtesy of 826 Valencia
