As December rolls around—and with it some cooler weather!—the festive season is just beginning. While some of us have already done our holiday shopping, most of us are just getting started.
The Santa Cruz downtown area is recognized for its local shops and boutiques, although a lot of beloved locations have unfortunately closed down permanently post-pandemic. Regardless, for those searching for local gifts this holiday season, Santa Cruz always has you covered. The following businesses have both brick and mortar stores, as well as websites to purchase your holiday gifts online.
Botanic + Luxe
110 Cooper Street, Suite 100F, Santa Cruz
Botanic and Luxe (stylized as Botanic + Luxe) is a small homegoods and gift shop. The store is women-owned, started by two best friends in 2016. They carry a variety of products that make for perfect holiday gifts for friends, new homeowners, or someone special, such as bath and body, jewelry and apparel, home decor and art prints, and more.
They do also have a selection of products for mom and the baby, so this might be worthwhile checking out if this is someone on your list. As well, Botanic and Luxe have gift boxes with a selection of goods—a great option, at a range of price points. Visit their website here.
Toque Blanche
1527 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz
Continuing on with excellent gifts for homeowners, Toque Blanche is located right downtown. With the motto, “Cooking tools for the home chef”, Toque Blanche stocks utensils and high-quality cookware from notable brands, small appliances and accessories, cookbooks, and more. You could find the perfect gift here for the person who loves to cook, and simultaneously an excellent gift for one who might just be starting out.
Toque Blanche also offers gift sets, professional gift wrapping (for a fee), and gift cards. Plus, they have a gift guide featured on their website with different price categories. Visit their website here.
Childish Santa Cruz
1122 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz and 1127 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz
Switching gears slightly, those searching for gifts for kids only need to make one stop. With the tagline “kid tested, parent approved”, Childish is an independent toy store with two locations in the city. They emphasize colorful, intuitive toys to boost creativity and development, often eco-friendly and sustainable. They also stock locally-made products, which helps support the Santa Cruz community.
Childish has great options for babies (blocks, stuffed animals), kids (puzzles, art supplies, bicycles and outdoor toys), and even teens (collectors items, board games). Visit their website here.
Streetlight Records
939 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
For alternative (and even mainstream!) teens and adults who love music, Streetlight Records is a major music store located downtown. While their bread and butter is music (especially vinyl/LPs), they also stock DVDs (both movies and television), video games, and CDs, as well as offer trade-ins.
While this may be a risky gift (you’ll have to know exactly what the person wants!), gift cards also available for purchase if you're unsure. Visit their website here.
Bookshop Santa Cruz
1520 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
For the avid reader, or the aspiring one! Bookshop Santa Cruz is a downtown staple, and well-loved by the community. The perfect holiday gift for those all ages can be found at a bookstore—but it’s important to know the person’s tastes, of course.
Not sure what to get? Bookshop Santa Cruz has a section on their site highlighting their best recommendations for the holidays, but they also have gift cards and small gifts (such as apparel and merch). Gift wrapping is available at a small fee. Visit their website here.
Sockshop & Shoe Company
1515 Pacific Avenue, Santa Cruz
Who doesn’t appreciate a good pair of socks? Sockshop & Shoe Company specializes in—evidently—shoes and socks, all at their convenient, downtown location. While shoes might not be the best gift option, their funky socks are a great stocking stuffer... and a future conversation piece!
Sockshop & Shoe Company has sections for men, women, and kids. Designs range from more practical options to out-of-the-box designs. Visit their website here.
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