“Hi,
Yesterday,I had the opportunity to visit this wonderful place, everything there is simply charming! There are many unique and exclusive options for giving gifts. Furthermore, the customer service is very special and delicate. I was looking for a bag made of good quality fabric several weeks ago, and I found it there! I bought a beautiful bag with a painted hummingbird, this is fashionable! I adore it. I recommend this gift shop 100%,”
“This is definitely a hidden gem! I could spend hours and $$$ if I’m not careful. Got a great gift for a friend and for my daughter in their child section in the back. Good things for Bach parties and mom life. Thank you!!”
“I love popping into Bay-Made when I am in the area! They have been my go to spot for gifts (and treats for myself!). I appreciate how Bay-Made features local artists and art/decor that feels true to the East Bay. One of my most treasured pieces of art is a poppy print I picked up from them a couple years back!”
“This is my favorite store in Alameda! It is the best place to get unique and creative gifts for people or just spoil yourself. I love their craft and maker markets, they bring in such amazing artists. I have gotten some of my favorite jewelry from these events. I also really like the surprise boxes and stickers. They even have pokemon cards!”
“The owners are SO friendly and helpful. It smells amazing in there and they have a huge variety of beautiful statues, bowls, clothes, and more. My friend and I came back the next day to get more perfume to bring home. We’ll definitely be visiting again next time we’re in town!”
10AM - 5:30PM
3982 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Gift Shops
“This is a beautiful store and the owner was extremely patient while I sent photos to my husband of the candlesticks that we were interested in purchasing. He is committed to staying on Piedmont Avenue and has been in this location for over 25 years. We are so happy that I “shopped local” yesterday.”
“Very very lovely store! The owners are so nice and helpful. This store is stacked with beautiful items to buy from clothes to jewelry and even black soap and body oils. Love shopping here, I spend $200 and over every time cause it's WORTH IT!”
“This shop has the cutest things – particularly gifts for others and treats for yourself. The staff is unfailingly, kind, and helpful. And they wrap your package is beautifully to take with you and give right away. It’s always a treat to go in this store.”
“I love going here for hard to find products. He has the best shea butter, mango butter and even carries shea oil. All the hair and body products you are looking for, found here.”
“LOVE this place! Beautiful artwork, unique and interesting handmade things are fun to look at and I always find gifts to give and something for myself too. Thank you for having a space like this that is always so inspiring!”
“I’m not only a huge fan of two Mary’s mercantile I am a huge fan of Tiffany the owner. She curates a beautiful shop with a warm welcoming feeling. She puts on markets and brings her community together. # 1 fan”
“I was having dinner at a new restaurant down the street and noticed all the amazing plants they had. I especially noticed this huge philodendron of some sort and asked the waitress where they got them so she sent here and glad she did as I had no idea this place even existed. They have no social media presence but I guess they don't need it. I bought a few cute plants and some pots. I also bought a couple gifts items like a framed butterfly and an olive oil soap.”
11AM - 7PM
2239 South Shore Center, Alameda
Gift Shops
“A hidden gem! Such a lovely store with a wide selection of items, some of which are super unique and rare. Karen was extremely friendly, helpful, and patient - She gave me a 30-minute tour of the shop, helping me find the ideal gift. She also meticulously gift-wrapped the item I bought for free.”
“I recently ordered a bday gift from Bella vita, but realized I had it shipped to my home address instead of the bday person's address. I called bella vita as soon as they opened, and was able to change the address without any issues. I spoke with Allegra, and she was so kind and thoughtful! When she found out it was a bday gift, she offered to wrap it! The gift arrived today and it was beautifully wrappe and even had a bow! The bday person sent me a pic. I am so impressed with the attn to detail and excellent customer service! Reminds me of shopping at Macy's in the 80s when they still had a wonderful gift wrap dept. You just don't get this type of service nowadays. Thank you SO much Allegra!!! You are the best!”
10:30AM - 6PM
5636 College Avenue, Oakland
Gift Shops
“I had to drive all the way from OKLAHOMA to get the cutest stuff from here!!!!
If you’re looking for home decor or a unique gift - this is the spot!!!”
“Great store with many authentic beautiful gift items from Mexico. If you like religious candles, photos, statues, and rosaries there are many items with Jesus, The Blessed Virgin Mary, and Saint Michael to name a few. I will add some photos later of all the religious items that you don't find many places. Very friendly people who are so helpful to find just the right clothing, gift, pinata, etc, etc. See the store for yourself and something beautiful and colorful will catch your eyes everywhere you look!”
11AM - 6PM
2840 College Ave, Berkeley
Gift Shops
“The selection of gifts are vibrant, uniquely designed, and thoughtfully curated. I appreciated how the store owner allowed me to pair and match various baskets even though they were filled with inventory. I was able to pick up last-minute Christmas presents from Nepal, Kenya and India. If you are looking to add more color or geometric designs to your household, there's a drool-worthy section of constellation-inspired houseware (like salt cellars with stars on them) and beautiful basket planters all over the shop.”
“This place is a hidden Jewel. Located in the East Bay. It is a Wonderland of artifacts and supplies for all things Latino. The owners are wonderful and kind people who are very knowledgeable in regards to all the items they carry. Bilingual.It's the perfect place to stock up on items. You would like to have around the house to decorate for various Mexican holidays! Great selection.”
“The first thing the owner showed me was a silver moldavite ring. Out of dozens of beautiful stones in the case, he somehow picked the one I was already carrying in my bag. Five minutes later we were discussing tektites, meteorites, Tibetan jewelry, gold versus silver, and why we use copper electrical wiring instead of gold.
The owner is knowledgeable, funny and full of stories. My favorite involved the Chinese shopkeeper nearby, with whom he shares an evening cigarette and apparently a quiet, politics-free friendship. At some point, he gave him bodhi beads. The man had no idea what they were but accepted them anyway. Perfect.
I left with a Tibetan Ah and a small vajra/dorje pendants. Gifts of Tara is part jewelry shop, part cultural archive, part unexpected conversation you will remember.
Go in to browse. You may leave with a pendant, a Tibet or meteorite story, and several new thoughts about the universe. ☄”
10:30AM - 6:30PM
2903 College Ave, Berkeley
Gift Shops
“Truly the sweetest employees and owner!! :) LOVE that they have all natural fibers for ALL their clothes! Despite them closing, they have an online store which I def recommend everyone to support ?”
“Besides knowing Dolores for many many years being in the ministry of Bishop REEMS (Queen Bishop ), Dolores has a dynamic and beautiful shop she not only has products for you to purchase but she will take time and monogram things to your liking... she's the best.”
10:30AM - 6PM
4025 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Gift Shops
“I love this place! I was looking for a gift, but found cards, several books and things for my home, and some beautiful new earrings. I spent an hour and it was not enough to see and explore all of the treasures that are in there. Gift wrapping, helpful staff, and displays that offer great ideas are a plus.”
“Lobsang’s shop has such an amazing energy! He has great products and is a super kind soul. Very friendly and welcoming , great conversation - Lobsang was generous in sharing stories. This was a wonderful experience. We walked away with a shampoo soap bar made in Kathmandu and a full heart - inspired to learn more about healing Tibetan singing bowls and visit Nepal and India!”
“Excellent customer service was on full display today as the store's employees calmly and professionally handled a very difficult customer. Despite offering multiple resolution options, the customer, clearly trying to provoke a confrontation, resorted to name-calling and unreasonable demands.
Aside from that incident, the store itself offers a variety of unique items that make great gifts for loved ones, or even a treat for yourself!”
“I have been to various nail shops in the past but never got the look I desire being that my cuticles and nail growth was damaged I found Dave and Chi and I got the desired style I been seeking I don't go anywhere else I get my nails, feet and eyebrows done here....Loyal customer for 3 years !!!!”
10AM - 6PM
4048 Piedmont Ave, Oakland
Gift Shops
“Wasn't sure what to make of this shop when I first moved into the neighborhood, but two years later I don't know what I'd do without it! They have a very well-curated selection of cards, way better than you'd find in a drug store or supermarket. They also have a constantly rotating collection of random giftable items that have helped me out in a pinch on several occasions. Prices might be a bit higher than some other places, but good taste doesn't come cheap!”
“This place was so cute! I went for a high tea with East Bay Girls Who Walk and they even provided gluten free snacks for me! Everything is local and handmade and I love supporting small businesses! Highly highly recommend!”