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December 2023 by Dare Evans
We just received a bountiful box of Christmas goodies that was purchased from Bench Home. When we opened the box our Christmas holidays had begun. You can't imagine the excitement my husband and I shared as we carefully opened each piece. I'm just gonna name a few things that have already brightened our holidays as we are using some now and saving other for our Christmas Dinner.Wonderful scented candles with Merry Christmas matches. Our home smells delightful. We got a set of tapered candles that can be used for Christmas, Easter or everyday. Then there was the beautifully tied together Holiday tea towels.Then we unwrapped a large holiday platter with red berries decorating it on which we will plate our sliced City and Country ham . Along with that was a long dish that is just the right length and depth for serving our marinated gulf wild shrimp and artichoke hearts. We received spices and condiments plus much more. Food, for basting our delicious dishes my husband prepares on the grill.But my husband thought the crowning glory was his Mallard Duck ornament for the tree. These bring back memories from childhood.Oh what wonderful memories have been brought back and new ones to begin.I wholeheartedly recommend spending some time shopping at Bench Home for your holidays and special occasions.Let your mind and heart reminisce and build on this OR begin a new and wonderful tradition that you will share throughout the years. Nothing is more precious than memories that one holds dear.Now go enjoy shopping at Bench Home and begin your special holiday traditions.N&D Evans
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May 2023 by Julia Baum
This beautiful shop has a tasteful array of gifts and home decor items. There are many treasures to be found here for yourself and your loved ones at a reasonable price. I go here for all my greeting card needs and have picked up some unique gifts. Very much recommended if you want to add charm to your home or present a thoughtful gift. They also have items specific to Kensington and Talmadge, which is pretty cool.
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October 2021 by Geraldine C
I came in from NYC ready to shop for unique San Diego items. Looked up for shops and bench was given accolades so I drove all the way from the hills before hitting the beach to buy and search from Xmas ornaments, tea towels and cards and gifts for my nieces. I walked in and was happy to see the staff member or owner was photographing some San Diego Christmas ornaments and I said that's actually what I want but I'm also looking for cards and tea towels from San Diego. I don't know what she did with the ornaments but she led me to the cards and then I said about tea towel she kind of said well I'm gonna be in that room and she kind of pointed in the direction and then she greeted the next set of women that walked in and started a conversation and I'm not sure what the service is like around San Diego but she walked behind the counter and stayed there and left me waiting. I looked around a bit but since I driven here for a long ride I asked if she had a restroom available so I could shop and she said it was unavailable at the time because it had problems. That was fine, it's Covid and all. But I looked around some more for the ornaments and then just realized that I was bothering her by asking her where the items were and so I went next-door and discovered a wonderful café called Kensington where I got a smoothie and they directed me to Pigment and North Park area which is has a lot more shops and was pleasantly surprised. I walked out of Pigment and Artlexia with great cute finds for all the peeps in my family. The trip to Kensington wasn't wasted and I discovered not only the referral to North Park but Kensington itself, a cute neighborhood and cafes and if I want to browse I am sure she has cute things although, I never really found out what was local or not, and maybe that is why she couldn't help me. If you want to peruse she has lots of little rooms with lots of Instagram aesthetic items that were cute. It is very nicely done.
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February 2021 by M K.
Super cute boutique. Tons of gift options or jewelry for yourself ;) I love coming in here. I can't not buy something! I hope they stay open for many more years!
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April 2020 by Phil Gratton
Bench has an excellent variety of home gifts that are in very good taste. The shop associates are friendly and helpful. Free gift wrapping is a nice touch!
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April 2020 by B P.
My favorite store to stop and for beautiful unique gifts. The staff is always so helpful. I can never leave this store empty handed. The jewelry selection is trendy and so adorable. Love love love this place. When you need anything try Bench Home first you will not be disappointed.
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February 2020 by Jennifer H.
I discovered Bench Home through a blogger I follow on Instagram. I went by the storefront after work during a weekday. I was able to find street parking less than a half a block away. Upon entering, I was warmly greeted by Diane. Within ten seconds, I was already picking something up to look at it closer. There are two rooms filled with home decor. Make sure to check every shelf, under the tables, against the walls and on the floor. BH carries so much beautiful stuff for your home including decorative vases, dinnerware, table scape items, pictures, pillows, throw blankets, bar accessories, candles and much more. I found a vase with two types of material for my mom as a Mother's Day gift. It has smooth pottery in a terracotta color as well as a hard rough like stone in a light grey. Diane offered to wrap my mom's gift and it looks wonderful. They will wrap your item in a kraft paper bag with bold bright flowered tissue. For myself, I got a trio of small brown vases. I also found an awesome hand sewn round bar accessory to hang on the drawer handle of my liquor cabinet. Many of the items I was interested in purchasing didn't have prices on them. Diane was very helpful and close by to look up the prices. They have gift cards so I know what I am asking for as a birthday present. (: I get excited about finding unique pieces so I can imagine how often I will be visiting BH.
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March 2019 by Lucas Murdock
Found this little gem in the heart of Kensington. My wife and I picked up some really unique pieces to compliment our coastal bohemian dining room. The curator has a great eye for both the signature pieces as well as the little items. Please stay around forever so we can come back again and again!
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March 2019 by Heathra King
Beautiful beautiful boutique!!! Helen is so sweet. Love it!! You see those two missing place sets. Yeah, I bought those and the Black Sails candle. I love my life!
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March 2019 by Fendley 5
Just stumbled on this shop and 😮 what a gem. Flawlessly curated treasure for your home from large case goods, cool black and white images to the perfect candle. I am keeping this shop in my back pocket for hostess gifts for sure.
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March 2019 by earl romero
Awesome little spot with some incredible furnishing options for anyone and everyone!! If you are in the area, you have to check it out!
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March 2019 by Susan G.
Bench is the quintessential Kensington business: not only are its home decor and gift items irresistible, but the staff is also incredibly friendly to locals (and everyone else, particularly of the four-footed variety). But here's something not everyone knows: Bench also rents out the Cottage behind the business for events. Again, the staff is incredibly accommodating and made my recent craft event so lovely. I highly recommend both the shop and the event space.
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December 2018 by Matthew Becker
Great selection of unique designs from local artists
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December 2018 by Richard C.
Bench has been a godsend for my business as we purchase client gifts and staging items for many of the homes we sell. The items are carefully curated and most of what you find is not something you will ever see in another store in San Diego - I would highly recommend a visit. On a personal note the jewelry section is exquisite and the owner has a great eye for unique pieces, for Christmas this year I purchased many items as gifts for my friends and family. Thank you bench for opening in Kensington, we hope you stay for many years to come! I also believe they offer full staging and design services which I have heard are fantastic.
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September 2018 by Vanessa Costanzo
I was there yesterday and brought home two beautiful pieces, I'll be coming back soon , Thank you Helen
