This is such a fun store to browse. I got to downtown San Mateo early before meeting a friend and…read morewandered in. Within minutes, I realized I could easily spend much more time here. They have a unique selection of items, mostly from local artists, that make great gifts. Sales associates are attentive and helpful.

Therapy is, well, good therapy! They have a ton of stuff in these stores ranging from cards to…read morebooks to plushies to ceramics to tea to clothing. I always have a lot of fun looking at the stuff here. It's also good to pick up a gift or two if you need it. They have some local goods too depending on the city (here, San Mateo, but it seems they also have some neighboring cities like San Francisco and San Carlos).

Fanloli is my favorite destination! I always look forward to seeing what they have in stock. I've…read morebeen a fan of Sanrio characters since the earliest I can remember. There's so many options for gifts from makeup to cute capybara keychains! I love their totes as well! So many gadgets to choose from. I sway towards the stuffed animal keychains and the seasonal hair accessories always but most of all, it's always a joy to see Jewel. Customer service is amazing and the atmosphere is really welcoming! The store is kept really tidy and clean as well. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Went here on a Friday night after picking up some dinner nearby. Had to see what that rave was…read moreabout after seeing lots of people going on and out. As soon as you walk in, you'll see an assortment of shelves and glass cases of San Rio products, you won't be disappointed! Takes me back to my younger years or when I was in elementary and all we fussed over were the San Rio characters (grew up in Milpitas, CA). Anyhow, I also recall seeing some facial products from Korea at this store. If you have some free time, it'd be worth checking this spot out, you'd never know what you'll end up finding that you never knew was needed. Plus the ladies working the register are extremely ice and accommodating (they wrap up your purchase on gift paper and bag if f you mention the purchase is a gift).

Great customer service and walked away with a nice healthy plant…read more It's a tad more expensive than other places but it's worth coming here.

Work near the area and happened to wander around and saw they had plants. Went inside to see some…read moreif they had any plants to add to my collection. They have outdoor and indoor plants available. As I kept walking in, they also have a store inside with random cute things like candles, decorations, jewelry, baby clothes etc. Smelled nice and clean inside. Saw staff taking care of the outdoor plants. So I found a cute plant but when I got to the cashier to pay, I asked if she happens to know or see if they had a bigger version. To my surprise she answered with "what we have out there is what have. Have you seen a bigger a version?" Honey, I wouldn't have asked if I saw one wouldn't I? Kind of disappointed with her reply. But maybe she's new not sure what the situation is. They have plenty of succulents to choose from if you're into them. The prices for the plants were fair.

The Most American Small Business Book Store I've ever been to…read more Owner/Operators and employees are educated, knowledgeable, honest and sincere.

Reach and Teach is truly a local gem and one of the most inspiring shops on the Peninsula. They…read moreoffer a carefully curated mix of progressive books, educational toys and games, eco‑friendly products, and other high‑quality gifts you won't find in big box stores. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt--you'll discover something meaningful, fun, and thoughtful. The two owners are not only super friendly but also deeply civic‑minded, always ready to share knowledge and support community causes. Their passion for education, sustainability, and social justice shines through in everything they do. If you're looking for a place that combines heart, purpose, and great finds, Reach and Teach is a must‑visit.

Therapy is a great place to find gifts for anyone. Including yourself! Shoutout to Magdalena and…read moreMarie who put together the cutest birthday package for a special friend. Super helpful, and exquisitely curated items keep this neighborhood gem high on my go-to list.

What a great experience. I was sad they closed the San Bruno store, so I visited the Burlingame one…read morein search of items that I had seen in San Bruno. I could't find any, apparently all of those items aren't yet on their computer but somehow Marie the attendant pulled some from seemingly out of thin air. Now the Burlingame store will be my go to store for all the interesting and thoughtful gems that could be found only at the Therapy Stores.

I always have the best time shopping here! The employees are so kind and I always find the most…read moreunique gifts -- it's like my go-to place to find presents for friends, family or my partner. I truly don't have to shop elsewhere because the intention and thoughtfulness in the products selected are so curated for everyone. And ... they have JELLYCAT!

Cute shop with a lot of fun knick knacks. They have cards, books, keychains, journals, ornaments,…read moretote bags, stuffed animals, jewelry, jewelry dishes, clothing, etc. It's located in the heart of downtown San Carlos with a bunch of restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and more nearby. Can easily spend 30 mins to 1 hour exploring every corner of the store. The cashier was extremely friendly!

I LOVE Shelby's Garden! A few years ago a dear friend got me some beautiful yet minimal bracelets…read morefrom here and I have since purchased many other pieces, really unique stuff and reasonable price, don't think I paid more than $30 for a piece. Was wandering in here a few weeks ago needed some retail therapy, and decided to smell their scent selection, smelled this Capri Blue Volcano hand lotion and went to heaven. The smell immediately comforted me, seemed so familiar but I couldn't quite place it. I go home to research (I thought maybe it was the scent of one of my Vegas cainos and thats why i recognized it lol!) and of course - it's the scent Anthropolgie uses in their stores! Addicting and a known universally accepted scent! To the point where a man stopped me on Laurel and said "Ma'am I'm sorry if this comes off wrong but you smell AMAZING" =) (fun fact for single ladies: based on research men really like citrus or vanilla/pumpkin yes pumpkin scents on women and this is mostly citrus with light floral base notes! Isnt that something...). I asked my husband how he Iiked this because he's never been in an Anthropologie or to Shelby's and he applied like 3x to his hands and sat there sniffing them like Molly Shannon in Superstar. What a fun cute store to browse there is all sorts of stuff the owner must hand-pick everything because it's so charming and there is always something new/fun/pretty/cute to buy!

If this store is going to be closed during regular business hours I feel like they should make it…read moreknown so people don't drive out of their way for this store, only for it to be closed.

Had some gift wrapping done and it turned out great. Beautiful. Cute little store and incredible…read morestaff, positive attitude, fun, etc. Only thing is wrapping was a bit expensive for me and overall was kind of a hassle between Ave parking for both pick up and drop off And coordinating around when they could get it done.

Such great customer service. Tina and Julie were both so sweet!! I wish I lived in town because I'd…read morecome way more often. They have some of the cutest things here!

One of my absolute favorite shops in the Bay Area! The space is warm, inviting, and filled with…read moredecor inspiration perfect for refreshing your home or finding a thoughtful gift. Their seasonal displays are always beautifully done, and the staff is genuinely enthusiastic and helpful. Over the years, I've picked up all kinds of unique treasures, but most recently I purchased Farrow & Ball paint and enjoyed my experience. They have an in-house mixing machine and were incredibly patient in helping me find the perfect color match for my space. Prices can be on the higher end for vintage furniture, but they also carry more budget-friendly options like cookbooks and charming little knick-knacks. I always feel so refreshed after walking in & plan to at least monthly!

This is such a cute home goods store (so cute I already owned several pieces they were selling!) it…read morewas the perfect mix of rustic and unique. It was Christmas-y without being too much and you could definitely get goods here that are unique! The staff was friendly too. It was very warm and inviting.

I love this cute shop! Great holiday decorations, ornaments, cards and gift wrap. The staff are…read morecourteous and helpful.

The fact that this place is still in business is remarkable. The older woman standing behind the…read morecounter was the most unpleasant human I have ever encountered in my life. I walked in with my daughter this morning passing the front counter and noticed woman standing behind the counter staring, I looked at her and said good morning and walked pass. As my daughter and I were looking around another woman walks in and grabbed a few cards and went to pay. I heard the employee say loudly "a woman who knows what they want to buy" at this point my daughter picked out what she wanted and we headed to the counter. We waited for the other customer to finish and we walked up and there she was just staring. I asked my daughter to put the boxes down so she can scan them. I paid and the employee held the receipt in her hand, I grabbed it from her and told her to have a great day. She responded and I told her she should have better customer service and she replied I should be a better customer , I turned around and said perhaps if you learn to great customers as they walk in, she snaps back "don't tell me what to do". She's obviously not well nor all there. It's too bad she is the first thing people see, if that's the owner then it is what it is, but if she's an employee management needs to put her in the back where she has 0 customer contact. Disgusting behavior from a person who clearly should know better