I bought two birthday cards here because I like their greetings and design. Aside from greeting…read morecards, Palm + Perkins has a ton of other items that range from small gifts and home decor to overlooked kitchen utensils (like wine stoppers) and other knick knacks. Considering the small space, the store has a surprisingly large selection of items and it's all well organized. When checking out, the cashier was friendly and rang me up quickly. When I'm looking for a greeting card, gift or needing to stock up on utensils/tools for the house and kitchen, I will come back to Palm + Perkins. Just a thoughtful, gem of a store in the neighborhood.

Stopping by Palm + Perkins is like therapy (this was especially true this holiday season since we…read moredidn't see family or go anywhere). It's really like a candy store for adults - there's something amazing (and made my local makers) in every corner you look! On this most recent visit, I went a couple days after Christmas and stocked up on holiday cards and ornaments for 2021 since all their holiday items were 50% off. The entire store was also 25% off as per their end-of-year sale. They have a fantastic selection of cards, gifts, homewares, jewelry, accessories, and select clothing items. It's the perfect place to treat yourself or others. They're doing a great job limiting people in their store and have hand sanitizer available.

Nathan & Co has a bit of an odd and uncomfortable vibe…read more The service was non-existent (watched but never greeted) and their wares leaned toward low quality high sparkle/high price party supplies and general gifts. Think a more saucy Therapy. They carry some Gentlemans Hardware items, map themed cups and dish towels, but most of them don't feel unique, more like stocking stuffers or hen's party flavors. I'd really land on more of a 3.8 but even rounding up Nathan & Co wasn't my thing and I don't see myself coming back.

Always the best spot for gifts. Megan was an absolute gem this afternoon. Wonderful energy and her…read morewrapping was such a sweet added touch. Reminded me why I keep coming back!

First new "Happy" find on my college walk north of the Rockridge Bart station…read more The place is rockin' lots of color for home indoor and outdoor reminding us all how beautiful California living is. You can colorful table cloths that will brighten any outdoor barbecue you plan to have this summer or next. I ended up buying a tablecloth full of oranges! Did a little Christmas pre-shopping for friends who hold California dear to them but moved away for all sort of reasons. Bought a beautiful Californian with a golden Poppy, the states official flower. I would encourage all to put this on your next must visit. And their clothing for the little ones in your life.

I walked into this newly opened store on College Avenue in Rockridge and was instantly charmed. The…read morestore is packed full of fun and neat items for home and gifts. There is a large selection of mugs, puzzles, knick-knacks, accessories, and more. The owner, Gretchen, was friendly and helpful. Such a great new addition to the neighborhood. Check it out!!!

Atomic Garden is a cute little gift shop with beautiful knitted items and children's toys. They…read morecarry bedding, bath, and clothing items and give off a low-waste plastic-free organic air. That being said, I found the store to be a bit overflowing (almost hodgepodge) and at the end of the day think I prefer fair trade stores laid out a bit more cleanly like Makers Market or Harmony House.

It's too precious for words! Adorable items, great selection... But holy cow, super expensive. I…read morefelt like everything in there was curated for looks and a certain price point and cost, and not for usefulness. I loved some little glass cups gie tea lights, but at $38 each, no way.

Nice little boutique in a town less known Elmwood. Never pencils, fragrances, jewelry,books -…read moreservice is quick !

This little gift shop on Piedmont Ave. has such a lovely selection of knick knacks, gifts, and…read morecrafts! I'm especially fond of their prints from Archie's Press which is a small business making maps and charts based in New York! I had to grab the Bay Area one sold at Koraa for my wall. Many, many other treasures to find in every part of the store. (: would definitely go if I'm looking for a tasteful, high-quality gift for a friend or loved one. Not much to say about the service, and I'll admit the goods are on the pricier side! But for the quality and quirkiness of it all, I don't mind (:

Very cute store in cool area of Oakland. The have a variety art supplies, books, and stationary for…read morekids. Perfect to find gifts and school supplies.

From the owner: Drawling is your one stop shop for artful all-ages gifting! Not your typical toy store, everything…read morein the shop is curated to enable creativity in some way. We have art supplies, craft kits, fun gadgets, notebooks, pencils and pens, a selection of beautifully illustrated kids books and so much more!

Veranda offers an incredible curated shopping experience. I love the timeless elegance and the…read moreeffortless sophistication. When you step in, it doesn't just feel like a store; it's a sanctuary with exquisitely arranged displays, an inviting aroma of diffused essential oils, and a welcoming ambiance. They specialize in upscale home decor and home goods, bringing together classic and contemporary styles. Their range of selections from local designers, artisans, and artists, plus the emphasis on eco-conscious brands. If you're looking for gift ideas, then definitely stop by. The customer service is another standout feature. They're incredibly knowledgeable with offering home design tips and offering style ideas. We spent quite some time chatting with the proprietors and learned that they offer subscription boxes for pickup! If that sounds interesting, definitely look into it! I came here with a group for a candle-making class and it was fantastic. Everyone enjoyed the experience! I highly recommend!

Located in Oakland, Veranda is an absolute treasure trove for home decor enthusiasts! This upscale…read moreBlack owned business is a must-visit. From the moment you walk in you are enveloped by the elegance and style. There is often tea, coffee or delicious fresh baked goods . The curated selection of HomeGoods is breathtaking. Every piece is thoughtfully chosen with a perfect blend of modern and classic aesthetics. The owners are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about their products and the staff is very kind and make the shopping experience even more enjoyable if you're looking to elevate your homes ambience, or even buy a friend or loved one a an elevated, quality item for their home or even for their pet, Veranda is undoubtably the place to go! Prices are fair for this type of shop. In addition, Veranda also hosts themed nights and classes in-store to learn how to make things such as wreaths etc., where you must sign up in advance. It's so special. I love this store and their owners, so much! #SupportBlackBusiness

I've worked in retail and customer service. I know things go wrong. Stores aren't made by being…read moreperfect, they're made by how they respond when things aren't. I ordered two Kickee Pants fitted sheets that arrived rolled in an envelope, smelling like mildew and stiff to the touch. The owner's response was that they disclose the no-packaging policy on their website ... fair, but that doesn't explain mildew. And it's worth noting that shipping without packaging saves the store money, not the customer. When I asked for a prepaid return label given the condition, I was told that's never their policy. When I pushed back, the woman replied screenshots attached, that my "life is laughably small" if I consider $100 a premium purchase and that I "wasn't worth the time." I don't know who thinks it's acceptable in this economy to say that to a customer spending $100 on toddler sheets. But apparently Denise doesn't need your money, because $100 means nothing to her. Spend your money somewhere that treats you like a person.

I NEVER write BAD reviews but I am compelled to warn people against shopping at Ellington and…read moreFrench - especially if you are buying a gift for someone!! My daughter bought me a beautiful necklace for Mother's Day - quite expensive - with a chain that was a bit too short for me. No problem, I thought. I was certain that in this "nice" " upscale" shop they would be able to help me- either to switch out the chain for the longer one they had in the case, or at least pretend to try and find another chain. "No" the pouty, obnoxious man behind the counter ( there is only one man) said. He pulled out a 3x5" card hidden backwards behind the register and told me there were "no returns or exchanges". He then told me I could go "find a jeweler" who could make me an addition! There was absolutely no help, no empathy - a totally empty vessel. Any reputable store would be more gracious. So if you are looking for a gift for anyone - stay away from Ellington and French. There is no attempt towards customer satisfaction- they could not care less!