There are lots of gift shops around. They all look like they are supplied by the same vendors. I…read moredon't bother reviewing most of them. So it's not able when a shop stands out because of their selection of things that I might actually buy! Eclecticism! Maison d'Etre is one of those (and there are others on the same street!). I was impressed, and felt certain that they would have goods that changed over time as well. No mere Therapy store here! Best way to know what I'm talking about is to check out all the pictures.

Excellent customer service was on full display today as the store's employees calmly and…read moreprofessionally 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!

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

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!

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.

I'm a longtime customer and a huge fan of Sobu…read more Their carefully curated inventory is a beautiful blend of exquisite furniture and wares for your home, some of which are their own beautiful designs. Their service is impeccable. They're honestly the nicest people I've ever known. I love everything everything about Sobu.

Love Sobu so much that our friends think we somehow share in the ownership structure ha! We…read moreparticularly love the oak pieces and have had a few for quite a long time but their rug collection is also very nice and we have two. Even though we've moved out of Oakland we still come visit whenever we are in town and regularly order to LA where we currently live. So glad to have discovered this store many years ago when we were living there and I think folks in other cities are missing out if they haven't discovered it too. I can't wait to buy my next piece - we have like 3 that were just waiting on a sale to buy :-)

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.

Very nice stuff. I wish there were more tops with a tapered, flattering fit--they're all very boxy.read more

I always loved visiting Old Yak Bazaar! We need more fair trade stores, and this is one of my…read morefavorites--thoughtfully curated with a calming aura. They have a great selection of unique/cute/pretty items (art, jewelry, clothes, decor, greeting cards, etc.) that I could easily spend over an hour poring through, even though the physical shop is small. I love that all their items are fair trade or made in the USA, all ethically made! Every purchase supports a good cause. The owner is friendly too; he'd always make a point to say hello with a warm smile. He also tolerated the many times I spent forever browsing through the shop while on a grad-student budget (that is to say: waiting for special occasions to make my purchases). I never felt rushed--just welcomed.

What a gem of a store. I always love stopping in here, but it wasn't until today that I learned…read moretwo things 1. the store donates a portion of their proceeds to Crisis Support Services of Alameda County and 2. They offer an in-shop 10% discount on plants for teachers, mental health specialists, and social workers! Absolutely Amazing! The store itself is a delight with fun plants including Hoyas (my fave). they also have great gift items including a nice collection of Studio Ghibli items as well as lovely plantable cards and other plant related gifts. The salesperson when we visited yesterday was super friendly and informative. The store is always warm and inviting. Prices seem on point with other similar stores in Oakland. However, have cuttings you can buy at an excellent price. Thanks for being awesome Planterday!

Who would think a small space like this would make such a huge positive impact on your day?…read morePlanterday is my favorite store that I can spend all day. Everything is beautiful here, and they got the coolest studio ghibli items. The love and care that the owners and staff can be felt when you walk around the store. The owners fly back and forth to Japan bringing back all of these delicate items.

There is no place like this place. It's such a beautiful store, filled with all sorts of absolutely…read moreexquisite things, nothing like typical Mexican import places. You feel like you're in a museum surrounded by artifacts, except the prices are so reasonable. Talavera Ceramics brings the real Mexico to us. And there's no one like Lilia, the amazingly knowledgeable gal who has run the place for 20 years. She and the store are truly Bay Area treasures!

We are so happy to have our wood burning oven finally completed. The tiles we chose were special…read moreorder, but work the wait. This oven has been used for years and we finally got our tiles done, long over due. There were so many options, it was hard to choose.