The owner is genuinely kind -- she even guided me through some tarot when I opened a set I probably shouldn't have, which I really appreciated. And showed me how she shuffles decks, had me use her cards to try myself - very informative. If she offered some classes of some kind or just events at the shop- I feel like that would be beneficial and of interest. That said, I can't personally shop somewhere that doesn't allow returns once something's opened. The policy makes sense, it's just not a good fit for me. There are quite a lot of items as far as selection for what from the outside looks like a very small shop. Most items are available for much less online, and in my opinion, the value here simply doesn't match the prices. This is really only a place to shop if supporting a local business matters more to you than what you're getting for the money. read more

They're just not here during business hours. It says they'll be back but not. They've lost 3 customers in the time I've sat here in the parking lot. Don't know what's happened to them. I drove in from out of town just to come here. read more

The lady was extremely off-putting, condescending, and RUDE... Lady was asking me a lot of questions about the rest of my day then being snappy with the response. The energy in the store was weirdly tense and low vibrational.. Most things are clearly from amazon and ridiculously overpriced. Felt a little racially profiled in there as well i wouldn't recommend going in there as a POC. Why run a store selling these items? just to be clearly out of touch with her own spirituality. The energy of the store wasn't as terrible as her heavy presence. read more

They are selling very low quality crystals for the same price other stores sell high quality. They give more book shelf space to Christianity, fiction, and pseudo-psychology than to actual metaphysical philosophy and practice. I didn't have to experience the service because there was nothing worth purchasing. read more

My daughter loves crystals and anything related to reiki, healing, spiritualism, and yoga. So anytime we cross paths with a store of such ilk, she is immediately drawn in. And in fact, while doing the touristy thing in Monterey, Dec 2022, I believe we hit 3 such stores in the downtown area of historic Monterey on one particular day. But there was only one that touched our hearts. First of all, a crystal shop does not normally appeal to children, and there is the added concern over the many fine things that could be accidentally broken. I appreciate how difficult it must be to order special inventory for a gift store such as this; it takes special knowledge and understanding. But the true test of success of any business is the person who greets and interacts with their curious customers. In this case, that would be the lovely Leslie, the owner of Luminata Books. Leslie later confessed to being quite shy, but I witnessed a complete metamorphosis as she drew out her own inner child in the presence of my two grandchildren. Delightful! There was a wealth of beautiful things, from crystals to knickknacks, inspirational books, jewelry, bells, singing bowls, and beautifully made puppets. Oh, there was so much more, but it was actually the stuffed animals/puppets that broke the ice. Next thing I knew, I overheard Leslie having the most delightful time in playful conversation via the puppets, with my grandkids. And then, she introduced them to the crystal singing bowls. One by one, she brought each of the colored bowls down from their display shelf, explained exactly how to hold the mallets, and showed them how to drag them along the outer edge to make them sing. The resonation was exquisite, the children were transformed. They were delighted to make such beautiful sounds so easily, and understood how precious the bowls were. She spent a substantial amount of time with them, while thankfully her very capable staff attended to her other customers. And meanwhile, I was able to secretly purchase a sweet, small, hand-held music box, a Christmas gift for my 9 year old granddaughter. The store is full of wonderful items, but it was Leslie who made this experience stand apart from the others. It was tough having to leave. Thank you, Leslie, for making our day so special. read more

Popped into this store while waiting to meet up with family, and glad that I did! Leslie (sp?) was kind, attentive and welcoming. She showed my friends and I the chakra singing bowls and encouraged us to try a few of them for ourselves with her guidance. She even had us pull an oracle card! All in all, a very informative experience without any pushy salesmanship. There is an array of gem and crystal jewelry with descriptive labels about their attributes, books that range from psychology to spiritual studies, and candles at reasonable prices. Worth a stop while exploring the area! read more

Best little witchy shop on the peninsula. It has almost every tarot deck or mystical book you can think of. And if they don't have it they'll order it for you. I love this place. Need a cool Egyptian statue? How about a hamsa ? Maybe a Rudolph Steiner book or some runes? Leslie and her team are knowledgeable, friendly, and very welcoming. A real gem for Monterey Highly recommended read more

I always had such good vibes while shopping here. Very unique store with many items not found elsewhere. Gemstones, crystals, jewelry, books, and pots. So much to look at. Many unique gifts for Uncle Joe or that someone special . You will live the place read more

I have visited Luminata Books & Gifts many times, and purchased several crystals there, along with books, candles, and incense. The staff there is very knowledgeable, friendly, and helpful; I have always had a positive customer service experience there, and highly recommend their business to others. read more

I really enjoy popping into this place before or after yoga at Om Studios. The staff are really welcoming and there's just so much cool stuff! Today I got a number of new crystals for my budding collection. I just feel like it's going to be a really cool place to grow my new interests. read more

My favorite metaphysical bookshop when I am visoting the Monterey area! A must stop always. Beautiful, unique selection of jewelry, stones, books and gifts. read more

Energy is way off extremely low vibrational bad attitude and a general feeling of overall misery . Merchandise failed , fell apart day 1 . Terrible customer service and overall experience . Don't go here . Go to the spirit place in Pacific Grove or somewhere else . read more

Just the most beautiful metaphysical gift shop and bookstore with everything from candles to wind chimes, sound bowls, jewelry, incense, and so much more. They have really fun birthday cards and a pretty amazing assortment of books and gifts too. read more

This is the best metaphysical store in Monterey! Very calming energy in the store. As a young adult just getting started in her spiritual journey, this places provides all the necessary supplies to embark on my path. They do sell white sage which is a concern of mine because it is simply not ethical. I did ask about how they obtained crystals and other spiritual supplies and it all seemed to be very appropriate. I really do enjoy going there though, and this would be a complete 5 stars if it wasn't for the white sage! read more

I love this store. The items are great here. They are inexpensive. I wish it had more parking.

Me & my fiancé came into this store from the Central Valley just visiting Monterey. We wanted to get some crystals & tarot's, this store was one of the ones that popped up. The store was very clean, friendly, the staff was very polite & helpful when we asked questions & genuinely loved her job. Definitely would recommend & will come back again when we are in town. read more

Luminata Books & Gifts - Tarot cards, astrology books, & crystals. - Bookstores Near Me - Monterey, California

I could spend a minute in this place. After spending several years of not going in, finally took a looksy. This place has a little of something for everyone... CDs, various household knick knacks and decorations, self help books, jewelry etc. Despite it looking small on the outside, this place is totally filled with random stuff. Need an Egyptian Cat statue? DONE Need a harmony in Chinese character? YES.. they have it.. Need a some kind self help book like neuro-linguistic programming for dummies? YES...they have that too read more

Stumbled on this crystal store and loved it! It has a little of everything for your white witch needs. Staff is super friendly and helpful. I can't wait to visit it again on my next visit in the area. read more

1st timer and now im hooked. If you like a big selection of eclectic, zen, children's, mother to be, spiritual, plus more books, then this is it. Im going back often. Super knowledgeable owner. Super nice. read more

Love this store. Great selection of all kinds of metaphysical items from books, crystals, incense and candles to jewelry and tarot cards. Owner (I think it was the owner) was very helpful and knowledgeable. I will be visiting every time I go up to Monterey. read more

This is by far my favorite bookstore in and around Monterey! Whenever I'm in the area this store is always on top of my list of things to do. They are well stocked and have many books on different topics that you won't find easily elsewhere. Just a few topics they sell to give you an idea: Massage Reiki Aromatherapy/Essential Oils Herbs Shamanism Healing power of semi-precious stones Personal growth Grief and death Yoga ... They update their selection all the time and have a small used books selection. They also carry a lot of cute gift items. read more

Love this bookstore and source for spiritual supplies. they always have exactly what I need! read more

Leslie and Kristy are amazing. I was recommended to come here when I started experimenting with tarot and have become so much a regular that I help other customers find things when Leslie and Kristy are busy. Kindest staff you could ask for and willing to help no matter what you might be looking for! I'm going to miss this place when I move. read more

All kinds of new age gifts and most importantly great customer service. My wife and I love this place.

Always the most magical stuff , Nice staff, and affordable prices ! I love getting my candles here, and Bracelets !

A great place to get a gift for you or a loved one. An exceptional place to find candles or healing stones to help you focus on a prayerful thought, prayer or meditation. You don't have to be new age to enjoy this spot, it's really for anyone. Beautiful cards and small what nots. Lots of neat books and kind people working there. A neat stop in your day when your in a perusing type of mood. read more

Adorable shop with an abundance of literature and precious gifts! Highly recommend stopping by this shop.

Thank you Emory for keeping your doors open during these unsettling times. Your store is pure magic. I found everything I needed to thrive and maintain wellness. Namaste! read more

If I could give this place zero stars, I would. The lady was extremely condescending and rude. I will never shop there, we were about to spend over a hundred dollars, but we left immediately after her rudeness. She was the most condescending person I have ever dealt with and I'm appalled. Whatever employee it was that was working at 4:45 on a Friday March 12, really needs to brush up on their people skills, maybe meditate. I would never have them working customer service. She should be ashamed of herself. She was literally trying to gatekeep a crystal. Embarrassing. read more

I'm constantly coming here every other week or so. I've gotten almost all of my crystals from here. There's also a huge selection of incense. I'm always running out because I use them every day. They also have a nice selection of tarot cards if your into that as well! I always recommend this place when I get asked about my crystals. I don't think I've ever left here empty handed. read more

My home away from home. They've got everything you need to heal your soul and to help you through your spiritual awakening. Also the employees are lovely. read more

I have visited Luminata many times, each time the Owner Emory, is very helpful! I have never failed to receive exceptional customer service at Luminata. Emory stocks a spectacular selection of books and trinkets that help one on their spiritual journey. When you go to Luminata you will receive exceptional care and experience from Emory, guaranteed!!! read more

I love going here to pick up new stones. They have a great selection of local sage and insects. They are very helpful if you have any questions. read more

I love this place and they have amazing crystals. Awesome customer service. They also have a great book collection.

I think this shop is fab! They have such interesting books on all things mind/body/spirit. I definitely feel peaceful while shopping here. While I'm not a believer in ALL things spiritual, there were still a ton of books that piqued my interests. I loved their small, but thoughtful, section about animals. If you're even remotely interested in zodiac, dream interpretation, Buddhism, or inner peace, definitely check it out. read more

Definitely one of my favorite places in town, I can spend a whole afternoon here and never get bored. It looks small from the outside but it's actually quite spacious and great lighting, lots of natural light. Nice and peaceful, Lots of great books to browse, many special things and lots of surprises! read more

Luminata Books & Gifts - Bookstores Near Me - Monterey, California

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This is such a unique and love filled store. Highly recommend if you are looking for one of a kind items as well as wanting to get grounded. Obviously they are there to serve others. Wonderful. read more

What a great store! Emery is so welcoming & helpful to every single guest. A wide selection of books on every spiritual topic, plus a delightful array of tools & gifts to enhance the take-home experience. Thank you for making my trip so much more special, Luminata! read more

This is my absolute favorite shop for all metaphysical needs! The reading selection can suit virtually any faith, and items aren't crazily marked up, as they are in many other similar stores. Emory is simply wonderful as well! I find that upon leaving, I am immediately planning my next visit. read more

This welcoming gift shop offers a lot of fun and unique gifts for just about anyone. They have books, incense and figurines like bronze mermaids and such. Great place to find something for a friend that has everything. read more