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.

Such a quaint boutique in downtown San Carlos…read more The owner was so nice she has done a great job decorating the space So many wonderful gift options

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.

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.

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.

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.

The shop is adorable and has a great vibe. They have lots of cute planters. In fact, I saw the…read morecutest BUNNY planter and had to have it. The only downside was that the Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' I wanted was a bit too small and looked awkward in it. Luckily, the owner was incredibly kind and offered to upsize the pot so it would fit perfectly and saved the day. Extremely happy with my purchase! In general, I think the shop could have a larger plant selection (lack of selection could be a seasonal thing?). I liked a lot of the planters and option to mix and match plants in them but didn't see a lot of plants that caught my eye. I ended up going somewhere else afterwards and took home 7 plants. That said, I do think it's worth checking out. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area.

This is a cute, cozy plant shop further down on Laurel (near Johnston's and The Toss). We noticed…read moreit a few months ago and stop by every time we are close by, and that usually means walking out with a new plant as well! There are lots of plants to check out, along with interesting pots and wall containers for them. There's been a growing selection of carnivorous plants as well! Over the past few weeks I've picked up two Nepenthes (tropical pitcher plants) and a very small sundew, and I'm very happy with my purchases. They had some lovely sarracenias (North American pitcher plants) that were tempting but I didn't purchase. This year I've had a renewed interest in houseplants, especially carnivorous plants. My son and I have been trading tips and figuring out what conditions are best for each type of plant. The owner was very helpful with some advice for our fiddle leaf fig plant (in most cases the answer is more light, assuming you aren't overwatering). Once when we come in there were lots of cuttings of succulents being propagated and small sundews being grown; the shelves are full of little surprises like this. Looking forward to our next visit, since I still have room on my plant shelf for one more hanging plant!

Strolling through downtown San Mateo, we wandered into Therapy Stores and it was such a fun…read moresurprise. Great spot for unique gifts--perfect for someone else or a "treat yourself" moment. Easy to browse and hard to leave empty-handed!

Great service from Theresa! Love this store for its many…read moreunique tchotchkes, knick knacks and things you did not know you needed. Some items are irreverent and/or funny. It seems like everything is well priced, You can spend a lot of time here (retail therapy) and a lot of money too. Run don't walk to The Therapy Store!

I have loved Shady Lane at their past and present locations. This is one of the places I go…read moreregularly for family gifts. They staff is passionate and knowledgeable about the makers whose work they carry, and they carry such a wide selection of unique items by local artisans, as well as by global artisans. Most of the items I have purchased at Shady Lane fall under the category of jewelry, but I have also been very pleased with their selection of offbeat, small-maker clothing and outerwear. I appreciate that I can buy holiday gifts for a wide range of family members, from babies to adults, under one roof. A typical visit for me involves spending between ten and ninety minutes poring over their collection of Trollbeads (IYKYK). Then I move on to the artisan jewelry, the crystals, and the small woodworking (think jewelry boxes). And then, when possible, I blow kisses to the little dog behind the counter! I've also been to a few of their special events over the years, including a PassionArt Designs glass bead extravaganza. PS: It's taken me years and years to finish this review because it's one of my favorite places ever!

I love the jewelry at this spot! They have plenty of options to choose from and they feel very one…read moreof one if you know what I mean. The pricing suits the quality, I purchased a pair of earrings that are perfect and at a good price. I never realized it was at the same shopping center as Safeway, a true hidden gem!

It's an alright spot -- as another reviewer mentioned, you don't really feel welcomed here over the…read moreseemingly regular customers (e.g. older white folks as reflective specifically of Ladera). It was enough that I noticed a couple of workers glared at me. For what's meant to be a leisurely, outdoor space, they overall don't appear very happy or warm, at least not to the casual customer curious enough to walk in on a weekend. I did end up getting a reasonably priced house plant (~$26, sticker says it's from a farm in Half Moon Bay) and a beautiful pinkish 5-stem rose bouquet (~$12) because they looked nice and healthy and I knew they'd make me happy, but the vibe itself here isn't the best compared to other nurseries. This also isn't really a full walk-in florist space. There are some pretty bouquet options to choose from, but it's not as extensive as expected particularly given the other reviews that make it sound like a dedicated florist service. I did see a lot of colorful potted orchids lined up across the front window. Also, overall the items in the gift shop are extremely pricey and up marked -- doesn't seem like much shopping gets done in this space -- and it's less so a quaint country shop vibe and more so try-hard pretentious.

Beautiful flowers especially Orchids for a Display in your…read morehome or office. So beautiful.