Reach and Teach

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

Shop interior

Window display

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Therapy Stores

4.8(28 reviews)

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 Therapy stores! They always have fun stuff and I always end up purchasing something cute! I…read morelove that the store associates are always so nice and friendly. They always have cute jewelry and just random knickknacks. They have a good purse selection too and they have both leather and vegan leather.

Assorted items

Window stuffies

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Windows

Ladera Garden and Gift At Carlmont

4.6(64 reviews)

1.8 mi

This review is two years in the making! I've been a regular Ladera customer since moving to Belmont…read moreand love visiting their garden and gift shop. The staff is so friendly, knowledgable, and helpful! They have the cutest gifts, whether you're looking for a housewarming gift, new baby gift, work secret santa, birthday, etc. This shop is sort of hidden -- a hidden gem -- behind the Carlmont Shopping Center, but it's for the best because they always have enough parking back there. It's a lovely place to walk around, be surrounded by nature, and get inspiration for your own space. My indoor plants and my outside patio have never looked better thanks to Ladera!

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.

Lovely wristlet @ $40

All this is possible because of these guys

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Leaf & Loot

4.7(7 reviews)

1.2 mi

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!

Carnivorous plant selection

Air plants

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Butterwort

Lark - San Carlos

5.0(9 reviews)

A friend and I took Lark's leather workshop and had a delightful evening making crossbody leather…read morebags that turned out surprisingly great! All thanks to owner Eilish's thoughtful assistance and providing all materials needed. Her shop on Laurel is a San Carlos gem too--perfect place to shop for unique and handmade gifts from local artists!

Lark is my first stop in town for unique gifts. I love to browse the store and read all about the…read morelocal artisans. I recently attended a leather making workshop led by Eilish, the shop owner, and made my own tote bag. It was so fun, and Eilish was very knowledgeable and patient.

Hand crafted leather laptop habdbag

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Looking through the front door at Lark.

Dona's Hallmark Shop

2.9(48 reviews)

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

Watson recordable books

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Store front

The Reading Bug

4.7(168 reviews)

0.2 mi

Everyone who works here is professional and friendly! If you are looking for a book for yourself or…read morea gift the workers do a wonderful job choosing the right book. They have lots of special events and offer ongoing fun storytimes for the little ones. Check their website for more info. Do yourself a favor and visit here. Spend some time here and enjoy a great read. Support local businesses. This place is fantastic!

I wish I found the Reading Bug sooner! Their sections of children's books are so extensive and…read moredivided by different topics made it easy for someone like me, who came in with ZERO IDEA on what she wanted, be able to find things easily. They do also have books for young adults and adults alike, although the sections are smaller than for children, but the owners told me that they can always order books, as well, if you're looking for something specific! Overall, I probably spent more time than I needed inside, but it was time well spent. The books I got for my Godson were perfect (in my opinion!) and I'd come back again to get more children's books.

Birthday Party Fun!

Our event space! Book your birthday or other special event. Photo credit: Sue Choi Photography

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child late night launch party at The Reading Bug!

Fanloli

4.4(27 reviews)

5.4 mi

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).

Fanloli

Mystery boxes

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Totes galore!!!

Whearley & Co.

5.0(4 reviews)

2.4 mi

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.

Candle display with tester the smell amazing! Brookyn candle Co.

Variety of dried flowers vases and foliage for sale

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Unseen. Clothing + Things

4.8(33 reviews)

Okay in-store experience, not amazing but also not terrible, think I've been here about three times…read morein total and purchased something each time. I saw the cutest pants but they didn't have my size at the store, so I figured I'd call a couple weeks later to see if they had any in stock again. The phone rings but no one ever answers. It's not super convenient for me to drive from Foster City to San Carlos for one pair of pants lol, maybe no one is answering my call because of my Fresno area code? Felt like after I called a second time it was intentionally sent to voicemail. Wanted to shop locally but found the pants online for exactly what I would have paid to them. Update: really impressed by the responsiveness from the owner and the ability to acknowledge shortcomings while providing alternative options to contact them. This just shows it's a much better shop than I initially thought.

This is a lovely woman-owned small business. The clothing for women, men and children is well…read morecurated. The owner and her staff are welcoming and helpful. The boutique also has a nice selection of accessories and gifts.

701 Laurel Street

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701 Laurel Street

Reach and Teach - bookstores - Updated September 2026

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B Street Books

4.1

(182 reviews)

•$

Don't try to sell your used books here . I got $20 first round I took four boxes of books there …read more Second round the owner only hand me $7 cash and I just left and should not come back anymore .

B Street Books remains an absolute gem. While I certainly miss having them right in downtown San…read moreMateo, their new Burlingame location is well worth the trip. They have a fantastic, curated selection where you can truly get lost in the stacks. I rarely leave without finding one or two obscure titles that feel like once-in-a-lifetime finds. What I appreciate most is the atmosphere: the owner and staff are incredibly knowledgeable if you have a question, but they truly respect the "browser's right" to wander in peace. No hard sell, no hovering--just a quiet, welcoming space to discover your next favorite book. It's the kind of local shop that makes a community better.

Kepler's Books & Magazines

4.3

(335 reviews)

Kepler's Books is an institution!! Love stopping in here for books, gifts, or events.read more

Historically significant bookstore that touches upon the beatniks, musicians and bohemians…read more I love this long-lived bookstore. It opened originally across the street in 1955 by conscientious objector Roy Kepler. He had ties to and thought along the same lines as Lawrence Ferlinghetti, the founder of City Lights Books in San Francisco. Ken Kesey, Jerry Garcia and loads of other literary and musical bohemians have mentioned the impact this bookstore had on their lives. Support your local bookstore and come here.

Busy Baby Bottoms

3.7

(14 reviews)

The owner was so wonderful and incredibly helpful. When we asked her for help on cloth diapers she…read moregave us so much useful information. She was so friendly and let us have time to explore and decide on our own after helping us out. I felt no pressure to buy but so supported in exploring options and learning more about cloth diapering. The store is cute and small and has lots of other cute things too. I recommend stopping by for sure!

My friends and I were celebrating a birthday and decided to sit outside this shop after eating…read moreelsewhere since there were tables. There was a kids table and a dinosaur toy outside of the shop. We had grabbed it for a few minutes and sat in the kids table not thinking anything of it since we would put it back. Then a few moments later while we are trying to enjoy our cake, two women are walking towards us and one lady says to us , "Do you know how stupid y'all look on our cameras?" At first we didn't know if she was talking to us, but as she got closer she repeated that phrasing and accused us of creating a mess. ( a mess we did not make and was already there). We explained calmly that the trash was already there, and suggested she check her cameras, but instead of addressing that, she again said we looked stupid and looked like "fools" and kept on cussing. At this point it was only the girls around this area, once our guy friend heard the altercation they approach us and calmly said to her that we get where she's coming from but she could have approach us more respectfully, she suddenly said she was "just joking" and that we were taking it to serious and she then started to get aggressive getting closer to us. To us, it didn't feel like a joke, it felt disrespectful when a grown lady is talking aggressively to teenagers calling them "stupid". She later said the toy was free to take, which made the situation even more confusing because why start all this when the toy is "free". All this was caught on video btw. Seeing that this is not the first time something like this happens outside the shop is disappointing.

Five Ten Gifts

(14 reviews)

•$$$

Love this shop and all its fun items! Just got this set of 5 glass trees ((Christmas or any time!)…read more So fun. Also has pink, green and blue.

Great local shop that sells cute little gifts and cards. They have free parking around the corner…read moreand I came here to pick out a gift for my friend who was celebrating her 26th birthday!

Shelby's Garden

(46 reviews)

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

Visible Vibrations

4.6

(12 reviews)

Pleasant communication, quick and secure shipping. Ordered…read morethe postcard and was pleasantly surprised with the Allister item! Who doesn't appreciate a surprise and one can pair with the postcard. Well thought out, don't you think;) Wonderful curated collection at Visible Vibrations. Now, after this review I'm off to the visible vibrations website! Thank You!

I received a "similar" item to what I ordered and paid for. Otto did offer to exchange it if I…read morereturned the incorrect item (thus 2 stars instead of 1), but this was a gift so there was not time to return it and exchange it for the correct item. The incorrect item sufficed as a gift but really had no meaning to the recipient. Very disappointing.

Stanford Health Care Gift Shop

3.7

(7 reviews)

The is the gift shop inside the newer hospital at 500 P …read more This weekend is Mother's Day so they have more gifts than usual. I love all the different designs of tote bags . I brought a flowers design one myself. It has pretty fresh flowers for visiting the patients upstairs. Cute baby section for the new born . Many Stanford 's T shirts , mugs , hats , sweater , key rings for souvenirs. It is located right next to the main entrance so the parking structure is just across the street . The gift shop closes at 5 pm on weekdays and the open space parking lots are free for parking at 4 pm in Stanford . Good service . I was greeted and offered help a few times . They also packed my items in a nice gift bag . Priced are reasonable and you can find a lot of cute things here . They have another Stanford gift shop in the Town & Country near by . That place has more clothing than this gift shop but their merchandises are different .

Adorable little gift shop to grab a gift if you're visiting a patient upstairs or across the way in…read morethe older buildings. Good variety of self care items and branded Stanford products!

Fog Town Toys

4.5

(28 reviews)

Small town toy store people working in it were great. A little bit of everything but they didn't…read morehave beach toys.

This is one of my favorite toy stores, and who doesn't love toys? I imagine it's extremely…read morechallenging owning a toy store because there is an infinite amount of toys. The selection is so vast because of the ranges in materials, quality, age range, and target audience. So, I love Fog Town Toys not only for its glorious name, but also for its amazingly curated selection. Don't get me wrong, there a lot of toys in the store, which utilizes every inch of the moderately sized store. But, each toy was clearly deliberately picked. All of the toys are great quality and enticing. The owner is also as nice and warm as she is masterful at her job! Find Fog Town, and then you can conveniently enjoy some gelato a few doors down.

McCoy Church Goods Company

(18 reviews)

This store has closed down and a completely different business is replacing it…read more The people that owned and operated McCoy Church Goods were very nice.

Very nice if you want some religious candles or holy cards are by a gift for a communion or a…read moreconfirmation they're so nice and helpful. I'm sad. They moved now they're by the cemetery worth a ride.

Bay Home and Linens

(41 reviews)