Watched as the owner screamed at her staff and left the store. Not cool.

I've been shopping at Tabula Rasa since the store first opened ten years ago and have watched it grow. It's my go to store for all my client gifts, house warming presents, etc. They are always getting in new merchandise and have fresh and current items. They do complimentary gift wrapping and the gifts always look gorgeous. I love candles and they always have a large assortment of branded candles. I'm actually shocked at a few of the comments. I love YELP for constructive critisim but to leave one star for not letting your child use the bathroom is harsh. Most businesses in Manhattan Beach don't let patrons use the rest room and there are plenty of public restrooms. I suggest you test the theory with all the stores and see how many let you use the bathroom. Plus, most people have their stock and inventory in the back. As for the person who said they got the soap at TJMaxx / HomeGoods - if your referring to the Savon soap - it's actually not the same. They branded it to look like Savon - I know because I am an avid TJ MAXX and Home Goods shopper. Also, my company handles the products that go into those stores - TJ Maxx buys close outs so occassionally you may see a brand in a store - that's why it's a one time bargain however, the soap which I am assuming is the liquid is not the same. . I just had to post because I believe in giving positive and negative feedback but when it's rightly deserved. Overall, I love Tabula Rasa and it's my go to gift place in Manhattan Beach and I would be lost without it. read more

As a 20yr+ resident of MB, I'm embarrassed to admit I JUST FOUND TABULA RASA!! After driving/walking by this interesting store, recently my daughter dragged me inside to search for candles. Let me start with this: we were immediately greeted by 3 very sincere and friendly employees, we totally felt welcomed into this beautifully store! I'm not sure why there's so much neg. input regarding their staff, but hey.....we all perceive things differently =) The store is set-up very nicely, easy to navigate in and well organized. Smells WONDERFUL in here too! So, my daughter forgot all about her candle-quest and made a bee line to the front display case/counter to look at some jewelry. The young lady behind the counter was super-sweet and proceeded to tell my daughter the story behind "the giving keys" line. (Hmm, day before Valentine's day.....and I haven't bought ANY gifts yet....I might be on to something....). Daughter and I looked around some more.....so many things to look at in here, an amazing selection for every taste! Before we left, I noted their hours and made my plans.... Valentine's day afternoon: I pop into Tabula Rasa and I'm greeted again, only this time.....2 of the same staff from yesterday's visit recognize me! I'm impressed! I'm really bad w/names the women that helped me was beyond wonderful: not only did she help me find the perfect gift for my younger girl, she also found the perfect bday gift for my BF! The staff behind the counter remembered the exact giving key my daughter had drooled over. My items were beautifully wrapped(way nicer than I could ever do!) and I was never made to feel rushed or unwelcome.......I could have stayed there all day!! PS: everyone LOVED their gifts! As for the mom of the 2yr old that needed the potty: businesses that are not serving table food are under no obligation to provide a restroom for non-employees. It's a liability for the business to allow non-employees in their employee restrooms. Plenty of public/restaurant restrooms a few yards away from this store........just saying this is not something to criticize. Summing it up: Tabula Rasa is what every store should strive to be.....excellent selection, fabulous customer service and a fun enviroment.....something you will not have at a "mall" store or big-chain store. I will always shop there! read more

One of my favorite stores in MB. The best place to buy a last minute (unique and thoughtful or general) gift... especially since they'll do the wrapping for you! The people who work there are always super friendly and helpful! read more

I have lived in Manhattan Beach for two years and visited Tabula Rasa many times and always found the staff exemplary and leave with terrific items - all wrapped! For gifts that are a little bit different and priced correctly, it's TR everytime. read more

This place is chock full of fun stuff and I agree with Marisa, you can get lost in here for a good amount of time (that is if you're a female and can handle the strong scents from the candles and other "stuff"!) Great place to pick up a gift for women (or a gay man?) and I inevitably eye something I'd like for myself and usually end up buying it. AWESOME selection of quality candles...and the staff has always been great! :) read more

Great resource for sweet-smelling lotions, candles and all things aromatic. I loved the shop, which also offered Kai lotions, creams and perfumes. I wish we had more room in our suitcase; I would have definitely purchased a few Voluspa candles. There's also a cute little area in the store for kids products. My daughter enjoyed the sock puppets and little stuffed elephants. read more

Tabula Rasa is an MB staple, and for good reason. The inventory is always fresh and new. They carry wonderful jewlery, great books + housewares too. We especially love the men's lines they carry. This is MB's go to spot for gifts for everyone in your life, including yourself! AND, they still do complimentary wrapping - who does that anymore? read more

I wandered into this store today to browse. I decided to buy a hand cream and went up to pay for it. My change was just over a dollar so I asked the cashier if she could give me all change so I could use it to fill up my meter. She hesitated, practically rolled her eyes at me, and then threw the change in my hand. OK, I could understand if she was annoyed by people constantly asking for change but really? I was a paying customer and it's not like I asked for a whole roll of quarters. Seriously...I will never step foot in this store ever again. Horrible customer service. read more

It is a cute shop and I love to come here to window shop and see what neat things they have. I also get my reed diffuses here they have a great selection of them. read more

Cute shop. Definitely the place to go if you are looking to find the perfect gift for someone and you just can't figure out what to get. Browse around here for 15 minutes and something will pop out at you. read more

My favorite shop for all things fun and cool! Great selection of candles. Best place to find a gift for anyone and any occasion. But be warned, you might go in looking for a gift and come out with a bag full of goodies for yourself! My favorite ring is an aqua chalcedony stone that I bought there! read more

Great customer service. So many wonderful unique gift items to choose from. This out of state traveler highly recommends.

I have been shopping at Tabula Rasa since the very first day that it opened. Besides carrying basic items such as Art of Shaving which I can always find in stock, the store also offers the newest items available in the gift market. I have read some of the reviews that other people have written in terms of gift wrapping and I totally disagree when the other reviewer. I shop for my Holiday gifts annually at Tabula Rasa and can purchase as many as 50 different items -- each one needing to be wrapped individually. I have never had any sales associate even flinch when I ask to have every item wrapped and tagged for me. I have always found the prices to be comparable with the same item if found in any other store. Does the store carry quality items not found everywhere? Yes. But, then, is that not the reason why you want to shop in this boutique store? The sales associates are always friendly and knowledgable. If an item is not in stock, they will do whatever is necessary to find and order the item for me. I always look forward to shopping in the store to see what Maureen, the owner, has found in New York that she knows her regular beach customers as well as tourist customers would want. Keep up the good work!!!! read more

The merchandise was great! The owner is not however! She is rude to her staff and customers alike! Does she not realize that the money comes in BECAUSE of her staff and customers? Would a smile and a thank you KILL HER? She gives you a look like she doesn't want to be bothered by you! HELLO!? She is not in the business of customer service! I was in one day and was greeted by a nice gentleman! He smiled, helped me find what I was looking for and said THANK YOU! Maybe the owner could take some lessons from him! I will NEVER spend anymore money in that place! She just treats people in the most awful manner! Beware of her wrath! Lastly, if you find yourself walking towards the store just stop.......and back away! Unless of course you would LIKE your soul and your self esteem sucked away! Then by all means.....happy shopping! I wonder if there is a McDonalds nearby she could work at? read more

Tabula Rasa Essentials is hands down the best local shop in Manhattan Beach. Obviously! She has been there almost 2 decades and has the most loyal customers. It's so sad that the people below just so happened to pick up the item that was mis-marked but I know that if they would have really been a loyal customer they would know that it was really not double marked up and totally a mistake. The Holiday season is a crazy time of year, especially when you are the Manhattan Beach Holiday Headquarters! GO Tabula Rasa Essentials!!!! YOU ROCK!!!! P.S. CRATE AND BARREL DOES NOT CARRY THAT PRODUCT AND TABULA RASA ESSENTIALS IS NOT A CORPORATION. #DUH #LMAO #GETALIFE read more

Once of the worst customer service experiences, we had on our family vacation. The employees were so rude to us and acted like they couldn't help us! One of the older employees made a very rude comment to our 13 year old daughter and then turned her back to us. The other employee turned to us and said, "what is the issue"? Really?? that's how you talk to customers! Everyone in this area was amazing except employees at this place. A welcoming store from the outside turned into the rudest people ever in the inside! We walked out and decided not to buy something for our daughter but our older daughter bought something prior to all this happening. read more

This is absolutely my favorite store! They have so many fabulous items that make great gifts for anyone. I did all of my Christmas shopping here last year and I always end up with something for myself. My fiance and I took a bike ride to Manhattan, ended up here, and managed to go home with coasters, a purse hanger, and candle sticks (that he picked out)! read more

Their sprinkler system waters the street instead of their trees

This is my very favorite shop for getting girlfriend gifts!! Don't understand some of the replies on staff, never have experienced anything but the nicest service from ALL staff members, never a problem wrapping anything ever, no matter how many items I have! The pricing is as expected since they a boutique shop and know other boutiques, the pricing is a set price, no big deal if you want the best!!! read more

Two lovely stores side by side- Tabula Rasa and Yorktown! Pretty collection of home decor and unique gifts. Love their tabletop selection, vases, flatware and many other accessories. Excellent customer service! I got some beautiful items for the home that were packed for my travel back home. One of the items was damaged - the coordination for the replacement was prompt and as seamless as one can hope for. Maureen, the owner was extremely helpful. read more

Worst customer service, especially from the owner! The staff can be nice when they are feeling up to it. Everything is way over priced and the selection of original items isn't as good as it used to be, lots of the same stuff year after year. Either way, haven't been shopping here for over a year, stopped in and saw nothing has changed, so I will continue to shop at all the other local boutiques with similar items at a cheaper price. read more

Beautiful gift store with lots of unique items. This is my go to place for all my gift buying. They also have several special events and promotions. Get on their email list. Love this store. read more

Beautiful shop with fantastic gifts to select from. Loved enthusiastic vibe from the employees!

The GO to spot in the heart of Downtown Manhattan Beach! Looking for a unique gift for someone?? This is the place! Candles, lotions, jewelry, one of a kind Manhattan Beach and beach culture artifacts--this is the spot!! They have a great staff that will help you with whatever you need!! read more

Great store where you can find the perfect gift! Kind and helpful staff and incredible owner. This is a great local business to support!

As a visitor from out of town I found Tabula Rasa's eclectic offerings abundant and exciting. This is the perfect store to find a gift for that someone special. Wonderful displays that appeal to all the senses, particularly visual and olfactory. The staff was attentive and always ready to answer any questions. What a yummy experience! I can't wait to visit again. read more

the BEST selection of candles, gift items, host gifts... and some gorgeous jewelry. If you are in Manhattan Beach, make sure you stop in. Positively lovely!! read more

I was just in Manhattan Beach visiting friends and we went into this cute little boutique to browse. I was looking for a birthday gift for my daughter and one of the girls behind the counter, Sam was her name I think, was super helpful. She asked me my daughters age and what type of things my daughter likes and I told her jewelry, purses, candles or any "girly" things in general had been a hit in the past. She helped direct me and even made suggestions which was really helpful because their vast selection was a bit overwhelming. I ended up buying her the cutest necklace and a yummy lemongrass scented candle. I even got some great hair products for myself. Sam even wrapped up all the items into the prettiest little packages for me. My experience was so good I didn't even complain about the parking ticket I got while I was inside shopping (the meter maids come by regularly so feed your meter). Well, I did but not as much as I would have normally:) read more

the owner maureen is so sweet and always helps me find perfect gifts and beauty potions - i love it!