This place is AMAZING. Walking through this shop, everything down to the design of the displays are perfect. The store is almost like a museum of sorts in the way that all items are extremely interesting especially if you're interested in anything Japanese. It also resembles an eclectic collection of beautiful things that will make you smile. The vases made by the owner are like nothing i've seen before. Around the shop, you can see the vases used to house beautiful betta fishes and dually they are used to display with floating flowers. It's obvious how dedicated the owner is to their store with so many carefully placed details. If you have an eye for design or anything artsy this store has your name written all over it. It's truly a gem and I would recommend anyone to visit (except small kids there are a lot of things that could get knocked over). Such a gem of a store that I created a yelp account just to write this review!!! I really do hope you visit and fall in love with it as much as I did. read more

I loved this store and everything in it! I especially loved the small unique vases for plants or buds. As you walk into the store, there are a bunch of these on the patio and hanging on the wall creating a fun vibe. I bought three of these vases including the rocks to put in each of them and they were all very reasonably priced. I can't wait to give one as a gift too. The jewelry was also very unique and would make for great gift ideas. This was by far my favorite shop in Little Italy! read more

This is a great place to buy gifts, especially interesting plants and holders. The owner is very helpful.

A very very sweet and traditional Japanese gift boutique in beautiful San Diego. Takao-san (The owner) and Fujiko-san they are wonderful and very kind people as well. I have purchased a beautiful jewelry there. Super happy! You will definitely enjoy shopping at Vitreum :) 120%! read more

Vitreum is where I go for all housewarming gifts...Everyone gets a bonsai tree from me! And are so thrilled because they are so unique and beautiful! Not one has died, (if they would the owner will replace it) I cant remember his name he makes them all and will re-moss anytime you want (He's a quite gentleman) You will Thank me!! This is my 1st Yelp. read more

One of the most beautiful places in Little Italy. This is one of the best shops in San Diego to pick up a beautiful something either for yourself or a gift for someone you love. The environment that the owner Takao designed has such a light energy that embraces all the elements that will assist you in adding beauty and balance. Go check it out and be sure to share with all your peeps so he prospers and thrives for a long time. read more

Love this little shop in Little Italy. Makes me feel like I'm back in Japan. Nice selection of products. Great gift ideas.

This is a GREAT place to pick up unusual gifts for hard to shop for people. My BF got me a really cool vase here, and some cool little accessories so I could build my own little biosphere at home. Unfortunately I don't have a green thumb, and I kill basically every plant . . . but that's beside the point. A great place for affordable gifts that look expensive, so go out and support local business!! read more

Great selection of all unique items from Japan! Love the atmosphere in this shop with green kokedama, glass art, and really where the owner find all that unique products! The price is really fare. It is true because I am Japanese too:) This shop is one of the best in San Diego! I bought asparagus fern in Lava rock, I say 3 years ago? it is still healthy looking. read more

Love Vitreum! A little piece of Japan in downtown and just less than a 10 minute walk from home just adds to my joy for being a Little Italy resident for nearly 3 years. Love the variety of merchandise. I've bought items from all walls of the shop...including the inner counter space. My son's wedding arch was made so much special with hanging atriums that Takao made especially for them. Such quality merchandise! Come visit this precious pearl in Little Italy. read more

A wonderful array of beautiful items. I am addicted to the Japanese toothbrushes. They also have lovely stationery items and glassware.

Amazing little store. Made me miss Japan more than ever. Shopkeeper was very gracious and pleasant, and the place is stocked with the most beautiful assortment of housewares, decorations and gifts. Could have spent all afternoon in here. read more

Vitreum Giftware - Lovely little paperweights. - Gift Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

Really unique selection. Bonsai, jewelry, Japanese prints, teacups and decor. Prices were reasonable. The little vases are especially cute. Definitely worth a stop! read more

This is one of my new favorite stores in San Diego. Go to Little Italy, have some lunch and walk around a bit. When you do, stop in this store! Lots of unique vases, spinning tops, Japanese influenced items. A great place to get some really cool, unusual and inexpensive items. There are a ton of items ALL UNDER $20. The owner is super cool and very interesting to talk to. Believe me, everyone will think you spent a whole lot more on your gifts. Inexpensive gifts, unique items and a great local business owner. Support local business! This is one NOT to be missed!! read more

This is a one of Little Italy's best shops. It's my "go to" for gifts...one for me, one for you. Don't let its petite size fool you. It's full of wonderful items, plants, glassware, pottery and beautifully crafted jewelry. When I include plants, keep in mind, it's not your typical potted plant. They are works of art. The owner is often there...a peaceful and friendly man. He will wrap your purchases for travel...a nice service for out of town guests. read more

Growing up in an Asian family I've always been on the lookout for products imported from Japan when I can't travel there myself. Vitreum has tons of matcha bowls, tea pots, etc that are made with such high quality compared to other Japanese stores in San Diego. This place is so aesthetically pleasing as well so I hope everyone gets the chance to visit here and help a small business!!! read more

Super friendly shop owner, he gives great advice on plant and product care, knows all about his products, makes a lot of them himself, and sometimes even knows the artists who make them. The store is full of wonderful artistic bud vases arranged with whimsical plants and fish, sculptures, as well as culinary dishes and utensils, Japanese crafts, clothes, and jewelry. Reasonable prices too! read more

Is it possible for me to love everything in such a perfect shop? The answer is yes. Bought an incredible candle (handmade by the owner!) and a GORGEOUS vintage kimono. The shopkeeper was lovely, as is everything in there! read more

What a great find!! I only had a few minutes to shop but I will be back for sure. I loved all the different cases and globes filled with plants and fish. The jewelry is beautiful and I saw tons of stuff I would like for myself however I was gift shopping. Service was very friendly. read more

This is the coolest shop ever. The most unique items made with the utmost craftsmanship. I highly recommend checking it out for special gifts or to just treat yo self! read more

Unique and well put together shop. A must stop for any tourist looking for a unique gift or souvenir.

Such a intimate and beautiful space in Little Italy. Vitreum has handcrafted items from local and Japanese artists. I loved all the kokedama, glass vase and marimo displays. The perfect shop to find a unique and charming gift! read more

What a neat store! I've bought all kinds of unique vases, teas, Japanese style tea sets, and even an old fashioned bicycle bell.

The highlight of San Diego's Little Italy, for me, was this beautiful shop. Every item seems carefully selected and thoughtfully arranged . . . even though it's such a small space it would take a very long time to really see everything. If we hadn't walked in at closing time I could have spent an hour just looking around. The best part of our visit was discovering the art of Fujiko Isoumura, who actually works at the shop (unfortunately she wasn't there when we went so we didn't get to meet her, but the owner of the shop spent a little time talking to us about her work and pointing out aspects of her paintings that we hadn't noticed). Take a moment to Google her, her pictures are wonderful--funny, surreal, irreverent and poignant all at once. If you only have time to do one thing in Little Italy, skip the pasta and stop here! read more

Today I bought Japanese incense, white ash & a feng shui bell. I love this neighborhood store and (as April B said, "everything in it!!")

This is one of the cutest shops in San Diego. So thoughtfully displayed with unique items from Japan and local artists. It's a small shop but has the coolest little gifts for someone special. read more

I love Vitreum! You gotta check out the many varieties of Bonsai and it seems like I never leave the store without one of the many beautiful incense. Vitreum also has a booth at the Hillcrest Farmer's market in case you want to do some shopping while you are there :) Check it out, you won't be disappointed. read more

This place rocks. The owner has all kinds of gorgeous plants air plants regular plants, really unusual and unique holders for ceilings and Planson cuttings. And he also has jewelry. It's just an amazing amazing shop. Right on West Fir leading down to India Street in Little Italy you will love it read more

Super cute shop! Bought two of their kokedama bonsai.. I wish I bought more! Maybe when I visit SD again =)

I can't say enough about this amazing shop. Their products are unique and exquisite. There is something in all price ranges. As a designer, and having studied product design, I have a special appreciation for products of perfection. This shop has many. read more

Beautiful spot! The saleswoman at the store is so friendly and the products are incredible. The staff is so nice to my mom (she has health issues). They are very patient and kind. Thank you so very much for the beautiful products you have and your service! read more

Great store! Very unique jewelry, plants and Japanese accessories. I would buy the whole store if I could : ) Definitely check it out if you are looking for beautiful additions to your household or if you want to surprise your friend with one of a kind gift. read more

Absolutely adorable Japanese gift shop. I bought a lovely terrarium and other cool little objects - I will definitely come back. The cashier was very, very informative and very pleasant during our visit. Everything in this store is beautiful! read more

This shop is amazing! If you're ever in need of an elegant, unique gift, this is the place!

Let me start by saying that this store is beautiful and has gorgeous things in it, but you better be very committed to being happy with whatever you buy there. I will NOT be buying anything again unless I know for sure it will work. I splurged and got my mom a handcrafted copper tea strainer and a beautiful tea cup. It was for her birthday so I purchased it in advance and I spent $100 on the set. $75 for the strainer!! Ridiculous. I know. But it was so beautiful. So I found out before her birthday came around that my mom likes a handle on her tea cups, and prefers to make her tea in a pot, so I asked if I could exchange it for something more suitable. They said no, because I had purchased it more than a week ago. So I had to keep it. I occasionally drink tea, and decided yesterday that I would use the strainer because at that price it shouldn't just sit there and look pretty. So after I used it (once) I washed it and found that the million dollar strainer has already started turning black. It is no longer a beautiful work of art, and it cost me an arm and a leg. *Also, shortly after I purchased it, I received a survey via email, asking how was my experience in the store. I told the story of how I was told I couldn't exchange the astronomically priced gift, and would no longer be buying gifts there, and no one contacted me to apologize or comment or attempt to help my situation. And last time I went in, I could see that they indeed still sell the very same items I purchased, so why they couldn't exchange it is beyond me. Sadly I will not be making anymore purchases there. read more

What a great little find for specialty gifts and home decor. The owner is friendly and gracious and made us feel very welcome. Will make this a regular stop on future visits to San Diego. read more

So this store has become my go-to spot whenever I want to surprise my gf. As a matter of fact, my apartment is starting to look like an extension of their showroom. Really unique gifts, great service. The owner has a very creative approach to his displays, and will certainly help you create yours. read more

A quaint little decoration shop specializing in Japanese pieces, ranging from vases to jewelry. Very nice selection at prices that seem too good to be true. The works are of very high quality, and the plant variety, such as the bonsai trees, is especially rare, even in San Diego. I thoroughly enjoyed shopping at this store, and I would recommend it to anyone read more

This is one of my most favorite stores. Super unique gift shop. I always LOVE all the merchandise and it's priced well.