Best gift shops in LA for anyone on your list: Eastside

Half art gallery, half boutique, this hybrid design store stocks merchandise from local artists on the first floor and runs an exhibition (that rotates every month or two) on the second. Walking through the gallery space, owner Robert Apodaca's background in architecture is prevalent through his eye for contemporary and edgy art and design pieces. The space is stocked with jewelry, accessories, furniture, home ware and unique hand-made objects. Browse for exclusive items made for Fifth Floor—such as a tree stump cat scratcher, Sewn Machine throw pillows and a Hug Machine chair (a handmade Windsor chair). Stand out pieces include ceramic crushed cups that look like trashed plastic cups and the chunky statement necklaces made by LA-based artists.

Kellygreen is the place to go for pretty things that are high design, low impact—everything in the store is environmentally friendly and would look at home in the pages of Dwell, but won't break your bank. It's a great spot for gifts, greeting cards and kids stuff as well.

This museum gift shop specializes in all products (books, clothing, stationery and other goods) from the contemporary art world. Shoppers are exposed to new and exciting pieces from different designers and artists—many of which have shown works at the museum. Proceeds help support MOCA exhibitions, programs and collections. Plus, flash your MOCA members card to receive a 10% discount on most purchases.

In the clear light of day, does your apartment look like a shrine to mediocrity? Need a collection of Mao Tse-tung wall art or sparkly unicorn floor mats? Spice it up with the freaky offerings at Wacko Soap Plant, known to locals simply as Wacko’s. A curiosity and book store (with a gallery, La Luz de Jesus, in the back), this sprawling retailer offers an exhaustive collection of everything colorful and cool, like Hindu dashboard deities, Betty Page shower curtains, jalapeno string lights, Tibetan statues, Japanese bobbleheads, and Mexican death figurines. It’s worth spending an afternoon just amusing yourself with the extensive book collection on kitschy art.

"Free Range Design" is the tagline at this colourful shop in Silver Lake, at which the products are sourced from around the world. Expect fresh, modern Scandinavian-inspired ideas for the home, along with children's furniture and accessories (think: strips and polka dots) at the store that looks like an Anthropology and Etsy lovechild.

The cardinal rule of gifting states that you should give that which you would want to receive yourself. If that’s the case, this serene Silver Lake mercantile is the ideal place for present-shopping, as we’ve never left without wanting to take each and every item home. For the ladies, we suggest checking out the delicate jewelry by L.A. brands Hortense and Gabriela Artigas; candles by 370-year-old brand Cire Trudon; polygonal terrariums by Score + Solder; and printed stationary by Postalco. Also worth noting: the shop’s impressive collection of modernist furniture and lighting.

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Check out the unique mystery bags, candles, jewelry, pillows, dolls and home goods at this shop owned by tattoo artist Jason Schroeder and wife Kristin, who first started making her whimsical box cards for her daughter's birthday. Shop for Spitfire Girl’s trademark thin wooden cards with fun sayings as well as funky wood-made goods such as trays, journals, hang tags and postcards in this quirky store.

Peter Graham and Sophie Esteban bring their New York style—both are NYC expats who named their store after their former East Coast address—to Silver Lake with a bungalow storefront selling home goods, gourmet kitchen items and cafe eats from pastries to sandwiches. Browse through items like Laguiole and Oriole knives to Pendleton and Stanely mugs or laze on the outdoor patio with a cup of joe (unsurprisingly, the brew on offer is NY's Gimme! coffee).

Check out this gift shop for that one-of-a-kind finds—from kitschy cameras to vintage goods, and everything in between. Shop a selection of handmade and unique items, which include fun trinkets for the home or school, jewelry, vintage dresses and more. Also check out the art (think: original prints and posters) from local and traveling artists.

This husband-and-wife-owned shop/gallery in Downtown's Art District (named for her grandmother's mispronunciation of "pocket") strives to bring art into customers' everyday lives. Find all sorts of eclectic goods, from the artist-designed vinyl wallets to colorful socks and tees. Plus, the store occasionally hosts art shows and musical performances.