The best gift shops in Los Angeles

This cheerful Echo Park boutique stocks a carefully curated collection of cards, stationery products, and home and fashion items, selected with an emphasis on local and California-based designers. Owner Tamara Houghten literally created the shop to help people find “special, unique and affordable” gifts for friends and family. Come in to pick up a card, and you'll probably end up grabbing a cute notebook, clever coffee table book and trendy enamel pin to go with it. 

Address: 1547 Echo Park Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Daily 10am–6pm

For your literary friends, look no further for the perfect gift. Head to the historic Los Angeles Central Library and explore this shop where an assortment of cards, pens, notebooks and other stationery supplies can be found in bright colors and emblazoned with fun designs with a bookish bent. There are also lots of L.A.- and California-themed gifts for some local love. Proceeds from purchases here go toward the Library Foundation, so you’re also helping support enrichment programs to keep the written word alive.

Address: 630 W 5th St, Los Angeles, CA 90071

Opening hours: Mon, Tue noon–5pm; Wed, Thu 11am–6pm; Fri 11am–5pm; Sat 11am–1pm, 1:30–5pm; Sun 1–5pm

Synonymous with midcentury design, Heath Ceramics is a California institution for home décor. Established by Edith Heath—whose works are coveted pieces of collections at museums including LACMA and MoMA—Heath Ceramics is based in Northern California, but the L.A. shop offers iconic pieces for every room in the house, perfect for your minimalist friend with exquisite taste.

Address: 7525 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 10am–6pm; Sat, Sun 10am–5pm (check online for special holiday hours)

This new, special location of the Build-A-Bear chain at Westfield Century City boasts a delightful twist: Instead of generic bears, shoppers can stuff their favorite Sanrio characters, from Hello Kitty to Badtz-Maru, My Melody to Cinnamoroll. At $38, these Sanrio options are a few dollars more than the chain’s classic teddy bears, and the optional heartbeat, sounds, scents and accessories add up quickly. But even if you skip all that and stick to an unadorned stuffie, it’s still a charming process for kids—and even adults. You can make a plush yourself for gifting, or opt for a gift card so your recipient can join in on the fun themselves. 

Address: 10250 Santa Monica Blvd, Space 2880, Los Angeles, CA 90067

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 10am–9pm; Fri, Sat 10am–10pm; Sun 10am–8pm

Part cookbook store, part lifestyle shop, Now Serving is one serious destination for boutique kitchenware, international food magazines and cookbooks representing more than 20 countries. Curated and owned by a former chef for Wolfgang Puck, this shop within Far East Plaza draws upon more than a decade of kitchen experience to curate some truly special wares.

Address: 727 N Broadway, Unit 133, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Sun noon–5pm; Mon, Tue 11am–5pm; Thu–Sat 11am–6pm

Though unassuming from the outside, Lundeen’s in downtown Culver City is a hidden gem. It’s been beloved by locals since Kathryn Lundeen opened the shop in 2008 after noticing a need for a local gift shop. You’ll find jewelry, kids’ toys, L.A.-centric trinkets, glassware, paper goods from Rifle Paper Co., wall decor, greeting cards, candles, diffusers and books. I’ve personally bought a first-birthday present here, a congratulatory gift for a new job, and a patterned kettle that brightens up my kitchen. For the holidays, they have quirky ornaments for your tree, cute wrapping paper and bags—but they’ll also gift-wrap your finds for free, so that’s one more thing you can tick off your list.

Address: 9726 Washington Blvd, Culver City, CA 90232

Opening hours: Daily 11am–6pm

Willy Wonka meets Louis Vuitton at ButterLove&Hardwork, a whimsical new chocolate shop that’s taken up residency at the Kimpton La Peer Hotel. You’ve probably seen pastry chef Chris Ford’s chocolate Breakables on Instagram, which you smash open with a mallet to get to the treats inside. Now he’s opened a proof of concept in West Hollywood that will run through March 2026. Inside the stylish space straight out of Twin Peaks, you can shop Ford’s seasonal showstoppers and nostalgic treats that let you be a kid again. The prices are relatively reasonable, too, starting at $15 for milk chocolate puffs. 

Address: 627 N La Peer Dr, West Hollywood, CA 90069

Opening hours: Daily 8am–6pm

This isn't your average gift shop. Fine-art tomes, stationery and home decor pieces like frames, candles and notebooks share the shelves with decorative embroidered pillows, leather totes, Indigo-dyed linens and more. The Abbot Kinney boutique, owned by California native Erinn Berkson, embodies the essence of California-cool with a nod to its eclectic, boho surroundings. Drop in to find the perfect gift for a friend or a little one—there’s also a selection of cute options for kids and babies, from wooden teether rings to a California-map onesie.

Address: 1409 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 10:30am–6pm 

If the Last Bookstore Downtown were really our last bookstore, we'd be in good shape. Housed in what used to be an old bank building (complete with marble columns and giant doors), the store first began in a loft apartment and has since expanded to include a record shop, coffee bar and “Labyrinth” mezzanine level solely dedicated to $1 books. It's now the largest independent bookstore in Southern California. Not up for a trek Downtown? You’re in luck: Last winter, the owners opened the Last Bookstore Studio City, a Zen option filled with 500,000 books for Valley dwellers to browse.

Address: 453 S Spring St,
Los Angeles, CA 90013 

Opening hours: Daily 11am–8pm

If you think it’s hard to pass up keepsakes and decor adorned with Frida or Basquiat’s artwork in a typical museum shop, wait until you walk into one with Totoro on everything. You’re bound to find something in the store that the movie buffs in your life will love, whether it tugs at childhood nostalgia or their inner cinephile (Hitchcock Vertigo socks, anyone?). You’ll also find entire sections of the store dedicated to current exhibitions—check out the exclusive collection of Jaws merch that ties into the 50th anniversary exhibition—plus some merch inspired by the museum itself and the Oscars, to celebrate the one season we do have in Los Angeles: awards season. 

Address: 6067 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Sun, Mon, Wed–Sat noon–7:30pm

P.F. Candle Co.—first founded by Kristen Pumphrey as an Etsy shop in 2008—specializes in rustic-chic soy-wax candles (they’re also vegan, cruelty-free, and phthalate-free) whose signature amber glass jars you’ve definitely seen at any cool friend’s apartment. Bestselling scents include teakwood and tobacco, Golden Coast, bergamot shiso and Los Angeles—which smells like redwood, lime, jasmine and yarrow. But they’re constantly expanding their offerings, with seasonal scents like ancient myrrh and cathedral clove. All of the independently owned brand’s products are still developed, produced, tested and packed right here in L.A. Their products can be found in stores all across the city, but we suggest going straight to the source and visiting the Echo Park flagship for the best selection.

Address: 2205 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Daily 11am–7pm

Beloved local patisserie Valerie Confections’ headquarters can be found near the border of Glendale and Burbank. Find boxes of eponymous pastry chef Valerie Gordon’s gourmet chocolates, bars, barks, petit fours and more inside cozy retail space; you can also preorder pies and cakes, or stop by for coffee and a pastry and hang out in the garden. This time of year, picking up some peppermint bark, eggnog petit fours or holiday truffles for a sweet gift is sure to score you points with anyone. In fact, we recently caught up with Gordon to get her hosting and gifting tips for the holiday season.

Address: 1936 W Glenoaks Blvd, Glendale, CA 91201

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 9am–5pm; Sun 9am–4pm

Traditional newsstands have all but disappeared—but luckily we still have the coolest one: the Daily Planet, located on the corner of Franklin Village. Well, it’s more of an independent bookstore, but it stocks international magazines, curated vinyl and thoughtful gift items in addition to unique books. The ultra-cool owners are incidentally the duo that make up the band Cold Cave and run Heartworm Press, which publishes poetry books by cult musicians and influential writers. Pick up some of their titles or a sleek Joan Didion volume while you’re there, pair with a locally made Compartés chocolate bar, and you’ve got the perfect gift for the hippest person you know.

Address: 5931 Franklin Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Opening hours: Daily 9am–9pm

The charming Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market and Bistro has been a staple of the Original Farmers Market for 30 years. Last year, to answer increased demand for the French market’s homewares, a stand-alone shop was opened just steps away, expanding the offerings and giving them a permanent home. Inside, you’ll find everything you need to meet any decor and entertaining needs: a curated collection of dishes, cocktail glasses, cutlery, table settings, cookbooks, wooden bowls, aprons and more—making it a cinch to find the perfect gift for the gourmand or perennial party host in your life. 

Address: 6333 W 3rd St, Stall 134, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 9am–9pm; Sun 9am–8pm

If you find yourself in Long Beach, Prism is a must-stop for the cool girl on your list. This independently owned womenswear boutique offers a playful array of apparel from brands like Free People, Faithfull the Brand and Z Supply, plus vintage jeans from Levi’s. The styles pair perfectly with a selection of unique handcrafted jewelry from around the world. The shop's interiors—complete with macramé wall hangings and planters and locally sourced driftwood—complete the hippie-chic shopping experience. While you’re in town, check out And Then LB, a short drive away in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood.

Address: 406 Termino Ave, Long Beach, CA 90814

Opening hours: Daily 11am–6pm

A-listers, stylists and beauty experts flock to multiplatform brand Violet Grey’s Melrose Place boutique for a highly curated selection of luxury products (all approved by the Violet Code, of course). After all, the part e-commerce site, part online publication (The Violet Files) and part brick-and-mortar has earned its title as “The Industry’s Beauty Edit,” thanks to its thorough vetting process a la Hollywood pros. Step inside this posh beauty haven and browse the high-end range of skin care and makeup products. 

Address: 8452 Melrose Place, Los Angeles, CA 90069

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–6pm

Brick-and-mortar toy shops are growing fewer and farther between, making a gem like Leanna Lin’s Wonderland—which appeals to both the young and young at heart—all the more special. The Eagle Rock store, open since 2010, functions as both a gift shop and gallery that features independent artists and designers. Find a playful gift for any age—like Hello Kitty Baggu bags, Unicorno blind boxes for kids, and candles crafted from wine bottles for grown-ups—inside the cheery space. I’m a fan of the colorful Alden Lo Bosco prints of L.A. landmarks, from the Cinerama Dome to Cindy’s diner.

Address: 5024 N Eagle Rock Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90041

Opening hours: Tue–Fri noon–7pm; Sat, Sun 11am–5pm

Whether you’re a veteran LACMA-goer or first-timer, this gift shop (currently anchored by an outpost in the Resnick Pavilion until the museum’s expansion debuts) thoroughly blurs the lines between want and need-right-now. Sure, the prices are a bit steep, but with selections like stationery, posters, books and other trinkets outfitted in prints from the latest exhibitions, it’s like you’re taking a piece of the museum home with you (a tangible souvenir alongside your candid Urban Light lampposts pic). Think an Ed Ruscha poster, Barbara Kruger printed mugs, a Robert Mapplethorpe journals and more. You’re sure to find something perfect for your artsiest friend.

Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 11am–6pm; Fri 11am–8pm; Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 10am–7pm

Peter Graham and Sophie Esteban bring their New York style to Silver Lake with a bungalow storefront selling home goods, jewelry, clothing and gourmet kitchen items—plus cafe eats from pastries to sandwiches. Check their website for inspo before you head over—they have curated gift lists for the wellness guru, gourmand, techie, sweet tooth and more. Order a cup of joe, which is brewed to perfection while you browse. If you’re not on the Eastside, there’s an additional pop-up location at Platform in Culver City.

Address: 2912 Rowena Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90039

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 8am–6pm; Sun 9am–5pm

Spice up your space 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 a Ruth Bader Ginsburg bobblehead, tiki mugs, cute plushies and quirky prayer candles (sporting everyone from Dali to Tiny Tim). It’s worth spending an afternoon just amusing yourself with the extensive book collection on kitschy art. There’s also a house line of soaps, oils and lotions (hence the “Soap Plant” in the name).

Address: 4633 Hollywood Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90027 

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–7pm; Sun 11am–6pm

This much-cherished, cozy neighborhood bookstore in Los Feliz strikes a neat balance between intellectual crowd-pleasers and more unusual fare, including a large selection of local zines. Open since the mid ’90s, Skylight bucked book-industry trends by expanding into a larger space a decade ago. It now hosts readings, signings and its own book club.

Address: 1818 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90027

Opening hours: Daily 10am–10pm

This store sells beautifully crafted wares: artistic jewelry, glassware, tableware, noguchi paper lamps and aesthetically pleasing toys for kids, as well as books on art, architecture and fashion. It’s small, but there’s a lot packed in, and the staff is friendly and knowledgeable without being pushy. In addition to the Silver Lake shop, there are locations on West Third Street and in Santa Monica.

Address: 1716 Silverlake Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90026

Opening hours: Daily 11am–6pm

One of the most unique gift shops in L.A., and certainly one of the tiniest, Pygmy Hippo Shoppe is an adorable little boutique in the Fairfax District. Decorated with dusty pastel colors and ornate wallpaper, the little store specializes in a masterfully curated collection of handmade goods such as letterpress cards, novelties, edgy trinkets, ashtrays, jewelry and toys made by L.A. artisans, as well as books and unique vintage finds.

Address: 306 N Stanley Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 11am–6pm (check online for special holiday hours)

For the friend whose plants are their whole personality, head to Tansy. The colorful shop’s Zen-meets-maximalist vibes will bring a smile to your face. Shop a wide selection of indoor, outdoor and rare plants, as well as an eclectic collection of art and home décor. The woman-of-color-owned store-slash-nursery is a neighborhood favorite in Burbank. Check the website for in-store workshops and events.

Address: 2120 W Magnolia Blvd, Burbank, CA 91506

Opening hours: Mon 11am–4pm; Tue–Sat 11am–6pm; Sun 11am–5pm

Owned by husband-and-wife duo Keiko and Taku Shinomoto, this hidden gem (formerly located on Abbot Kinney) offers a curated selection of home wares, furniture and accessories steeped in traditional, Japanese design with a modern twist; it’s minimalism at its finest and a favorite of L.A.’s design forces. Add some Eastern influence into your kitchen with a teapot by Hakusan Porcelain or handcrafted brass cutlery by Japan-based company Lue.

Address: 12701 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90066

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 1–6pm; Sun noon–5pm

For your friend who loves IKEA, help them level up with a gift from Huset. The shop has everything you need to emulate the modern, Scandinavian look for your home—huset means “the house”—from furniture, houseware and kitchenware to women’s and men’s clothing and accessories and knickknacks for children. Each piece is curated by Swedish owner Holly Hallberg, who makes regular shopping trips to her native land for unique finds.

Address: 1316 1/2 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291

Opening hours: Daily 11am–7pm

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 works on display at the museum—as well as fun collaborations, like a P.F. Candle Co. x MOCA candle and a MOCA x Poketo colorblock planner. If you’re a museum member, you can flash your card to receive a 10% discount on most purchases. Proceeds help support MOCA.

Address: 250 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri 11am–5pm; Thu 11am–8pm; Sat, Sun 11am–6pm

Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift? Check out the surprise balls, candles, jewelry, pillows, ceramics and home goods at this shop owned by Kristin Scott and her husband, tattoo artist Jason Schroder. Shop Spitfire Girl’s trademark thin wooden cards with fun sayings, as well as funky wood-made goods such as trays, journals, hang tags and flasks in this quirky store. My picks? Beautifully bottled bath salts and stunning sunset-designed soaps from Mainland Vintage.

Address: 1939 1/2 Hillhurst Ave, Los Angeles, California 90027

Opening hours: Mon, Tue 11am–6pm; Wed–Sat 10am–7pm; Sun 11am–7pm

Not only does the Huntington boast superlative library holdings, artwork and botanical gardens, but its gift shop is objectively wonderful too. The store is divided into 10 different themed sections, stocked with everything from tea-party accoutrements to housewares decked out in William Morris floral designs to gifts for literature lovers. You can even purchase seed packets that will help you re-create the gardens’ blooms at your home. While a visit to the Huntington is always a good idea, you don’t need to pay for admission to visit the gift shop.

Address: 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino, CA 91108

Opening hours: Wed–Mon 10am–5pm

Founded by and named after British expat Andy Griffith and L.A. style journalist Rose Apodaca, A+R is primarily a furniture store, but it also offers a super-fresh selection of desirable designer goodies: mostly homewares, alongside a few other gift ideas (books, artworks and other chic novelties). Goods are sourced from around the world, making it a good place to find something unusual. Shop the showroom at ROW DTLA, and while you’re there, you can stop by Scent Bar DTLA for perfume, Hightide for Japanese stationery and Flask & Field for wine.

Address: 777 S Alameda St, Los Angeles, CA 90021

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 10am–5pm