Give the gift of supporting local small businesses

As a small service business in Santa Cruz, the shop local movement is dear to our hearts.  This holiday,  we urge you to shop small. Even diverting 10% of your shopping dollars makes a huge difference in the health and vitality of our communities . To get you started, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite go-to retailers and experiences. This is certainly not an exhaustive list but we hope it will inspire you as you begin your holiday shopping this season.

Selection of colored pencils

Palace Art Supplies

1501-K 41st Avenue, Capitola, CA 95010

Happiness is finding out Palace Art Supply is NOT closing as was previously announced!!! They sold to a local family and will be transferring ownership this month. Palace Art Supplies has a huge variety of art supplies, office supplies and gift items for all ages and interests.

Colorful handprinted dinnerware from Mexico

Outside-In Aptos

7568 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

Always a favorite of ours. Outside-In has a selection of dinnerware, glassware, table linens, soaps, candles, cozy clothing and so much more. Truly a feast for the senses.


Art from Curated By The Sea, Santa Cruz

  Curated By The Sea - A Contemporary Art Gallery

703 Front Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060  

This delightful gallery is located across the street from Trader Joe’s and Woodstock’s Pizza in downtown Santa Cruz. They offer a rotating collection of art from over 30 local artists. Stop by on First Fridays for some fun art and live acoustic music from Los Improviders from 6-8 p.m..

Crow's Nest Beach Market at the Santa Cruz Harbor

Crows Nest Beach Market 

2218 East Cliff Drive, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

The Crow’s Nest Beach Market is a hidden gem. Located across from the Crow’s Nest Restaurant and in the Santa Cruz Harbor, the market has unique gifts of all sorts. You’ll definitely find something interesting and fun to give the most selective of recipients. They also serve up a yummy slice of pizza!

Beautiful photo of Ito yarn colors

Yarn Shop Santa Cruz

765 CEDAR STREET #103, SANTA CRUZ, CA, 95060

Yarn Shop Santa Cruz is a cozy little shop tucked off of Cedar Street. They have excellent customer service and offer a huge array of yarns and accessories which will surely delight any crafter in your life.

Plants and Flowers arranged on shelves and tables

DIG Gardens

Santa Cruz location -420 Water Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Aptos location - 7765 Soquel Drive, Aptos, CA 95003

This locally-owned nursery and lifestyle shop specializes in houseplants, cactus & succulents, tropical plants, home goods, and gifts. They have two locations, one in Santa Cruz and one in Aptos. The Santa Cruz location has a large selection of indoor plants and a small outdoor nursery with succulents, outdoor greenery and patio furniture. The Aptos location has a full outdoor garden area and a smaller shop with lifestyle items similar to what they sell in the Santa Cruz location.

Home/Work

1100 Soquel Ave (at the corner of Cayuga), Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Home/Work offers a thoughtful selection of home wares, local jewelry, decor and gifts. One of our favorite local stores!


Child stacking colorful boxes

Childish Santa Cruz

1127 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Looking for toys that promote creativity and imagination? Look no further. Childish Santa Cruz offers toys, games and puzzles for kids of all ages.

Colorful socks

Sockshop & Shoe Company

1515 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Need a quirky stocking stuffer? Or comfy, new shoes? Sockshop & Shoe Company has a huge assortment of socks, shoes and accessories to keep your loved ones tootsies’ warm and cozy.

Display shelf and colorful hanging lights

OM Gallery

1201 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

Om Gallery is an eclectic shop that prioritizes handmade & fair-trade items. They have a fun selection of lighting, jewelry, gifts, garden décor, and so much more.

Sunsetting on a lush green vineyard

MJA Westside Tasting Room & Cellar

328-A Ingalls StreetSanta Cruz, CA 95060

Grab a bottle of bubbles as a gift for a party host. MJA Offers a selection of wines from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, dessert wines, Bordeaux blends and many Mediterranean varietals. MJA has something for all the wine lovers in your life. It’s also a great spot to hang out on Sunday afternoon with your best friend or partner. Super chill with a friendly, knowledgeable staff. Gift certificates available.

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