Unique Gift-Giving Ideas in Marin
With the holidays around the corner, it’s time to start shopping for that special gift for your special someone. From delicious pastries and personalized fragrances to one-of-a-kind antiques, your friends and family are in for a real treat. Here are a few of our top gift-giving ideas.
Rustic Bakery at Marin Country Mart
If you’re shopping for a foodie, we’ve got you covered. Rustic Bakery is not only a great place to pop in for a healthy lunch, but it’s also great for shopping for friends and family. There are several locations throughout Marin, including Marin Country Mart in Larkspur. Owner Carol LeValley is best known for her fresh and flavorful flatbreads, but pick up other snacks here as well like granola, cookies, muffins, and croissants. For the freshest selections, buy a gift card so your friends can shop at their convenience.
Susan Hayes Handwovens
Susan Hayes Handwovens has produced hand-loomed wovens and knits from their Point Reyes Station studio for over 30 years. Their collection is shown exclusively at the retail store located in the Cowgirl Creamery Building. Known for unique colorations and weaves, all products are made of luxurious natural fibers one yarn at a time. They are committed to promoting American made and locally-based designers of artisan clothing.
EO Exchange Mill Valley
This store features more than 80 essential oils from around the world. Customers can even learn how to make their own customized scented lotions, shower gels, and salt scrubs. If your friends are local, consider getting them a gift card so they can choose their signature scents. Alternatively, invite them to a perfume blending party where they can learn how to mix their favorite essential oils. Otherwise, create a care package of your favorite products and gift it to your loved ones back home.
Laurel House Antiques
The treasures of Laurel House come from marvelous estates in Marin, San Francisco, and the Bay Area. We feature heritage collections of jewelry, crystal, silver, china, tableware and textiles, fine American, European and Asian furniture, and decorative and functional art.
The professional, knowledgeable and courteous staff can assist you with all of your buying, selling of estate items. The shop offers an ever-changing selection of rare and unusual antiques and collectibles.
Indoor Antique Market
In search of a one-of-a-kind gift? Head to the Marin Indoor Antique Market‘s Annual Christmas Show in San Rafael. With more than 70 booths to peruse, you’ll find a little bit of everything, from fine art and vintage jewelry to watches and books. Whether shopping for decorative items for your holiday table or looking for unique stocking stuffers, there’s something for every taste and temperament at the market. Come ready to bargain hunt, as you search for buried treasure.
The holidays are a time of giving but don’t limit your gifts to material items. Some of the best presents are those you can’t hold in your hands. Here are a few of our favorites.
Partake in a holiday treat at Falkirk Cultural Center as you go back in time to Victorian England and meet Charles Dickens. Listen to him read from his famous works and watch his characters come alive –look out for Scrooge! Meet and greet the true Father Christmas, play Victorian parlor games, dance and sing with our Victorian family and make traditional holiday crafts. A true family event!
Gift a walk through the historic Straus Home Ranch. Spanning 166 acres, this certified organic working ranch teaches you the history of dairy farming and the importance of environmental conservation. Plus, you’ll see stunning views of Tomales Bay and Point Reyes National Seashore.
Or simply pamper your bestie with a visit to Lavande Spa in the Strawberry Village Shopping Center. Choose from a variety of treatments, including nail care, facials, and massages. Go in person or splurge on a gift card.