Los Angeles, the City of Angels, is also a city brimming with unique gift shops. Whether you're hunting for a quirky souvenir, a thoughtful present for a loved one, or a special treat for yourself, LA has something to offer everyone. This guide explores 28 of the best gift shops in Los Angeles, categorized for easy browsing, ensuring you find the perfect present, no matter the occasion or recipient.
Finding the Perfect Gift in LA: A Guide by Category
This guide is organized to help you quickly find the type of gift shop that suits your needs. We've included a mix of well-known stores and hidden gems, ensuring variety and unique choices.
For the Art Lover:
- MoMA Design Store (multiple locations): Find high-design home goods, stationery, and unique art-related gifts. Expect modern and sophisticated options.
- The Last Bookstore: More than just a bookstore, this architectural marvel offers unique gifts, art installations, and a truly unforgettable shopping experience.
- Gallery Row (Downtown LA): Explore numerous galleries, many offering smaller prints, sculptures, or handcrafted items perfect for gifting.
For the Homebody:
- Poketo (multiple locations): Known for its minimalist aesthetic and high-quality stationery, Poketo offers delightful gifts for the design-conscious.
- General Store (multiple locations): This lifestyle store offers a curated selection of home goods, gifts, and clothing, with a focus on quality and craftsmanship.
- The Grove: This outdoor shopping center features numerous upscale stores with home décor and gift options, ideal for finding something elegant and sophisticated.
For the Fashionista:
- Fred Segal (multiple locations): This iconic LA store offers high-end clothing, accessories, and gifts, catering to the fashion-forward individual.
- REVOLVE (online & showroom): While primarily known for its online presence, REVOLVE offers a showroom experience, where you can find trendy clothing and accessories for stylish gifts.
- Ron Herman (multiple locations): For luxurious and unique clothing, accessories, and home goods, Ron Herman is a top choice for discerning gift-givers.
For the Foodie:
- Gjusta (Venice): While primarily a bakery, Gjusta offers amazing gourmet food items perfect for gifting, from artisanal breads to unique jams and preserves.
- Sqirl (Silver Lake): This popular cafe offers delicious jams, preserves, and other gourmet food items that make fantastic gifts for food lovers.
- Republique (Mid-City): This upscale restaurant also features a curated selection of gourmet food items and kitchen accessories that are perfect for gifting.
For the Bookworm:
- Skylight Books (Los Feliz): A beloved independent bookstore with a strong community feel, Skylight offers a great selection of books and literary-themed gifts.
- Book Soup (West Hollywood): Another iconic LA bookstore, Book Soup offers a wide range of books and author-signed copies, making it a great place to find a bookish gift.
- Powell's Books (City of Industry): Though slightly outside of central LA, this massive bookstore offers a staggering selection of books, making it a treasure trove for book lovers.
For the Unique & Quirky:
- Urban Outfitters (multiple locations): A reliable source for trendy and quirky gifts, Urban Outfitters often features unique and interesting items at a variety of price points.
- Anthropologie (multiple locations): Known for its bohemian style and eclectic mix of gifts, Anthropologie is a great place to find something unexpected and memorable.
- Paper Source (multiple locations): Offers a wide variety of stationery, cards, and gifts with a focus on high-quality paper and unique designs.
For Local & Handmade:
- Grand Central Market (Downtown LA): While a food hall, many vendors offer unique handcrafted items and local goods, making it a great place to find artisanal gifts.
- Melrose Trading Post (monthly): A flea market with a diverse range of vendors, selling vintage clothing, antiques, and handcrafted items. Check dates for the next market.
- Arts District (Downtown LA): This vibrant neighborhood offers numerous studios and shops selling locally made art, jewelry, and other handcrafted goods.
For the Traveler:
- LAX Official Gift Shop (at LAX): If you need a last-minute gift or souvenir, the official gift shop at LAX offers a curated selection of LA-themed items.
- Museum Gift Shops: Many museums in LA have gift shops selling items related to the museum's exhibits, offering unique and educational gifts.
For the Pampered:
- Sephora (multiple locations): This beauty retailer is a go-to for cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances, offering a wide range of gifts for beauty enthusiasts.
- Ulta Beauty (multiple locations): Another beauty retailer offering a vast selection of makeup, skincare, and fragrance gift sets and individual items.
Specialty Gift Shops:
- Mr. Holmes Bakehouse (various locations): While famous for its cruffins, this bakery offers unique gift boxes perfect for the sweet-toothed.
- Soap & Paper Factory (multiple locations): Offers a wide range of handcrafted soaps, lotions, and stationery, perfect for the person who appreciates quality and natural ingredients.
- The Curiosity Shop (various pop-up locations): This pop-up shop changes locations frequently, offering a curated selection of unique and interesting items. Check their social media for current locations.
This list offers a diverse range of options, allowing you to discover the perfect gift for any occasion. Remember to check websites or call ahead for hours of operation and specific product availability. Happy shopping!
