When you’re doing your holiday shopping this year, instead of shopping in large chains or online, don’t forget the diverse and plentiful local businesses in Vallejo. Vallejo is full of unique local businesses that offer distinctive gifts for your loved ones. By choosing to shop locally, you can not only find one-of-a-kind treasures but also contribute to your community and help to ensure that the local businesses survive and thrive. To help you find a perfect holiday gift, we put together this guide to gift shopping at local businesses in Vallejo

If we’ve missed any please let us know at editor@vallejosun.com so we can add it!

A Man and His Hat

Visit A Man and His Hat at 505 Georgia St. for a distinctive selection of gifts for the well-dressed man you know. This Black-owned store is a curator of style, with a wide variety of unique hats as well as shoes, ties and other accessories. 

Alibi Bookshop

For the bookworms and literature enthusiasts on your list, stop by Alibi Bookshop at 624 Marin St. Their unique collection of books spanning various genres and topics includes a substantial selection of local authors and books on local history. Plus, Alibi frequently hosts readings by local authors, book clubs and children's story time on Saturdays, making it a fixture of the local literary scene. Remember to set Alibi Bookshop as your local store when shopping online at bookshop.org and for audiobooks at libro.fm.

Anchor Pantry

Anchor Pantry at 620 Marin St. – just next door to Alibi Bookshop – has a mouth-watering selection of gourmet and specialty foods. Need a specialty ingredient for a holiday meal or just an appetizing gift for a foodie? Anchor Pantry has everything for the most creative and delicious care packages and gift baskets, with a wide selection of spices, chocolates, coffee, sauces, olives, meats, cheeses, dry beans, grains, and more. 

The Arc Solano

The Arc Solano, located at 3272 Sonoma Blvd. Suite 4, is a community organization serving people with disabilities. One of their programs is art, and the organization sells art pieces, postcards, and printed shawls like the one in the picture, created by the program’s participants.

Artesania Tonala

Artesania Tonala at 529 Broadway offers a selection of beautiful Mexican clothing and accessories, including dresses, shirts, boots, belts, art, ceramics, and cookware. From utilitarian items to fantastic figurines, this shop offers a diverse range of products. 

A.$.T.R.O. Clothing

This mini boutique has custom printed hoodies, puffy jackets, caps with local designs, T-shirts and artwork. A$TRO clothing encourages everyone to live their own unique style. Check them out at 1817 Capitol St. or at astroclothing.net.

Bere's Bridal Tuxedo and Formal Wear

Bere’s Bridal, at 530 Broadway, is your one-stop store for everything you need to celebrate life's special occasions. Tuxedo rentals, dresses, party supplies—they have it all. Outfits for baptism, first communion, quinceañeras, weddings, or holiday parties, as well as shoes, tiaras and fantasy jewelry so you can dress to impress.

Brickmania

For the Lego enthusiasts and aspiring engineers, Brickmania at 350 Georgia St. is the go-to destination for custom Lego sets, toys, and games. Brickmania specializes in custom-made sets, Lego figures, and those crucial missing pieces for building block development projects. The Vallejo store specializes in creations that memorialize the historic Mare Island Naval Shipyard.

Consumer Music

Consumer Music at 1017 Tennessee St. is a fantastic place to shop for a musician. The independently owned and operated music store has been in Vallejo since 1989 and provides sales, service, lessons, rentals, and a recording studio. Stop by and check out its selection of name brand guitars, drums, keyboards, audio equipment and much more.

Ebbydan African Arts

Ebbydan African Arts at 301 Georgia St., Suite 118 offers a wide selection of African clothing, fabric, hats, jewelry, figurines, decorative masks, incense and soap. Hours may vary so you may want to plan ahead for your visit. 

Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery & Multicultural Bookstore

Ethnic Notions Fine Art Gallery at 930 Marin St. offers a variety of unique art pieces, including sculptures, paintings, jewelry, photographs and prints with an emphasis on African-American art and history. It also offers a wide selection of books featuring Black artists, Black writers and African-American history. The gallery will have extended holiday hours starting on Dec. 1 through Dec. 23. It will be open from 12 to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and from 12 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. 

Holzer & Combe Haberdashery

Offering distinctive Victorian fashions for men and women, Holzer & Combe Haberdashery at 1622 Sonoma Blvd. is open during downtown events and by appointment from 5-9 p.m. A worthwhile trip to find a classic accent for daily style or a full ensemble for a retrospective ball, its selection includes swords, top hats, ascots, scarves and waistcoats for the detail minded retro stylist. Email costumecloset1@gmail.com for an appointment or shop online at holzer-combehaberdashery.com.

IntegriTea

If you have a tea lover to shop for, find something special at IntegriTea at 717 Marin St. This haven for tea enthusiasts offers a diverse selection of high-quality teas that cater to different palates and preferences. From regular tea, to organic varieties, herbal teas and adaptogens, IntegriTea offers hundreds of unique varieties. You can peruse all their offerings on their website at integritea.net. 

The Joint

For unique and handmade products with a southwest flavor, The Joint at 619 Marin St. is the place that has something for everyone. Modeled on the mercantiles of the old west The Joint is a gallery of handmade goods with practical design and natural flair. Here you can find beautiful cutlery, ceramics, containers, implements, personal care items, leatherwork, as well as housewares, and bulk soaps and detergents for your refillable containers. Check out the Joint and you will discover the perfect blend of functionality and aesthetics. Ask about crafting workshops and learn more about the store’s history by visiting thejointvallejo.com.

La Michoacana

La Michoacana bakery at 504 Broadway St. offers goodies like homemade Mexican ice cream. tres leches cake, pan dulce and flan, and of course, cakes for any occasion and Torta de Reyes for Jan. 6. Check out their website at la-michoacana.cafe-inspector.com for numerous tempting photos of the goods they offer. 

Liled's Candy Kitchen

The historic Liled's Candy Kitchen has operated since 1936 and at its current location at 1318 Tennessee St. since 1957. This delightful candy shop offers so many goodies to satisfy a sweet tooth, like assorted chocolates, fudge, brittle, flavored popcorn, taffy and much more. Explore the sweet offerings at liledscandykitchen.com.

Mare Island Art Glass

Mare Island Art Glass, at 860 Nimitz Ave, offers gift cards for glass-blowing classes to learn how to shape, blow and color your project in a safe, fun atmosphere. You can also buy whimsical glass bowls, plates and ornaments.

Mare Island Art Studios — Holiday Bazaar

The annual Holiday Bazaar at Mare Island Art Studios offers one-of-a-kind handcrafted items by in-house and guest artists, including gift baskets, textile art, jewelry, greeting cards, prints, fine art, ceramics, mosaics, holiday decorations and hand-knitted dog sweaters. Enjoy the festive atmosphere, refreshments and a possible sighting of the Grinch! Open Saturdays and Sundays Dec. 14 through 22, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 110 Pintando St. on the Mare Island waterfront.

Milk & Honey Gallery & Bistro

Milk & Honey Gallery & Bistro, at 1501 Tennessee St., is a full service Christian Boutique with women’s fashion “for the Holy and the Chic.” It offers dresses, blouses, skirts, trousers, jewelry and caps. Owner Briana Stewart has a design and tailoring shop within the store and operates The Bistro at Milk & Honey so shoppers can dine and shop on the same outing.

Moments Shared

Moments Shared at 320 Georgia St. is the place to go for any number of gifts for children. This kids' consignment shop carries new and gently used clothes, shoes, toys, baby gear and other products for young children. The used items can be up to 75% off retail prices. Moments Shared has limited hours – it’s open  Monday-Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – but also offers online shopping at www.ourmomentsshared.com.

Moschetti’s Artisan Coffee Roaster

Check out Moschetti’s Artisan Coffee Roaster at 11 Sixth St. to get a flavorful bag of fresh coffee beans, such as their special holiday blend. The retail store also has other coffee-themed gifts, like T-shirts, coffee cups and saucers, sweet treats and organic eggnog. Stop by on Saturday mornings when they offer free tastings, music and special food offerings.

Mugsy's Pet Supply & Barkery

Find a gift for the animal lover in your life or treat your own furry friends to something special from Mugsy's Pet Supply & Barkery at 507 Georgia St. Mugsy’s offers a delightful selection of dog cakes, treats, toys, and pet necessities. Explore their offerings at mugsyspetsupply.com and bring joy to the pets in your life with delicious treats and engaging toys.

Napa Natural Dog Co.

Every pet lover can use a spa day that will have their furry friend looking top-notch for the new year. Napa Natural Dog Co. offers gift certificates for grooming and bathing services as well as a variety of pet care products and specialty pet foods. Check out their workshops and other great gift ideas for pets or their people by visiting the downtown salon at 508 Sacramento St. or take a look on-line at napanaturaldogco.net.

Not too Naughty

With intimate wear, adult toys, pleasure aids and safety products, Not too Naughty at 540 Georgia St. has all the gifts for the naughty at heart. Bring a twinkle to the eye of someone special or make sure your loved ones have everything they need for intimate holiday fun.

Pomegranate Seeds

Pomegranate Seeds at 538C Florida St. has a variety of gifts for experienced and novice jewelry makers as well as finished jewelry. It carries numerous beads of all sizes as well as other components, tools, wire and everything you need to craft jewelry, plus classes to learn how. You can also purchase handmade finished jewelry made by the store’s staff. Find out more about their offerings at Pomegranateseeds.biz. 

Powell Bros. Feed & Pet Supply

Another option to indulge your pets, Powell Bros. Feed & Pet Supply, located at 1985 Broadway, has operated in Vallejo for more than 40 years. Powell Bros. offers unique treats, premium pet foods, and toys, and offers gift cards if you can’t make up your mind. Check out their website at powellpet.net or their sister store, Mugsy’s Pet Supply downtown.

Status Streetwear

Find custom styles to match that specific Vallejo mood at Status Streetwear, located at 3672 Sonoma Blvd. This establishment is stocked with aisles of men's and kids' clothing, offering an extensive collection of hoodies, jeans, T-shirts, track suits, sneakers, and more, from baby sizes to XXXL.  Find their hours at  statusstreetwear.com.

Thelma's African Connection

Discover a rich tapestry of clothing, masks, antiques, home decor, and collectibles at Thelma's African Connection, located at 509 Georgia St. This unique store offers a cultural journey from intricately crafted masks to vibrant clothing and one-of-a-kind antiques. Thelma's African Connection provides an opportunity to explore and celebrate African heritage. 

TreeBed Design

Enhance your living space with artistic and functional ceramics from TreeBed Design, located at 409 Virginia St. This design studio embraces simple elegance with their earthen ware tumblers, bowls, mugs, teapots and hand juicers. Their detailed bouquet vases can bring a festive look to any space and their handcrafted straw market baskets are perfect for stocking with veggies at the Vallejo farmers’ market or for carrying your holiday shopping items with grace and style. Take a tour at treebeddesign.com and then stop in at their convenient location downtown.

Vallejo Aquarium

Don’t forget your aquatic companions this holiday season because it could be time to brighten up that tankscape with fresh greenery, or introduce a new star resident. Maybe someone you know has been thinking about a starter aquarium or an upgrade to a larger tank. Vallejo Aquarium’s aquatic environment experts are ready to answer questions on health, feeding and the special needs of each species. Chat with them on their Facebook page or visit the aquarium at 611 Florida St.

Vallejo Clay

Vallejo Clay, located at 304 Georgia St., houses a diverse group of talented ceramic artists who produce a wide range of unique, handmade goods. Whether you're looking for a stunning centerpiece, a beautifully made mug, or a thoughtful gift, Vallejo Clay features a variety of ceramics to suit many styles and price points. Plus, if you want to dive in and make something yourself, the studio offers classes. And you can also get a gift card for a class, making a pottery class a unique gift idea. The studio is open Saturdays from 10-2 p.m. and by appointment.

Vallejo Museum Gift Shop

The Vallejo Museum’s gift shop offers great gifts for visitors to Vallejo or anybody interested in exploring the rich history that shapes every Vallejoan’s experience. Browse books and pamphlets on the cultural contributions of the area’s diverse communities at vallejomuseum.net and visit the shop for gift ideas that tell the stories of Vallejo. Plus they have See’s Candies available for the Holidays!

Vintage Vagabond Gallery & Flea

Take a tour through the studios of Vallejo artists at the Vintage Vagabond Gallery & Flea and see works in progress or talk with the creators about their technique or inspiration. This vintage store is divided up into artist workspaces and it's a great chance to see a range of different approaches all in one stop. You will find clothes, landscape paintings, fabric work, mixed media and sculpture work and more. And if you’re an artist looking to show your wares, there’s space for rent as well. This collaborative gallery is definitely a Vallejo original, be sure to stop in at 310 Georgia St.

The W.O.R.K.S

This gallery and workshop is a Bay Area art institution that found its home in Vallejo. Check out public bills, posters and limited edition fine art that tells the story of creative communication in the Bay Area. Peruse these exquisite prints to find one that suits your taste or let your bias be transformed by the unexpected. Now printing at 437 Georgia St. or take a sneak peek at thomaswojak.com.

Yesteryear's Marketplace

This expansive wonderland can timewarp you through decades of design masterworks as well as a few legendary flops. From kitsch, to 50’s space age to western they have everything a rummaging soul could desire. Find that perfect coffee table, the chest of drawers someone has been searching for or the dinette set that ties it all together. Lighting, costume jewelry, art, posters and retro tech for the collector and the hobbyist. Go for the shopping experience and you are sure to come away with something special. The entry to this portal is at 433 Georgia St.