With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to pick up the perfect gifts. This year I’m exploring more local options in my city, San Jose. San Jose is full of life and filled with some amazing small businesses. If you’re in the Bay Area, check out some of these fun shops from my San Jose gift guide!
DOWNTOWN SAN JOSE
499 S 2nd Street, San Jose
Academic Coffee serves organic, ethically sourced coffee and a wide range of treats from local bakeries. Grab a bag of beans or their matcha tea. Throw in a gift card for the perfect present for your family and friends.
124A E. Santa Clara St., San Jose
Nestled in the heart of Downtown San Jose, Plantlush offers a wide variety of plants, pots and accessories. They showcase 10+ local artists who feature their plant related creations in the store. I recently picked up a gorgeous poinsettia for my mother in law and she loved it. If you’re not comfortable shopping in store, Plantlush is currently offering curbside pick up.
WILLOW GLEN
1371 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose
This womens’ boutique is your new go-to for contemporary fashion. BellaJames was founded in 2006 and is located in the heart of downtown Willow Glen. They are even selling masks, including some cute seasonal options.
1268 Lincoln Ave, San Jose
Who doesn’t like to receive chocolate? Mariette Chocolate offers a range of truffles, covered fruit, creams, chews, and a variety of other sweet treats. I can always go for a sea salt caramel or peanut butter cup. There are tons of ways to customize a gift for your loved ones.
1393 Lincoln Ave San Jose
Three Sisters has an eclectic mix of gift options. Everything from antique decor to local honey. You’ll absolutely find a unique present.
CAMPBELL
232 E. Campbell Ave, Campbell
The Olive Bar sells a variety of olive oils and balsamic vinegars. Their oils are sourced from producers around the world, who provide fresh, seasonal flavors. Want to try before you buy? The Olive Bar is providing individually packaged samples of their oils and vinegars. Flavors range from blood orange to wild mushroom sage to bacon. Gourmet olives, salts, and coconut oil are also available for purchase.
275 E. Campbell Ave., Campbell
1066 The Alameda, San Jose
Recycle Bookstore is a used bookstore that has been in business for over 40 years. They have a couple locations in the South Bay. They have a fun holiday gift option called Blind Date with a book. The books are wrapped and labeled with the genre and minimal description. I grabbed a couple books to gift my girlfriends for Christmas. Also, if the recipient has already read their mystery book, Recycle Bookstore will let you swap it out for a new one!
241 E Campbell Ave, Campbell
This cute little boutique offers products that are made in California with a focus on sustainable and ethical production. You’ll find a range of lifestyle products at Redemption; think candles, soap, tea..and more! They also have a location in downtown Los Gatos.
OTHER LOCAL SAN JOSE BUSINESSES
702 E Julian St, San Jose
The Dancing Cat is a non-profit organization and cat adoption lounge in downtown San Jose. While sadly not open with the current situation, the Dancing Cat offers gift certificates, t-shirts, and a 2021 wall calendar. You can meet their adoptable cats here too.
Dee Lee Cakes is a black-owned business, run by DeReath Times. I highly recommend the chocolate “21 and over” pound cake; it’s a chocolate pound cake topped with Bailey’s glaze. I got it for a girls night recently. I obviously had to include it in my San Jose gift guide. It’s a great option for a socially distant holiday celebration.
Looking for more inspiration?
SAN DIEGO SHOPPING GUIDE: SMALL BUSINESSES TO SUPPORT THIS HOLIDAY
