Cutest little boutique ever!! They have a wide variety of nice things at all different prices…read more Kitchen things, candles, rugs, oils, perfumes, soaps, cards that you can plant they have seeds in them. Nicest staff in the store. They will even gift wrap for you! I love it here.

This is a hidden gem in the beautiful El Jardin courtyard. I always try to pop by when I'm downtown…read moreand it's become top of my list for places to shop for unique gifts in Ventura. It's an eclectic selection of new and vintage items, and ranges from local artists and makers to smaller American and European companies. I've purchased everything from temporary tattoos, to jewelry, to dish towels (from a company that hires and supports new immigrants), to blown glass, to an entryway mat, to a beautiful recycled glass vase from a 80+ year old Polish company. I highly recommend checking it out - and then popping next door to Palm & Boy for a coffee, yummy açaí bowl or delish gluten-free, vegan pastry. You can't go wrong!

It was super cute! Lots of good books and sell used books at a cheaper price! Buying the used books…read moresaved me a good amount of money! The staff is also really sweet! The extra goodies like merch, bookmarks, stickers, etc. were really cool as well! Highly recommend if you're ever in the area!

This little bookstore makes a big impression! The environment is so welcoming and inclusive and has…read moreservice that exceeded my expectations. The team is so approachable and welcoming, so looking for niche romance novels is never intimidating. I'm a sucker for a good and cheesy romance novel and this spot meets my needs and more. In addition they carry beautiful local made trinkets and have the best selection of book related stickers!! Everything is reasonably priced and you have the added benefit of supporting a lovely Ventura business. Smitten holds release parties and while I didn't get to attend the one I purchased they held my book for me and even kept a pin for me that they gave out at the party! I hear rhag it was a black light event with games and snackies, what a treat! I hope you can visit sometime soon! Okay thanks bye!

In a world where technology has sped ahead, often leaving behind the simplicity of human…read moreconnection, places like Nanni and Deeda's Toys are a refreshing reminder of what we've lost--and what we can still reclaim. Remember those days when a pile of bikes in someone's front yard meant kids were gathering for an afternoon of play? It's the kind of childhood experience that's hard to find in today's digital age, where our kids connect more through screens than in person. Walking into Nanni and Deeda's felt like stepping back in time, where the joy of shared play and discovery reigns supreme. It's a gaming 'playground' for all ages, offering not just toys and games but a space to interact, laugh, and create memories face-to-face--something e-connections simply can't replace. Whether you're introducing your kids to the kind of fun you had growing up or rekindling your own love for board games and hands-on creativity, this place is a beacon of hope. It's proof that some things, like the pure magic of play, don't have to be left in the past.

Great selection of toys both new and nostalgic! Friendly service and reasonable prices. Love this…read morelittle shop! Shop local!

Timbre Books is a thoughtfully curated independent bookstore in the heart of Midtown Ventura. It's…read morecalm, inviting, and easy to browse at your own pace. The book selection feels intentional, with a good mix of familiar titles, indie presses, and unexpected finds. I've picked up several great reads here for my Caracol Book Club and always feel good about what I bring home. Pricing feels reasonable and consistent for a shop this well curated. The staff pick recommendation cards are genuinely helpful, and the loyalty rewards program is a nice bonus. I also love the seating in the back. It's the kind of spot where you can actually slow down. Journal, read, and sip a coffee from the neighboring coffee shop, Singing Sun, without feeling rushed. In addition to books, there's a solid selection of stationery, greeting cards, and small gifts, plus gift cards that are easy and practical. They also host author events and community gatherings that feel thoughtful and well done. Whether I'm browsing for myself or picking up a gift, Timbre is consistently a good experience. Ventura is lucky to have an independent shop like this.

~ A BOOKLOVER'S HAVEN ~…read more Timbre Books is everything I've ever wanted in a bookstore. When you walk in, you're greeted by a bright, airy, modern, and warm space. There are a couple of two person tables near the front, next to big, dreamy windows, perfect for working or reading. To the right, there's a wonderful selection of children's books and cozy reading nooks. It was heartwarming to see kids sprawled out, reading and lost in their own worlds. There's also a table towards the back with charming cards for purchase. Their book selection is impressively diverse and thoughtfully curated, with many titles featuring staff recommendations and reviews. I especially enjoy horror/psychological thrillers and nonfiction memoirs, and there's plenty of those, as well as the newest, hottest books from social media (booktok). They have a rewards program and a monthly newsletter that's thoughtfully crafted giving us the scoop on new arrivals, events, and book recommendations. Their book club meets monthly and has a laid-back, low maintenance vibe making it perfect for busy people who just want to casually discuss a book. I happened to visit during one of these meetings, and it was so wholesome to see people sharing baked goods, laughter being heard, and enjoying each other's company. The atmosphere here feels like a true community, and it gives you those warm, fuzzy feelings. When I mentioned it was my first visit, Mirna quickly made me feel welcomed by sharing details about the store, answering my questions, and suggesting some of her favorite books based on my interests. It's great that the staff have diverse tastes and can offer varied recommendations! Overall, Timbre Books is a unique gem in Ventura, and I'm excited to come back and join the next book club! *HOT TIP: There's plenty of parking available in the lot behind the store and on the street. *HOTTER TIP: Before heading in to browse/read, don't forget to grab a coffee from the charming coffee shop two doors down!

I love the art at La Catrina! I have bought different items from them…read more This time I bought badge clips and I absolutely love it! Soooo many cool things to chose from that highlight our Mexican culture. My badge clips was only $13, I think it was reasonable and worth it. I wore it to work and already got compliments. Great friendly staff! Owners are community centered and donate to different charities/ orgs!

Came down for a wedding, waiting for our hotel to have our rooms ready. My husband enjoys shopping…read morefor Mexican art. Got some really beautiful pieces! The store is small, but very organized and clean. The person working was so sweet and funny. I'm glad we stopped by and got to check out this gem.

I am so happy to repost this review with a 5 star review. Years ago I tried to patron the Calico…read morewith my children and the cashier was anti-child. I recently visited Ventura and stepped into the Calico and started chatting with the owner. I told them about my experience and they knew who I was talking about and said that she had been let go years ago and they work most of the time now. so Yay!! Their collection is large, obscur, and some fun rare finds. It's a great space, kids are welcomed again, and he even has a cool kids collection.

I love all bookstores, no matter what, all of them…read more This one was slightly harder to love. First the positive: it has a great name. But alas, no cats. Second, I did find about four or five books here (used) that I have not been able to find elsewhere, so that is a big positive. The organization of the books here leaves something to be desired. Some of the books are in alphabetical order. But many are not. That is a bit maddening. There is also no obvious organization of the books by subject matter. But it is a small shop so it is not that difficult to snoop around. If you are looking for the latest pop novels, this probably won't be your happy place. But if you are looking for classics or hard to find books, this just could be your happy place. If you are willing to overlook the somewhat chaotic organization of the books, you could spend some time here and find some real nuggets. The prices seemed fair to me.

Awesome little store! Various healthy and delicious snacks to choose from- vegan options available!…read moreSeeds, chocolates, etc. Some samples available upon request! The owner was so sweet and friendly. She did not push us to buy anything! there are a lot of cool little nicknacks. Decorations, pins, jewelry, ceramics, candles etc. Cash and cards accepted. The place is small but very cool. We bought the peaches and candied walnuts both were absolutely delicious $8 each and 15% off your purchase with your yelp check in.

Calling all last minute gift seekers, I have done the hard work for you. This is the perfect store…read moreand Cindy is so sweet and knowledgeable about her products (that run the gamut from handcrafted art pieces to gourmet chocolates). For me she created the perfect gourmet goodie baskets set in the cutest reindeer handcrafted baskets ( perfect for office gifting), and she even helped me carry them to my car. Cindy's store supports local artisans, crafters, and growers and is a gem. I noticed that she also carries quite a number of items that would be perfect for a baby shower, and specialty bath salts and soaps, organic health food snacks, and many other unique gifting day surprises. Needless to say I've found my new favorite thing !

Sooooooo many books! Piles everywhere! Not perfectly organized, but so many choices. Fairly priced…read more I will say that a good chunk of the store is taken up by Christian-themed books (hence the name?) so you might not find a ton of stuff in the "other religion" or LGBTQ+ books here, but I wasn't really looking.

I really don't want to share this secret with the world, but because I have fell madly in love with…read morethis wonderful world full of really dope books I had to share! You really just have to come in and submerge yourself into this place. This place is just full of history and it's just a dope atmosphere it kind of feels like a movie set. The smell the lighting just has so much personality. The book selections just are priceless just really great taste, you find yourself just sitting on the floor just looking and reading book after book after book , just really dope! Forget social media for a cool 3 hours and just really touch and smell and read books is truly amazing! Peep it. It's dope in here.