What a gem of a bookstore…read more Local hangout for Westsiders with tonssss of books, a café, lots of seating, and a children's section. They hold different events as well. I love that they have early hours even on weekends for those of us still up at 7am no matter what. Going in at 8am on a Sunday and seeing others already there? *My people* They have "bar" seating along the windows for working use with bar stools. Laptop/reading seating. They have tables and one BIG table for those enjoying café purchases and for those needing back support *cough cough* me. Village Well is just such a nice place to hangout in if you love books and/or need a place to work instead of home so you don't fall asleep. Anywhere that puts passion into books...is my favorite place.

As a local author, I want to share my experience with Village Well's consignment program so others…read morecan make informed decisions. I placed copies of my books there, including a recent title that had been in the store for less than six months. When I followed up, I was told there had been no recorded sales and that books are subject to removal after a period of time without activity. When I returned to the store, I noticed that much of the "local author" section appeared sparsely stocked, which raised concerns for me about how long books are kept on display and how actively they are supported. To be fair, the store did communicate that: Authors are responsible for following up on sales Shelf space is limited Books may be removed after a certain period However, I think it's important for other local authors to understand that: Placement does not guarantee visibility or promotion You may need to actively check in and market your book yourself Unsold books may be pulled without much notice If you're considering consignment, I recommend having a clear plan to promote your work and staying in regular contact with the store. Just sharing my experience so others go in with clear expectations.

This is my go-to gift shop in town. The selection is beautifully curated, thoughtful without…read morefeeling generic, and I've genuinely never left disappointed. The owner is incredibly intuitive, and has an amazing eye. I always ask for her advice, and she somehow always points me to the right gift for the right person. It makes gift-buying feel effortless and actually enjoyable. If you want something meaningful and well chosen, this is the place.

Amazing stuff! Stopped in for a small kids gift and ended up getting myself a bunch of things as…read morewell. Amazing selection, very well curated, and staff was very helpful and knowledgeable. Highly recommended!!

My first visit to Gifted. It's a fun store with a great variety of unique gifts. I highly recommend…read moreshopping here.

This is an adorable gift shop. I was in the neighborhood dropping something off at the neighbor UPS…read moreand decided to pop in because the window displays drew me in. I love supporting a small business and there is such a variety of products - I came in around Christmas time looking for stocking stuffers and they have this whole side wall of small products organized by color where I was able to fulfill my task. The prices vary across the store but you generally have to pay a little bit more to shop small, which I am ok with because of the quality of the store and the kindness of the staff. I'll be back!

*** No Cash Establishment ***…read more The Ripped Bodice is a woman and queer owned bookstore devoted exclusively to the romance genre (opened in March 2016). This independent bookstore started as a Kickstarter campaign and is believed to be America's first bookstore dedicated exclusively to romance novels. The bookstore was even featured as one of questions on Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? The Ripped Bodice opened a second location in Brooklyn, NY in August 2023. [Parking]: Most of parking structures in Downtown Culver City (ABM Parking at The Culver Steps or Cardiff Parking Garage) offer free parking for the 1st hour. No parking validation from The Ripped Bodice so no additional free parking beyond the 1st hour. [Atmosphere]: You can tell that every corner of the store has been curated and decorated with thought and care. Before entering the bookstore, there is a vending machine selling pins. Near the front entrance, there is a small stage with chairs where the bookstore hosting book signing events. [Selection]: The bookstore specializes in but is not limited to the following genres: romance novels, LGBTQ, sexual health & wellness, fantasy/paranormal, erotica, historical romance, etc. The bookstore also sells merchandise like romance-themed stickers, notebooks, tote bags, and other romance-related items. There is also a bookshelf featuring books autographed by their authors and a bookshelf dedicated to the Heated Rivalry series. [Conclusion]: A really unique and cute bookstore that is an absolute must-visit for romance book lovers.

Amazing selection of books, found a great heated rivalry inspired hat that I just HAD to take home…read more:) Lots of cute stickers and accessories and goodies inside, definitely stop by! It's worth the visit :)

very unfriendly staff- interesting how they sell asian/japanese goods (at a whack price point btw)…read moreand only greeted *certain* customers that walked in - and my partner and i definitely don't fall into that group... it was quite hard to look at anything when you felt like you were being watched but at the same time not even acknowledged as a customer. i would suggest going to tokyo central or small businesses in little tokyo/torrance that are more deserving and most of all, FRIENDLY. for the store managers, i suggest teaching the staff a few manners like hi and hello! i hardly ever leave a yelp review for a store, but it truly was such a negative experience

They have some really amazing gifts and home goods in this store, even if it is a bit bougie and…read moreoverpriced.

Beautiful store with all good vibes stuffs . So happy we made the trip all The way from Long Beach…read more. Does sure coming back !!!!

NOTE! They are Closing on July 15! Relocating to downtown L.A…read more Go Shop NOW ! Unable to log on via phone to attach photo of notice posted on front window and door - just seen there today (Tuesday 7/7)

Wish I could leave an actual review, but for a Time Travel Mart that promises to already be…read morewhenever you are, I'm not actually certain if they're open to regular business anymore? I love the Echo Park Time Travel Mart and wanted to give their Mar Vista location a visit sometime while I'm on the west side. Their hours are pretty limited. Google and Yelp claim Friday to Sunday from 12:00-6:00pm, but buried on their own website it says 2:00-6:00pm on Tuesdays to Saturdays. Not sure which is more up to date. But I've gone out of my way on two separate occasions when the hours overlap, and both times they've been closed anyway. Their website does warn they're often closed during their hours and to call ahead, but I haven't gotten an answer. (I guess because they're usually closed?) So yeah, if you can catch them when they're open, great! But I wouldn't advise going out of your way for it unless you can call in advance and confirm they'll actually be open.

If you're coming because you saw this on instagram, please dont set your expectations too high!!…read more I'm really happy I found this place by chance when strolling through the area. Then I saw it on my IG feed weeks later and all I could think was how content creators over-hype all these hidden gems in LA. I just notice that influencers put an exaggerated spin on spots like these to make them seem a lot bigger or crazier than they actually are for the sake of views. Not to say they aren't worth visiting, but I think the fun part about these kinda shops is discovering it for yourself or that element of surprise. I've just been severely disappointed by some places I've visited that didn't live up to the expectations set by content creators. It's not the businesses fault, but just how social media works these days. Anyways, it's a small shop that you'll probably get through in a few minutes, but definitely worth checking out. I'm so glad I so happened to stumble upon this place by surprise, and I hope that's how you find it too :)

This is my favourite store in Sawtelle!!! It's so unique with really fun and curated items!…read more The staff are lovely with great knowledge of every product. Every time I come I always find really great pieces that I never knew I needed!

Owned by Sung and his super cool sister Jisook, we found so many interesting and unique things!…read moreFrom super interesting art, cards, glasses, clothing and a host of fun offerings that kept my bff fascinated and smiling. She's a NYer and had never seen such an establishment that could compare! Huge compliment. With the holidays approaching, there are plenty of fun and useful choices. I bought a fabulous black sweater that feels so light and comfy and will be perfect for our chilly upcoming days! Stylish and reasonably priced! I support small businesses in our west side, which is the best side area of town! A must visit for us Angelenos and visiting friends and family! My friend bought a lot of things too! Never have seen her get so excited about her purchases... And all the customers that we saw inside the store were feeling the same excitement! Highly recommended for sure! PS so many stocking stuffers that will put smiles on every single person that receive them!!! I definitely picked up several and will return this week for Hanukkah goodies for my friends and family too!