Love this spot! Erin is delightful and her shop is on point. See pic of today's haul :)…read more Acorn is our family obsession! Cool pots, curated selection of succulents, fun and unusual desk items and great gifts. Erin is delightful and full of plant advice. We hit this spot at least once per month! A must do when you're in Eagle Rock.

Erin was amazing and put together a fantastic terrarium-making party for my plant-loving daughter…read more She hadn't hosted a class in a while, and since it's so hard to find a local vendor for this kind of event, I practically begged her to do it--and I'm so glad she said yes! Erin was incredibly easy to work with and super accommodating. The shop has a great open space in the back, which was perfect for the party. Erin assembled a beautiful selection of succulents, colored sand, shells, moss, and other unique accents, and led the girls through a fun and easy-to-follow tutorial on how to build their own terrariums. The vibe was very cool and creative. The girls had the best time making their gorgeous little creations, while the parents enjoyed browsing the shop's thoughtfully curated selection of goods. Erin and Sien were both wonderfully engaging and added so much to the experience. After the workshop, the girls walked over to Ice Cream Luv just a few doors down to wrap up the celebration with a sweet treat. It was the perfect afternoon at a perfect location for a memorable birthday party. This venue would also be ideal for Girl Scouts or other group gatherings--fun, educational, hands-on, well-priced, and in a warm, welcoming space. Thank you, Acorn Eagle Rock!

Leanna Lin's Wonderland is a charming little gift shop & art gallery that spotlights independent…read moreartists and designers. I love this store! It's a bright and cheery wonderland of artistic treasures. Owner Leanna Lin is so incredibly adorable and sweet. She was a fashion designer for 10 years before turning her love for fashion & jewelry into a career. She started her own jewelry line in 2005 and then opened this lovely boutique in 2010. When I lived in the area, I would come here on a regular basis. I had some friends that were visiting from out of town and wanted to get them a unique & fun gift. Leanna Lin's was the perfect place! When I arrived, I was greeted by Leanna Lin's mom, who is an absolute doll just like her daughter. We had a wonderful conversation, while I browsed the store looking for the perfect gifts. Once I found them, she was kind enough to gift wrap them for me, which I appreciated. I love that Leanna assists local artists by showcasing their work in her store in addition to hosting art shows and events that give back to the community. I'm definitely happy to support this small, local business. Follow her on Instagram @Leannalinswonderland for updates on Art Shows and special events or leannalinswonderland.com/blogs/events. Next Event: Wonderpets 5 Art Show + Fundraiser August 19th - September 30th.

Leanna Lin's Wonderland is a mini art gallery and gift shop in Eagle Rock that mostly focuses on…read morejewelry, stationery (e.g. Studio Ghibli-themed journals), needle kits, accessories, plushies, home decor, and children's books (including Decoy Saves Opening Day). The shop has a small curated selection of Sanrio and Miffy plushies, but in general about half of the store is geared toward children and kids. [Parking]: Easy metered street parking is available with free metered parking on Sundays. [Conclusion]: As a children's shop, this is a 5-star store. At the same time, the store may not be everyone's cup of tea depending on what they are looking for.

Wow, this is no ordinary gift store…read more There are quite a few shops selling home wares, cards, candles and other gift-y items on Mission Street in South Pasadena. This place, however immediately stands out. When I passed by the store the first time I was struck by a collection of headwear: a beaded cap from the Congo and a hat from the Miao people of China and Southeast Asia. I'm an anthropologist, so I was hooked. This store has an incredibly curated collection: folk altars and santos from Latin America, bronze Buddhist statues and jewelry from around the world. The owner is quite a world traveler and it shows in her collection. Definitely a place for the culturally curious. Along with the numerous artifacts are small gifts: some wonderfully fragrant soaps (my favorites were rose geranium and patchouli/sandalwood), beeswax candles and some interesting kitchenware. People might find some items pricy...however, having done some research, most things are very reasonably priced for the quality. Definitely recommend.

I noticed this store as I was driving by and knew I had to go in! It is a hidden treasure near the…read moreheart of South Pasadena. Great vibe with a unique collection of items. The store owner, Sue, was such a lovely woman to talk to. Will definitely be returning.

Sweet ladies who work there. They have plants somewhat of a mini plant nursery. They put plants on…read morefront sidewalk and have many more plants and trees in the back. I bought a red maple little tree for 25 dollars. Great deal. Definitely going back. Only recommendation is for the ladies to learn some English. It's very hard to communicate with them not knowing one word of English

Any material, fabrics , yarn, zippers, needles, threads you'll ever need, they even sell plants and…read moreplant food. Everything you need for crafts, costumes and knitting!

The Retreat shop on Holly Street is the second of this small chain: the first is located in South…read morePasadena on Mission. The location is wonderful. Many people who shop in Old Town Pasadena focus on the stores easily accessible from the main street, Colorado. However, some of the shops off the main drag, such as the ones on Holly Street, are unique and fascinating. The two Retreats do share merchandise in common. You will find a bevy of delightful greeting cards, jewelry and candles at both. However, I would strongly encourage you to visit both shops, because each has some items that you won't find at the other location. It was at this shop that I first saw the owner's, Diane, artwork on display. She's made a significant collection of gorgeous, shimmering mandalas. I remember the first time I saw them a couple year ago and I was quite impressed. Since then, you will see more of her mandalas at both Retreat locations, as well as some of the pieces that evolved from her work with these pieces of sacred geometry. Like the other Retreat, this is an excellent gift shop. My stationary drawer is positively overflowing with cards I've bough here. I love shopping at Retreat because I always find something, small or large, that's just right for a friend of mine. Whenever I look through the cards that I've found here I get excited for the right time to send a particular card to a particular friend or family member. It is very easy to find something for any budget. I've found so many fun trinkets, amusing coasters and clever devices to have around the house. And all of these things were around twenty dollars or less. The jewelry, of course, is going to be a bit more pricey, but I feel you are definitely paying for quality. The staff on duty have always been nothing but helpful and friendly. I always enjoy chatting with whoever is minding the store at the moment. Definitely recommend.

This has become my favorite stop to get funny, cool, and just better greeting cards than other…read moreplaces. I was fortunate enough to work briefly in the area last year and found this shop on my lunch walk. So many cool gifts, jewelry, etc. I love small shops with unique gifts like this that rotate artists, etc. Kind of hidden on the back streets of old town Pasadena. From now on, I'll always stop by and check if there's (at least) a new card to add to my collection. Don't forget to ask about their "secret stash" of additional cards, too.

I can only describe this place like my Disneyland...I love crafting and they have so much…read moreembellishments it's crazy ..

I was referred to this craft store my a neighboring business. I needed some grad decor for some…read moreribbon leis I was making. The store is huge with so many craft items to offer. Parking was a challenge as it's dtla. The prices were affordable I'll definitely be back.

For a few times I had dined at the restaurant Mission 261 for dim sum, I had the pleasure of…read morewalking around the Historic Mission District at San Gabriel. As I toured the grounds of landmark church and around the streets in the old Mission Drive, I noticed a cool little shop around the corner of Santa Anita St. It seemed to attract a lot of visitors to this part of San Gabriel where they displayed some of the cool imported items from Mexico at this very charming gift shops. There is a lot of arts and crafts all over the place you can take back for mementos. Majority of the trinkets of jewelery or souvenirs reflect the Historic Mexican Mission. This place feel more part of the Mission district than some hokey little gift shops you could have seen in most place. It's worth noting that they do sell paintings from other artists that you can take a look at. This is a relaxing place to window shop at least and had much more to offer.... ...than the Chinese restaurant up the street

Amazing customer service!!!!!! This place has high quality items imported from Mexico. Not only are…read morethe prices reasonable, but their customer service is one of a kind. I've been to other places that sell items like these , and they have horrible customer service. Rosa, the owner is super friendly! THIS PLACE IS GREAT!

It was my pleasure to recently visit El Jardin De Talavera Pottery. I came here after being…read morerecommended by a work colleague that this place has a great collection of artisanal pieces. I came looking for a cute vase & a skull for my Dia de los Muertos Alter. The prices are fair in comparison to other places I have been to in the past, but the collection of items here is vast. I was amazed with what a great selection of items they have of talavera & barro items. The lady & gentleman that run the store were so helpful & kind. I truly enjoyed my shopping experience here & left with a beautiful vase & skull that I wanted. I will gladly return in the future to purchase more.