I love the idea of having a gift shop and plant nursery next to an arboretum. Lots of plants (ca…read morenatives too) and acute gift shop. Some local items and other fun things to give as gifts or keep! The lady working behind the counter was super sweet too.

This is a gem of a giftshop! There's an excellent variety of gift ideas. Staffing and purchasing is…read moreall done by volunteers. Prices are reasonable, only downside is that it closes at 4:00 PM.

Botanic and Luxe combines all my favorite shoppable things into one place: gorgeous healthy…read moreplants, local delicate jewelry, pillows, baskets, handcrafted goodies, candles and other scented gifts, wall art, travel and cook books, fine kitchenware. I mean seriously, did someone read my journal of Favorite Things and create this store just for me?!! L-O-V-E! There is no walking around downtown Santa Cruz without stopping by Botanic and Luxe. I have purchased gifts here as well as framed art (with a locally-made wooden frame) that hangs in my home, and recently attended their anniversary event where they had local vendors serve matcha and desserts, and they provided 20% off the entire store, so naturally I went home with another plant baby. Even though the store was PACKED with customers, they asked me if I needed help twice and also spent time giving me plant care instructions! Botanic is a higher-end plant shop, so expect to see some matching "luxury" prices as well. But people don't usually come here to get the best deal; they come to feel a certain way while they peruse a beautiful shop that sources many items locally, to get a certain level of service, and to be ensured a certain quality of product.

I absolutely love this cute little spot in Santa Cruz. I have a little tradition that every time I…read morecome here I buy a new plant. The day I bought the cutest little mini monstera. They also have a wonderful variety of different artisan crafts and very delightful scented oils. If you want to uplift your mood, come into botanic and lux. In a good mood immediately with all their soothing music and they're gorgeous atmosphere. The service is always very friendly and I plan to patron this place very often.

We had dinner reservations next door, but were early (natch) so we stopped in this boutique shortly…read morebefore they closed. It was nice, a bit eclectic, very clean, bright and well organized. Lots of stuff for the dining room and bar, games, fun cards and stickers. We got no flack for hanging out right up to closing time. In fact, someone else came in after we did.

Cute gift shop with rotating selection- kitchen items, cards, games, wall decor, hats, stickers,…read moreand more. A lot seems locally sourced. But honestly, the prices are high. Sweatshirts run $60-$64, hats are around $30, and some necklaces are $40+. I wish I could support and buy something, but I just can't justify those prices. I still like stopping by to see what's new, even if I rarely end up buying anything.

This is a great long standing store front! The new owner (daughter of original owner) is doing a…read moregreat job! Prices are typical and set (for Santa Cruz skateboard gear) but she did have some great sales. DEFINITELY the place for any type of sticker you'd like for your car, skateboard, computer etc. Show some Santa Cruz love and shop here first!

Do not miss this store on the wharf. Best prices on Santa Cruz "red dot" apparel. Best SC…read moresouvenirs. Good selection of local art (prints, postcards, stickers, jewelry, decor). Some local personal care including te RECOVERY PILLOW with proceeds supporting our veterans. Keep this local busin as here by shopping this store on the SC Municipal Wharf.

On our way to Davenport, this place caught my eye, so we stopped on the way back. Our dog, Zoey,…read moreappreciates any opportunity to shop, and garden centers are a favorite destination. There is an indoor store as well as outdoor areas to walk through. They had a nice selection of succulents here, and a really cute area designated for children. We encountered a friendly and helpful employee who gave Zoey a warm welcome. This is a great place for plant enthusiasts and their dogs!

I absolutely love this nursery! The staff are always so polite and helpful whenever I have…read morequestions. I'm a big fan of protea plants, and they have an excellent selection at reasonable prices. There's also a charming little shop inside with a variety of cute, unique items. Bonus: it's dog-friendly, so after spending time at the beach, we love stopping by The Garden before heading home.

Definitely a cool shop at the Swift Street Courtyard. I love small boutique stores like this…read more Beautifully and carefully curated collection of goods ranging from office to kitchen to skin care to outdoors. Pricey but fun! Malin & Goetz, Aarke, Baggu, hand crafted pottery / ceramics & jewelry, candles, Aesop... the list goes on. I love their greeting card selection - creative & witty & one of a kind. A little on the upper scale for home goods but very unique finds. Fun place to browse and kill time because you'll find very interesting items. You bet we didn't leave empty handed. Putting this under the "there is something for everyone" store category.

We came upon this boutique while wandering the shops and eateries of a plaza that consisted mostly…read moreof breweries and a few wineries in the area. Upon entering I was impressed at the variety of merchandise on display. It was interesting to find so many items that enticed one to feel drawn into buying it because it was something you felt you needed. I was already on the lookout in trying to find a pair of brown sweat pants that would match my sweater. When I spotted it in the clothing section, I was excited to see that they had my size! However, once I saw the price of $139.00 I decided that my money could be better spent elsewhere. That's when I took a closer look to find that just about everything in the store was outrageously priced! Sure, it is a cute and quaint little shop, but not good enough to earn a purchase from me! I'm surprised that the majority of Yelp reviews don't mention the high prices. I guess this is just a normal way of life living in Sant Cruz!

This place is so cute! It reminds me of Powells Books in Portland. Its open and full of little…read morenooks and has fun recommendations and stands. You can spend the whole day looking around and exploring. It also has tons of fun stationary, or kitchen decor things, like the fun stuff for your home or office, not necessarily the stuff you need, but the stuff thats going to make you smile (so, the things you need). I also loved that there were two doors. I know that is silly, but I liked that you can park in the back, walk in, go shopping, then walk out the front and you're now in downtown. It is a bit overwhelming, but, super cute and I would recommend any age stopping by for something you'd like.

This bookshop is one of the stores I *must* stop into when I'm downtown. It calls my name! It has…read morea huuuge variety of books -- the usual suspects, but also some interesting subjects that are very à la Santa Cruz, like LGBTQ themes, and then there are the huge number of gift items as well as a UCSC section, which is always fun to look through. The staff is lukewarm-friendly, but overall I find them talking amongst each other behind the register like they're at a Sunday backyard BBQ, so if I have a question, I am disrupting their conversation. They'll help me out but they aren't too happy about it. That's how it feels anyway. I wish there was a self-price scanner and a way to find books more easily, so it takes out the need for customer service. All in all, the Santa Cruz Bookstore is a place you can easily spend an hour or longer to kill time or to meander after dinner. It's really fun, and is a perfect place for the loner types who don't like people talking to them... because usually staff won't approach you here on their own. (See? This can be a positive!)

Amazing store Amazing message and amazing staff…read more They have just a little bit of everything in the store. My first visit and they are so willing to give you information about any of the various items they sell. I ended up picking up a really pretty silver shell ring that matches earrings and necklace that we bought in Utrecht. And some delicious looking honey both photos below.

This is a fantastic store with friendly staff and great homemade items to purchase as gifts and as…read morepersonal treasures. The proceeds go to help the homeless in many ways!