Capitola Seashells

Really liked this shop! From the eclectic blend of reasonably-priced merchandise to the friendly…read moreservice. I did read the reviews of the store in Carmel - wowzers. I did not experience the level of horrible customer service that Yelpers complained about at this location. I bought a fun scarf - kind of like a cheap knock off of the striped Missoni-style scarves. They were only $7.50! Acrylic of course. Great spot to buy a unique souvenir or a gift for someone. Highly recommend!

This is the capitola edition of the carmel bay company, located just a block off the beach…read more Parking is street only which sometimes (weekdays in the winter) possible at other times (weekends, the entire summer/tourist season) the rarest commodity on earth. There is a surface lot a block (off of Monterey) away that has all the same problems as the street parking. Generally speaking I like the odds that the lot behind the police station offers, but in peak tourist season you'd best plan ahead for parking. This is a medium ish sized store very typical in layout for the shops that line this block close to the beach. The entrance faces the street, and the stock is laid out through the store with the cashier at the back. It will seem narrow but isn't really. The stock falls into mid range giftables. It's not a super expensive spot where you can blow 500 dollars on a purse but is the kind of spot where you can pick up a decent clutch for 40 bucks or so. Most of the items fall into the home décor category with a mild beach theme. There are inspirational books, wine accessories, all sorts of beach gear, light clothing, candles, leather craft goods, cups, and yes magnets because of course there are. Overall it's a reliable source of better quality gifts then you'll find elsewhere on the esplanade, the kind of things that won't embarrass you when you get home.

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Book

Ethos

4.8(28 reviews)

I came here for a specific sunscreen after a friend recommended. (If curious it's Avasol.) I wanted…read moresomething that had clean ingredients and easy to apply for the kids. There are a ton of clean options and bulk refills for your reusable bottles. I ended up grabbing a chapstick too. It's a great shop and a fun change of the typical shops in the village. The only downside is getting through the village. I would love if they opened earlier in the summer to grab some things before it gets busy.

We need more stores like this in every town: eco-friendly, sustainable, carbon-neutral, and…read moreplastic-free! They sell a variety of household goods, skincare and beauty products, and so much more, with the emphasis on good-for-the-planet and good-for-you. I had run past this shop and driven by many times, always saying to myself that I needed to drop in when it's open (which by the way is 11am-6pm), and finally got a chance to during the Capitola Art & Wine Festival. There's so much more in this store than I expected, and it's a lot bigger inside than it looks from the outside. Not only do they sell a lot of specialty and everyday items from quality and earth conscious brands, they also are a refillery so you can pop in armed with your own bottles/containers to refill with everything from body lotion to laundry detergent! It's awesome! Ethos is also a Certified B Corp, donates some of their proceeds to environmental nonprofits, is locally-owned, and women-owned! So many positive reasons to support and check them out! Do it for your health and for the planet! :)

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Craft Gallery

4.7(31 reviews)

Totally online/phone experience. I can't say enough good things about this place…read more I was looking for a specific bracelet. The online search terms bring up a lot of irrelevant info bc it's named after an insect. So I narrow my search and find what I'm looking for. I had to call to verify bc I had a bad experience with another online transaction with another company. I wish I could remember who I spoke with. She was so nice! She verified she had what I was looking for & I told her I would order online later in the day (my lunch hour was ending). She said she would set it aside (going the extra mile!). I ended up calling back bc it was getting late & I didn't want her to think I was blowing her off. She ended up taking my order over the phone and was able to locate some other pieces I was looking for. I said "no rush" on the shipping bc I didn't need it for Christmas. I actually received it on 12/24 with a "happy birthday" note on my receipt. Really great buying experience & I received my beautiful bracelet in time for my birthday. Thanks for a flawless experience!

This little shop is a true gem to find. Amazing wonderful Art and Jewelry. Nice friendly staff, my…read morefamily and I felt very Welcomed. Greatly appreciate their opinions and suggestions. It was truly hard to Not buy so many wonderful items. Excited to share this place with others.

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Firefly Dolce Vita bracelet

Lumen Gallery

4.4(20 reviews)

We came in intending to stroll and buy a few art pieces but were rejected almost right away. The…read moreyoung woman at the front was very judgmental. I had my son in a stroller, and without hesitation her judgmental side came out. There was no "Hi, is there anything I can help you with?" it was essentially "leave, since you have a child in a stroller." Cool, whatever. I'll take my business elsewhere. The whole experience felt gross and weird. For a second I even wondered if the judgment was because I'm darker skinned with a light skinned child, who knows. Anyone with kids: I'd say stay away. This place is clearly not kid friendly.

I've been buying client gifts, beloved art, candles, jewelry and textiles from Cierra for over a…read moredecade (since she opened her gallery in 2012). Even when I order holiday gifts for multiple clients, she always takes the time to wrap them beautifully and hand-write notes on my behalf. Please don't let a single negative review here put you off, you'll be in good hands with Cierra and Lumen Gallery.

One of our Faves!

Of course we are always full of Chilewich Shag mats!

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Our vast collection of Pendleton Towels.

Sea Level

4.3(8 reviews)

0.1 mi

Good selection of adult novelty souvenir tee shirts (work safe adult - not *that* kind of "adult")…read moreat acceptable tourist location prices ($26 OTD). They had a few other things such as kid's tees, baby onesies, postcards, etc. But predominantly t-shirts here. Service was helpful and she was far more polite to the non-mask wearing women who walked in after us than I would have been (FYI, I loathe the dumb mask but generally, rules are rules).

1. Don't shop here because the clothes are cheap material and over priced for what you get. Trust…read moreme you can get better quality down the way. Just keep walking! 2 ( and most importantly) The woman they have working AS THE CASHIER is rude AF. She should definitely be fired because her customer service is A-palling . If this is how she treats half of the customers that walked by there good luck getting any business. The woman is terrible. I am SHOCKED at the level of customer service of this place! My son, who was NOT in the establishment waved at a dog inside the store. She yells to him VERY RUDELY "watch out for your ice cream" and so I looked at her and said "he's not inside the store" Her response " I don't care , I don't want it there" EXCUSE ME? Don't talk to me like that or my son and secondly you don't own the sidewalk you idiot. Some people! Seriously, the owners need to reconsider hiring someone else if they want more business. And if she is the owner (which I doubt) good luck staying in business. You have a lot to learn about running one.

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Capitola Mercantile

3.0(7 reviews)

The rudest I've ever been treated. The owner of the new place treated me like an adversary, not a…read morecustomer. I look forward to their karma causing their failure.

Josh is the property manager here and extorted money tonight by having our car towed because it was…read moreslightly over the line because another car was parked incorrectly. Santa Cruz aptos auto towing was rude, used fowl language when we asked questions and the owner was slurring his words. Zelda Manager apologized that Josh would do this to 4 senior citizens. Beware of this set up in this parking lot. Police will do nothing because it's privately owned for public parking. A scam for sure!!!!!!!!!!!!! Josh's number is 831-8189593

BFF Boutique: Vintage & Recycled Fashions

Om Rhythms love this store

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She Sells Seashells and More

Outside-In

3.2(59 reviews)

2.3 mi

•$$$

This was a lovely store that had so much to offer. This cute shop was packed full of clothing, home…read moredecor, and other wonderful items. After reading previous review reviews, I was a little apprehensive, walking in knowing what many others had experienced with their customer service. I will say when I walked in there was somebody who promptly greeted me and my husband, when we walked in and made some small talk. As we peruse the store, I did experience a little of what other people were saying as the employee seemed to keep popping up to chat with us as we per the store. I can understand why some customers may think that it may come off as the employees are watching you while you shop. I don't think that was what was happening at all. I think they were trying to definitely just be more friendly and welcoming, but I think they do need to tone down how many times they pop up while you are walking around the store. All of the items they have to offer are a fabulous quality and definitely a great spot to pick up gifts for others. When I'm in the area, I will definitely pop in and shop again.

I was disappointed when I came in to the store on Friday evening 9/4. When I walked through the…read moredoors the two workers were walking side by side, looked right at me, and walked past with no acknowledgement or verbal greeting. Throughout my time in the store that remained the same with no offer of help or welcome. It was off putting and unfortunate that this was the service in a beautiful store.

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Super cute candle's

Zen Island

3.8(94 reviews)

1.0 mi

Cutest shop ever!!! Feels like you're in hawaii! Best customer service and the sweetest giftsread more

Cutest store. Found a couple really unique pieces that will last a long time. Highly recommend…read morestopping here!

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Cowbelles For Heart & Home

5.0(1 review)

1.1 mi

Two weeks ago my husband and I were antiquing and came upon this great store at the end of our day…read more Two weeks later we went back to pick up a new headboard, dresser and night table, all of which we are very happy with. The quality of the furniture, the range of choices, the flexibility with colors , hardware choices, and the talented store owner, Anita, made this a very enjoyable purchase. I'd been looking for well over a year for items I found in these two rooms filled with lovely things. And all of them were beyond my expectations. I highly recommend Cowbelles to anyone looking for a pleasant shopping experience seeking antique furniture, thoughtful gifts, great accessories and unique jewelry. We live near San Francisco and it was worth sitting in summer travel over the hill to visit. I believe we would have been hard pressed to find the quality of merchandise, the value of the items we purchased and the genuine helpfulness of the store owner anywhere else. Make sure to add it to your list,you will enjoy it! We plan to go back soon.

From the owner: Eclectic furnishing, accessories and gifts. Decor accents of unusual finds with a timeless and…read morechic sensibility.

Always new finds added weekly.

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Quality statement pieces

Ace's Flowers

4.9(99 reviews)

2.3 mi

Locally owned & operated

33 years in business

I've passed by Ace's for years and somehow it has always been closed, so I was gleeful it was open…read morewhen I was in the parking lot for another shop. Ace's is small but it packs quite a punch because there are so many things packed into that small shop! It wasn't just flowers, like I expected. I bought the first thing that caught my eye.... It was a bird house made of what looks like bamboo twigs, wire and real moss ($35). So cute. Service was small-town-friendly too. :)

Very professional, responsive, and made a beautiful Lei for my little graduate. 5 star service.read more

French Flower Box

Yummy citrus fresh

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French Flower Box

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Iris C.

2 years ago

Wonderful shop for unique and thoughtful gifts, wonderful selection of jewelry, shells, and knickknacks. The store is organized in such a way that it is always beautifully displayed. Staff well-trained, very friendly and knowledgeable, excellent customer service. They will also be happy to provide gift-wrapping services for your purchase, and the parking on this end of town is pretty easy. Overall, Capitola Seashells is one of my top choices for gift shopping. read more

Capitola Seashells - giftshops - Updated September 2026

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Home/Work

4.9

(40 reviews)

What a fabulous cache of the most unique selection of almost anything and everything your little…read moreheart may desire. Home decor, (for the inside and outside), original art work produced by local artists, and lovely, lovely jewelry. This does not even begin to describe all the inventory tastefully organized in this cute, small store located in midtown Santa Cruz. I could have wandered around for much longer but I had dinner plans at my favorite Italian restaurant (Sugo) next door so I was on the move. I spent fifteen minutes checking out everything and wanting to buy something, LOL! And there it was. A cool, casual purse perfect for a day at the beach or on a sail... maybe even a hike. The only purse I brought was not suitable for outdoor activities. Score! It is adorable and so practical but also a one of a kind find. I love it. The price was reasonable for Santa Cruz. Actually I could see it costing about the same in my city. Home/Work is fun! I will return on future trips for sure. Maybe pick up some gifts for a few lucky friends. The woman working was so sweet. No pressure but happy to answer any and all questions. Street parking on busy, crazy Soquel Avenue is challenging. Perhaps find a side street. This store does not rely on tourists. It is supported and loved by the local community/neighborhood. (Check out the photos left by Yelp reviewers.) Home/Work is worth seeking out. Do not miss this treasure. It is guaranteed to bring you joy!

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.

Botanic and Luxe

4.8

(58 reviews)

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.

Paper Vision

4.5

(90 reviews)

Such a fun little paper + gift shop in Santa Cruz. This place is packed with the coolest cards,…read moregame boards, quirky toys, and playful finds you didn't know you needed. Everything is well-organized, so it's easy to browse without feeling overwhelmed. Located on a lively, busy street that's great to walk around, with street meter parking nearby. Perfect spot to pop into while exploring the area and looking for a unique card or gift.

On 06/19/21, The dude calls Station businesses "Princess Places" as I have an obsession with…read morestationary - it's my hobby (that's what I tell myself to feel better a out it xD). I love everything about it. I was hesitant on coming in as I had my mind set on getting cookies a block away and he convinced me to stop in so we can look for Princess things for me and my bestie!! I was ALL in at that point. Upon entering in, I knew I didn't want to go. They had cute cards you can mail out which I'm so old school I love it. I spent a good 30 minutes trying to find the perfect Santa Cruz card!! I grabbed so many and started narrowing it down and down. I ended up not picking any of them and found a really small unique card I fell in love with which was perfect for the theme I was going for!! This place has so many hidden TREASURES. I was rummaging through everything from vintage games, books, puzzles, trinkets, unique items and the dude found a mermaid shell the actually hatches a mermaid. I knew that was the perfect item to pair with my cute card!! A unique find in Santa Cruz which was awesome. While I was in awe of the store the dude found a Coney cup *insert love emoji eyes* I literally squealed my princess skirt off!! There was no way I was walking out the store without it. I think the dude and I spent about an hour in the store until I realized we had to go pick up my hat that was being done. The line wasn't too long for check out and the owners informed us that they barely put the Coney Line Friends cup out two or three days ago!! Just my luck. I let them know they need BROWN BEAR - CONEY'S true love! So they were pleased that someone bought it. The owners were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Their store made me fall in love with Santa Cruz and make the trip very special! It was clean organized and such unique items you won't find! I highly recommend you come and check it out. Something for everyone!

Childish Toy Shop

4.1

(49 reviews)

This place gave me the heebie jeebies.... A lot of weird "adult" themed things that IMO have no…read morebusiness being in a children's toy store. Also the woman working took a ball from my daughter's hand and put it back in the bin where they were stored. She was just holding it and waiting to ask me if she could get it. So bizarre. Stay away

Childhood should be whimsical, and this store has so many toys that are. Stopped by here with some…read morefriends, and while I didn't get anything, almost all of my friends did. Do you need a sandwich puppet? Childish is there. Do you need slime with some unique embeds? Yep, Childish is still there. A chonky rhino or hippo stuffie? Come close so I can whisper in your ear.... Chilllllldish. Cam the employee was easy to talk and made each of our experiences that much better. They gave helpful suggestions without making us feel pressured.

Mountainside Handmade Jewelry

4.9

(10 reviews)

Everyone should know about this wonderful store in Felton. It's full of fabulous gift items -all…read moreunique and handmade. The owner does all the jewelry herself. The staff, Carly and Raissa were so friendly and helpful. I will return to this wonderful store since I am planning to purchase a very nice wedding gift here. Great value, ambiance and items for sale!

Mountainside Made is such a wonderful addition to downtown Felton. Amber makes the most beautiful…read morejewelry and it's so nice to be able to go look at it and purchase it in person. Besides her beautiful jewelry, the shop is filled with tons of unique things. There are special chocolates, cute cards, lovely soaps, candles, artisan olive oils, etc. the perfect place to find a thoughtful gift for a friend or for yourself. I could spend hours in this cozy little shop!

Miss Jessie May's Antiques & Collectibles

4.3

(21 reviews)

As they name of this shop implies, this business offer a very nice array of Antiques and…read moreCollectables. They are located right in the heart of the Santa Cruz Shopping District on Pacific Avenue. So, they are easy to find. And, of course, there is tons of parking surrounding this area, so that should never be a problem. Once you walk into the store you will find tons and tons of all kinds of stuff. Items like their jewelry and small things like that are keep in glass cases, so they are easy to look at and study. And, of course, they will take them out for you if you want to analyze them closer. Plus, they have all kind of others things. A never-ending, always changing variety of all kinds of antique items. One of the fun things that I saw at this shop on my last visit was they had a great collection of Asia orientated magazines from the 1950s in excellent condition. You never known what you will find! The prices here are very reasonable. This is one of those shops that you can go into and buy that very unique gift or purchase that something that you never knew you needed.

Small and cute, looked like a good mix of new, to fairly recent, to antique, rather than purely…read moreantiques. Feel like there was a LOT of jewelry, a fair amount of paper related things- like song scores and old postcards, and then filled in with all the randomness you expect from an antique or thrift shop. Glad I got to pop in.

Salt

5.0

(7 reviews)

I just had the most pleasant experience at a local Santa Cruz Shoppe called SALT, located in the…read moreTannery Building. These earrings are one of the many she has created along with very unique necklaces that has a Notting technique and this lovely wrap or blanket or whatever you want it to be. Great to wrap up and read a book or ponder your path in life. Just a bunch of really cool things. She has gently used unique clothing, a lot of linen, that she finds, washes, and hangs on her rack. I love to promote women in business. Sarah has been here for five years. This is the first time I've even been to the Tannery! I know, I'm embarrassed. But do yourself a favor and check it out. I'm sure you'll go home with some unique item that will charm you. Warmly, Jodi Laub

If you want a store that has beautiful handmade jewelry and creative finds in every knook and…read morecranny of the space, this is your place. Sarah the store owner has such an eye for detail it will make each shopper want to take everything home with them. A wonderful person and an absolute joy to visit Salt, everytime you visit trust me you will not be disappointed.

Clementine

4.7

(3 reviews)

Beautiful store and great prices. Lots of awesome inventory . The owner was one of the friendliest…read moreand nicest people I've ever met. Susan

My fave home store in capitola! I always find great home decor in this store for our house. Love…read morelove love this store! Wish it was close to our home in Sacramento so I can come shop every week!

World of Stones and Mystics

4.3

(69 reviews)

The service was so good, the staff knows a lot about every stone in the store! They have a…read morewonderful selection, the owner Henry was there when I visited and he is a wealth of information! I didn't know what I was looking for, just wanted to browse and see if anything caught my eye. They are so great about answering questions, I ended up with two beautiful pieces to take home with me. Thank you Henry and Susan for all of your patience and information! See you next time I'm up this way!

I went in there, asking to see his selection of necklace string, so I could fix something of mine…read more He insisted on me bringing in my stone for the necklace, and he would do it himself. He refused to show me what he has in stock. I wanted to do it myself and wanted help finding what I was looking for. Shitty individual. I'm assuming the owner. First and last time walking in those doors. Wanted to support local, but not when the attitude and energy sucks like that guy.

Surf City

3.4

(7 reviews)