Therapy is, well, good therapy! They have a ton of stuff in these stores ranging from cards to…read morebooks to plushies to ceramics to tea to clothing. I always have a lot of fun looking at the stuff here. It's also good to pick up a gift or two if you need it. They have some local goods too depending on the city (here, San Mateo, but it seems they also have some neighboring cities like San Francisco and San Carlos).

What a joyful and calming place! I'm so happy they opened a store in San Mateo. The ambiance is…read morewarm and welcoming, and the selection of gifts is truly unique. I've been visiting their locations for over 10 years, and every store has the same wonderful energy. The staff is always helpful, kind, and cheerful, which makes every visit feel personal and enjoyable. I'd much rather shop here for gifts than at big-box stores. There are so few places like this left, and I really hope the trend continues. Shopping here is not just a transaction; it's a delightful experience. Thank you for creating such a special space!

Work near the area and happened to wander around and saw they had plants. Went inside to see some…read moreif they had any plants to add to my collection. They have outdoor and indoor plants available. As I kept walking in, they also have a store inside with random cute things like candles, decorations, jewelry, baby clothes etc. Smelled nice and clean inside. Saw staff taking care of the outdoor plants. So I found a cute plant but when I got to the cashier to pay, I asked if she happens to know or see if they had a bigger version. To my surprise she answered with "what we have out there is what have. Have you seen a bigger a version?" Honey, I wouldn't have asked if I saw one wouldn't I? Kind of disappointed with her reply. But maybe she's new not sure what the situation is. They have plenty of succulents to choose from if you're into them. The prices for the plants were fair.

Great customer service and walked away with a nice healthy plant…read more It's a tad more expensive than other places but it's worth coming here.

What a funny store…read more The employee said they've been here for a year, but I've never noticed it. Great place for unique gifts like sushi socks or Japanese plush animals. Discount section in the back. They sell jewelry, though limited in the front. Mostly horoscope or Moon themed.

I went in there with my kids (who always get me to buy things for them) and was greeted…read moregenerically. I was hoping to purchase a utensil set for them, but nowhere on the packaging did it say what was inside the case. I couldn't tell if it was chopsticks and a spoon, a fork and a spoon, or all three. The item was already unsealed, so I reopened it to take a look and got rudely scolded by the person working there. None of us wanted to shop there anymore and left. If you don't want people to open the item, you need to display what is inside or have descriptions nearby. Salespeople should not scorn you for trying to figure it out. There are also nicer ways of asking someone not to do something, so that they still want to come back.

Reach and Teach is truly a local gem and one of the most inspiring shops on the Peninsula. They…read moreoffer a carefully curated mix of progressive books, educational toys and games, eco‑friendly products, and other high‑quality gifts you won't find in big box stores. Every visit feels like a treasure hunt--you'll discover something meaningful, fun, and thoughtful. The two owners are not only super friendly but also deeply civic‑minded, always ready to share knowledge and support community causes. Their passion for education, sustainability, and social justice shines through in everything they do. If you're looking for a place that combines heart, purpose, and great finds, Reach and Teach is a must‑visit.

The first thing you'll appreciate is the service. The owners are friendly and incredibly…read moreknowledgeable about everything they sell. Next, it's the selection. These aren't just toys, games, and books; they've got the best toys, games, and books curated for developing and broadening minds of all ages. They don't just sell what's hot, they sell what's good. I'm not sure who enjoys going more, my 4 year old son or me!

If this store is going to be closed during regular business hours I feel like they should make it…read moreknown so people don't drive out of their way for this store, only for it to be closed.

Such a quaint boutique in downtown San Carlos…read more The owner was so nice she has done a great job decorating the space So many wonderful gift options

Absolutely LOVE this store! Liv and Doron who both helped me…read morewere simply delightful. So customer service savvy made the shopping experience so much fun (as usual) Jing who is the owner of these stores is unbelievable. A true Gem. I just can't say enough positive words about this store. Love you all!!!!

Therapy is a great place to find gifts for anyone. Including yourself! Shoutout to Magdalena and…read moreMarie who put together the cutest birthday package for a special friend. Super helpful, and exquisitely curated items keep this neighborhood gem high on my go-to list.

Wow, the flowers were spectacular! The smile on my…read moredaughter's face melted my heart, I haven't proper words to describe just how happy she was at how beautiful they were. I absolutely recommend Ah Sam Floral! Thank you for making the experience with my order & delivery & results, to be beyond expectations.

My fiance had purchased the most beautiful rose bouquets from Ah Sam's a couple months back when he…read moreproposed to me. They lasted about about 4 weeks and we were so pleased with the quality and how long they stayed for. So when Valentine's Day came around, he decided to naturally choose Ah Sam's again for a bouquet. I ended up going with him as he wanted me to choose the color this time and see all the varieties (I'm a big flower girlie). They were obviously busy with it being Valentine's Day, I chose a bouquet that was on the floor displayed. I ended up wanting it in a small arrangement because the vase they were in was extremely large with a lot of extra not necessary greenery. Of which they happily downsized the vase. The two down sides were that we actually brought back the 2 large vases that were used for the proposal to downsize. They didn't even consider giving a slight discount for returning the vases and better yet, when we asked them to downsize the bouquet we got, the worker said the price would remain the same at $250. I let all of this slide and accepted the new downsized roses at that price and allowed them to take the two larger vases off of our hands. Sadly lees then a week later, these $250 downsized roses have completed wilted & are dying. A much different experience compared to the gorgeous roses I had received during my proposal. Over all very disappointed in how they handled the vase swap and rose downsizing with no thought into maybe giving us a slight discount. But now with the roses already dying just a week later, I would find better quality roses at my local Trader Joe's for $15 a bouquet.

BAY HOME AND LINENS on B Street in San Mateo is small store of home decor, linens, tableware,…read moreselect wool, cashmere and alpaca sweaters and accessories, tucked away in a block across from the now closed Draegers. Greeted and warmly welcomed in by Lina. I happily and luckily browsed during one of their sales. I sat lucky because oohing and aaahing over their cashmere and alpaca sweaters and cardigans, my eyes felt to a table piled high with soft cashmere scarves! I immediately picked it up and couldn't believe the plushness and softness of the scarf! This scarf could easily run $600+, at Neiman Marcus, or more, if it was from Loro Piana. Definitely going home with me! I also saw a Pendleton sweater, appropriate for the cold weather. Lina said they also carry the famous Pendleton wool blankets but they had not arrived as yet. I'll look forward to the Pendleton blankets. Among the small selection of mostly Japanese tableware I spied a blue & white square porcelain jar that seemed to be missing a top. I kept going back to it and finally added that to my purchases. It kept calling to me. It could be used as a writing instrument or brush holder, or Even as a small vase yo fill with some bright posies to brighten a tabletop or desk. BHL also had a nice selection of plush, thick, warm bathrobes, along side the select bed linens. This store is a place where you might find an interesting and eclectic piece to complete your bedroom, table top or living space. Perhaps completing the tableau. I will definitely make BAY HOME AND LINENS a regular stop to check out their near, little treasures. See there!

All on sale earrings 20-30$ some more. Rings all on sale. All items on sale and many from local…read moreartists. Lovely worker at the front desk shared stories about the items. We bought a gorgeous flower necklace under 30$

I always have the best time shopping here! The employees are so kind and I always find the most…read moreunique gifts -- it's like my go-to place to find presents for friends, family or my partner. I truly don't have to shop elsewhere because the intention and thoughtfulness in the products selected are so curated for everyone. And ... they have JELLYCAT!

Cute shop with a lot of fun knick knacks. They have cards, books, keychains, journals, ornaments,…read moretote bags, stuffed animals, jewelry, jewelry dishes, clothing, etc. It's located in the heart of downtown San Carlos with a bunch of restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and more nearby. Can easily spend 30 mins to 1 hour exploring every corner of the store. The cashier was extremely friendly!

A friend and I took Lark's leather workshop and had a delightful evening making crossbody leather…read morebags that turned out surprisingly great! All thanks to owner Eilish's thoughtful assistance and providing all materials needed. Her shop on Laurel is a San Carlos gem too--perfect place to shop for unique and handmade gifts from local artists!

Lark is my first stop in town for unique gifts. I love to browse the store and read all about the…read morelocal artisans. I recently attended a leather making workshop led by Eilish, the shop owner, and made my own tote bag. It was so fun, and Eilish was very knowledgeable and patient.