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!

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

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!

One of my absolute favorite shops in the Bay Area! The space is warm, inviting, and filled with…read moredecor inspiration perfect for refreshing your home or finding a thoughtful gift. Their seasonal displays are always beautifully done, and the staff is genuinely enthusiastic and helpful. Over the years, I've picked up all kinds of unique treasures, but most recently I purchased Farrow & Ball paint and enjoyed my experience. They have an in-house mixing machine and were incredibly patient in helping me find the perfect color match for my space. Prices can be on the higher end for vintage furniture, but they also carry more budget-friendly options like cookbooks and charming little knick-knacks. I always feel so refreshed after walking in & plan to at least monthly!

This is such a cute home goods store (so cute I already owned several pieces they were selling!) it…read morewas the perfect mix of rustic and unique. It was Christmas-y without being too much and you could definitely get goods here that are unique! The staff was friendly too. It was very warm and inviting.

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.

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!

I have loved Shady Lane at their past and present locations. This is one of the places I go…read moreregularly for family gifts. They staff is passionate and knowledgeable about the makers whose work they carry, and they carry such a wide selection of unique items by local artisans, as well as by global artisans. Most of the items I have purchased at Shady Lane fall under the category of jewelry, but I have also been very pleased with their selection of offbeat, small-maker clothing and outerwear. I appreciate that I can buy holiday gifts for a wide range of family members, from babies to adults, under one roof. A typical visit for me involves spending between ten and ninety minutes poring over their collection of Trollbeads (IYKYK). Then I move on to the artisan jewelry, the crystals, and the small woodworking (think jewelry boxes). And then, when possible, I blow kisses to the little dog behind the counter! I've also been to a few of their special events over the years, including a PassionArt Designs glass bead extravaganza. PS: It's taken me years and years to finish this review because it's one of my favorite places ever!

I wanted to attach a bead to an intricate lanyard and asked Shady Lane for help. It was a…read moredeceptively tricky task, but they showed great creativity and persistence and did an outstanding job! They are something which can be hard to find these days - true artisans who clearly care about the work they do. I'd give them more stars if I could!

Beautiful flowers especially Orchids for a Display in your…read morehome or office. So beautiful.

It's an alright spot -- as another reviewer mentioned, you don't really feel welcomed here over the…read moreseemingly regular customers (e.g. older white folks as reflective specifically of Ladera). It was enough that I noticed a couple of workers glared at me. For what's meant to be a leisurely, outdoor space, they overall don't appear very happy or warm, at least not to the casual customer curious enough to walk in on a weekend. I did end up getting a reasonably priced house plant (~$26, sticker says it's from a farm in Half Moon Bay) and a beautiful pinkish 5-stem rose bouquet (~$12) because they looked nice and healthy and I knew they'd make me happy, but the vibe itself here isn't the best compared to other nurseries. This also isn't really a full walk-in florist space. There are some pretty bouquet options to choose from, but it's not as extensive as expected particularly given the other reviews that make it sound like a dedicated florist service. I did see a lot of colorful potted orchids lined up across the front window. Also, overall the items in the gift shop are extremely pricey and up marked -- doesn't seem like much shopping gets done in this space -- and it's less so a quaint country shop vibe and more so try-hard pretentious.

My boyfriend & I had such a lovely time visiting this small boutique! Robert was so friendly and we…read morehad the best conversation over Jellycats! I'm an avid collector of the Bartholomew bears & when purchasing the last snow suit bear in stock Robert shared a very sweet story about his job in purchasing these for the store/seeing what homes the bears go to! This bear is definitely going to a loving home & we will be naming him Robert! Please check this place out for all your stationary needs, jellycat wants, and for heart warming moments!

I had several very positive shopping experiences here. I believe I was helped by the owner during…read moretwo of the visits. Whoever she was, she was very kind and patient and allowed me to photograph a variety of items so I could text them to my niece as I tried to make some purchasing decisions. I had to exchange one of the items several weeks later and she made it super easy by looking up the transaction since I misplaced the receipt. Now I need to purchase a Wind River wind chime and their site indicates they have the one I want. I'm happy that I get to make another purchase from them. They're the type of local business that I WANT to support. You'll probably feel the same way after your first purchase.

The live music on Friday nights is the first thing that stands out with only donations requested…read more The eclectic atmosphere, including plenty of house plants, makes for an enjoyable visit.

I've stopped into Little Green A Plant Bar a few times now, and overall I enjoy this place. The…read moreinterior is both spacious and cozy at the same time, and there's just so much to look at - plants, art, vintage, animal skulls, cool furniture, mannequins, etc. Overall, I like this place more as a plant shop and less for coffee. I've purchased a little spider plant and an alocasia polly, which have both been great. The employees are knowledgeable about plants and give great recommendations, especially regarding succulents. They also have a fun selection of cards and gifts by local artists, although some of the prices are a bit unreasonable (like $40 for a tiny planter pot). The coffee shop is fine, but less exciting. Most recently, I tried the Bicerin off their seasonal specials, which was a Cortado with Nutella. I thought the Nutella would be somewhat mixed in for sweetness, but it was literally just a teaspoon of Nutella in my drink. I've tried their Chaga Matcha in the past, and it was also just okay. Will return for the plants and ambiance!