There are lots of gift shops around. They all look like they are supplied by the same vendors. I don't bother reviewing most of them. So it's not able when a shop stands out because of their selection of things that I might actually buy! Eclecticism! Maison d'Etre is one of those (and there are others on the same street!). I was impressed, and felt certain that they would have goods that changed over time as well. No mere Therapy store here! Best way to know what I'm talking about is to check out all the pictures. read more

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Excellent customer service was on full display today as the store's employees calmly and professionally handled a very difficult customer. Despite offering multiple resolution options, the customer, clearly trying to provoke a confrontation, resorted to name-calling and unreasonable demands. Aside from that incident, the store itself offers a variety of unique items that make great gifts for loved ones, or even a treat for yourself! read more

My husband & I have patronized this lovely shop with seemingly something for everyone, going back decades to before Fred passed it on to his wife and daughter(s?). It became a perfect browsing spot (along with Ellington & French nearby) to hunt for the "perfect gift" for a new baby or young child; wedding gift; thank you for a house host; or just a gift for a special someone who seems to have everything! Recently, the female buyers appear to emphasize jewelry. The selection of soaps is divine, and the children's clothing & books are unique. I've always loved the greeting cards, cookbooks and kitchen utensils. The new owners seem to be settling into their own pattern and store feels more spacious and is nicely laid out. Yes, the prices are high, and the young staff may seem distracted at times, but I've always left with a smile on my face, whether or not I made a purchase. New addition seems to be shop mascot who perches on a stool behind the counter, tongue hanging out, watchful and usually sleepy. read more

Maison d'Etre - Appears to be store mascot, Chancho (not sure I've spelled correctly) - Home Decor Near Me - Oakland, California

The service I received today was atrocious. I came to the store to return an item that I had purchased a few days ago. The item was in perfect condition, tags still on, not used, etc. The sales clerk immediately informed me in a very rude tone that the merchandise could not be returned because it was final sale. I was surprised at this because I had no knowledge that the item was a final sale item when I purchased it. I tried to explain this to the sales clerk but she kept arguing with me condescendingly and repeatedly saying that there are signs all over the store and on the receipt stating the final sale policy. I made it clear that I did not object to the policy, the problem is that I was did not know that the item I had purchased was final sale - I was not informed it was a final sale item when I purchased it, and there was no marking on the product or sales tag indicating it was a final sale product. She kept telling me it's on the sales receipt and continued to speak with me in a condescending manner. Yes, the policy is on the sales receipt, but you don't see the sales receipt until AFTER you've purchased the item. This makes no sense at all. She was so rude to me that I asked to speak with a manager. She then informed me that she is the manager! Again, I was shocked. You would think a manager would provide a much higher and more respectful level of service, or at least normal, human courtesy. Ultimately I was given a store credit, but not without yet another dose of scolding and condescension. In addition to this, I was held in the store for 50 minutes because this manager was not able to figure out how to give me a credit on their Point of Sale system. I've been in Sales for 40 years, and I'm in the Retail industry. I know the importance of good customer service. There was no attempt made by the manager to be polite or to make things right. Instead she kept blaming me, practically chastising me, as if I had done something wrong. I'm the customer for god's sake. If I didn't know the policy when I made the purchase, isn't that something broken in the communication from the merchant to the customer? Isn't it common courtesy to let the customer know that the item is final sale BEFORE they purchase it? Knowing this would surely have effected my decision to buy it, and I had a right to know it at the time I made the purchase. An appropriate response might have been, 'You're right, we should have done a better job in communicating this was a final sale item at the time you made the purchase, we're sorry this didn't happen. We will gladly give you a credit or exchange.' It's the store's responsibility to make things right, and if they care about maintaining and growing their business then they should be trying their best to keep their customers as this helps ensure repeat business and referrals. I used to adore this store, and have recommended it to many friends, and even brought friends to the store. After my experience today, I will not recommend it to anyone, in fact the opposite. I will visit it to spend my credit, and then I'm going to find another store to frequent, one that treats me with respect and one that I can trust. It's really sad that such a fabulous store has such poor service. read more

This place is a charm in so many ways. Once you go in it is very inviting and cozy. Anything really goes here. Anything from candles, soaps, decor, cookbooks, among many other things are very neat and nice. I am not aware of the teas but makes me want to go back again. I love tea. It does help psychologically to change your aura in your own personal space. Customer service is very nice and they are always eager to help you and they do it with a smile. They also tend to promote local artists which I always prefer. As a student, I can barely afford many things around here but it can be nice. Maybe I'll treat myself at the end of final exams. read more

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I walked in today with my suitcase because I had some time to kill before going to the airport. I found some things very interesting. However the sales staff were distracted and not very interested in helping me. When I asked the young woman at the front desk for some help, she shouted back at me, instead of coming to the back, so I had to ask her to please come to the back to look for a size for me of a garment. She seemed put out. Then, I picked up an item to purchase - a set of a journal, a pen, and a band around it. The item had a price tag of $20 which I was willing to spend. Earlier I had seen the pens alone for $10 so I assumed this was a package of at $10 pen and a $10 small paper bound journal with a fancy band around it. When I went to pay for it, the numbers were way off. They wanted to charge $10 for the pen, $20 for the journal alone (!) and another $10 for the band. The package would have cost $40! I was surprised because the price tag on the assemblage was $20. When I went to show them that I wasn't crazy, they pointed out that the litte hand-written sign explaining the odd labeling was hiding. So, I didn't see it. There was no effort to make things right. I left without buying anything. I did not feel like spending a dime there after the interaction. I hope whoever is reading this from the store gets a hint that customer service counts, and if you make a mistake (not displaying proper pricing), then make it right! read more

This was a cute, abit overpriced fancy frivolity store. Honestly? It's pretty Berkeley Hipster. Containing adorable art supplies, childrens items, and fun vintage blocks I was tempted by the $7 soap, but decided to forgo the splurge. I could absolutely see purchasing items here for a wedding or a baby shower, but for everyday use? There's just no reason to spend so much for household items. 5 stars for great service, and for a cute fun store - one that's not nessessarily practical. read more

This place is a damn delight and so is the team that runs it. Totally stuffed to the gills with gorgeous home goods and gifts that you won't see elsewhere in Oakland, from beautiful baby items to elegant jewelry. I generally stop in for a gift and end up with 3 + 1 or 2 for me. Also, I often go in with my toddler, who veers into shark mode (gotta keep moving) at the overstimulation of this place. The shopkeepers are totally warm and joyfully accepting of her grabby/gabby little self, even going so far as to gift wrap stuff for her that definitely didn't need to be wrapped, just because she asked them to. read more

From Tara-Nicholle's review - "totally stuffed to the gills" may be the biggest selling point and biggest gripe I have with Maison d'Etre. It's nearly impossible to move around when there's more than a handful of people in this shop, but that inspires you to look at everything more closely and enjoy every detail and the curation by the owners. They do have lots of handmade items, minimal vintage, and anything you could want to gift your friends and loved ones, and more often than note a treat for yourself too! read more

This store is cute as all get out. Lots of things for the home and for the body. I could have bought a lot, but kept it simple and bought a Lafco candle. I'd never heard of them before, but I've fallen in love with them. The scent is light and true and lingers long after the candle has been extinguished. At $62 a pop, it's wasn't cheap, but it was worth it. They also have a delightful assortment of teas. I'd stop in here anytime to browse and more than likely find something I have to take home. read more

Maison d'Etre - Assorted glassware. - Home Decor Near Me - Oakland, California

We purchase quality gifts here and are so happy to hear they are remodeling and reopening soon.

A lovely store with elegant objects for your home and gifts, it contains many sections within it. Everything is carefully curated. I love their cookbooks, which are always the latest. The dishes and glassware are beautifully designed. There is a section of various handcrafted wooden utensils and bowls, aprons and tea towels. They have a great selection of kids' clothing and picture books, plus gift books for adults. Towards the back are pretty linens, towels, decorative pillows, robes and pyjamas. Don't forget to look at their unique jewelry and note cards. View the tea section, plus the variety of candles and lotions from France. Maison d'Etre is a jewel of a store. Visit next time you're in Rockridge and searching for gifts for others or yourself. read more

Such an adorable little shop! It's crowded in here, but the atmosphere is cozy and warm, with a managerie of beautiful items, such as books and home decor everywhere. There's even a giant bed with books and lovely-quirky pillows on them, all of which are on sale (ok, probably not the bed). There are even chandeliers hanging from the ceiling, and the staff is very friendly. This store is rather high-end though. If you're not careful, your wallet will lose a lot of weight! I did buy one item from here so far--a lovely petite "One Line a Day" book with gold-edged pages. It's sort of a diary, in which you write a maximum of a few lines a day about the highlights of your day, everyday, for 5 years. Kind of like a more condensed and abridged diary. I came here with a friend, who bought two cookbooks as a Christmas present for her parents. I'm glad to say that she seemed very pleased with her purchase. read more

This store is beyond cute. They have a wonderful selection of fancy (surprisingly reasonable priced for fancy) soap that smell amazing. They also have lots of cute stuff for fun home/apartment decor or gifting. read more

Maison d'Etre - Home Decor Near Me - Oakland, California

Too expensive, unfriendly staff! Overcrowded items everywhere! Not a very organized store at all!

It's not as French as I expected given its clever name nor as expensive as some reviewers make it sound. They did have French dinnerware and French tea towels along with a wide range of attractive merchandise for graceful living, roughly organized by "room": kitchen, kid's room, bedroom, dining room, and bathroom. I love how the bedroom area has a comfy plush display bed and their use vintage display cabinets and tables for display purposes throughout the store. You'll find design oriented gifts that aren't exorbitant but not cheap either. The nice thing about the breadth of their inventory is that you'll be able to find something for everyone on your list (except teenagers perhaps). A sample of their inventory: * Candles (Votivo), tea, incense, soap (nice but nothing too unusual) * Greeting cards, calendars and books. They have Snow & Graham letterpress cards. * Pretty umbrellas hanging from the ceiling * Welcome mats that say "bienvenue" * Drinking glasses, baking dishes, wooden cutting boards, dinnerware, steak knives, Chilewich placemats, coasters, cookbooks. Someone made drinking glasses out of glass Boylan soda bottles ($9.50 each). * Floppy hats, scarves, jewelry, tote bags * Luxurious extra thick towels and bathroom rugs * Pine Cone Hill classic cotton pajamas and robes, comforters - perfect for mom and dad * Colorful cotton boxer shorts * Baby clothes and stuffed animals I fell in love with the grown up mobiles - particularly the insects one but the birds on a branch, the girl & boy profiles and the birdcage ones were also delightful. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/PMxPQSoLOI_I1dAwAcVQyg?select=hXwMQQ24HIiPPmK6irtRbw read more

Maison d'Etre - my insect mobile - Home Decor Near Me - Oakland, California

Attention: Emergency gift shop located. Fabulously curated. Endlessly interesting. I popped into this shop for a moment when I showed up early to meet some friends. There are cards and cookbooks and jewelry and tea towels and soaps and everything that goes with shops like that. It's stocked up high like an art supply shop. This is one of those gift shops that you can basically find a gift for anyone you know in. There are some of the most expensive towels I've ever seen in the back of the shop, but they're so soft, I might be seduced. Definitely will be back. read more

Oh la la, mais comme cela coute trop cher pour moi! Translation: I need a wad of cash to enjoy myself here. Cute & clever name accompanies the cute & fun merchandise of this shop. Like other reviewers have noted, there is a plethora of uniqueness here for everyone. However, it is a bit on the pricier side. For instance, my mother - who lacks a bit of, uh, tact (for lack of a better word) - brazenly told the shopgirl that the armchair on display for $500 is only $250 at the local store in Fair Oaks. Hmm...what does one respond to that? (I would have said, "Well lady get theeself back to Sackatomato town then!") I did covet some locally made metallic leather cuff bracelets, however. Maybe I'm cheap, but bottom line, great spot to buy special gifts for people who better be special if you're going to spend that kind of money. read more

First time I waltzed in Maison d'Etre, the boyfriend whisked me back out immediately for fear I'd buy half the things in the store. I went back a second time later, and was thrilled by the selection of polka-dotted cheese knives, whimsical and colorfully illustrated children's books, and comfortable things to spruce up the house with (rugs, linens). I did walk away with some moderately priced items, like an adorable reusable plastic bag (http://www.envirosax.com/products/kids_series/) and a small square of French lavender soap. Little luxuries are priceless. read more

I used to love shopping at this store but sadly that has changed. The last several times I've shopped here, they were blasting really loud, inappropriate music. It was so bad that I just had to leave. It was obvious that the employees were playing whatever they wanted and not considering what is appropriate for customers. If this this place wants to stay in business, they need to improve their customer service which at this point is non existent. They aren't the only game in town as I went next door to Nathan & Co. that was playing elegant music, had great products and friendly customer service. read more

Yet another botique on College in Rockridge, and perhaps bit more girly than the others. Still, they have a good mix of stuff, and there's some nice furniture, if a little on the side of looking artifically aged. There's some cool Oakland stuff, some nice kitchen ware and other things that aren't too knick-knacky. I probably coudn't see myself buying much here, like in the boitques on College, but you never know. But check it out - a must see for a stroll on College. read more

Maison d'Etre - Home Decor Near Me - Oakland, California

Really cool store that is chock full of an eclectic array of unique gifts. Obviously, the store's name, Maison d'Etre is a play on the French phrase, Raison d'etre, which means reason for existing. I think that the owners of this believe that all of the cool items in their store are their and your reason for existing (if you buy them all : ) I've spent quite a bit of time at the counter by the register, admiring the items displayed under glass, as well as the items on the counter itself. Going further into the store, you can be sucked into a vortex of merchandise. You can be lost in there for an hour plus, if you're not pulled back out by an external force of nature (such as needing to meet your friends for coffee around the corner : ) Check this place out when you have time to wander around and appreciate all of the tchotchkes and household accoutrements this store has to offer. read more

Customer service can sometimes override exceptionally overpriced items. Such is not the case at this boutique. I have come in Maison D'etre on multiple occasions with intentions of purchasing a shirt and/or necklace. Of the five times I've come in, I lingered for a VERY long time over the jewelry case, directly in front of the sales clerk. Every time I was passed over and ignored. On some occasions I tried to get someone's attention but to no avail, or she simply would not care and would continue socializing. Today was the last time I came in. I stood over the jewelry yet again while two sales girls talked to their friend at length. Finally I spoke up. I asked if they worked there and two said yes, the other was just a friend. I told them of my experience there and one girl looked at me and said in her best millennial, passive aggressive, up-speak tone, "well I'm sorry YOU felt that way." I stood there rather surprised and looked at her. Still no one offered to open a case or attempt to ameliorate the experience. And so I left. It's really too bad, but I suppose maybe some people in this area who purchase at this store might to be immune to shitty customer service, or perhaps the sales people just don't like brown people, I'm not sure which. Either way, they will not be receiving my business ever. read more

I can't drive down this street without longingly staring at this store. I can't eat at a restaurant without constantly wanting to walk in here. They never have the same selection of things. I always find something totally unique and different. You really can't explain what the theme or idea of the store is. I find such cute kids stuff all the time. Then there's the cute cooking stuff. I've bought a few cook books and kids books on more than one occasion. They had a large scale on display for a long time that both my husband and I wanted to buy but it was well over the amount of money we could afford. We would just go back to see the scale sometimes. The store is also doggy friendly. On more than one occasion I've seen the staff adoring more than a few pooches. There's always something new and interesting to see. Also in my case, to buy. Your eyes will be delighted with all the wonderful things to see here. read more

Maybe they have heard enough voices in the the air for they seem to actually be trying to behave in such a manner that is not so totally offensive. One star added, some language below deleted - and as always: keep you up to date. Before, yet toned down... 'Although I've been in and out of this fancy joint since they opened, and shopped the shops that preceded them in that space - I've finally come down to this: Yelping. Monsieur Brut, hear me! I've obviously been in the neighborhood much longer than you and your hired help who like to SUBTLY follow me around like I'm a shoplifter - and yes - I speak to the Man of the house with his flowing locks and bicycle. Sometimes I've broken down and gotten things simply for the ones I love, sometimes I've been obtuse and not noticed the behavior of the employee of the day following me and watching me like a hawk until my friend walks up and says "Hey who's your bodyguard?" ... I don't want any more empty storefronts in Oakland, but 'my Rockridge' has been forever altered by the influx of these boutiques and precious little shoe stores, bleah bleah bleah. This is one of the better shops, yet: You should really get to know your clientele. You should pay attention to your neighbors. You might want to note who actually has the money for the 800 dollar object that they just decided against due to your insufferable attitude. And frankly, even if someone is in there merely to take in the ambiance of faux-Paris, kaff kaff, and look at Pretty Little Things ...you shouldn't treat them all like inelegant bothers simply because you don't believe them to have the money to buy your wares. Perhaps you should be grateful for any bar of soap that leaves your shop as well as the fact that this kind of foot traffic lends your shop a healthy vitality to the passerby and draws in more people than you all alone. Oh, sorry, am I over it? Yes, I suppose I am. There's other places, Monsieur Américain. There are other shops. Well this has been fun. Bye bye!' read more

Well, this store is what you would definitely call "a true gem". It is filled with all kinds of quality items and items one can not easily find at other stores. The people at the check-out are always kind, efficient, and patient. To be blunt: I love this site. Recommend highly and without reservation. read more

I hated this place. I saw a few gorgeous rings in the jewelry case that I wanted to try on, and it was like pulling teeth to get someone to help me. The first ring I tried was small, so I asked to try a second one. It was too small too (I guess they only sell to bitches with small fingers.) I asked to try a third ring, and the dude was like, "They're all too small for you." Jerk. I'm never going there again. read more

I've been on the lookout for a silver necklace that I could dress up or down and wanted something a little different than the same 'ol, same 'ol you find in the department stores. Maison d'Etre had just such a necklace...and it was made out of recycled metals. Sold! It happened to be one of those rare occasions when hubby was in a store with me. I turn to him and say, "I think I'm going to get this necklace" and start to pull out my wallet. He whips out his credit card with a big grin on his face and slaps it down on the counter. As we leave the store he says, "Happy Anniversary honey!" *more grinning* Bless his seriously challenged gift-buying soul. Vote Cool if you think that counts as an anniversary gift. Funny if you think not. read more

La raison d'être ("In Search of Lost Time" with the risk of being seen as a shoplifter) On the counter resting on white tissue were faux white upper dentures about a foot across. The teeth were loose if you wanted to pull one and look at it. The sculpture was made of a cross between chalk and porcelain. Fred, the owner, a man with sleek European lines and Medusa hair wore avant-garde glasses -- rectangle and black. He reminds one of the cross between an architect and a mad scientist with a metro-sexual thing going on. I once showed him some work about ten years ago and he announced that he would have a show then he reneged. The action was disconcerting, but he knows what he's doing with the store. I went in today and I was swept up with emotion as always. It is a series of wishes. First the cards, furniture, books, candles... I can't remember all the items. Fred stared at me or at least, I could feel his thoughts. I get to Odes To Common Things, a book by Pablo Neruda, and it reminds me of the transition a writer makes, from relative child at a party in Honolulu, where I met the Chinese Attorney, who loved Neruda and to whom I read stuff I don't even have any more. One piece was a metaphor about peanuts and the stacked bodies of Holocaust victims that I printed in a tight square of text and then over-laid the image as red color key or "Air India: Venture into the recesses of the mind, where wisdom sits/alongside cow dung,/where languidness is petrified/in mud and/desolation is blank,/where destiny meets/starvation and will./Come to India,/the stagnant primordium." I had a crush on the attorney. She was older, had a boyfriend. She was the manifestation of my dreams, both in terms of her profession and as a potential mate. By the time I read a few poems, I felt the same way a man feels when he explains that he is an artist when what she wants to know is how much money he makes. I wasn't Neruda then and I am not him now. I cut the reading short; walked out. I've grown sensitive over the years to that repeated experience, which is not to say that I never read poetry again, just not mano y mano. I am Philippe Noiret in Il Postino. (I like champagne, but I can't afford it.) As I started reading Odes, I felt the separation of self that comes with time. It is no longer about the "I," but about that which is outside of you. My creative writing instructor explained it as "showing" not telling. "The reader has to be shown, so he can pass his own judgments." As old as I am, I realize, just as Neruda did that the God of things is everywhere. I was listening to the music in the store and it too had a charm that helped me drift despite that I could still feel Fred, as beautiful as he is, scrutinizing me. Perhaps, he feels trapped and he's only projecting. You can only look at that much beauty in a store like this and not want for a Mac and Cheese? I remember at 10 as the son of a Stanford-grad urologist with his own practice as we ate charbroiled filet mignons at a restaurant, named after a bird, that I never ate simple food. My mother was a gourmet, and so at a point in time, all I wanted was cole slaw. Once the artist amasses work, and it's on every wall, it feels cluttered to him. He needs the blank canvas to paint. Fred stood behind the glass cases and the register, pulling the teeth out and putting them in. I wanted to say: "You are showing your teeth," but I dared not. He seemed on edge even though at one point I heard him wax poetic about what was old and new. Perhaps he was talking to the woman who was doing a waltz and then said to him: "Fred, I could lay $500 down." I knew what she meant. We were like the very rich in a gallery with work you'd actually buy, not LeRoy Neiman's, who does horses at a racetrack. He mentioned he had worked all week. There were teacups to distract me, white with red retro designs; the colored clear glass tumblers, and the black painting on the wall reminded me of an Yves Tanguy at SFMOMA, the silver one. Everything seems to reflect what I love in the world. Still, I could not imagine myself in the thin-green-and-black-squiggle-lined-on-olive-green pajamas, although I loved them. I wanted the most masculine of the shirts with insides as interesting as the out, but they were $125. This week I am working three days at the restaurant. I am healing from an injury. I drive a 1981 Mercedes. Scarves that made me question my manhood with lures of lines and design interludes drew me into an artist's catharsis. But, I dared not. What I wanted in that moment was to be left alone. I was in a museum and the security guard was rattling his chain. read more

One of the lovely local establishments helping to define Rockridge as the "nice side of Oakland". Maison is one of the first shops to greet you as you hop off BART and head left down College Ave. They've got the perfect assortment of handmade jewelry, cutesy houswares, stationery and even some clothing and baby goods. If you're looking for a unique gift or something to brighten your every day, you're sure to find something lovable at Maison. I bought some striped cashmere socks for the BF and a nice green leather day-planner for myself. The prices aren't Walmart cheap (of course) but still reasonable for the indy-factor. PS - you'll want to keep heading down College towards A Cote...one of the best meals you'll ever have! read more

I have a thing for kitchen stuff (it's the bright colors). If I allowed myself to really be a collector, I would be in trouble because the 'pack rat' gene runs in my family. Seriously. Maison d'etre is a temptress! Let's see, so far they've managed to seduce me into buying: French table linens Beautifully bright ice cream bowls Gifts Letter-press cards Gifts And now I'm flirting with some new, but vintage-y hobnail water glasses. Should I get the blue or the white? I already have blue glasses, but I love the blue...they are so pretty. My grandmother had a collection of frosted hobnail dishes and I blame nostalgia for this minor obsession. read more

Whenever I want to feel all warm and COZY before I go home, I stop by at Maison d' Etre after I get off Rockridge BART. Maison d' Etre is exactly like a home in Paris in its carefully cluttered design, full of colorful gadgets for creature comfort. I love the recipe books on California and ecletic cuisine piled up on one table. They sell teapots, French tea towels, the cutest Parisian clothes for children, children's books in French, "magic lamps" which cast a colorful glow on the walls. They sell delicious smelling lotions, soaps and candles. Plates, mugs and kitchen utensils. Some of them are from Africa and Thailland. California made cheese cutting-boards. Colorful country-style brooms. This place has chockful of very cute stuff. They are not necessarily cheap but you come here not to find bargains but to spend few more dollars to treat and pamper yourself--which is exactly what I do when I come here. I love long hot baths and french soaps. Yesterday I could not leave the store without buying their $10 clove and mint scented bar of soap. It was worth every dollar for a relaxing hot shower and to add coziness to the already cozy rainy evening. My favorite part is the big bed at the back of the store. It just looked like a very warm cozy cluttered bedroom. The bed is packed with soft mismatched pillows and quilts. It makes me miss my own bed everytime so I usually hurry up to go home, make dinner, take a nice shower, put my pj's on and jump into my own cozy bed. I know, I overused the word "COZY" here because Maison d' Etre is really one lovely and cozy neighborhood store. (Oops, I did it again!) Check it out. You'll find it as soon as you cross the street from Rockridge BART. read more

Best service ever! Really bothers me when there is a bad yelp review about not being able to return and get money back when it's extremely clear that store credit is their policy. PLUS everything in there is amazing so you can't really go wrong with exchanging if need be. Wonderful items, unique and amazing people who are extremely helpful and kind. maison d'etre is the place to "etre"!!! (for all those french speakers out there ;)) I've witnessed so many rude costumers and the staff handles it with smiles and grace! 20 STARS!! read more

I am currently coming to terms with yet another Joanna Disorder. I loathe it when people ask me where I purchased something, and I double hate it when they ask how much it cost. Why? Who knows? Perhaps I am not the Angel I thought I was. Perhaps I am turning into a snarky little biotch of a 'millennial' I thought that I really didn't give a whoo-haw if someone has the same dress as me. Or shoes. Or scents. Or bracelet. To avoid turning into that snarky biotch, I'll let you in on a secret: I buy my soap here! Maria Evora Soap from the Homeland (Spain). "Jardin de Mar Rosado" In the white box. Eight dollars plus tax. They say you should do something everyday that scares you. I just did it. Now everyone will smell as rosy as me. I am okay with it, I really am. P.S. I am surprised that people have had bad experiences with the owner. I am constantly in here fingering all the nice things, but rarely walk out with more than my bar of soap. He doesn't seem uppity at all to me. read more

**Important update!!** Due to a bad, BAD promised purchase gone awfully awry due to shoddy saleskeeping (check my alliteration, biotches!) I'm CHANGING my review. Naughty, naughty--or should that be en francais: vilain, vilain! THEREFORE, I'd like to give you a list of places where you can get the same quality stuff without risking the dashing of your hopes on french rocks. All close enough to the area to go right now! my picks for you to GO TO INSTEAD: HOMESTEADER (I was just given the cutest set of colorful bowls that came from here. Can't-miss home decor.) http://www.yelp.com/biz/nT6uuwepS1k2bOQwaFzOzw HEARTFELT (cuteness meets grown-up tongue-in-cheekiness) http://www.yelp.com/biz/KFNxYv2t4vJWRnmElH8vUw SCOUT (for that shabby-chic European style, or nice stationery that no one else has) http://www.yelp.com/biz/DDRLEHC2jEGlqx4IGMu7Mg MILK (for the nontraditional baby and its nontraditional parents...beautiful baby stuff!) http://www.yelp.com/biz/Q4maMrXAXecUHMfK2NGwzw THE ARK (for that same baby, and babies at heart, a wonderful toy store) http://www.yelp.com/biz/-EY-duK54EfnksvwQ68Fgg CASTLE IN THE AIR (the most amazing writing implement selection--so much more than pens!--and great papers, journals, and sweet gifts) http://www.yelp.com/biz/XeY-Y217qIJFVrQ6vc166Q oh, and Mariage Freres teas? Across the street at the Pasta Shop. -- the original review. Some of the stuff, especially the linens, are extremely pricey. But this is a fun place to go gift-shopping, especially for a mom-type person (if your mom is like my mom), or a friend with cute taste. I got this cute pen that looks like a big metal crayon for mine. The real reason it gets five stars, though, is for taking the 'holidays' with a grain of salt. At first I thought they were just playing the standard holiday muzak, but when I listened harder, I definitely heard it say "...You can take that fruitcake and shove it up your ass..." read more

Maison d'Etre is a neat little gift shop that is right across the street from Market Hall in Rockridge. The store is a bit cluttered, but in a fun way that encourages exploration, and the discovery of just the right gift. The space also has a certain European flair and comfort that encourages you return. Maybe the only thing missing is a cat. read more

Where does one go to shop for a specific someone with picky tastes? I stumbled in by chance as I was waiting for a friend to arrive for dinner and meandered along the eclectic stretch that is known as Rockridge. Maison d'Etre is the perfect spot for people looking for something specific and unique for that special chef or homebody or frou-frou person that is so-not-me. Wait, I may have gone too far on that one. This is a little store jam packed with eye catching delights and whimsical creations by the ever so artistic designers in the manner of French illusionists. There were unique portable shopping bags dreamt up in manners atypical of the standard Safeway and Raley's reusable plastic bags. I found several shopping bags that reflected a colorful pallet of Boho, Monet, and Koons. Found one perfect for a friend. Moving towards the cookbook section, there was a delightful collection of not-your-chainstore stand of books. Picked up a cookbook on the art of making marshmallows. I knew exactly who would enjoy that. I did not venture further back as the store boasted even more visual and wallet-heavy delights for those looking for the children inclined but stopped when a deja vu moment hit my olfactory senses. Years ago, I had purchased a set of saffron soaps wrapped in a deep purple paper mache. I lost them over the course of several moves but that scent had never left my mind. Imagine my surprise to find something that paralleled that memory and proceeded to smell each soap and lotion lined up on those shelves until I found the one that took me back to the past, Pixar's Ratatouille style: Il Frutteto handmade soaps by Nesti Dante in Italy. At $10.50 a bar, not exactly an impulse buy, but for a trip back in time, the Fig and Almond Milk soap bar purchase was strictly for me. Frou-frou? Perhaps. A visit here is mandatory for those seeking that perfect unique gift and perfect for the impending holidays. read more

Precious place to buy gifts. Chances of me spending that much money on myself is quite unlikely...and after looking at the prices on some of the items, chances of me spending that much money on someone else is quite unlikely as well. It's not that I am cheap. Well, actually, it is. I am cheap. But, if I am going to spend $60 for a gift for somebody, it's not going to be $60 on a cute stuffed lamb. However, I did buy a cup and a dish in the most beautiful shade of blue. Those were quite reasonable: $4 for the dish and $10 for the cup. So, in sum: great browsing for gift items or knickknacks. But don't set your heart on it until after you've checked out the price. read more

Lots of home stuff for the girls. Not a masculine store. Whatever. I liked it but it's not really my style a little too shabby chic for me. Maybe this is your thing but not mine. the people were cool and nice there. read more

I am really writing the review for my wife, who drags me in here as many times as she can. I do like that they have many, and constantly changing, cook books in the store. The prices if not just a tad bit more than what you find online. However, it is local support and the immediate gratification of walking home with it today. What did I learn today? This is the first place that I learned of Top Pot donuts, a Seattle icon. read more