4 July '26-Great selection of cards, gifts, music, and clothes. Helpful service. Gay owned.

Modern Mouse is such a special gem in our community. I absolutely love the welcoming, neighborhood vibe every time I walk in. The staff is incredibly kind and genuinely supportive of local makers. It is the perfect place to find unique gifts created by talented artists and small businesses. There is always something thoughtful, creative, and beautifully curated. If you are looking to shop local and support makers while finding the perfect gift, this is the spot read more

Whenever I an in the is plaza, coming to Modern Mouse is a plus. They have a unique selection of cute and local items made by local artists that you won't find anywhere else. It is the perfect place to find special gifts! read more

Amazing shop with great selection of local artist merch and gifts! They are a hidden gem within the South Shore Center, and are like an artists alley as a shop. Amazingly nice staff, and a wonderful spot to get gifts and unique local finds read more

See all

Cute items, would love to go there more often HOWEVER I was charged a tip without knowing and for what?! ANY other store you do not tip. How can I support local when I feel this local store stole from me. First and LAST time shopping there! read more

Beautiful necklace, nice abidance inside the store, friendly staff with so much fun art to look at. read more

Modern Mouse - Beautiful necklace - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Alameda, California

The Modern Mouse is such a fun space! I never leave without something perfect. Everything here is so fantastic and unique. Just like the staff and owners. read more

Modern Mouse - Our newest favorite stuffy - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Alameda, California

Such a cute store! Went shopping for birthday gifts in South Shore for two different friends, and wound up finding both gifts at Modern Mouse. Prices were very affordable and they had a great selection to appeal to a variety of interests. I love finding local and unique gifts here, and being able to present my friends with something tailored to them and one-of-a-kind! read more

Modern Mouse is my favorite store in the Bay Area or maybe ever to always end up with something I love every single time I visit . The owner is so kind (and everyone else who works there) and the feeling that I leave with after talking to them in the brief checkout interaction is honestly so rare to find nowadays - just something so pure and wholesome. I love what they do for the art community and I have found so many great artists through this store. The price points are also great and I've found so many cute gifts for friends! read more

Cute whimsical store that features a lot of curated and locally made clothing, jewelry, and home items. Every 2 weekends or so, they also setup outside kiosks along the front of their store. You'll find a lot of anime-related gifts and also Renaissance fair or DND styled clothing and capes. Prices are more on the high side, but you'd be supporting local artists. read more

See all

The staff are always very welcoming, friendly, and willing to help you with anything in the store. Very LGBTQ+ friendly, a big supporter in local and small artists/businesses, lots of fun gifts and merchandise (stickers, shirts, hoodies, sweaters, postcards, keychains, etc). They hold plenty of events to showcase local artists and small businesses. I highly recommend checking them out! read more

What a cute shop!!! It's like a artist ally I can go to anytime! They had a lot of different options of art and themes to choose from! The shop attendants were so sweet and helpful! Highly recommend if you're looking for some cute stuff for yourself or others! read more

I'm very disappointed because I was just refused service because of my disability. I wanted to get a quick gift of a t shirt of Alameda or a little friend of mine, and momento of the island. No accommodation was offered. read more

A one stop gift shop! I love it when I can knock out multiple gifts in one go. For an intimate shop, there's a great amount of wonderfully unique gifts, and many which have that local Bay Area stamp on it... from quirky, artistic, funny, creative and stylish, I would certainly come to shop here again and again. It is conveniently located in Alameda's South Shore Center amongst a wide array of other retail, service shops, restaurants, grocery and department stores, which makes it an easy stop by if you are running other errands... which is exactly what I did this past weekend! What a breeze it was, and super pleased with my purchases. On top of the gifts I bought for my friends, I also snatched a t-shirt for myself that reads, "Girls just wanna have fun-damental human rights" :) I definitely saw a lot of other Girl Power items which always brings a smile to my face. Right now, my living room smells just delightful from the scented candle (in hemp, rosemary, sage) I bought from there. Also, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Since I spent a generous amount that day (I'm a recovering shopaholic), they gave me a lovely thank you gift in a branded reusable bag. Thank you Modern Mouse! As I understand, they work with 250+ different artists, majority of which reside on the west coast and a plethora from right here in the Bay Area. I picked up a couple Filipino-themed birthday cards and look forward to seeing more! I try to advocate to support small, local business as much as possible. So shopping here makes me feel good, because not only am I walking out with a cool item (or usually several items the way I shop) but I am also helping out an individual artisan somewhere out there who has a creative gift they wish to share with the world. read more

It's been 5 years since I wrote my review for this awesome gift shop and I just wanted to take this opportunity to write a quick updated review in honor of #ThankYouThursday. I have been grateful for this island gift shop ever since they opened - this may just be my favorite gift shop in the entire Bay Area! Just like my previous review mentions - I have spent so much money over the years on gifts for friends and family (and sometimes for myself too! :D) because everything is so fun and unique. You are not only supporting Modern Mouse but also the artist and vendors - it's a win win for all! I have seen how the new owners have kept the vibes of Modern Mouse alive but also made it their own and it makes me SO happy that they are still thriving after so many years. Many businesses in South Shore struggle to survive as the foot traffic isn't nearly as high as malls that are right off the freeway. During the current SIP order, they have been offering selected items online (and updated regularly) and orders will ship during their office hours. In addition they will do free Alameda deliveries on Thursdays (which is SO awesome because many can't or choose not to leave their houses during these crazy times but you can still support from a distance!) I saw recently they even started carrying cloth face masks at a reasonable price handmade by a local artist and some of the prints are pretty fun! You can also purchase gift cards online for future use. Items they typically carry in the store but not featured online may still be available - just ask! I am looking forward to the day when they can safely and officially reopen their doors to the public so I can visit in person and support them. Support your local small businesses whenever possible - stores like these really add to the charm of the city! read more

I've been a fan of Modern Mouse for a while, because they sell items by Bay Area artists ranging from jewelry to prints, cards, t-shirts, enamel pins and many other adorable, artsy gifts for adults and kids. If you love cute things like I do, you might be shopping here for a while. A few highlights: I really love the work by Genevieve Santos and they carry prints, pins, buttons, and greeting cards by her. My other favorite items are the Play-Deco cards by Magnote, along with the felt animal ornaments they carry during the holidays. Other things to note: The staff are friendly and greet you right away. If they aren't too busy, they'll come by and ask if you need help. They're really knowledgeable about their products and the artists, so be sure to chat with them if you want to learn more. Also, they have a free rewards program, so you can earn discounts when you spend a certain amount and also during your bday month. Can't wait to shop here again the next time I'm in Alameda! read more

See all

I love this store! I came in to take a look while shopping at south shore center and came across this super cute shop. The employees were very friendly and helpful. They had cute local clothes, cards, jewelry, art, and more! I ended up buying a couple cards, stickers, and some cute earrings. I definitely want to come back and get some gifts for friends, and more cute cards. read more

Modern Mouse - Cute snake sticker I got there - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

Really love this store and swing by every time we're in Alameda. Nice, unique gifts, some of them even a little quirky, but some really cool designs as well. Certain items can be a little pricy while others are reasonable. Items make good gifts, or in my case, a couple of tshirts and posters to add to my collection. The owners and staff are welcoming and helpful and provided some insight into the items and how they chose them. Happy to support this local business, and in turn, the folks they support as well. read more

I was able to find an apron for my job, and I would love to say I thank you for the wonderful service

Cute little store with lots of creativity of many Bay Area handmade items. I picked up some room spray to naturally clean the air from toxins. Pretty interesting store! This visit was before the quarantine so I'm not sure it's open currently. read more

Literally my favorite shop in Alameda! They're so sweet and have so many different things from so many local artists. I especially love how they showcase AAPI and LGBTQ+ artists. Some of my favorite things that I've purchased are earrings, prints, cards, stickers, and washi tape! We love you Modern Mouse!!!! read more

Modern Mouse is a cute little shop. It's like a mini-Etsy within a store! It's a perfect place to find unique gifts that are extraordinary and handmade locally. They have a nice selection of shirts, hats, beauty products, stationary and cards, prints, purses, baby items, jewelry, stuffed animals/plushes and trinkets. You can find local designers such as mi Spa, HamburgerPanda, Colette Kids, randL/Chikabird, Kitty Baby Love, and last but not least, eleen (the owner of Modern Mouse). Because these items are handmade, it leans a bit more of the pricier side. You're really paying for the creativity and effort put into one piece. You can probably find products here ranging from as low as $5.00 to as high as $75+. It's a bit tricky to find and locate if you're not familiar with Alameda. It's not a store that is visible when driving, you'd have to park near Trader Joe's and Safeway then walk through the open pathway. The parking is easy. The store itself is located right across from Nine West. I definitely do recommend checking this place out when you're seeking for something unique to give as a gift. Give handmade :) read more

See all

This store is a real gem in the East Bay. They only carry products that are made locally. Proud of the East Bay? Proud to be from __________ (Insert city here)? If you need a product to represent your town, this is the perfect place. There are baby onsies, T-shirts, magnets and key chains! They also carry other cute locally made products, like bow ties, jewelry, greeting cards and wallets. I make a point to stop by whenever I'm back in town and always manage to get a gift for someone or reward myself with something. Sure, the prices may be higher than something you'll get at Target, but you're supporting local artists. read more

See all

First time there recently.. very cute and in an area I love! (Alameda Town Center, across from Great Clips, behind Joanne's, Old Navy etc.). The handcrafted items are original and ADORABLE and the lady at the counter was very friendly, greeted us but didn't breathe down our necks, etc., and was wearing a very cute handcrafted shirt. While we were there, I got my daughter a veryyy cute fuzzy monster wallet and myself an original design funny Alameda tshirt ($46 total for both items). So to me, the only drawback = very pricey; I can understand why.. handcrafted, etc... but I still consider it a little too pricey/my reason for reducing to 4 stars. I would still return sometime to look and possibly buy more items though. I think it fills a nice niche and is very inspiring for crafters and people who just like and appreciate cute, well-crafted items. Also, the service is above average. Funny true story.. we went to Starbucks around the corner immediately afterward to get some iced tea and the lady in front of us pulled out an almost idental fuzzy monster wallet to the one I just bought my daughter. Only difference blue vs. gray.. So she obviously visited Modern Mouse at some point in time! ;) read more

Reason for visit: Christmas shopping and crafternoon Visit date: December 14, 2014 First time? No. Modern Mouse, you are so fun! As a lover of crafts and all things handmade and local, Modern Mouse is literally a one stop shop for me. They have a monthly Crafternoon, where for $5-10 you can learn to make an awesome handmade item, e.g. a snow globe or a felt garland. Their Crafternoons are a popular event and appropriate for all age groups. The store itself houses handmade goods from all of your favorite Bay Area artisans, and more! On this particular visit I was looking for a gift item for my nephew who loves all things Lego, but since I can't keep up with his collection, I wanted a toy or activity that could be just as fun. Modern Mouse carries these paper, origami-like action figures - perfect for my Lego-fanatic nephew! Among other awesomeness they carry are art prints, greeting cards, hair accessories, jewelry, and Alameda gear! The staff is always friendly and welcoming, and they have gift wrap, too! read more

This place has great stuff! I love how everything is so unique and most things are locally made, so you know you're supporting local people and local businesses. It's also nice to know a lot of the clothes are made here in the US, which means they're strict about labor laws, which means you know they're not using forced labor. I'm fond of their Crafternoon for a Cause, as it shows how community can give back to community via crafting. read more

Modern Mouse - The coolest mice ever and some of Modern Mouse's merchandise (Poppyheart's headbands) - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Alameda, California

I love this place! They have tons of great gifts and the staff is super friendly. I did almost all of my Christmas shopping here last year and came in UNDER budget so I even bought myself something fun. It's all local artists who make everything from clothes and jewelry to greeting cards and soaps. So much too see you will defiantly need multiple trips. Kelly was super helpful and helped me pick things out for everyone on my list. She even wrapped all of my items and put individual labels on them for me!!! Very impressive service and high quality products that won't break he bank yet support the community! I'm sold! read more

Modern Mouse - Awesome unique and high quality greeting cards! - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

The store has some great items...one of the best gift/artsy places in Alameda. But...I just bought 3 items, two of which were in a basket with the tag "50%" off. One of the 2 items they rang up as 50% off the price sticker but the other item -- marked $6 -- they charged me $6 for. When I brought this to her attention she said the discount was already taken off and she apologized for the confusion. That's not confusion, that's called "bait and switch" which is deceptive. No items had prices with a slash through them. The other discounted item was marked $3.95 and she charged me $1.98. I didn't have the patience to argue nor ask for a refund; I was on my way to dinner. But...I probably won't shop there again. read more

The Queen saw a picture she fell in love with. I tried to go over the holidays but they were closed when I was in Alameda. Called them and Matt knew exactly what picture and put it aside for me. (It was the last one). Matt was super nice on the phone and when I went to pick it up. The Queen was so happy when she opened her gift. read more

I'm glad i found this shop because they truly carry unique and beautiful gifts! I want to especially thank Mynt, who has gladly helped me! I needed a custom made gift by Christmas eve & she strived to make it possible by working with the artist! Again, thank you Mynt, Matt, & Emmanuel read more

Modern Mouse - Cards & Stationery Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

I love the stuff in this shop! The coolest part is I have met many of the local artists that show here. I know it is a bit pricey, more so then say the dollar store or TJ Max, but dude,the quality and fact these are made by local artists, make it so worth it. When my family comes over to visit from the east coast this is one of their favorite shops. The owners, are super cool and so clever! Really great place for gifts, jewelry, tshirts, hats, and a ton of other really unique gifts you wont find anywhere else! etc. Spend a couple more dollars and know your money is going to support small business and local artists instead of huge corporations!!!! read more

Modern Mouse has the sweetest local art prints around the Island . I bought several water color prints from Genevieve Santos who does Filipino inspired character graphics. This a great place to get unique hand-crafted gifts that prove that you took the time to be thoughtful . The staff can frame a print for you and will wrap it neatly. There is always a young art enthusiast at the register eager to tell you all about their favorite pieces . read more

Modern Mouse is one of the cutest shops I've ever been to! They have a wide selection of gifts and cute pieces that are moderately priced and unique. They have MANY pieces from local artists so I feel better about shopping here knowing that the business goes back to the community. The staff are always super friendly and I come by every time I'm at South Shore! read more

A small business that supports small artists! I love their candle selection and all their jewelry pieces. Everything they sell is either led with craft and/or consciousness for the environment and our community. Service here is wholesome, and I've never felt uncomfortable shopping here. read more

Want to shop locally? Here's one place where you can. It's a cute boutique that's a great place to buy gifts or items for yourself. It's also a fun place to browse. I found out about it through one of my former co-workers. They carry items from local artists & designers (mostly, I think there are a few here & there from out of state), such as men's & women's clothing, accessories (hair accessories, scarves, belt buckles, ties, cufflinks, wallets, purses, bags), children's & baby's clothing, jewelry (I'm really not a fine jewelry type of person; this is more my speed, or rhinestone-y type of jewelry), paper goods & stationery, art & home décor, & soaps. There's also locally themed shirts & magnets so that you can show your love for your city. Nope, no mass produced, made in China items here! Hint hint for anyone who needs to buy me a gift...I like the jewelry here & the bicycle gear clocks. Located in the Alameda South Shore Center in the middle corridor near the frog fountain behind Safeway. read more

Matt and Mynt and the rest of the Modern Mouse crew are AMAZING. They are always helpful, courteous, and have great taste in local artists to feature in their shop. It is dangerous for me to set foot in this store because I always end up buying at least a few different things, and wanting to go back for more. ;-) Whenever I'm looking for a thoughtful and unique gift, I stop by Modern Mouse. They are great at helping me find the perfect item, and I LOVE that they do free gift-wrapping as well... they have saved me with last-minute gifts many times. When I shop at Modern Mouse, I love that I'm supporting a small business as well as so many local artists. Keep doing what you're doing, lovely mice, because it is awesome! read more

After living in San Francisco for 9 years, I decided to venture over to see what Alameda is all about. I could have spent the whole day in Modern Mouse! What a great find! They sell really great items from local designers, and the prices are great. I wanted to buy 1 of each item for myself, for my friends, for my sister, etc, but I practiced self-control and left with just a cute headband, a necklace, a print from an artist from Portland, and a cute little button made with fabric. The sales girls were really sweet and friendly, too! If you're in Alameda, make it a point to swing by Modern Mouse. read more

Love love LOVE this place and how it supports local and national artists, handmade crafts, etc! Lots of really cool art and unique gifts here! I was also really stoked to see they carry Phil Barbato's stuff. He's from my Homestate of Virginia and I am familiar with his creations! As a fellow crafter, I highly recommend shopping here and supporting fellow artists/crafters! Who knows what kind of treasures you will find! read more

Was in Alameda yesterday evening and per the recommendation of my fiancee he took me to Modern Mouse. This store is my heaven! Where have you been all my life? We spent a good half hour there and bought a Bay Area local piece for our home. So much more I want to purchase! If you love local arts and crafts and products, there is so much to see and buy! It was such a pleasure to meet the store's lovely owner Eleen who took the time to greet us and and Mynt, who was very kind and helpful as well. The store is also kid friendly and there are gifts for every age and personality! Also for my CA lovin friends (and Etsy/Pinterest Peeps) so many California themed (also, bay area, Oakland, Alameda, San Francisco items) if you have out of town guests- take them here! Excited to go back! I also posted on Facebook and Twitter and Instagram! read more

See all

This is one of my first reviews that isn't a restaurant, so knowing that, you gotta know this place is pretty special. It's amazingly hipster in here, but thats ok. All the super neat things more than make up for all the fixed gear bike references. All of the items in here are made around the Bay Area by local artists/designers. Ranging from cute, to strange, to just straight up cool. I really liked the purses and handbags there had here. If I was a girl, I'd totally rock one of them over a Coach bag anyday. Also, the lego/scrabble jewelry? Only seen that kind of stuff online. They have some pretty neat mens accessories though. They have a really cool assortment of ties. I'd totally buy one if I was a tie kind of a guy, but I don't even know how to tie one yet. I did buy one item though. I got a wallet, since my current wallet is fat. I wear skinny jeans, so fat wallets make it look like I have this huge bulge coming out my pants. Usually that's a good thing, but not when it's all the way where my pocket should be. So I got a skinnier wallet, and it fits perfectly in my pants. Really neat store to come check out. One of those places that I really only expected to find in Berkeley or Haight/Ashbury. read more