When we are in OB, we always stop by Ocean Gifts and Shells and nine times out of 10, we find some little knick-knack that we can't live without. A great souvenir shop with really friendly service. read more

Women had no personality until she got mad with attitude. Bought a few magnets as gifts for people and she already gave me the price to pay before telling her what payment method I was using. And only as I was tapping I noticed that there is a sign that warns for 3% charge for credit cards so I asked to cancel it. I apologize and said usually they verbally warned you and she said that that's what the sign is for... snapping back and giving attitude. But why did she give me the price before figuring out what payment method I was using? Honestly wanted to cancel my payment because her stank face attitude read more

Shout out to this awesome radical place on San Diego California. They got awesome prices really good people and really cool things to look at also really good friendly people will also give you really good deals. Highly recommend it if you're gonna visit for your first time I recommend getting there early because it can get quite packed inside animal friendly. read more

My family lives in Ocean Beach and I have been wanting the vintage OB "Seagull" t-shirt for awhile. A lot of places sell them but this is where it originated and they have the best selection. As much as this place is suited for tourists, I love the fact that it caters to locals as well. There is such an incredible variety of true Ocean Beach merchandise in the store. Even better, the customer service was fantastic. And we were greeted upon entry, all of our questions were answered with a smile, and that was even with a lot of other people in the room. I was truly impressed with the feel of the store that probably sees mostly tourists but still had plenty of local vibes flowing through it. Did I mention the variety? Oh well, let me say it again, there was so much to choose from and it wasn't just cheesy tourist trap merchandise. They were plenty of little trinkets but I love that there was quality items as well. I am a fan of this place and would recommend it to all who love Ocean Beach. read more

Ocean Gifts and Shells - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Diego, California

This store is brimming over with souvenirs and gifts to bring home from San Diego including some beautiful stained glass pieces fearing the OB logo for Ocean Beach and a seagull. My husband bought a t-shirt when we were there, but I can across some awesome souvenir beach towels that featured pictures of all the main attractions that we had been to around the city. At the time, I did not buy them, but when I got home I called and asked if I could place an order for them over the phone. I was so excited when I was told that I could do this! Other stores I called would not do a phone order. The towels arrived just two days later! I appreciate how this store went above and beyond to make sure I was happy! I recommend a visit to this shop if you are in Ocean Beach! read more

Great place to buy souvenirs. Whether it's toys, clothes, or useful items. Staff is friendly and prices are great read more

Ocean Gifts and Shells - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Diego, California

All-around tourist store: rafts, post cards, shells, beach wear, floats, umbrellas, anything you need. Too many package deals. Review: 3.5 read more

This is the best place to buy my out of town visitors a gift. I also get all my OB sweatshirts from here too. It's a fun store and has a lot of gift choices. read more

What a lovely little store. I didn't have much luck combing for shells (they were all small ones), but when I walked into Ocean Gifts and Shells, there was quite the variety to choose from. I immediately saw a beautiful shell mobile, suspended by a starfish at the top, and chose it for my mother, who grew up in Southern California, and loves shells. Then I found some beautiful polished shells with the Lord's Prayer written on them. I also selected a conch and a few other small shells. I collect snowglobes, and their items were average. The cheap plastic ones with "San Diego" written on them were quite overpriced, but luckily, the entire store was 50% off. Apparently this is a running deal. But there were also kitschy little sand vials and any number of adorable souvenirs to take home to Arizona. I snatched up some postcards, too. The owner was exceedingly nice, and gave me a big bag for my things for free.Good people, great souvenirs. I'm really glad I stopped by. read more

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Lots of options. There was 60% off everything sign all over the place. Sales gimmick? I think so. The clerk rang up everything and then took 60% off total, which is actually cheaper. Prices were still reasonable. We only stopped by Ocean Side on your way to Mission Beach and La Jolla because they had my souvenier shops that were touristish and cheap. Parking available. We got there about 10-11 A.M. read more

Below is a letter I received from the Owner of the Ocean Gift & Shells: "I just read your yelp of my business, Ocean Gifts & Shells, regarding the sharks. And I am very sorry about your experience at my store. I have since called my supplier of these sharks to confirm that they are byproducts of the fishing industry. They assured me they are and they further informed me that shark is a very popular food that is fished on quite a large scale. I've eaten it a few times myself at restaurants. Anyway, when they do find babies in the moms, instead of simply discarding them they use them for education or souvenirs. They said there is absolutely no science experiments involved. Nevertheless, your yelp opened my eyes to the reaction that this product inspires. I am going to be removing it from my inventory. Hopefully by listening to our valuable customers my partner and I will not go out of business but be a positive part of our community for another 20 years." So I happened to be in Ocean Beach several days ago and decided based on the letter I received several months ago from the owner of Ocean Gifts & Shells to stop in and see if they were still in fact selling 'dead baby sharks.' The verdict is in; they still are selling these horribly atrocious items, this time located right near the cash register so when paying you will not miss them. I was shocked and appalled that the owner would take the time to write a letter to me expressing his concern over the depopulation of our sharks but continue to sell these lifeless bodies in his store. As someone who grew up in OB, learned to surf in OB and still visits OB on a weekly/monthly basis I am saddened. I am saddened that one this store is still in business and two how the owner of Ocean Gifts & Shells would straight up provide false information hoping that his fibs were not checked up on. Well you were checked up on and unfortunately words are words and actions and actions. I will continue to check back at this store each and every visit and see if they are still selling 'dead baby sharks' in glass bottles because nothing says San Diego like bringing home a 'dead' soul in a bottle as a gift, what a joke. My only hope is that customers who might visit this store read this review and decide to take their business elsewhere because even if they were giving stuff away free here I would feel guilty about having them in my home. read more

Ocean Gifts and Shells - Shop somewhere else, this shop still up to no good!!! (04-02-2014). - Flowers & Gifts Near Me - San Diego, California

Just spent $58 there today on shells. The old guy who works there, maybe the owner, was very rude. They do not accept returns or I would return everything and take my business elsewhere. Bad business in OB for tourists. read more

Oh, I just loved this place. 50% off everything in the store. Yes please. I love seashore goodies and knew I would be able to find some fun shells and cheesy cali items to bring home from my magical beach trip. I scored an awesome key chain, amazing shell earrings, and an abalone shell that dreams are made of. Thanks San Diego! xxoo jess read more

This place is pretty cool... They have a knowledgeable staff which actually know a lot about the shells they sell - as in where they come from, how they are processed from the sea to the final product as a store sold shell, etc... Huge variety of shells in all different sizes and colors... One thing that I like is that they have a section consisting of smaller shells - about the size of your aquarium snails and hermit crabs. These shells are NOT coated shells - they don't have a gloss or chemical finish on them. The shine comes from removing the top layer and polishing the shell. So if you are thinking about adding them to your reef tank - one thing I would do as a precautionary step is to boil them for about an hour or so (just as you would an ocean based sea shell) to remove any trace amounts of cleaning chemicals they might have and sterilize them. Other than that - they should be good to go and would make a great addition to your reef tank as fancy rides for your hermits... read more

If I wasn't buying sea shells for my son's Pre-School, I would of ran out of there. The older man at register was very short and rude with me after asking him a question. Don't know if he's the owner or not. But that's beside the point. My philosophy has always been, treat others how you would like to be treated. With respect and kindness. Cute adorable store with an array of sea shells and ocean themed gifts. But this individual needs to be nice and helpful, when a customer comes through his doors. Doubt I will ever return... Im sure OB has other similar stores like this one. read more

Great store for home decor or gifts for landlocked friends who are ocean impaired ! Prices are great as well . read more

Who doesn't love a good 50% off sale?! There are some really great gifts here, not just for the tourist enjoying the San Diego Sunshine, but for craft and wedding projects. We chose to use sand dollars that we personalized as our wedding place cards and were able to pick up 200 of them fresh and clean in the bags. We had to order that quantity ahead of time, but they have a large selection of shells available all the time. Lots of picture frames and clever signs to hang out by the pool, patio, or bedroom that has a coastal feel. Bruce is an institution in this place! He's always very upbeat and kind, knowledgeable about the products. He's got his regular locals that come to visit, but also has great suggestions for the occasional visitor. read more

Decent selection of stuff and prices aren't too bad but the man working really was just not nice. I heard him give attitude to several patrons as if they were inconveniencing him by shopping there. Guess that just wasn't the attitude I've been used to seeing since being out here. . Other than that found some decent souvenirs to take back east. read more

Went here for OB stickies, they have loads of em, and ashtrays, koozies, etc.with the OB logo. Also bought 50 bucks worth of T's and hoodies. The man at the counter was a little short but reasonably helpful, and I don't go shopping to make new friends. All was well until I read previous reviews b4 writing this....Dead Baby Sharks????? In a fricking bottle???Sickening and beyond disgusting. I would have never entered if I had known this..never. And yes, I eat meat, occasionally use aerosol hairspray, and love a great fish taco and $1 oyster shooters. The thought that we spent 60-70 bucks there makes me nauseous. read more

This is one of my favorite gift stores! You can always find some unique fun stuff at Ocean Gifts and Shells. There are also tons of beautiful shells of course and it's a great place to get a sweatshirt for those cool nights on the beach. I've purchaced everything from postcards to christmas and birthday gifts here, definitely check it out next time you are in OB. read more

I like this place. They have all kinds of souvenirs and gifts, and of course a huge variety of shells. I like to come here to look for shells for my hermit crab or just to browse. Half of the store has clothing and the more "practical" gifts, while the other half is the shell and trinket type stuff. They have awesomely kitschy items like the figurine of a guy sitting on a toilet reading a newspaper, entirely made of shells. The prices are pretty reasonable although street parking can be tricky. I usually end up parking on one of the streets parallel to Newport. read more

I was amazed by how big the store is. Had lots of different things to choose from; different types of shells, clothing, beach stuff, souvenirs. A nice, helpful guy answered all my questions. Defintely stop by this place and check it out. read more

3 months ago I would have given this place 5 stars when the super nice old man was running the show but now there's this woman here who is just terrible. Prices have increased and it's just an overall hostile environment. Their products are the same but the prices are ridiculously high. I always come here to buy shells and signs and I never pay over $20 for a sign or two and a small cup of shells but I bought one sign and one coaster for $21 which is unreasonable considering the sign isn't big at all. I was going to buy a cup of shells but the woman started picking out the shells I chose and saying they weren't part of the $5 cup deal which I have never ever had a problem with. I don't know where the other man went, but I'm hoping he hasn't left for good and today was just a one time thing. read more

My favorite place to shop for shells for my hermit crabs, they always changed immediately as soon as they were put in. I only wish I'd gotten to go shop there one last time, before we moved out of State. Always a fun time there. read more

Love this store in OB! Especially when items are on sale, go in after the New Year and the store owner usually has 70% off the entire store. I use to live in OB so anytime I had a beach themed project to do I would go and get sea shells from this store. The owner always says hello when you walk in and his store has a great variety of stuff. During the holidays there is a very nice assortment of ornaments that make good gifts. When ever I have visitors come from out of town I usually take them here if they want souvenirs. read more

Absolutely love taking family and friends to this store that are visiting from out of town. Great options for gifts to bring home to your loved ones, not to mention the great deals. read more

Wonderful collection of seashells for a reasonable price. Plenty of parking in the back. Love going to this seashell shop. I never leave there empty handed. read more

I love this store! From the second you walk in there is something to look at. They have an amazing variety of shells and ocean souvenirs. Something for everyone! read more

Great store with more shells than anywhere else on earth. Pleasant environment with great customer service. Wonderful selection of signs and oddities. We would recommend this store to anyone in the market for anything related to the ocean/beach. read more

Love this place! They always have great sales and a super friendly staff! Definitely recommend it for any gifts or souvenirs!