This was a lovely store that had so much to offer. This cute shop was packed full of clothing, home decor, and other wonderful items. After reading previous review reviews, I was a little apprehensive, walking in knowing what many others had experienced with their customer service. I will say when I walked in there was somebody who promptly greeted me and my husband, when we walked in and made some small talk. As we peruse the store, I did experience a little of what other people were saying as the employee seemed to keep popping up to chat with us as we per the store. I can understand why some customers may think that it may come off as the employees are watching you while you shop. I don't think that was what was happening at all. I think they were trying to definitely just be more friendly and welcoming, but I think they do need to tone down how many times they pop up while you are walking around the store. All of the items they have to offer are a fabulous quality and definitely a great spot to pick up gifts for others. When I'm in the area, I will definitely pop in and shop again. read more

See all

This store has a ton of unique items that are PERFECT for gifting. I wish I found this shop before Christmas. The price point is expensive but expected at a small boutique store such as this. I could spent hours in here looking at all of the different items. My friend was coming in to exchange an item or swap it out for another item. After shopping around and finding another jacket that she liked we inspected the jacket because it was white and we wanted to make sure it was free of damage. We came across black marks on all of these white jackets and brought it up to an employee at the front. They attempted to clean it with a paper towel and maybe water? But unfortunately no luck. They mentioned that she could try to clear it with upholstery cleaner after she purchased it but at the price point of over $100 my friend decided to pass. She ended up returning her item and receiving store credit. The reason for my 3/5 rating is due to the expensive clothing being stained and the awkward exchange. Overall, I would come back and give this place a chance when in need of a unique gift. read more

See all

I've been contacting Outside-In for years about this time, they pick out for me a beautiful candle to give to a very special family friend in Indianapolis Indiana. They pick out, gift wrap it and fill out the gift card. The box it up safely and ship out for me. I am never doubted they're wonderful ability to pick out the best for our friend and I truly appreciate that. So I guess I better give her a call tomorrow start that little gift rolling again. read more

I've been a customer for over fifteen years. It's always a delight to shop at Outside In. The people that work there are always helpful and friendly. It's a perfect place to find unique gifts. I especially love that they have seasonal home items to purchase. I always come for Christmas and Easter goodies. It's a sweet store and we're lucky to have it in Aptos. I highly recommend! read more

Beautiful selection of home goods and gifts. Rosy ring candles of every selection. Gorgeous set up and layout. Fun to browse. Great customer service and gift wrapping. Value is worth the price. A must go to! read more

Poor customer service. Women who work there are snobby! If you aren't dressed nice and look like you have money they won't give you the time of day.... The store carries nice things but do you really want to shop at a place where they have such an elitism attitude? read more

Awful customer service from the owner. Other staff members seemed helpful. Merchandise is somewhat pricey; generic items that are stale and out of date. This is a "wanna be" hip shop in a good location to be avoided if you truly have good taste. read more

I ventured into this shop one day as I was exploring my new town (I'm from San Jose originally) and fell in love with every single item. I went on and on about the shop so when Valentine's Day rolled around my boyfriend purchased a very nice gift card for me. Well, I knew EXACTLY what I wanted! I went in and coordinated a Talavera coffee service: tray, pitcher, sugar, creamer, 2 mugs, 2 spoons and 2 small cake plates for pastries. Pricey: but the quality is IMPECCABLE. The service from the staff was excellent. They wrapped everything very nicely, and I could not be happier. I will treasure this purchase FOREVER. read more

Outside-In - Home Decor Near Me - Aptos, California

Always a delight to go into this beautiful home decor store and more!! And yes, I agree, that Shannon is the belle of the ball !! She is the most sweetest salesperson ever !! All of the salespeople are quite nice and hospitable!! Whoever is the buyer and owner of this store has excellent taste and gets the most unique and beautiful things that girls just love to buy for their home!! They have jewelry too!! They have candles, throws, pillows, pictures, lotions, scarfs, mittens, pajamas, beach stuff decor, and wallets, and seasonal items that are so original you can't find anywhere else!! The store is so beautifully decorated that you want to make it your home !! LOL read more

Store has some cute stuff, try to do my best to support local, but unfortunately the customer service leaves a lot to be desired and impacts the whole experience. read more

Love this beautiful home store. I've been frequenting this shop for years, and always find something special to gift to someone or to fill my home. They have amazing inventory at all different price points. read more

Cute store, very overstocked, which is probably why they only have a 2 week return/exchange policy. A gift was purchased for my birthday a couple of weeks before my big day and then I was too busy to drive into Aptos to exchange it. I would have bought items that added up to more than the gift item I was trying to exchange. If you are looking for a wedding, shower, anniversary gift, or any gift where the receiver lives out of the area and has a busy to-do list of their own and exchanging items within a two week period is not feasible, this is NOT the place to shop in. There are too many shops out there to shop in with just as many nice items...... The store was empty except for three salespeople, but customer service was on on their agenda. read more

My absolute favorite boutique and gift store over the hill. Certainly beats all that horrible beach traffic clogging up 17. Ugh! I like "Outside-In" because it has variety - Sleepwear/Lingerie, bath products, housewares, seasonal, and more! It is definitely on the higher price end of things. I can find anything that I need from a quick party gift, to utensils, to tablecloths, to coat/hat racks, to even super stylish clothes, handbags, and accessories! Practically, my entire Rosy Rings candle collection comes from this store! It was much better (in terms of customer service, quality of items, frequency of sales, and fair pricing) before the new owners took over. With the new owners, they have occasional "sales." Historically, however, those sales were good; nowadays, they are not so much so. Shannon is a long time sales associate with great taste and who is extremely fun to work with! She always has a pleasant demeanor and is always dressed professionally. Shannon has dark hair and a pretty smile! Everyone else either ignores you or is way too pushy. All in all, wonderful place and great people like Shannon work there, but now, sadly, it's not worth 5 stars. read more

I received a birthday gift on 12/14/2022 and with all the holidays I didn't get over to the store until 1/6/23 to do and exchange. When I came in to do the return, the first thing the manager did was look at the date on the receipt and told me she couldn't do the exchange because the item was bought on 11/27/22. I stated that I just got the item. Make pointed out their return policy and wouldn't budge. I said I wanted a store credit and honestly I probably would have spent another 100.00 in there that day. Based on their rudeness and not willingness not to work with the customer I will not be giving them my business anymore. The store was empty with just the manager and cashier in there... and people wonder why locals don't shop local?? Amazon wins again. Good luck to this owner read more

I like to support our local businesses, and although this store is pricey, I have purchased many items from them over the years. There are a couple of employees that are very friendly and helpful, but others have been downright rude. While shopping there recently, I was completely ignored by at least 2 employees, while a third employee just watched and stared at me. I felt very uncomfortable and left. I think I'll stick with the Warmth Company and Coastal Oak Interiors, who are always so kind and welcoming. read more

This is one of those rare gems where I want one of everything! The store smells amazing, just like a freshly baked apple pie (my go-to gift is their spicy apple candle-it smells divine). I never feel pressured to buy anything and the friendly staff are happy to help if I have any questions. I recently went it to find a hostess gift (I decided on a cool Santa Cruz map dishtowel, my favorite Sweet Basil Olive Oil and one of the talavera dipping bowls made just for them-the gift was a hit!) Their gift wrap is a deal, too. I can't find a gift bag and tissue and ribbon for $1.00 anywhere. Of course I couldn't leave without a couple of hand painted mugs for myself. In fact, someone from their staff called me to let me know more of the mugs had come in since they know I collect them. They truly go above and beyond here. This is the place to bring your friends! read more

Outside-In - Handpainted mugs found at Outside-In in Aptos. Love their gift bags, too. - Home Decor Near Me - Aptos, California

Nice selection of fun items. I expect to pay boutique prices here. I do not expect to be treated poorly, but that is what happens at Outside In. read more

This is my favorite place to shop for adorable household things I don't actually need but *have* to have once I see them. The shopkeepers have been super helpful every time that I've come in; they are also pet-friendly. I enjoy coming in at the change of the season to see what they've brought in. My mom showed up on a day where they were closed in order to do a seasonal overhaul, and was despondent when she discovered she couldn't buy the present she'd come for. The owner went to fetch the item she was after, and let her pay in cash. Now that's impressive customer service. You may pay a slightly higher price than what you find online, but keep in mind that charming shops cost more to run than warehouses, and don't we love to browse? read more

Absolutly Horrible! I was with a friend and we were looking at some discount lotions outside the front entrance and I took one of the opened ones and smelled it. What I believe was the owner yelled at me and at the same time grabbed the lotion out of my hands and yells at me " there is covid, you have no right to smell this". I responded "I didn't touch this to my face", she gave me a disgusted look and stomped away. I will never touch foot in this store again or take friends to shop here. I have spent $$$ in this store. I will spend my money at The Warmth Company where I get excellent service and I'm allowed to smell the candles and even handle the merchandise. read more

I recently went into Outside In, the day before Mother's Day and to my dismay, once again I received the worst customer service. It was busy, but not too busy that I couldn't have been greeted by the employee standing right next to me. Instead, I was ignored, while I browsed the jewelry table. I made a quick selection for my stepmom and walked up to the register to pay. It didn't take long for the young lady to ask if I was ready and I said yes, but she passed me on to an older woman, that looked like maybe she can be the manager or owner. She had darker, medium length hair and was about 5"3-5"6. Either way, I must've mentioned 3 times that it was gift, to which I received a snappy reply of "I'm sorry I couldn't hear you!". Granted, we are wearing masks and it was bustling in there, but I told her 3 times and to me, that means you are not actively listening. I asked for it to be wrapped and got a snappy reply once more that I had to pay a $1 for that service. No problem. They used to do some very cute wrap, with care and love. Not this time. This time, I got just a regular 'ol Outside In bag, with tissue and had it aggressively thrown at me, along with my receipt. Times are tough for everyone right now financially, as we all are trying to bounce back from COVID and where I spend my hard-earned money, is important to me. After this experience, I no longer can support this local business. Too many times here I have been ignored, followed in an inappropriate way and aggressively dismissed. Sad. They have a lot of great gifts here. read more

Management, of the Outside In, in Aptos, CA, refised my request to exchange an overly-fragrancex' Rosy Ring Candle, on July 6, 2020. Mot only did the Manager refuse my request to exchange the candle, for a milder fragrance Rosy Ring Candle, she ignored my presence as I stood waiting at the counter, where she was pre-occupied with paperwork. I had even said, Hello to her, in hope to receive her attention, & she did not even look up. She simply said, Hello, & not even looking up at me, & with no further word of offering her assistance. Finally, 5 minutes later, a clerk walked up to assist me, where the clerk then had to interrupt the pre-occuoied Manafer, in order to approve my request for exchange of the Rist Ring candle. The manager then had to assist me (luv the Karma!) in approving my request, but sadly, she said, sorry, I am not able to make an exchange, "because the candle has been unwrapped, & the Outside In could not Re-Sell it." The manager made it very clear from the start, ignoring my presence at the counter where she stood, to her refusal to exchange my over-fragranced Rosy Ring candle, that it is ALL about the Outside In's profit margin, & NOT with giving excellent Customer Service! When oh when, will Retail, & the Outside In get, that it is all about the Customer! This unfortunate experience at the Outside In (after 20 yrs. of being a customer there) on July 5th, 2020, was quite disturbing, not only from the lack of common courtesy shown, but in the lack of professionalism, & lack of decent, let alone excellent, customer service. Wake it up, owner's of Outside In! There are top-notch people available, much more qualified than your rude manager, to serve the public! Your manager should NOT be with working with the Public, but in a back room some where, anywhere but at a front counter! No smile, no common courtesy, & a lack of professionalism from management, & my LAST experience at the Outside In, in Aptos. And, Happily so! read more

First of all, everything here is adorable. They do a great job selecting items for their shop. My beef is two-part: A. Everything is severely overpriced. In Pescadero, I purchased a scarf (white and blue with feathers) for twenty five dollars cheaper than they were asking at this store. It was the SAME exact scarf. I also purchased a tablecloth at another shop that is also sold at Outside In. Mine was $75, they are selling the same exact line for $175 and up. With such price inflation, I am not comfortable buying anything here. B. The shop owner follows me around every time I am in her shop, eyeing me as though I am going to rob her store. My mom is also uncomfortable shopping here due to this. Instead of browsing with ease, you are followed and watched...she also continuously tried to give justifications and input whenever I was holding an item, which I did not appreciate. It felt like a lot of pressure to buy and also made us feel awkward. When I was looking at the linen line, she vouched that she bought just two years ago and it is still in good condition...it should be. And stop, please. I love feasting my eyes on their selection, but I cannot bring myself to leave with anything due to the steep inflation and hawk eyed owner. Go to Anthro for better customer service and overpriced home goods. read more

The most amazing and cute decorations for your house. Its pretty pricey though, i mostly come here to "browse" The other day i bought one of their beautiful candles. i was stuck in traffic on hwy 1 and called to ask if they could stay open for me. they were more than happy to oblige, and i walked away with a great house gift for myself read more

A lovely local shop to get that little something you just can't live without. They have hand painted local pottery, candles galore, table ware, comfy pjs and sweaters as well as a great selection of costume jewelry. Clerks are all very helpful and never pushy. Great place to find a gift. read more

Buyers do price comparisons before purchasing. This is the second store in this center whose "sale" items are still more expensive than Amazon or the name-brand website. I want to support local business, so I waited to make a larger purchase during their annual 15% off sale. I wasn't pressed for time so I could have shopped around, but didn't. Sale items aren't returnable as was stamped on my receipt-but wasn't mentioned at the time. Imagine my dismay to learn several of the items could have been purchased on-line at full price and still be less than Outside-In sale price. If I go back, it will be for last minute gifts. They do carry lovely items but be prepared to pay top dollar read more

Outside In was my go to store for hostess and holiday gifts. They would place the items in a lovely bag with tissue paper, and I was done. I purchased two gifts yesterday to find out after I checked out, that they were going to charge me a $1.00 per gift per bag. The same bag I always received in the past, for free. I understand the $.25 that grocers and stores charge, but a $1.00? I returned my items and will not shop at that store again. read more

I love this place! They have great customer service and literally the cutest things for gifts you could ever imagine. Such a fun spot and so great for special occasions! read more

Really nice selection of clothes and gifts. Got a couple beautiful vintage flannels, some sweet earrings and a very cool headband. Also pottery, odds and ends. Loved it. read more

Since I'm always singing Outside-In's praises, I thought it was about time I'd made my enthusiasm public! This place is sheer magic. And I truly believe that nothing rivals the quality, selection, ingenuity or eye-popping enchantment in all of Santa Cruz (maybe all of California!). If nothing else, treat yourself to a visit to this rare wonderland (as well as Outside-In's Kid Store, conveniently located a few doors down). Kudos to the owners who have maintained the magic for over two decades! read more

I love this Gem of a store! It's right up the street from my home and everyone who visits me gets a gift certificate or special gift from Outside In! It has unique and wonderful merchandise . The staff is wonderful and when I walk in they know my name! Fantastic shopping experience, I highly recommend Jennifer E read more

I have been a long time customer of Outside-In and recently purchased a pricey watch. When there was a problem with the product, I called in and requested a refund or replacement or store credit. The great customer service that I expected from years as a loyal customer wasn't there. I'm beyond disappointed and will no longer be recommending this business to family and friends. read more

I love this store! I live in Santa Cruz, but will make the trip to Aptos just to check out what they have in stock. They have great cookbooks, kitchenware, candles, and a variety of items for the bed and bath. It's also a great place to look for a special gift. It is a little pricey, but everything is very high quality and unique so it is worth the price. The only thing that makes me sad about this place is that they don't stay open too late, so it's hard to make it after work. read more

My home needs to smell like this. Yummmm! The best candles. Long lasting soaps. Beautiful linens and sleepwear. Books and gifts. And I always buy my tapered candles here because they're so slow burning and not messy drippers. Every corner has something I NEED, for myself or as a gift. A must visit spot on my regular rotation. read more

French linens and hand towels, gift shopping for the chef in your life. Cute store, nice staff. A nice way to spend a little retail therapy time. read more

This is the place to go for one-stop gift shopping. I have never failed to find the perfect gift - whether for Dad, Sis or friends. I know when I walk in that between the amazing housewares, linens, earrings, candles, soaps, books and other really unique things, I will find the perfect something. It is a pleasure to shop here - not a chore. They have great sales, too. Love this place. read more

I feel compelled to write this review right now. Earlier today my husband attempted to purchase me a Christmas gift from this business and was stopped at the door by an employee and asked if she could assist him. My husband replied "yes, do you have any water dispensers", the employee's response was "sir, we don't serve water to the public". Then she proceeded to tell him that he needed to leave because he looked "scary" and because he was wearing pajama pants. (Mind you my husband was feeling ill today). My husband had thought that this is where I wanted a cute water dispenser, not knowing I meant from the water store down the road. Words were exchanged and my husband did throw around a couple curse words but he was so upset for being treated less than. My husband also thought this was the business I was talking about because I come here all the time to buy my favorite candles. Needless to say I will never give this business a cent and will unfortunately have to get my Rosy Ring candles from somewhere else. This business should be ashamed of themselves for profiling someone just by their appearance. read more

Unless you're white don't bother walking into this store. I wasn't greeted, offered a shopping basket, or asked if I needed assistance as the other white customers were. I was being watched closely as I made my way around the store. The behavior was worse at their neighbor store Outside-In Kids. I was completely ignored and it's a small store. All the other customers were greeted as they walked in the door. I'm a resident of Aptos and I'm appalled at the bigotry that exists in this city and in this particular shopping center. I will never step foot in either of these stores again. They do not deserve my business. read more

I purchased two salsa bowls with spoons and other things last Sunday at Outside In. After I got home, I opened one of the salsa bowls. As soon as I removed the scotch tape to open it, a little ceramic spoon dropped to the floor and of course, was broken. The bowl was nicely wrapped, but not the spoon. They wrapped the way that the ceramic spoon was easily dropped. They could've taped or told me to be careful to open it since the spoon was not wrapped. I took it back to the store and the person who work there told me it's not their fault. She said she is happy to sell me the spoon. I am not going back to the store any more. read more

Came in while visiting family and fell in love instantly. The Mexican pottery caught my eye right away and I couldn't help but buy a share of it, so beautifully painted and will look great in my kitchen. Everyone was super nice and right when I walked in I felt very welcomed. Definitely going to come in again whenever I'm over on this side again read more

I have always loved to browse the store and on rare occasion by a gift. Pricey but beautiful gifts for friends or family. The last purchase I made was a "beach" bag for a friend. As it turned out she had purchased the same one for herself. I took the bag back along with my receipt and I was S.O.L. They don't do returns. No Refund, No Store Credit. NADA. Asking me to pay $1 for a store bag to place my purchase in was rude. With prices this jacked up they need to learn that a little customer service goes a long way. Warmth Company had me at "let me wrap that up for you". Yep, bag, box, bow, wrap NO CHARGE. read more