I absolutely adore this store. I took a trip to San Francisco with a particular mission one…read moreweekend; find lots of candles, and plenty of jewelry. One of the first recommendations that was given to me was Often Wander. It is a tiny store, but the selection is amazing. There are so many candles to choose from, and so many delicious scents! They also have a wide variety of crystals, rocks, and quality hand-crafted jewelry. The store may be small, but you could still get lost! The workers are also very friendly and seek to help wherever they can. My one suggestion is that there be a bit more transparency about the "50% off candle refill" offer. There are more fees and stipulations than advertised, and I don't think that is entirely fair. But other than that, the store is lovely, and I will certainly be a regular!

This store is so aptly named. How many of us Often Wander, and as one of the more famous saying…read moregoes, "Not all those who wander are lost . . . " J.R.R. Tolkien. With that said, we wander in and found so many beautiful things in this store. The gem shaped soaps, the beautifully arranged wall of necklaces, the astrological candles, and these cool looking locks.

Another great little gift/souvenir shop in the area with amazing high quality products, a lot from…read morelocal artists or small businesses. I've bought gifts here for others, as well as little gifts for myself because I wanted to treat myself. There's a wide selection of things: puzzles, socks, pins, jewelry, incense, candles, hand creams.... even more than I can remember. Prices range all over but you're supporting a small local business, local artists, and the quality is excellent. Service was friendly and helpful and she volunteered up some information on the items I was purchasing. Definitely a great shop and asset to the block. You can't go wrong if you're looking for gifts for others or yourself.

I was really looking forward to coming back to Needles and Pens after losing a favorite pair of…read moreearrings I had previously purchased from this store. I've been here plenty of times before and have spent my hard-earned money supporting this business. When I came in today, I placed my drink on the small stand outside since drinks aren't allowed inside, and started looking for the same style of earrings I had lost. I had only been in the store for less than two minutes when an employee approached me and said something along the lines of, "Excuse me, can you finish your call outside or put headphones on?" I was simply on the phone with my mother catching up, and I was not being loud or disruptive. What bothered me most was that the employee never greeted me or acknowledged me when I walked in, yet was quick to approach me and address my phone call almost immediately. There were also no signs indicating that customers aren't allowed to be on the phone inside the store. I understand wanting to maintain a certain atmosphere, but I don't feel the way this was handled was particularly welcoming or necessary. Unfortunately, after this experience, I no longer feel comfortable supporting this business. It's disappointing, especially as someone who has been a returning customer and has supported this store multiple times.

Really fun and well-curated inventory of tshirts/hoodies, gifts, candles, jewelry, etc. A nice…read moreplace to pop in for locals, and definitely someplace I swing by when I have visitors in town.

Really cute store and tons of local offerings ranging from cards or posters, games, books, candles,…read moreaccessories and jewelry, clothing and more! I liked perusing the cards and posters that represented art in every SF neighborhood. I purchased one as a gift I also appreciated the cute hair accessories and clips -- they carry Jenny Lemons who makes fruit or veg shape hair clips

They say it's always Halloween in San Francisco and you will see some interesting costumes from…read moreperformative people everyday because life is a performance. There are events in SF where everyone knows it involves some type of costume. An annual event which involves performative running of over seven miles and resembles a mix of a flash mob, rave, fraternity and sorority Greek gathering and those who like to show their fun spirit in San Francisco at the Bay to Breakers run. Some years Karl the Fog accompanies the runners on a Sunday morning and some years the sun shines bright through the entire path. There is a place where you can gear up and show your San Francisco free spirit. Located on Clement street it's called Foggy Notion. On a San Francisco Karl The Fog stroll I landed inside Foggy Notion. Inside you will find candles and natural skincare products along with gifts with some San Francisco representation. The products are made by local artisans . Get a towel of Sutro Tower and salty waters of the Pacific Ocean on the both sides of the Bay Bridge. After the Bay to Breakers run come and get some soap. They also have San Francisco scented candles which doesn't stink like parts of Fisherman's Wharf in SF. Come here if you want feel refreshed after over a seven mile cheesy run through San Francisco at the Bay to Breakers. There is place which has a "devotion" to the city of San Francisco with products giving the city some publicity and some"promotion "with sites and symbols of the San Francisco city landscape along with the "Pacific Ocean " you can find candles , hats, greeting cards and bags at "Foggy Notion" When it comes to Bay to Breakers it is not a breakdancing "event" just don't break a bone on your body running over 7 miles of San Francisco "cement"make sure wear good shoes so injuries you can "prevent" and make sure to gear up at Foggy Notion in SF on "Clement"

Foggy Notion is a must visit if you're looking to bring home a unique, fun, and thoughtful souvenir…read morefrom San Francisco. Whether it's a cute card to send a friend, or sweet scented candle that will remind you of this place, they have it! It's one of those shops you pop into just to browse around and end up discovering something you love.

I stopped in here with my mom to look for a unique gift for her friend and ended up leaving with…read moretwo of the most beautiful sound bowls I've ever heard! Thank you, Rajeesh, to you and your family for these bowls. You have a lovely shop with quality items. They have jewelry, incense, crystals and gifts, musical instruments, everything. I highly recommend and will definitely be back!

Very nice family man who runs this shop. His family makes the sound bowls. Best quality sound bowls…read morein around and reasonable prices. Lots of jewelry and crystals, too. He has some tarot decks, oracle decks, and Reiki candles. I definitely recommend his store.

Very nice and homey fun clothes and jewelry too, a little pricey (ranged closer to $50) but…read moredefinitely worth it quality wise!

I love Assembly Hall. Every time I walk in, the owners (a husband-and-wife duo) are warm, relaxed,…read moreand genuinely welcoming. There's zero pressure to buy just good vibes and easy conversation, which honestly makes shopping way more enjoyable. The best part? Their pieces are special. This isn't a store where you see the same things everywhere else. I actually found my all-time favorite pair of super high waisted jeans here. I didn't even buy them on the spot went home, tried to be responsible, and couldn't stop thinking about them. The next day I ordered them online because I was like, nope, these are not getting away from me. I've picked up a few things from Assembly Hall now jewelry, jeans, shirts, pants and every single piece has been a win. The quality is great, the prices are reasonable, and everything feels thoughtfully chosen. One thing to know: things move quickly. Not in a stressful way just in a "if you see something you love, don't overthink it for a week" kind of way. You can absolutely walk away and come back... just maybe don't wait too long This is a small business I truly enjoy supporting, and I'm really glad they're here in the city. If you haven't checked out Assembly Hall yet, it's definitely worth a visit.

Adorable shop full of beautiful, whimsical things…read more A person working there helped me pick out the perfect gift for my design-minded friend--this gorgeous reversible glass vase-- who loved it! Also my favorite place to get cards for birthdays/holidays and such. Every time I walk by it, I feel lucky to have such a special shop in my neighborhood :-)

I really love this place, and I always stop by when I go play video games like an addict next door…read moreat Emporium Arcade. They have the cutest greeting cards. Usually, I just look around and bank things in my memory as inspiration to create, but sometimes I splurge on gifts for my loves. The prices are decent and the quality is great. The employees are awesome. Good luck finding parking, though.

I stumbled into this store quite by accident. I unfortunately don't have a high paying job that…read moreallows me to frequent the Union St area stores. I did find some cute Asian themed tee's and a beautiful evening top. I splurged and will happily do it again when that Christmas bonus rolls through. Cute clothing and a good selection of unique jewelry and themed footwear.

Love this store!! Great cashmere scarves and wraps and at great prices. Support your local small…read moreshops. I always find something for gifts or myself here!