Reach and Teach

If this store is going to be closed during regular business hours I feel like they should make it…read moreknown so people don't drive out of their way for this store, only for it to be closed.

Such a quaint boutique in downtown San Carlos…read more The owner was so nice she has done a great job decorating the space So many wonderful gift options

Super cute graduation caps

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This made me laugh out loud. Quite loudly ;-)

Therapy Stores

4.9(22 reviews)

I always have the best time shopping here! The employees are so kind and I always find the most…read moreunique gifts -- it's like my go-to place to find presents for friends, family or my partner. I truly don't have to shop elsewhere because the intention and thoughtfulness in the products selected are so curated for everyone. And ... they have JELLYCAT!

Cute shop with a lot of fun knick knacks. They have cards, books, keychains, journals, ornaments,…read moretote bags, stuffed animals, jewelry, jewelry dishes, clothing, etc. It's located in the heart of downtown San Carlos with a bunch of restaurants, stores, coffee shops, and more nearby. Can easily spend 30 mins to 1 hour exploring every corner of the store. The cashier was extremely friendly!

Window stuffies

Windows

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Stuffies

Ladera Garden & Gifts

4.6(62 reviews)

1.8 mi

Work near the area and happened to wander around and saw they had plants. Went inside to see some…read moreif they had any plants to add to my collection. They have outdoor and indoor plants available. As I kept walking in, they also have a store inside with random cute things like candles, decorations, jewelry, baby clothes etc. Smelled nice and clean inside. Saw staff taking care of the outdoor plants. So I found a cute plant but when I got to the cashier to pay, I asked if she happens to know or see if they had a bigger version. To my surprise she answered with "what we have out there is what have. Have you seen a bigger a version?" Honey, I wouldn't have asked if I saw one wouldn't I? Kind of disappointed with her reply. But maybe she's new not sure what the situation is. They have plenty of succulents to choose from if you're into them. The prices for the plants were fair.

Great customer service and walked away with a nice healthy plant…read more It's a tad more expensive than other places but it's worth coming here.

Lovely wristlet @ $40

All this is possible because of these guys

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Leaf & Loot

4.7(6 reviews)

1.2 mi

The shop is adorable and has a great vibe. They have lots of cute planters. In fact, I saw the…read morecutest BUNNY planter and had to have it. The only downside was that the Pilea involucrata 'Moon Valley' I wanted was a bit too small and looked awkward in it. Luckily, the owner was incredibly kind and offered to upsize the pot so it would fit perfectly and saved the day. Extremely happy with my purchase! In general, I think the shop could have a larger plant selection (lack of selection could be a seasonal thing?). I liked a lot of the planters and option to mix and match plants in them but didn't see a lot of plants that caught my eye. I ended up going somewhere else afterwards and took home 7 plants. That said, I do think it's worth checking out. I'll definitely go back next time I'm in the area.

This is a cute, cozy plant shop further down on Laurel (near Johnston's and The Toss). We noticed…read moreit a few months ago and stop by every time we are close by, and that usually means walking out with a new plant as well! There are lots of plants to check out, along with interesting pots and wall containers for them. There's been a growing selection of carnivorous plants as well! Over the past few weeks I've picked up two Nepenthes (tropical pitcher plants) and a very small sundew, and I'm very happy with my purchases. They had some lovely sarracenias (North American pitcher plants) that were tempting but I didn't purchase. This year I've had a renewed interest in houseplants, especially carnivorous plants. My son and I have been trading tips and figuring out what conditions are best for each type of plant. The owner was very helpful with some advice for our fiddle leaf fig plant (in most cases the answer is more light, assuming you aren't overwatering). Once when we come in there were lots of cuttings of succulents being propagated and small sundews being grown; the shelves are full of little surprises like this. Looking forward to our next visit, since I still have room on my plant shelf for one more hanging plant!

Air plants

Butterwort

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Window

Lark - San Carlos

5.0(9 reviews)

A friend and I took Lark's leather workshop and had a delightful evening making crossbody leather…read morebags that turned out surprisingly great! All thanks to owner Eilish's thoughtful assistance and providing all materials needed. Her shop on Laurel is a San Carlos gem too--perfect place to shop for unique and handmade gifts from local artists!

Lark is my first stop in town for unique gifts. I love to browse the store and read all about the…read morelocal artisans. I recently attended a leather making workshop led by Eilish, the shop owner, and made my own tote bag. It was so fun, and Eilish was very knowledgeable and patient.

Hand crafted leather laptop habdbag

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Looking through the front door at Lark.

Dona's Hallmark Shop

2.9(47 reviews)

The fact that this place is still in business is remarkable. The older woman standing behind the…read morecounter was the most unpleasant human I have ever encountered in my life. I walked in with my daughter this morning passing the front counter and noticed woman standing behind the counter staring, I looked at her and said good morning and walked pass. As my daughter and I were looking around another woman walks in and grabbed a few cards and went to pay. I heard the employee say loudly "a woman who knows what they want to buy" at this point my daughter picked out what she wanted and we headed to the counter. We waited for the other customer to finish and we walked up and there she was just staring. I asked my daughter to put the boxes down so she can scan them. I paid and the employee held the receipt in her hand, I grabbed it from her and told her to have a great day. She responded and I told her she should have better customer service and she replied I should be a better customer , I turned around and said perhaps if you learn to great customers as they walk in, she snaps back "don't tell me what to do". She's obviously not well nor all there. It's too bad she is the first thing people see, if that's the owner then it is what it is, but if she's an employee management needs to put her in the back where she has 0 customer contact. Disgusting behavior from a person who clearly should know better

Rudest employee ever. Her energy was palpable. Was with my 6 year old daughter. We had to leave…read moreimmediately. Awful awful

Watson recordable books

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Store front

The Reading Bug

4.7(168 reviews)

0.2 mi

Whenever I am visiting my grandchildren in San Carlos, this is our favorite place to visit. Staff…read moreis very helpful and kind. Wish they had a dedicated children's book store in Ojai.

I wish I found the Reading Bug sooner! Their sections of children's books are so extensive and…read moredivided by different topics made it easy for someone like me, who came in with ZERO IDEA on what she wanted, be able to find things easily. They do also have books for young adults and adults alike, although the sections are smaller than for children, but the owners told me that they can always order books, as well, if you're looking for something specific! Overall, I probably spent more time than I needed inside, but it was time well spent. The books I got for my Godson were perfect (in my opinion!) and I'd come back again to get more children's books.

Birthday Party Fun!

Our event space! Book your birthday or other special event. Photo credit: Sue Choi Photography

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Harry Potter and the Cursed Child late night launch party at The Reading Bug!

Fanloli

4.4(27 reviews)

5.4 mi

Fanloli is my favorite destination! I always look forward to seeing what they have in stock. I've…read morebeen a fan of Sanrio characters since the earliest I can remember. There's so many options for gifts from makeup to cute capybara keychains! I love their totes as well! So many gadgets to choose from. I sway towards the stuffed animal keychains and the seasonal hair accessories always but most of all, it's always a joy to see Jewel. Customer service is amazing and the atmosphere is really welcoming! The store is kept really tidy and clean as well. Looking forward to seeing you soon!

Adorable little gift shop with a huge disparate assortment of stuff, e.g. everything from toys and…read morerhinestone bobby pins and headbands to gift cards and toys to drum roll ... wait for it ... lipsticks! Little knick knacks of stuff you never knew you never knew you needed or wanted till you bumped into it. It's a little girl's paradise, a way of paying homage to frills and beauty and all things feminine. It's such an odd little shop to bump into, especially when you're not looking for it. It's tucked away in a bit of an obscure location, so if you're not looking for it, you'll miss it.

Fanloli

Mystery boxes

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Totes galore!!!

Whearley & Co.

5.0(4 reviews)

2.4 mi

One of my absolute favorite shops in the Bay Area! The space is warm, inviting, and filled with…read moredecor inspiration perfect for refreshing your home or finding a thoughtful gift. Their seasonal displays are always beautifully done, and the staff is genuinely enthusiastic and helpful. Over the years, I've picked up all kinds of unique treasures, but most recently I purchased Farrow & Ball paint and enjoyed my experience. They have an in-house mixing machine and were incredibly patient in helping me find the perfect color match for my space. Prices can be on the higher end for vintage furniture, but they also carry more budget-friendly options like cookbooks and charming little knick-knacks. I always feel so refreshed after walking in & plan to at least monthly!

This is such a cute home goods store (so cute I already owned several pieces they were selling!) it…read morewas the perfect mix of rustic and unique. It was Christmas-y without being too much and you could definitely get goods here that are unique! The staff was friendly too. It was very warm and inviting.

Variety of dried flowers vases and foliage for sale

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Unseen. Clothing + Things

4.8(32 reviews)

Okay in-store experience, not amazing but also not terrible, think I've been here about three times…read morein total and purchased something each time. I saw the cutest pants but they didn't have my size at the store, so I figured I'd call a couple weeks later to see if they had any in stock again. The phone rings but no one ever answers. It's not super convenient for me to drive from Foster City to San Carlos for one pair of pants lol, maybe no one is answering my call because of my Fresno area code? Felt like after I called a second time it was intentionally sent to voicemail. Wanted to shop locally but found the pants online for exactly what I would have paid to them. Update: really impressed by the responsiveness from the owner and the ability to acknowledge shortcomings while providing alternative options to contact them. This just shows it's a much better shop than I initially thought.

This is a lovely woman-owned small business. The clothing for women, men and children is well…read morecurated. The owner and her staff are welcoming and helpful. The boutique also has a nice selection of accessories and gifts.