Botanic and Luxe combines all my favorite shoppable things into one place: gorgeous healthy…read moreplants, local delicate jewelry, pillows, baskets, handcrafted goodies, candles and other scented gifts, wall art, travel and cook books, fine kitchenware. I mean seriously, did someone read my journal of Favorite Things and create this store just for me?!! L-O-V-E! There is no walking around downtown Santa Cruz without stopping by Botanic and Luxe. I have purchased gifts here as well as framed art (with a locally-made wooden frame) that hangs in my home, and recently attended their anniversary event where they had local vendors serve matcha and desserts, and they provided 20% off the entire store, so naturally I went home with another plant baby. Even though the store was PACKED with customers, they asked me if I needed help twice and also spent time giving me plant care instructions! Botanic is a higher-end plant shop, so expect to see some matching "luxury" prices as well. But people don't usually come here to get the best deal; they come to feel a certain way while they peruse a beautiful shop that sources many items locally, to get a certain level of service, and to be ensured a certain quality of product.

I absolutely love this cute little spot in Santa Cruz. I have a little tradition that every time I…read morecome here I buy a new plant. The day I bought the cutest little mini monstera. They also have a wonderful variety of different artisan crafts and very delightful scented oils. If you want to uplift your mood, come into botanic and lux. In a good mood immediately with all their soothing music and they're gorgeous atmosphere. The service is always very friendly and I plan to patron this place very often.

Such a fun little paper + gift shop in Santa Cruz. This place is packed with the coolest cards,…read moregame boards, quirky toys, and playful finds you didn't know you needed. Everything is well-organized, so it's easy to browse without feeling overwhelmed. Located on a lively, busy street that's great to walk around, with street meter parking nearby. Perfect spot to pop into while exploring the area and looking for a unique card or gift.

On 06/19/21, The dude calls Station businesses "Princess Places" as I have an obsession with…read morestationary - it's my hobby (that's what I tell myself to feel better a out it xD). I love everything about it. I was hesitant on coming in as I had my mind set on getting cookies a block away and he convinced me to stop in so we can look for Princess things for me and my bestie!! I was ALL in at that point. Upon entering in, I knew I didn't want to go. They had cute cards you can mail out which I'm so old school I love it. I spent a good 30 minutes trying to find the perfect Santa Cruz card!! I grabbed so many and started narrowing it down and down. I ended up not picking any of them and found a really small unique card I fell in love with which was perfect for the theme I was going for!! This place has so many hidden TREASURES. I was rummaging through everything from vintage games, books, puzzles, trinkets, unique items and the dude found a mermaid shell the actually hatches a mermaid. I knew that was the perfect item to pair with my cute card!! A unique find in Santa Cruz which was awesome. While I was in awe of the store the dude found a Coney cup *insert love emoji eyes* I literally squealed my princess skirt off!! There was no way I was walking out the store without it. I think the dude and I spent about an hour in the store until I realized we had to go pick up my hat that was being done. The line wasn't too long for check out and the owners informed us that they barely put the Coney Line Friends cup out two or three days ago!! Just my luck. I let them know they need BROWN BEAR - CONEY'S true love! So they were pleased that someone bought it. The owners were incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. Their store made me fall in love with Santa Cruz and make the trip very special! It was clean organized and such unique items you won't find! I highly recommend you come and check it out. Something for everyone!

What a fabulous cache of the most unique selection of almost anything and everything your little…read moreheart may desire. Home decor, (for the inside and outside), original art work produced by local artists, and lovely, lovely jewelry. This does not even begin to describe all the inventory tastefully organized in this cute, small store located in midtown Santa Cruz. I could have wandered around for much longer but I had dinner plans at my favorite Italian restaurant (Sugo) next door so I was on the move. I spent fifteen minutes checking out everything and wanting to buy something, LOL! And there it was. A cool, casual purse perfect for a day at the beach or on a sail... maybe even a hike. The only purse I brought was not suitable for outdoor activities. Score! It is adorable and so practical but also a one of a kind find. I love it. The price was reasonable for Santa Cruz. Actually I could see it costing about the same in my city. Home/Work is fun! I will return on future trips for sure. Maybe pick up some gifts for a few lucky friends. The woman working was so sweet. No pressure but happy to answer any and all questions. Street parking on busy, crazy Soquel Avenue is challenging. Perhaps find a side street. This store does not rely on tourists. It is supported and loved by the local community/neighborhood. (Check out the photos left by Yelp reviewers.) Home/Work is worth seeking out. Do not miss this treasure. It is guaranteed to bring you joy!

We had dinner reservations next door, but were early (natch) so we stopped in this boutique shortly…read morebefore they closed. It was nice, a bit eclectic, very clean, bright and well organized. Lots of stuff for the dining room and bar, games, fun cards and stickers. We got no flack for hanging out right up to closing time. In fact, someone else came in after we did.

Love the quality of the clothing here! Most reasonably priced place on the pier and lots of…read morechoices. They sell skateboards, lotions, neck pillows, relaxation products, stickers, hats, beanies, shirts, sweatshirts and much more. If you are a tourist and need something try this store first. It is the cheapest and best. Customer service is always very personable as well.

This is a great long standing store front! The new owner (daughter of original owner) is doing a…read moregreat job! Prices are typical and set (for Santa Cruz skateboard gear) but she did have some great sales. DEFINITELY the place for any type of sticker you'd like for your car, skateboard, computer etc. Show some Santa Cruz love and shop here first!

This place is filled to the brim with all kinds of souvenirs! They had way more mens t shirts than…read morefor ladies. For women they had a lot of sweatshirts which is kinda crazy considering it's a beachy place and most people are looking for clothes that will keep the cooler in the summer sun. I will say they have the most darling collection of vintage postcards and only .75! That's so cheap! Water bottle stickers are locked in a glass cabinet and $5.99, which is expensive compared to other local stores. The fellow who rang me up was not super helpful, but did ask if i wanted my breakable coasters wrapped which i appreciated.

Came here on a Friday after arriving in Santa Cruz, parking on the wharf, (how is this a thing?!)…read morealong came a breeze and my southern CA child having goose bumps and me being a bad mom forgot the sweatshirt at our friend's house in the bay area. Wandered into here (it was one of 2 places to get sweatshirts on the boardwalk). It was crowded with stuff (not so much people). They sell a good variety of things. I was able to find a sweatshirt and bought a magnet for a souvenir. It was expensive ($40) but to be expected since it is probably geared towards tourists. The only interaction I had with staff was at checkout and it was fine. The guy wasn't overly talkative, rang up my stuff, told me my total and I paid. He did listen when I told him I did not want a bag so yay. Overall this is not the type of store I would shop in but when on vacation right?

even though on the Wharf , wonderful staff, and merchandise, reasonable prices would shop againread more

I love collecting postcards and they had a great selection. I believe they had 3/$1 and some other…read moreones for 75 cents. A cute little gift shop along the pier. Do note that they only take card for totals over $5! Anything less is cash only!

This place is so cute! It reminds me of Powells Books in Portland. Its open and full of little…read morenooks and has fun recommendations and stands. You can spend the whole day looking around and exploring. It also has tons of fun stationary, or kitchen decor things, like the fun stuff for your home or office, not necessarily the stuff you need, but the stuff thats going to make you smile (so, the things you need). I also loved that there were two doors. I know that is silly, but I liked that you can park in the back, walk in, go shopping, then walk out the front and you're now in downtown. It is a bit overwhelming, but, super cute and I would recommend any age stopping by for something you'd like.

This bookshop is one of the stores I *must* stop into when I'm downtown. It calls my name! It has…read morea huuuge variety of books -- the usual suspects, but also some interesting subjects that are very à la Santa Cruz, like LGBTQ themes, and then there are the huge number of gift items as well as a UCSC section, which is always fun to look through. The staff is lukewarm-friendly, but overall I find them talking amongst each other behind the register like they're at a Sunday backyard BBQ, so if I have a question, I am disrupting their conversation. They'll help me out but they aren't too happy about it. That's how it feels anyway. I wish there was a self-price scanner and a way to find books more easily, so it takes out the need for customer service. All in all, the Santa Cruz Bookstore is a place you can easily spend an hour or longer to kill time or to meander after dinner. It's really fun, and is a perfect place for the loner types who don't like people talking to them... because usually staff won't approach you here on their own. (See? This can be a positive!)

Artisans & Agency is one of my favorite shops in downtown Santa Cruz. If I'm downtown, there is no…read moreway I can walk by without stopping inside, regardless of how much time I have! They have plentiful unique gift items, like jewelry, cards, local art, candles, bags, wood pieces, etc. My eyes are always too busy moving around to scan the store for all the cool new items that it's a wonder I've never tripped. The people who work there are also authentically friendly where you can actually ask them a question, and they won't judge you or ignore you! Love this store. Prices can be high, but I also think the quality of the products they carry are also high.

Artisans & agency is truly a treasure trove. With the holiday season quickly approaching, this is…read morethe perfect location to find a one-of-a-kind gift. This boutique is filled with an impressive selection of locally-made goods including pottery, beautifully designed greeting cards for every occasion, locally sourced spices and honey, and bold statement jewelry. I ended up taking home a variety of teas for myself and friends. They're located in central downtown, next to a ton of other great shopping locations. Parking is pretty easy to find since it's a high traffic area. Whether you're a local or passing through, you won't forget this Santa Cruz business.

This lil shop is a diamond in the rough. I love this shop. A nice selection of gifts and BONUS:…read more They transferred my cd's to usb's. Fast, efficient and affordable.

I love this rare establishment so much. The owners are wonderful people who care to create an…read moreauthentic space for visitors filled with their culture and heart. I have bought my most favorite (now overworn) clothing from the lovely owner who has great taste in the stylings she carries. Santa Cruz is so lucky to have this hidden gem!

I love the idea of having a gift shop and plant nursery next to an arboretum. Lots of plants (ca…read morenatives too) and acute gift shop. Some local items and other fun things to give as gifts or keep! The lady working behind the counter was super sweet too.

This is a gem of a giftshop! There's an excellent variety of gift ideas. Staffing and purchasing is…read moreall done by volunteers. Prices are reasonable, only downside is that it closes at 4:00 PM.