I stop by Tabula Rasa occasionally with my wife, and it is always an enjoyable experience. There is such a great mix of items to browse, from serving pieces and local beach themed goods to plush animals, ornaments, coffee table books, blankets, and frames. You get the idea, it is the kind of place where you always find something interesting. Sure, you can probably find similar items online for a few dollars less, but that is not the point. It feels good to shop in person, take your time, and pick out something meaningful for a loved one instead of just opening another Amazon box. I picked up a Manhattan Beach puzzle for my in-laws and a California dish towel for a friend who moved to the East Coast to be closer to her children, both made for really thoughtful, personal gifts. The store has a warm, well-curated feel, and the employees have always been friendly and helpful. I love this shop and am happy to support a great local small business. Places like this are what make the neighborhood feel like a community. 5 stars for me. read more

See all

I loooove the two blonde women that work at this store (they were working today) they are so welcoming and helpful every time I'm in there and I just love them. Tabula is so good- their selections are always great, new products all the time, incredible home wares and serving wear. I always leave happy, the prices are reasonable, and the women in here are so sweet. Big fan! Please support!!! read more

A most amazing place for gifts by people who care. I've shopped here for years and it was go to place for a beachy gift or a special something. Bobbi and crew are great and best of all for a guy they wrap!! Better than I ever could. But my wife went in last month for a special Father's Day gift and once again they hit it out of the park. My grandmothers cottage in New Hampshire was called The Topsy and I loved it. It was my happy place so we just got a new beach home south and to make me happy my wife designed a sign like grandma Marion had. It's perfect like everything this store does. Thank you from my heart. The sign is pictured!! I cannot recommend this store enough, if you're in the area for a beach day, drinks or live here go and check out the incredible gifts plus cards, candles and truly creative products they carry. read more

Tabula Rasa Essentials - A special sign!! Thank you - Jewelry Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

The shop is very quaint and artsy. Lots of ocean-themed items reminiscent of coastal New England gift shops. We bought a small ceramic for a good price, and the lady who rung us up was very polite. Thank you Lady read more

Beautiful shop with many selections of gifts ... they have different beach stuff and home decorations that is so unique.

If you're looking for a personalized experience shopping for gifts, this is your place. I came here to get a birthday gift for my girl friend. At first I wasn't sure what I wanted to get her, but the ladies here were very kind and helpful with me figuring out what to do. After exchanging some ideas we put together a "care/experience package" for her. They were kind enough to wrap the gifts for me, too. I really like the collection of items here. The main theme is the beach, but you can find lots of random things from birthday cards to art pieces, bubble bath items, and even candles. I think this place is worth browsing, you never know what kind of cute things you may find. read more

I'm an absolutely products girl! I have so much product in my shelf, it's ridiculous. That is why I love this cute shop. Although majority of their stuff is wayyyy overpriced but they do have the high end products. They have soaps, lotions, candles, skin care, books, gift wares, home decor items. Since I've pledged to do shop locals as much as I can over the holidays, I spent so much money in here. Free gift wrapping is available. I do agreed with some of the yelper'r review of the rude customer service received. When you purchase 5 different items over the holidays for gift giving, you expect to have them wrapped since they offer that service to their customers. Well perhaps I got 10 items, too much when it's wrapping time, I felt like I was disturbing them. I didn't felt appreciated that business was given to them. I ended up buying my own gift bags and wrapping it myself. But other then that, the shop is great! I just hope they lower prices since it is economical hard ship time. :-P read more

Experience is from 5/19. The rudest girl at the counter, I am so PEEVED. I asked if there was another hat of the one I had chosen "Tired as a Mother," that was new/hadn't been tried on. She said without even looking at me, "there should be more... Did you look?" I said "Yes I looked. There aren't any others out there, just this one." She said "Well then I guess that's all we have. Did you want it or not?" I said "Yes I do, I just wanted one that wasn't touched by other people or tried on by anyone else." She said SO rudely and sarcastically: "Okay. Well your total is $30.66. (I paid) Did you want a bag? It hasn't been touched by anyone, don't worry!" I was shocked but looked and said "yes please, and the receipt." (I was trying to give her the benefit of the doubt that MAYBE she was trying to be funny? It wasn't funny, I wasn't laughing) And she, AGAIN very sarcastically said "guess what!? Since that is fresh out of the printer, that hasn't been touched by anyone either!" She started chuckling and turned away. Had I not already checked out and had reservations to go to, I would have asked to speak to a manager and returned the item. Customer service skills are incredibly important, and this girl needs to work on hers. read more

Beautiful items we spent 20 minutes checking out candles and decor. I picked out a notebook and went to check out. There was one other person in line in front of us buying one pillow. Somehow this took the person behind the counter an eternity to handle. She didn't acknowledge us at all or apologize for the wait, thank us for our patience. Finally I put the book down and said I don't need this and left. Got one word out of her as I was out the door. "Sorry." Tip: You can buy voluspa candles directly off their website for $2 cheaper than at this place. I'm all about supporting local business but not when they treat locals with no respect. read more

This is a beautiful little store is located by the Manhattan beach blvd area. A nice addition to the selection of stores there. It's definitely a woman store... with lots of lotions and candles... It's a good place to spend a little bit of time before your parking meter is up. I go there, but fear entering that place. I always end up picking up something random. Sale aisle is at the back of the counter, often have good sale for up to 50% off. Check that place out first! read more

Tabula Rasa Essentials - Nice little store in manhattan beach - Jewelry Near Me - Manhattan Beach, California

Friendly staff, a very cool store, and plenty of beautiful products from books to souvenirs to pet toys, to house decorations. We are really happy we went there. read more

Tabula Rasa's staff is always friendly and professional. I order frequently their products are wonderful. I buy them for myself and as gifts from the website. If they have any questions or are out of something they always call me. I pick up packages at the curb when I call them they bring them out. A total gem of a store. read more

Horrible, horrible customer service. I asked Asian lady a question about something then she sharply said "no!". She obviously don't want me to buy it so I didn't. They never greeted, nor smile during our visit at the store. What's wrong with them?! read more

Nice gift shop with some interesting items but terrible customer service. The girl working there gave me the wrong price, then she did a poor gift wrapping, didn't know how to change the paper to print the receipt or what I needed to sign and never apologized. Dissapointed customer. read more

This place is the best for gifts and for nice candles. I love the jewelry which is often made locally.

We've gotten blankets and they've been wonderful. Plates, glasses--wonderful. Every year we come here to buy Xmas gifts for family members and every single year (going on eight years now) family members want to know where we got gifts. Service is terrific. We'll be back--hopefully before 12/24! read more

It's hard for a gift store to "Be All that You Can Be" cause of course, everyone has different taste in gifts and overpriced misc stuff and smelly goo, so I like this place but sometimes I just go "grrrrrrr" at it. To like and not: + 1 Star - Sale area! Ok, so I usually only buy from this section. It's behind the register area (not like, behind the register, but directly on the other side from the...) and has about 3 shelves wide of good stuff and total crap. It's up to you to find the good stuff - like I did several times with 1/2 price candles! - 1 Star - Staff. I have to say, the staff is always just not so great. Last time I was in here, just a few days ago, the two girls working were talking and socializing loudly about personal stuff while I was shopping. Um, customers should be honored, ladies. So either help me, or be quiet for heavens sake! - 1 Star - Parking. Ugh, I hate parking down in this part of the world. The meters are sucky rip offs. + 1 Star - Selection. I have to say, whomever curates the goodies here has pretty good taste. She could cut back a bit on the cosmetic-y and smelly/rubby lotion stuff and pump up the upscale local products stuff, but other than that, someone who likes to buy will enjoy this place. - 1 Star - Prices. It's just all pricey to me, especially when I have seen same items cheaper other places (like Voluspa candles, certain lotions etc). I always pass through this store when I am in the hood, but rarely buy. I suppose if I were richer, I would buy more...! read more

Walking by with my family while in Manhattan beach; The smells attracts you in. Soaps, sprays, lotions and Candles are so inviting. Tons of scents to choose from so hard to make one choice! The funny and stylish gifts with various quotes are undeniably adorable and I cannot imagine anyone hating anything from this shop! The employees leave you to wander but are there to help too. It's not an "I'm watching you" feeling that you get in other shops like this. I need one of these back in VA! I will definitely come back the next time I'm in the beach area! Found tons of unique and cute desktop items. read more

See all

What a great store! I could get lost in this store for hours...its a sensory overload. a dream come true for us shoppers who make shopping a multisensory experience. if you are one, you know exactly what I mean. In this store there is so much to smell (candles, soaps, oils, fragrances) , to feel (lotions ,pocketbooks, robes), to see (jewelry, pottery, books) ... mmmmmm....I spend 30 minutes just standing around this amazing table of luxurious Mistral soaps trying to find my favorite one to buy. fresh cut mint? green tea? kumquat red grapefruit? This is a great store to pick up a gift or for one of those days you feel like a little shopping pick-me-up. read more

Beautiful store and curbside service for last minute gifts. I can call and they will run it out to your car gift wrapped and ready to go. Fantastic customer service. read more

I love this gift store. It's the best place to find beautiful gifts and souvenirs of Manhattan a Beach. It smells sooooo good and has an amazing selection of candles, bath and body, and home accessories. Love! read more

See all

Surrounded by surf shops and cute clothing boutiques, I used to be lost as to finding a great place to pick up a lovely, high-end gift for a friend, family member, client or even a nice home decor item. Tabula Rasa is that place. You walk in and are greeted by serene scents and lovely, fun items for body and home. If you are big on candles, this IS the place. Some of the most lovely candles of all shapes, scents and price points are available. Pair a candle purchase with a set of fun, designer matches with sparky, kitschy sayings and great card and you have a wonderful, thoughtful gift. Price points can be a bit much so be prepared to pay a pretty penny for a pretty item....but I promise, there will be no buyers' remorse. And one last quick recco.... go with the complimentary gift wrapping - the stylish staff knows have Martha-Stewart-quality wrapping skillz. read more

Pros: the store is adorable and a great place to get trendy and classic gifts. parking is usually easy. CONS: THE STAFF are horrible. I have gone into "TR" and purchased so many gifts and every time I leave, I swear I am never going back. This last experience was the tipping point for me which is why I am yelping about it. Two employees and one customer (me). I asked for help finding a specific candle and you would have thought they were doing me a service and gave me an attitude of "cant you just find it yourself lady". It was as if I had bothered them when they were doing anything but sitting behind a little desk and counter. I don't know who owns this store but you need some NEW employees. Its miserable walking into this store. read more

Walked into the store because we thought it looked cute. Was really eyeing some cool water bottles they had when I heard my 2 year old say, "Mommy I have to go pee." I looked up sheepishly at the lady behind the counter and asked, "Sorry, do you have a restroom we can borrow?" The lady's response, "We have a restroom but it's not for customers.." she was about to continue to probably offer up some restroom down the street but my response was to just turn right around and march out the door. My friend and her baby following suit. We will NEVER go into that establishment again and I would suggest anyone with a child not put money into a place that would be so unaccommodating to a mother with a 2-year old child. Unacceptable. read more

This is one of my all-time favorite shops in the area. If you ever have a close friend or a person you need to get a gift for but don't know that well, I guarantee you'll find something there that makes the receiver feel special. It's got an elegantly grounded breezy beach pampered feel. With everything from delicious soaps to luxurious lotions, great table top books, fun accent pieces for your home or stand-alone pieces to inspire a feel for your home. They also have fun details like great cards, fun little casual but handmade jewelry pieces that can go to the beach during the day and to a candlelit dinner at night. If there aren't already enough reasons to go, they have my favorite Kai's lotion and I always feel better buying it from a brick and mortar shop than finding it online. I always feel welcome shopping here, as though being invited to someone's home to see their favorite things. read more

I shop here often to buy unique gifts for myself, friends, and my beach rental. I've read the reviews and can relate to them all. Sometimes I get a hello and good customer service and sometimes they don't even know I'm there and I have to ask for assistance which seems like a burden. I just do my shopping and go! Although I was in there today and Bobbie was very sweet and helpful. I also saw that they opened up a sister store that has been there for 4 months now and it's right next door.....absolutely beautiful and the gal in there was also helpful and pleasant. Seems like things are looking up for Tabula Tasa read more

My all-time, absolute, favorite gift store ever. They have everything from candles to cards, soap to amazing jewelry... kids stuff, sweet stuff. This is the only place I go for gifts in MB. I could send hours perusing the fun-filled shelves and I always find a unique gift ... both for myself and others... while I'm there. One of their absolute coolest gifts is a custom distressed wooden board that they will create for you. Just give them a list a favorites (from bands, to color to university) and they lay the words out beautifully and you can hang the piece on your wall. It was one of the most thoughtful gifts I have ever received and since getting mine I have been back several times to create pieces for friends and colleagues. Service is always sweet as can be. read more

Love this place! Come every year during the holidays to find beautiful and unique gifts. Love that they gift wrap, too!

I was there on Saturday and bought extensive amount of candles and soaps as gifts for my clients. I asked for two small bags to separate the candles and soaps, but they refused to give it to me. What's the big deal of giving me two small bags? I'm not confrontational so I walked away. I'm never shopping there again. I can get candles and soaps elsewhere. read more

This store SUCKS!!!! I wish that I could have given them a big fat ZERO! 7/11 has better customer service! I've given them 2 different chances, but both times their "help" ignored me completely. Like Julia Robert's said to the 2 snotty sales girls in PRETTY WOMAN, "big mistake...huge!" Haven & Co in Brentwood benefited from this store's rude poor service with a very VERY nice sale. read more

Cute things, but customer service was very poor. The workers were standing behind the counter the whole time talking amongst themselves and the one working the cashier was abrupt and unfriendly. read more

They have some nice things they offer but some of the staff is very rude. I stopped by next door to paradise bowls to grab a bite for lunch. I sat outside and ate my bowl and after I was done stopped inside tabulah rasa to see what they currently had available. I had my paradise bowls with me but it was pretty much empty except for a little peanut butter I was saving for later. One of the employees came up to me and was very condescending towards me about me having my bowl with me. I wasn't touching anything but she told me to be careful at least three times and then proceeded to say something to the likes of I know your an adult but just be careful. First off, I'm 28 years old, I was in business professional attire, I wasn't touching anything and I definitely wasn't eating in their store. I felt it was very unprofessional the way she approached me and I didn't appreciate being treated like a child. read more

I was visiting Manhattan Beach for Spring Break with my mom and we decided to go shopping in the cute boutiques. My mom recommended we go into this shop and immediately as we walked into the store one of the staff members rudely told my mom to be careful with the water she was holding. My mom is a grown adult and the worker was speaking to her as she was a child. We ignored the comment and continued to look through the shop respectfully. I was looking at a pair of earrings that were in a small glass on the side of the counter and I accidentally hit one of them off the table. It did break, I felt horrible and continued to apologize. The same worker that was impolite to my mom came with a broom and rudely told me to "be careful" after I apologized. My mom was going to offer to pay for the earrings, but she was shocked by how disrespectful the staff was. It was a super cute shop and I was disappointed in the environment. read more

The owner, Maureen, is very rude. While I was there looking at Maureen and a sales person, trying to get their attention to ask for assistance, she ignored me. However, she told the new sales person in training that it is very good to use the customer's name. How about acknowledging the customer. I politely interrupted them, and asked for assistance. Giving a face as if she didn't want to be bothered, she came over to assist. I bought three items. I wanted to of them gift-wrapped. Again, the face and attitude that I don't have time for you. If she wants her sales people to provide good customer service, she needs to learn it first!!!! read more

Update: it looks like someone from Tabula Rasa responded to my review from a fake account (only 2 reviews). They even said that my item could not be found at Crate & Barrel (I never specified the items in my review), so they're not very clever. In fact, one of the items (Dogfish Head IPA glasses) can indeed be found at several big box stores. First, I knew the item was mis-marked, not "double marked up" (whatever that means) at the counter. Typically, businesses large and small atone for their mistakes. I wasn't trying to get a deal, it was just bad customer service. Second, I know that Tabula Rasa isn't a corporation, as I clearly stated about 6 times in my review. That was why I was so disappointed. I was shopping there because I dislike corporations and do my best not to give them any of my business. Luckily, I found the same item (bubble bath) at a small business in the Redondo Riviera for $10 less than Tabula Rasa's price. Buyers beware: you can find similar items for less at other boutiques in the South Bay. Instead of using fake, or possibly personal, accounts Tabula Rasa should respond to a customer's honest feedback. Most business would own up to their mistakes and attempt to make up for a bad experience. Also, people who include hash tags are very annoying. read more

I am a resident of Manhattan Beach. I would really love to go back to this store because they have really great gift items and fun things to peruse. But the service is awful. I believe it's the owner, she is SO snobby and rude. I find the items to be very expensive, but could be worth it due to the convenience of the store, but the service is too hard to pass. It's as though she didn't care to have my business at all. Reluctantly, I purchased something and the 2 employees didn't even say Thank You! Shouldn't business owners value their customers? Make them feel comfortable? I felt the opposite and I've heard this same review from other locals. read more

One of my favorite stores in MB. The best place to buy a last minute (unique and thoughtful or general) gift... especially since they'll do the wrapping for you! The people who work there are always super friendly and helpful! read more

There's a lot to look at in this store and it's a great place to find gifts for different occasions. The 2 stars would have been 4 if the girl sitting at the register wasn't so lame. She was on her phone chatting away and didn't look up to greet me or others who walked in and out of the store. I was in there for a good 15-20 mins and she didn't pay any attention to me or say hello, EVER!!! She was totally in her own world not giving a crap. Life's a beach...don't be a bum at work. read more

I've seen Tabula Rasa on the way home and it looked intriguing, so I thought I'd check it out once I had a chance. So one Saturday I stopped by. There were a lot of cute housewares, bath products, and other misc items that would make for good gift giving. But I knew that I didn't want to buy anything as soon as I saw the exact same product (some French liquid soap) I have at home. Tabula Rasa was selling it for $27, whereas I got it at TJ Maxx for $6. read more

Watched as the owner screamed at her staff and left the store. Not cool.