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    The Gold Bug

    3.8 (87 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

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    Christina J.

    As much as I enjoy writing reviews, I was a little intimidated to write this one. There was so much to take in. The store truly curated items for the senses, from perfumes and pens to jewelry, home decor, and unique greeting cards. I am generally a casual browser. I spoke with Theodora one morning, and she was engaging and knowledgeable about the artists behind a few of my favorite items. The artistry and sophistication of the unique items were evident. I didn't see anything with the mass-produced "Made in China" stamp. Honestly, I think if Johnny Depp opened a store, it might resemble this one, complete with a buzzer for appointments only. But this store is open to the public. I am looking forward to the trunk show on Friday, September 13th!

    Metallic Blue Butterfly

    I'm so glad I wandered into The Gold Bug. This is such a unique store, with the most friendly staff. It's so well curated you just know there's no other place like it. Everywhere you looked there was something beautiful and unusual. What was especially nice was how excited the owner and her staff were about the pieces and how open they both were to questions and/or just appreciating the beauty with me. I purchased the most beautiful mounted butterfly and I know I'll never visit Pasadena again without a visit to this one of a kind shop.

    Nicho S.

    The Gold Bug perfectly describes this business. They offer unique items and it feels like you walked into a sci-fi fantasy movie. Yes they are pricey, but if you can afford it, why not! The Gold Bug is also located in a great area and the lady working the counter was also friendly.

    Jennie K.

    What an interesting store. I wanted to buy everything. There's so much to see. So May cool oddities. Definitely a spot to check out if I in Pasadena. I think we spent over an hour in here. The shop owner was sweet and tentative. It's not right off the street its located in an alley like area. The parking in Pasadena isn't great it's best to park in a parking structure but if you can find street parking go for it. Be mindful of the meters, they're pretty on point about them.

    Lisa S.

    This is such a fun store. Range of prices varies, so there's something for everyone. They have very cool jewelry and art, oddities and beyond. The staff is always friendly and helpful!

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    8 years ago

    Helpful 14
    Thanks 3
    Love this 5
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    7 years ago

    Helpful 16
    Thanks 3
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    77
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    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
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    8 years ago

    I love this store. I can be here for hours admiring every little detail. Super helpful and informative employees.

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    8 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    9 years ago

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Gold Bug

    Review Highlights - The Gold Bug

    Theodora has shipped all over the world for us, and I recently bought an octopus lamp for a friend in Canada.

    Mentioned in 18 reviews

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    Homage

    Homage

    4.6
    (72 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$
    Women-owned & operated
    11 years in business

    My all time favorite shop. Wonderfully curated and selected products that's unique, beautiful and…read moreinteresting. Price point is also good. This is my go to place to shop for gifts.

    I discovered Homage during a walking tour of Pasadena, and I'm so glad I did! The store may be…read moresmall, but it's packed with amazing finds. The jewelry is handcrafted, and many pieces include the artist's name and a short bio, which adds such a personal touch. They also carry candles, bags, greeting cards, and products for men, women, and children. The variety is impressive, and I especially appreciated the large selection of handcrafted items. The associates are friendly, welcoming, and genuine. I was greeted as soon as I walked in, and I noticed they recognized and acknowledged repeat customers. That's impressive, especially considering the number of tourists who visit the store. Another thing I appreciated is that they don't overwhelm you with emails. Their emails are event-focused and purposeful, which is refreshing. You're paying for quality, craftsmanship, and unique items you won't find just anywhere. The prices reflect the specialty merchandise they carry and the care that goes into selecting it. Parking... well, it's Pasadena! It can be challenging, with mostly metered street parking and paid parking garages nearby, but it's a pleasant walk to the store. I highly recommend Homage! It's a wonderful place to find unique gifts or treat yourself to something special.

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    Unique cards for any occasion
    Unique cards for any occasion
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    Ten Thousand Villages

    Ten Thousand Villages

    4.6
    (89 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    I really loved this store! Stumbled upon it while waiting for my Uber driver. It's so peaceful…read moreinside and they have so many amazing options to choose from. It's a 100% fair trade shop which made me love it even more. I purchased a beautiful purple wind chime and a cute greeting card for my husband. There was a mishap on the card (another card was stuck behind it - same exact card but I didn't need 2, just 1)! The cashier and I both didn't notice when I was inside the shop. She wrapped up my wind chime and bagged the card (now discovered to be two). When I got home, I phoned them right away when I saw the other card was stuck to it! I explained what happened and asked to pay for the mishap! Gigi was extremely helpful in figuring out how I could do so and thanked me for my honesty. I'm just glad we could sort it out! So just be aware if you pick up a greeting card to check another card isn't stuck to it! The pricing of items: very fair! presentation of the overall store: very good! customer service: great! I definitely suggest stopping by here.

    Ten Thousand Villages is a fair-trade shop that carries merchandise from at least thirty-eight…read morecountries. It is woman-owned and displayed the LBGTQ+ Pride Flag in its window. Here you can find a wide variety of hand-crafted goods. And there is quite a myriad of objects on display. There are a large number of hand-woven bags, rugs and tapestries for use or display (or both). One wall is almost entirely devoted to jewelry. And there's a very large collection of pottery, including bowls, dishes and coffee mugs. This place is an excellent place to shop for those who are intrigued by foreign cultures. And the prices are extremely reasonable. And besides for being reasonable, you can find nice pieces in the under ten dollar range, well into the one hundred and fifty or more. There really is something for any budget. I was greeted when I entered the store and asked if I needed help...but was not asked every five minutes (something that I see as a major plus). Check out was a breeze with the clerk on duty. I will definitely come again.

    Photos
    The cards can get stuck together so just make sure when you grab a greeting card you're only grabbing one!
    The cards can get stuck together so just make sure when you grab a greeting card you're only grabbing one!
    Front
    Front
    Measuring tape

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    Measuring tape
    Retreat

    Retreat

    5.0
    (5 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    This has become my favorite stop to get funny, cool, and just better greeting cards than other…read moreplaces. I was fortunate enough to work briefly in the area last year and found this shop on my lunch walk. So many cool gifts, jewelry, etc. I love small shops with unique gifts like this that rotate artists, etc. Kind of hidden on the back streets of old town Pasadena. From now on, I'll always stop by and check if there's (at least) a new card to add to my collection. Don't forget to ask about their "secret stash" of additional cards, too.

    The Retreat shop on Holly Street is the second of this small chain: the first is located in South…read morePasadena on Mission. The location is wonderful. Many people who shop in Old Town Pasadena focus on the stores easily accessible from the main street, Colorado. However, some of the shops off the main drag, such as the ones on Holly Street, are unique and fascinating. The two Retreats do share merchandise in common. You will find a bevy of delightful greeting cards, jewelry and candles at both. However, I would strongly encourage you to visit both shops, because each has some items that you won't find at the other location. It was at this shop that I first saw the owner's, Diane, artwork on display. She's made a significant collection of gorgeous, shimmering mandalas. I remember the first time I saw them a couple year ago and I was quite impressed. Since then, you will see more of her mandalas at both Retreat locations, as well as some of the pieces that evolved from her work with these pieces of sacred geometry. Like the other Retreat, this is an excellent gift shop. My stationary drawer is positively overflowing with cards I've bough here. I love shopping at Retreat because I always find something, small or large, that's just right for a friend of mine. Whenever I look through the cards that I've found here I get excited for the right time to send a particular card to a particular friend or family member. It is very easy to find something for any budget. I've found so many fun trinkets, amusing coasters and clever devices to have around the house. And all of these things were around twenty dollars or less. The jewelry, of course, is going to be a bit more pricey, but I feel you are definitely paying for quality. The staff on duty have always been nothing but helpful and friendly. I always enjoy chatting with whoever is minding the store at the moment. Definitely recommend.

    Photos
    Retreat
    Visit Retreat's second location at 10 E. Holly Street in Pasadena!
    Visit Retreat's second location at 10 E. Holly Street in Pasadena!
    Porcelain gift tags

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    Porcelain gift tags

    The Gold Bug - jewelry - Updated August 2026

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