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    The Gold Bug

    3.8 (86 reviews)
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    Services - The Gold Bug

    Gift shops

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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

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

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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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    4.6(88 reviews)
    1.2 mi
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    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.

    I was on my way for groceries after my shift when I saw this cute shop that shares a parking lot,…read morebut with just about 20 minutes left until closing time. The manager Laurel was so kind and welcomed me in! She answered all of my questions and explained to me how to the items are sourced and selected for the shop. This is a BEAUTIFUL shop with the most incredible selection of affordable gifts and treasures. Bright, cheery, and well-organized. I didn't intend to buy so much, but I found something for each member of my family and a few friends, too. My favorites were the ornaments, children's area, kitchen items (aprons, dish towels) and the beautiful jewelry!! I had so much fun browsing and I am thrilled with my purchases. Thank you, Laurel! You are running a fab shop here in Pasadena and I can't wait to return!

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    Love the beautiful and lightweight glasses cases I get here.

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    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.

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    Retreat - Visit Retreat's second location at 10 E. Holly Street in Pasadena!

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    Vroman's Bookstore - Their own winebar!

    Vroman's Bookstore

    4.5(978 reviews)
    0.8 mi
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    I visited Vroman's Bookstore during a girls trip to Pasadena, and it turned out to be such a fun…read moresurprise. We initially expected a typical bookstore, but it's so much more than that. As one of the oldest independent bookstores in California, it has a really special charm. Inside, there's a wine bar, a coffee shop, and even a cute gift shop upstairs, which makes it easy to spend a lot of time browsing and relaxing. While I was there, I got to listen to an author present her book and answer questions, which added such a unique and memorable touch to the visit. The store was busy, and you could really feel how much people enjoyed being there. The layout is well organized, making it easy to find books by genre. Upstairs, there's a spacious children's section, which is great for families. I also loved the section featuring Orson Welles books and posters. It was a really cool and unexpected addition. Overall, Vroman's is more than just a bookstore as it's an experience. Definitely worth a visit if you're in the area!

    Always a great night out to hear from authors. There's usually something interesting going on…read moreupstairs or in the wine bar! Let's do the numbers. PARKING There's a free lot out back. Plenty of spaces for everyone. SELECTION there's more than enough for me in my regular sections, but there are tons of sections I don't usually peruse. Like "wind chimes" and "backpack" sections . If you're looking, they even have snacks for your next read STAFF super helpful and friendly. If they don't know your book (they do), they'll ask a coworker who will know it and have all the extra details you didn't know to ask for. PRICE better than affordable: Supportive! (Readers and writers communities) SPACE There are a ton of accessible open aisles. Huge space outside (maybe for outdoor events?)

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    The Gold Bug - jewelry - Updated May 2026

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