Waking up in the morning to realize tomorrow is your loved one’s birthday and you’ve completely forgotten is an eternal nightmare for many of us. Fortunately, the variety of gift shops and curio providers in Marin have got your back. No matter what occasion you’ve left to the last minute (or are planning for ahead of time!), there’s something that will put a smile on anyone’s face and make any event shine. The 2023 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is Sprig Home & Garden (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Gifts picks see below.
Our 2023 Shopping category sponsor is California Girl Jewelry.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern and Central Marin.
Southern | Central
Southern Marin
Flourish
Tiburon
Nothing livens up a house quite like a vase of flowers on the table or a potted plant by the door. Flourish suggests that instead of flowers, you try a cactus. A cactus might seem simple or boring, but this shop’s arrangements of succulents are more than just a plain centerpiece or tablescape — they’re a work of art in and of themselves. For something a little more traditional, they also offer orchid arrangements and artisanal bouquets studded with both succulents and flowers. Hours are 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
1 Blackfield Drive, Tiburon, 415.300.5730
Makers Market
Mill Valley
Makers Market is a unique shopping experience with a mission to rebuild the legacy of American Made. In their quest to bring you the best goods and gifts handcrafted in America, they have vetted each product to ensure it is well-designed, long-lasting and either organic, sustainable, or ethically produced. Their curated selection of products carries a modern-meets-heritage aesthetic; the craftsmanship of a passionate, skilled maker is visible in every detail. Hours are Monday through Sunday 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.
129 Miller Ave suite 603, Mill Valley, 415.326.5111
Poet and the Bench
Mill Valley
Poet and the Bench has everything, including the kitchen sink. Looking for some gorgeous new jewelry? They’ve got it. Want a unique painting to decorate your living room? They’ve got it. In absolutely desperate need of a ceramic, brightly colored, deeply weird monster? You guessed it: They’ve got it. Rounding it all off are selections of perfume, paper goods, and even culinary items. Owners Jeffrey and Bonnie have created something truly unique in the heart of Mill Valley. Hours are 10:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday – Saturday.
11 Throckmorton Ave., Mill Valley, 415.569.4383
Central Marin
Sprig Home & Garden
(Formerly Garden & Gift Emporium Ace Hardware at Chase Ace Hardware)
San Rafael
Don’t be fooled by the name. This is far from your typical hardware store. Sure, the shop carries Christmas lights if yours blow out during tree decorating and paint swatches if your bedroom needs a fresh color. But you’ll also find kids toys, ranging from plushies to party favors. The store has unique gifts for every occasion and the nursery doesn’t just offer things for your flower beds, it also boasts a collection of indoor plants perfect for gifting. Hours are 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
1826 4th St., San Rafael, 415.261.9200
Folio
Larkspur
This purveyor of fine stationery and gifts is the perfect place to swing by to pick up a present for that writer or artist in your life. Any calligraphy enthusiast would drool over the variety of high quality paper goods on display, and if you’re in need of a last minute greeting card to convey holiday cheer or birthday wishes, Folio has you covered as well. Hours are Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., Sunday 11 a.m. – 4 p.m.
489C Magnolia Ave, Larkspur, 415.927.1096
The Sassy Post
San Anselmo
With the motto of “See, shop, smile,” the Sassy Post more than lives up to the founders’ dreams. Owners and founders, Liz and Colleen, wanted their gift and stationery shop to be a place where people could come in and find something to make them smile. Walking into the store, you’ll find not only their iconic Marin and Mount Tamalpais hats, but also two hilarious owners who will have you laughing before you leave. Make sure to check back often, as their stock changes constantly and they offer lots of items for holidays. Hours are 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday.
530 San Anselmo Ave., San Anselmo, 415.295.7324
Sponsor
California Girl Jewelry: 2023 Best of the County Shopping
