We get it; it’s way easier to swipe through pictures of generic gadgets online and wait for holiday gifts to show up on your front porch.
But this season especially, in the wake of a pandemic that throttled small businesses, we recommend getting off the couch, putting your phone down, and shopping local. From plants to clothes to art to services, Long Beach has a lot to offer.
The following list is by no means exhaustive; it was compiled through staff and reader recommendations, as well as scientific (sort of) polling from the Post’s 2021 Best of Long Beach readers’ choice guide. (And if you’d like to support the Post, we just launched our very own merch store with hats, sweatshirts, T-shirts and more—all unique to Long Beach.)
Gift and clothing shops
There are a few stores in Long Beach where you can find a little bit of everything: candles, jewelry, purses, cookbooks, clothes and home goods. If you’re not sure what to get someone, try these shops:
- Cityology, 4718 E. Second St.
- Iguana, 3440 E. Broadway
- Blue Windows, 5276 E. Second St.
- Fern’s Garden, 5308 E. Second St.
- MADE by Millworks, 240 Pine Ave.
- Shades of Africa, 1001 E. Fourth St.
Vintage and antique
If you’re looking for vintage, Long Beach has a whole area devoted to relics of the past: Retro Row, Fourth Street between Cherry and Temple avenues. You’ll find everything here from clothing to vintage cameras to the saltier variety of gifts. For a full directory of stores, go here. We especially recommend Songbird, The Hangout and the Assistance League of Long Beach thrift store. Here’s some other stores in further reaches of the city:
- For furniture, Urban Americana, 1345 Coronado Ave.
- For records, Fingerprints, 420 E. Fourth St.
- For books, Gatsby, 5535 E. Spring St.
Food and wine
Find the perfect gift to bring to someone’s home for a holiday gathering or meal at these unique shops:
- Romeo Chocolates, 460 Pine Ave., and now at The Hangar, 4510 McGowen St.
- Oh a Vache (cheese shop), 2112 E. Fourth St.
- Cheese Addiction, 195 Claremont Ave.
- Hi-Lo Liquor Market, 707 E. Ocean Blvd.
- Corked (hard liquor), 4100 Atlantic Ave.
- Olives, 3510 E. Broadway
- Gusto Bread, 2710 E. Fourth St.
- And, strictly for its desserts: Bake N Broil, 3697 Atlantic Ave.
Services
Trying to find a gift for that person who has everything? Think about a gift certificate (even better if they invite you to come with).
- Chef Tech Cooking School (runs a ton of classes, and hosts events like birthday parties), 3842 Atlantic Ave.
- Oh, Mai Joy! (nail salon), 195 E. Fourth St.
- Healing Hand Massage, 1 World Trade Center, eighth floor
- Mouk Beauty (lash bar), 851 Pine Ave., suite 104
- Inspyr Studios (art classes for kids and adults), 2535 E. Broadway