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From Oceanside to Otay Mesa: Small Business Saturday 2020

Nov 27, 2020 - Candela Delucchi

The holiday season is upon us in full swing, bringing with it peace, joy, and socially-distanced shopping— lots and lots of shopping. This Small Business Saturday, join us in getting into the holiday spirit by supporting the local entrepreneurs and business owners in our community who make San Diego such a wonderful place. 

Here are just a few of our favorite local establishments for holiday shopping across San Diego County, no matter where you are. 

North County

Full of families and fun, North County is perfect for those thoughtful, custom gifts. If you want to hand make a gift from the heart, order a pottery or canvas to-go kit from A Colorful Universe in San Elijo Hills. 

For your trendy friends, Oceanside’s Reap & Sow offers an array of green beauty products both in-store and online, making a wonderful eco-conscious gift. If you’re looking for adorable accessories, pick up some enamel pins from Escondido’s Daydream. Give the gift of style with one of Vista’s Re-Find off main’s dough bowls, perfect to step up your loved one’s interior design game. 

Finally, don’t forget to pick up a delicious harvest pumpkin pie from Mama Kat’s in San Marcos on your way out of North County before continuing your shopping spree. 

For more on North County, check out innovate78.com.

Central San Diego

As you make your way through San Diego, take a detour into Coronado Island and swing by La Camisa, the Coronado Ferry Landing gift shop, to browse through their souvenir gift selection. While you’re in the area, treat yourself by popping into Nado Gelato for a scoop of their flavor of the day to-go. 

When it comes to the plant-obsessed loved ones, think outside the pot with IvyMay. They even offer ‘easy plants’ to look after and free delivery within San Diego. You can pair the new plant with a trendy pot or hanging planter from Pigment, which offers limited capacity browsing and online ordering. 

Maya’s Cookies in Mission Valley offers delicious vegan cookies in gift collections that you can order online, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth! For the foodies in your life, consider a gift card from Spoiled Vegans Cafe or StreetCar Merchants, or head to Baker and Olive at Liberty Public Market for next-level olive oil and vinegars.

Sign up your friend for a class that challenges them to channel their inner strength at the Bar Method Point Loma. Using the ballet barre technique, they will be sure to leave class feeling strong, confident, and poised.

And located just on the other side of the 5 freeway, the Old Town Market harbors some of San Diego’s most unique gift shops complete with jewelry, textiles, toys, and art from different parts of the world. 

East County

East County’s small businesses offer a wide variety of treats, clothing, and unique gifts for the hard-to-shop-for friends and family on your list. 

Stop by The Warm Hearth’s storefront or website to pick up a delicious jar of organic apple butter, sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. The Mountain Gypsy offers beautiful boutique clothing and handmade jewelry for any occasion. While you’re there, take a peek into the Wynola Junction Antiques and Collectables shop to find ‘the person who has it all’, a one of a kind gift. 

Or for the animal lover in your life who just wants to make the world a better place, sponsor a wolf in their name at the California Wolf Center or pick up a wildlife-themed gift at their Nature Store that further supports their research, conservation, and rehabilitation efforts.  

South County

Last but not least, South County offers plenty of family friendly options and experiences. 

Love’s Florist & Gifts creates beautiful seasonal arrangements, sure to make any cozy holiday dinner table that much more memorable. Surprise the kids with a card trick you learned from the Magic Shop, or give each one a shell from the beautiful collection you picked out from Bibby’s Shell Shop. Treat your loved ones to some custom made cupcakes from Sylvia’s Bakery, sure to set your dessert table apart! 

And for that extra special touch, stop by Arya Cleaners to tailor and clean your clothing items before wrapping them up – your recipients will surely be impressed.

Online Only

If you plan on skipping the physical shopping this year, here are some stand out San Diego-based online stores. 

Carlsbad’s Lotus Sustainables offers sustainable grocery and produce bags, saving the world one plastic-free item at a time. If you’re looking for something with a story, Arawayuu has beautiful bags, sandals, and accessories, all ethically sourced from Wayuu women artisans in La Guajira, Columbia. Finally, invest in health and clean beauty by shopping Dirt Don’t Hurt’s family grown, earth harvested skin and oral care products made with love. 

 

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