The holidays are in full swing. Halls are decked, celebrations are planned, and shoppers are busy searching for the perfect gift for that special someone on their list.
If you have shopping left to do, you could always hit up an online retailer and no doubt receive your purchase on time. But why settle for mass produced merchandise when you can find one-of-a-kind gifts that the recipient will cherish forever? The city of Davis has dozens of locally owned shops offering every type of item imaginable, from jewelry and home goods to toys and books. Plus, you’ll find local artwork, gourmet food, and unique clothing too.
Perhaps best of all, Davis is a great place to spend an afternoon. The charming downtown area is decorated for the holidays, with elaborate window displays and twinkling lights. You can bring the whole family, enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants in Davis, and grab a cup of coffee or cocoa to keep you warm.
Following are some local shops in Davis to check out.
Clothing Boutiques in Davis
- Pinkadot. If you’re looking for the perfect ’fit for yourself or someone else, you’ll find it at this on-trend clothing shop. They offer the latest in casual looks as well as clothing for a night out. Plus, they have fun graphic tees and jewelry.
- The Wardrobe. If you’re looking for women’s fashion that’s elegant and edgy, this shop in Davis is a good bet. One-of-a-kind sweaters, jackets, and dresses are just a few of the things you’ll find here. Plus, they have fun accessories like kimonos, hats and jewelry.
- Peachy Lady. Modern clothing with a carefree vibe is the aesthetic at this clothing shop in Davis. Marine Layer, Faherty, Steve Madden and Paige are just a few of the brands they carry. Plus, they have gift items such as kitchenware and home décor.
- Shu Shu’s. This thoughtfully curated boutique carries statement pieces you won’t find anywhere else. The owner travels the globe to bring back exquisite fashions, much from Japan and Italy. Plus, she carries jewelry hand-crafted by local artisans.
- Treehouse Vintage. If you’ve got a vintage lover on your list, this vintage shop in Davis is worth a visit. They have retro tees, including U.C. Davis tees, classic TV and movie tees, band tees, and brands from the 80s and 90s. They also sell vintage denim.
The Best Davis Gift Shops
- Crème De La Crème. This eclectic gift shop in downtown Davis truly has something for everyone. Artisanal soaps, cute coffee mugs, holiday décor, seasonal throw pillows, candles, and gift cards are just a few of the things they carry.
- Himalaya Gift Shop. If you’re looking for a unique gift with a Tibetan flair, consider this one-of-a-kind gift shop. They offer a variety of imported gemstone and silver jewelry, as well as Tibetan handicrafts, Eastern artwork, crystals, tapestries, candles and much more.
- Davis Ace Hardware. A hardware store might seem like an unlikely place to go Christmas shopping, but at this locally owned shop, you’ll find much more than paint and plungers. For the home cook, they sell high-end cookware. They also sell home goods such as throw pillows, cute kitchen towels, and servingware. Plus, they have grilling accessories, gourmet barbecue sauces, and spice blends for the grillmaster in your life.
Toys & Children’s Clothing Shops in Davis
- Avid & Co. Fostering the love of play is the objective at Avid & Co., an independent toy store adjacent to The Avid Reader Bookstore. Here you’ll find arts and crafts, puzzles, plushies, and classic toys like jump ropes and slingshots.
- Bubble Belly. This upscale boutique specializes in stylish clothing and accessories for kids of all ages, from babies to teens, as well as must-have items for new moms. From toys and teethers to books and clothing, you’ll find a wide range of gift items for everyone on your list. They even have gifts for pets!
Davis Bookstores & Newstands
- Newsbeat. This old-timey newsstand has every periodical you can think of, including newspapers and magazines. They also have unique gifts, such as puzzles, plushies, greeting cards and novelty items. They also offer gourmet snacks, international candies, and artisanal chocolates.
- U.C. Davis Downtown Store. The campus store offers much more than textbooks. It’s a great place to shop for U.C. Davis apparel, including T-shirts, hoodies, and hats, plus Aggie accessories such as coffee mugs and tote bags. They also have bike accessories (naturally!), puzzles, and plushies. You can also pick up coffee, olive oil and honey, all of which are produced right on campus!
- Bizarro World. Graphic novels, comic books, collectibles and games are a few of the things you’ll find at this quirky pop-culture shop in Davis. If you have a die-hard fan on your list, you can pick up everything from superhero figurines to trading cards.
- The Avid Reader. This longstanding indie bookshop features both the latest bestsellers and new releases, plus book-related merchandise and gifts. You’ll find journals, tote bags, puzzles, socks, magnets and stickers, much of it with a literary theme. They also have a selection of locally made products.
Gourmet Food Gifts in Davis
- Candy House of Davis. This family-run candy shop is a sweet-tooth’s paradise! They specialize in chocolate truffles, with fillings ranging from amaretto to praline. You can pick up a gift box in various sizes or build your own.
- Davis Farmers Market. A cornerstone of the community, this weekly farmers’ market is held year-round, rain or shine. Sure, you’ll find fresh, seasonal produce, but you’ll also find gourmet food products such as wine, olive oil, and honey. They also have local artisan vendors on site, offering jewelry, knitted items, woodwork, and more.
- Mabel’s Market. This charming neighborhood shop offers a curated selection of local and small-batch products. The foodies on your list will love the specialty pantry items such as gourmet jellies and jams, spreads, tinned fish, mustard, nuts, and cookbooks. They also offer pre-made and custom gift baskets.
Local Art Gifts in Davis
- Pence Gallery. During the holidays, this local art gallery transforms into an artisan market featuring handmade gifts from local artisans. You’ll find ceramics, clothing, bath and beauty products, jewelry and much more.
- The Artery. For nearly five decades, this artists’ collaborative has been showcasing the work of local artists in a range of mediums. You can find everything from paintings and photography to ceramics and fiber arts.
The Paint Chip. Although they specialize in artist supplies, this shop also carries plenty of gift items for the art-minded people in your life. Art books, craft kits, sketch books, and high-end pens and pencils are a few of the things you’ll find here.
Holiday Shopping in Davis
No matter who (or what) you’re shopping for, you’ll find it in Davis. From local artwork to bespoke clothing, toys to collectibles and everything in between, there is something for everyone at the many local shops and boutiques in Davis. If you’d like to extend your shopping spree, be sure to look into the many hotels in Davis and plan your getaway today.
