Do you hear those sleigh bells ringing? We sure do! We also hear cash registers ringing throughout the city of Orinda as residents arm themselves with our Holiday Gift Guide and #shoporinda this holiday season. As we advocate for a more vibrant downtown, we'll be shopping locally to do our part to support local stores, and we hope you'll join us! Just think, with one lap through downtown, you could knock off most of your holiday shopping! We'll add to this list as the season continues, and if discover a great gift, please use the hashtag #shoporinda on Facebook or Instagram or email us and we'll add it to the list. Make sure to tag us as well @whatsupdowntownorinda. Happy Shopping!
Shop Loards for Your Gingerbread House Decor
230 Brookwood Rd
925-254-3434
Opens daily at 11:00 AM
YAY! You have another entire week before Christmas and a school vacation for the kids!! Wait, whatl?? Breathe deep. Need some candy for your gingerbread house project? Look no further than Loards' extensive selection of colorfully sweet options. You can also stock up on chocolates for a dessert and stuff stockings with Loard’s fun ice cream cone wrapped gift certificates.
Shop Sweet Dreams for Toys, Toys and More Toys
2 Theater Square
(925) 254-6672
Open daily 10-6, Sun 11:30-5
Suffice it to say that Sweet Dreams is stocked with enough to satisfy every baby, kid, tween, teen, and even adults on your list! You’ll find Lego sets, Calico Critters, drones, Pokemon, puzzles, stuffed animals, craft kits, Shopkins, sticker books, japanese erasers and much much more. Even better: the staff is well equipped to offer gift-giving advice, and they even have three options for holiday-themed gift wrapping (free!).
Some of our favs: If Silly Putty and science had a baby, this would be it. Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty comes in many different kinds such as liquid glass, magnetic, and UV reactive and is so fun to play with that we've heard that kids OIS are trading it. $2.99 for the small tins, $14.99 for large. The Hape Dancing Butterfly walk n roll is, at $24.99, a cute, simple toy for the sweet little one in your life. And the variety of sticker books, oh my! They are guaranteed to buy you some peace and quiet over the holidays, approx $10.
Shop ReChic 101 for Your Teen (or your Book Club)!
101 Orinda Way
925-519-8050
Open Tues-Sat, hours vary daily
Haven't been to ReChic yet? This hidden gem is a gift shop and consignment boutique rolled into one! Here you’ll find candles, cards, mugs, jewelry and other trinkets, many with quirky upbeat messaging and inspirational muses. We could picture so many items in a teen girl’s room, or as a gift for teacher or your book club pals. There is also a carefully cultivated selection of consignment clothing for those who wish to be earth friendly this holiday season.
Shop Parker Thatch for any Lady in your Life
19D Orinda Way
925-282-1908
Open Monday-Friday 10-5
If you haven’t been by Parker Thatch’s neighborhood HQ, you need to get there ASAP. They are known for their monogrammed totes and accessories but you can also find stationery, desk sets, chic lucite coffee table trays, tennis bags, valet trays and tons of other fun gift items to personalize. There is something at Parker Thatch for any woman (or man!) in your life so stop by and put your stamp on something special.
Shop Orinda Village Horse Shop for Horse Stuff and More
85 Orinda Way
925-254-1421
Open Tuesday-Sunday (Closed Monday)
This gem of a boutique is home everything for the equestrian in your life and so much more. Sure, you can pick up a saddle, bridle and other ‘horsey’ things, but we were much more impressed with those items for all of us, horse or not! Check out their extensive collection of boots and outerwear. Also of note is the vast array of Breyer toy horses for the little horse lover in your life. Stop by yourself to see the rest!
Shop Hollyhock for Stocking Stuffers and White Elephant Gifts
Swing by the sister store to McCaulou’s in Orinda for those last minute gifts and stocking stuffers. Don’t be fooled by the fact that they call themselves a stationary store, there is so much more to uncover at Hollyhock!
Shop WUDO Gear to Show your Orinda Pride!
Yes, we will shamelessly pimp our WUDO Gear for your holiday benefit. Know someone who loves Orinda fiercely? We have green and white hats for $20 (adjustable back/one size) and supersoft gray tees for $25 (American Apparel brand) to stuff in their stockings. Simply email your order to info@whatsupdowntownorinda.com and we will send you Paypal info for payment and hand deliver the goods right to your door.
Shop Hilton House Antiques for Vintage Jewels
21 Orinda Way #A
925-254-1113
Mon-Sat 10:30am - 5:00pm
Hilton House’s Annual Open House is December 8th 5pm to 7pm. Head in there to check out their gorgeous selection of Estate and Costume Jewelry for gifts or to jazz up your look before the event. You can also stock up on entertaining supplies like extra chairs, barware, serving pieces, silver and flatware. And for the collectors in your life, they have an ever rotating selection vintage silver pieces, bakelite, costume jewelry, accessories, jade, rugs and vintage crystal. What more could you ask for?
Shop Genuine Goodness for Desserts and Catering
21 Orinda Way, Suite G (near the UPS store)
Mon - Fri 11-5. Catering orders can also be placed at www.gengoodness.com
925-317-3348
Why cook for your guests when you can outsource the work to the ladies of Genuine Goodness and enjoy your own party? They develop fabulous and fresh menus from easy to pass hors d'oeuvres to fanciful cakes and tarts for dessert, and everything in between. All fresh and all natural, Donna and Diane of Genuine Goodness are your go-to for catering in Orinda this holiday season. And their jams and other pantry delights make delicious gifts!
Shop Orinda Florist for Your Holiday Party Arrangements
99 Brookwood Rd
Orinda CA 94563
925-255-5353
http://www.orindafloristca.com
Give a gift to yourself when you’re hosting and outsource your floral arrangements with something beautiful from Orinda Florist. Or, why not give a gift to someone that lasts throughout the year? Orinda Florist’s Flower Therapy creates gorgeous seasonal arrangements and delivers them to anyone on your list each month ($360 for 6 months). A subscription for flowers? Yes please!
Shop Orinda Village Beauty Supply to Sparkle at the Soiree
270 Village Square
925-258-9090
Mon - Fri 10AM - 6PM
Saturday 10AM - 4 PM, Closed Sunday
Just because it’s an Ugly Christmas Sweater party doesn’t mean you have to feel ugly! Bust out your creative side and try the following from Orinda Village Beauty Supply. Feeling rebellious? Try Punky Color Semi Permanent Hair Color in a rainbow of options. Feeling Glamourous? Lots of OPI lacquers to choose from. If you spend $50 or more before December 12th you will be entered to win a HUGE gift basket full of goodies, pictured below! Trust us, there is great stuff inside.
Shop Orinda Village Antiques to Dress Your Table
107 Orinda Way
Mon-Sat 11am-6pm
925-254-2206
When it comes to tableware, Martha Stewart has nothing on Orinda Village Antiques Owner Susan Leech. A longtime Orinda resident and local business owner, Mrs. Leech can answer any question you have about what fork goes where, tell you the history behind why it is so, and sell you a complete set to boot! Even the physical location of the shop is steeped in history, housed in Orinda’s first fire station (circa 1924). So cool. The shop has a gorgeous collection of china, barware and and other items to fulfill your every entertaining desire. Leech also hosts tea parties for all ages if you want to start a fun holiday tradition!
Shop Entourage Before the Party for You and your Host!
232 Brookwood Road (New Location!)
Tues - Sat, 8am - 7pm, Monday 11-6pm, closed Sunday
925-254-9721
Entourage is the perfect place to get pampered before your holiday party season kicks into high gear. From cuts and color to mani-pedis and airbursh tanning, this is the spot. They even carry sweet gifts that will make your hosts very happy they invited you!
Shop Orinda Books for.... Everyone :)
276 Village Square
925-254-7606
Mon- Wed 10am - 6pm, Thursday 10am - 7pm, Friday 10am - 6pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm, Sunday 10pm - 4pm through December 18
Christmas Eve 9am - 3pm, Closed Christmas Day
*FREE GIFT WRAPPING WITH ANY PURCHASE*
If you haven't been to Orinda's enduring indie book dealer, you have lost the plot! This treasure trove of literary choices is full of finds for everyone on your list. Cookbooks, mysteries, fiction, kids books... Orinda Books could be your one stop shop this holiday season.
Shop Hello Tiara for Your Girly Girl
Theater Square
925-253-5050
Open Tuesday - Sunday, 11am. Closed Monday
Hello Tiara has plenty of baubles that sparkle for all ages to choose from, including frilly, fully customizable bracelets, keychains and necklaces. Dads, send your kids down to Hello Tiara to create a one-of-a-kind keychain for their mom; or ladies, make an appointment for a fancy updo (free with purchase) for the holidays! Prices start at about $12 for a bracelet and go up from there.
Shop A.L.M.A. for Your (Wannabe) Rockstar*
99 Brookwood Road
925-254-5056
Mon - Fri 11AM - 9PM
Saturday 10AM - 6PM, Closed Sunday
*earplugs are for sale at CVS Orinda
The Academy- Language and Music Arts, or A.L.M.A. is your go to for everything music and language related! For your budding rockstar, stop by A.L.M.A and pick out a new acoustic or electric guitar, or a junior drum set and a series of lessons to get them started. Going carolling? Stock up on classic holiday sheet music for piano, vocal and guitar. We hope you’ll knock on our door and serenade us with your holiday spirit. And did you know that A.L.M.A also teaches language lessons? It’s time to learn Italian and then book that trip to Rome in 2017.
Shop McDonnell Nursery for Trees and Trimmings
196 Moraga Way
925-254-3713
Open Daily 8:30am-5:00pm
Start your day off with a little holiday cheer at the multi generational McDonnell’s Nursery. They have a stunningly fresh assortment of trees waiting to come home with you and all of the holiday decor you need to finish getting the house ready for the season. Even better, they will put your tree on your stand and deliver it to you house that very same day. No more terrifying grinch-style drives home with the tree hanging off your car. If that wasn’t enough, they will also clean and give your tree a blowout before taking it inside. Not joking, you’ll have to go see it for yourself.
Shop Orinda Hardware for Grandkids, DIY-ers and Gadget Geeks (Black Friday Sale!)
56 Moraga Way
925-254-5429
Open Monday-Sat 7:00am-7:00pm and Sunday 9:00am-6:00pm
But really though, something for the DIYer, the Grandkids AND the Techie you say? At the local Hardware store? The answer is YES! If you’ve driven by Orinda's True Value Hardware on your way out of town, surely you know they are hosting their first ever GIANT Black Friday event that's not to be missed. Stop by the day after Thanskgiving for deep discounts on barbecues, ladders and even gift cards ($100 cards for $80)! Here are some of our favorite finds so far.
Shop Sanvitalia for Hanukkah, Floral and Home Decor
Theater Square
925-258-6900
Open 10-6 Monday - Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
Sanvitalia Home & Garden might very well be Orinda’s holiday headquarters. They’ve got everything from Christmas doormats and wreaths, to ornaments, table decor, and candles and many, many home and hostess gift options. We’ve got our eye on the newest Ina Garten “Cooking for Jeffrey” for $35 on the store's well-edited cookbook table, as well as the entire Frasier Fir collection of soaps, candles and room sprays. We also spotted a gorgeous collection of Hannukah gifts, as well as some Orinda-themed soaps and tea towels! Sanvitalia is also planning to offer holiday flower arrangements to-go or for special order. Their large fresh magnolia wreath is a stunner!
We'll be updating this gift guide throughout the holidays, so please check back!