|
|
Palo Alto, Los Altos, and Menlo Park are some of the best places in the Silicon Valley to buy unique gifts. Besides the major stores and chain stores, you'll find plenty of small, independently owned shops carrying fine gift items such as china, paintings, jewelry, beauty products, apparel, home furnishings, books, and cards. Below, you'll find several recommendations. Good luck in your gift search. Here are some random ideas to get you started:
flowers, wallet, book, music CD, sunglasses, down comforter, tie, make-over, jewelry, engraved fountain pen, lingerie, fun t-shirt, chocolate, painting, china, fine wine, crystal, watch.
Do-It-Yourself Gifts
|
by Amy Taylor
Looking for a one-of-a-kind gift for that special person? Why not make it yourself? Learn how to make jewelry at the Bead Shop. It is located on Hamilton Ave. in Downtown Palo Alto. Whether you're an expert or a beginner, they have a project for you. Call (650) 328-7925.
While you're in the creative mood, visit Petroglyph Creative Lounge on 158 University Ave. in Downtown Palo Alto. You pick a ceramic piece and select the provided painting materials, then let your imagination go wild! Call (650) 328-4278. See an example here.
|
|
back to top
Paper, Scissors, Pen?
|
by PAL Staff
If you need a gift for someone who likes to write, go to Mai Dõ and pick out some neat Japanese stationary supplies. If you think Office Max has a great selection of pens, you'll be surprised by the fun and practical choices at Mai Dõ. It also carrys paper products such as gift cards, pads, and origami supplies. Mai Dõ is located in the Palo Alto Town and Country Village. Call (650) 330-0284.
|
|
back to top
The Hidden Allied Arts Guild
|
by PAL Staff
Allied Arts Guild is one of the better kept secrets in the Palo Alto area. Located in a quiet residential neighborhood near the Stanford Shopping Center, Allied Arts Guild is the host of a number of art studios, gift shops, a restaurant, and a few well-kept gardens. Let's visit some of the gift shops.
If you enjoy traveling around the world to buy unique gifts for friends and family, you can do that at the Traditional Shop. It sells imported items such as china, picture frames, lamps, etc. This is a great place to find wedding gifts. The shop is tastfully decorated with many flower arrangements.
Want to impress an English friend? Visit the Mayfair shop. Mayfair features products from Britain and Ireland: china, candys, teas, jewelry, and even products from various British artists.
The Wick Shop sells candles, of course. If you expect a store carrys that name has great variety of candles, you're right! In addition to candles of every size and shape, it also stocks a large variety of interesting paper products.
The Fino Fino hat store does not sell Giant baseball caps! It features fine hats for men and women. You'll find hats for all occasions including bridal headpieces. Don't let them fool you, hats are not out. Visit Fino Fino and get in style!
Looking for a gift for that person who has "everything"? That person can always use a few nice pictures on the wall. Lyons Ltd Antique Prints has a large inventory of character-rich prints in plants, architecture, fashion, people, and arts.
Besides the shops mentioned above, Allied Arts Guild has a few other unique stores. Go there and explore for yourself. Allied Arts Guild is a great place to find that perfect gift. It is located on 75 Arbor Road in Menlo Park. Call (650) 322-2405 for more information.
|
|
back to top
Back to the Future: Lava Lamp
|
by PAL Staff
Believe it or not, in case you haven't noticed, the lava lamp is back! This novelty is making a come-back appearing in catalogs and gift shops across the country. If you ran out of ideas, the lava lamp can make a fun gift.
To impress the gift recipient, check out HowStuffWorks.com's Question of the Day "How does a lava lamp work?" 
|
|
back to top
|
|
Our Sponsors
|
Some advertisers have their own web sites. Click on the ads to find out.
|
|
|
|
