Ask Downtown: Holiday Shopping Tips?
Frank Tellez
[Flickr]
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Downtown is so packed with unique gift possibilities that we can't keep track. So we're reaching out to our community for some holiday shopping help.
Where are your favorite deals for gifts Downtown? Where can we find for that friend or family member who has everything? We're looking for unique gift suggestions of things we can only find in Downtown Los Angeles, and any other shopping secrets residents or frequent visitors you'd be willing to share ('tis the season - don't be selfish!).
To kick things off, here are a few of our own tips, starting with a couple that last this weekend only:
From the city nerd or L.A. history buff, check out
A Holiday Book Boutique & Holiday Bake Sale this Saturday from 6pm to 8pm at the nonprofit Studio for Southern California History. The event will feature signings of books related to Los Angeles history, including "All the Saints of the City of the Angels: Seeking the Soul of L.A. On Its Streets," "The Los Angeles Plaza: Sacred and Contested Space," and "LA's Graveside Companion: Where the V.I.P.s R.I.P."
977 N. Hill / 213-229-8890
Covering both Saturday and Sunday, the Thread Holiday Pop-Up Shop brings clothing from 100 independent designers to the Bay Salone event space. Register online to get in for $5, where you'll be able to shop for original designs, catch runway fashion shows, and enjoy free food and snacks. Feeling extra thrifty? Swap out your clothes with someone else's at Thread's swapping lounge. Dec. 4 & 5, 11am-6pm / 2035 Bay St.
Throughout the holiday season, rack up all sorts of free goodies and discounts by playing the Downtown L.A. Gift Hunt from the Downtown Center Improvement District. Download the game to an iPhone or Android phone then complete challenges at participating shopping locations to receive discount coupons, collectibles, and even a makeover. Complete all of the challenges for a chance to win a weekend stay at the Biltmore.
You can always find something unique strolling throughout Chinatown. Print out their Holiday's Shoppers Pass for 2 for 1 deals at J K Fashion and 0529 Fashions Co. (both at 223 Alpine), a free pound cake with every $10 purchase at Kim Hung Bakery (959 N. Broadway Street), and numerous other discounts.
And don't forget, next weekend is a trio of holiday pop-up shops, with Artisanal LA, Unique LA, and a Current Affair.
In the meantime, let us know what your Downtown shopping secrets are.
Guest on December 03, 2010, at 11:39PM – #1
Macy's has gotten better over the years, though the management should really take another look at how it can fit in with the changing demographics Downtown.
During the holidays, I like to stop in at Metropolis Books Caravan Books to pick up a couple things. Pussy & Pooch for the dog/cat owners. Also the Library Store at Central Library has a nice little gift shop with some interesting gifts/stocking stuffers.
Since most of my friends and family don't need more "stuff," I do have a habit of taking them out for dinner somewhere in lieu of a gift. DTLA has no shortage of awesome restaurants, and for many of them it's the perfect opportunity to get them to try something new.
Karin Liljegren on December 05, 2010, at 09:02AM – #2
My Low Cost Ideas:
The FIDM store at Grand and 9th has amazing low cost clothing (and material) deals.
A couple hours in the Fashion District. Don't forget there are districts within the districts (use this map http://www.fashiondistrict.org/map/ )
1 Man's Trash on Main just north of 7th for remade vintage - awesome blazers for about $20.
bill on December 06, 2010, at 05:41AM – #3
Love Caravan Books on Grand. Very special place.
Amy on December 06, 2010, at 06:41AM – #4
I also love the Library Store for cards & unique gifts.
Mr G's Toys & Expressions (in the Macy's mall) is great for toys. The front caters to tourists, the back has the particularly good toys.
Guest on December 06, 2010, at 01:24PM – #5
Little Tokyo, Weller Court 2nd floor = Bookstore Little Tokyo, JANM = Gift shop Main Ave = Raw Materials Los Angeles St/3rd = Kitchen supply store (from commercial kitchens to utensils)
DawnC on December 06, 2010, at 09:38PM – #6
I always find good stuff for low prices in Little Tokyo. You can find great mugs and other pottery at Rafu Bussan on 2nd street near Pinkberry. They've got a whole showroom of beautiful handmade vases and bowls. In the rest of the store you can find more reasonable items and they often have sale stuff at the front of the store.
The Blooming Art Gallery in The Japanese Village Plaza has some pretty adorable gifts items along with a collection of Beatles memorabilia that is NOT FOR SALE, but is on the same shelf with stuff that is so it's a bit confusing.
Bunkado on 1st street has an amazing assortment of cards both classic Japanese and some hilarious robot themed ones. They also carry books, pottery, some old timey kids toys, and a bunch of other uniquely Japanese items.
Popkiller on 2nd is also good if you've got some young hipsters to shop for. Lot's of t-shirts, hats and sunglasses along with a bunch of novelty items.
c j on December 08, 2010, at 01:50PM – #7
This is I think the 3rd year of UniqueLA, a two-day, mostly handmade craft fair showcasing local artists. It has always been downtown at the California Market Center on Main and 9th. This year, a separate but affiliated local food and wares fair, Artisanal LA, will be taking place at the same time at the Cooper Design Space down the street. I love doing my holiday shopping there! This weekend only, December 11-12.
c j on December 08, 2010, at 01:53PM – #8
oops just saw the tiny mention of Unique LA and Artisanal LA at the bottom of your article =P There's also the MOCA museum store, and all the galleries and furniture stores for unique art and home decor pieces.