This week, we at Travel Costa Mesa pass on the helm of the ship to Bobby and Alli from the Traveling Newlyweds, a fun couple passionate about exploring new travel destinations and experiences. As we’re in the holiday shopping season, we asked Bobby and Alli their favorite spots to shop small in Costa Mesa. Read on for some of their top tips!
Happy holidays! Bobby and Alli here, from Traveling Newlyweds. It’s that time of year, where Christmas tree lots are on every street corner, Mariah Carey’s Christmas album is on repeat, and South Coast Plaza is covered in lights. While it is without a doubt our favorite time of the year, the thought of holiday shopping can put us in a panic. All the people and long lines… We’re getting anxious just thinking about it!
Thankfully, we’ve discovered a new and better way to shop. Over the past few years we’ve decided to “Shop Small”. What does that mean? Instead of spending all day inside a mall, we instead hit up our favorite Costa Mesa brick-and-mortar shops. Not only are we avoiding the holiday rush, we’re helping support small businesses in our own backyard. It’s a true win/win.
Here’s where we’ll be hitting up this holiday season!
This nontraditional, eco-friendly retail area is as inspiring as it is lively, and features a handful of our favorite, locally owned shops and restaurants. It’s the perfect spot to spend the afternoon browsing for gifts and then grabbing a drink or a bite to eat after. We can find something for almost everyone on our list at SEED PEOPLES MARKET (great for stocking stuffers!), and Purre and 2nd Street a
re other must-visit shops as well.
Across the street from The CAMP is The LAB, the self-acclaimed “Anti-Mall” of Costa Mesa. It’s filled with fun places to sit, colorful art installations, hip shops and restaurants, and photo opportunities at every corner. Brandswalk is one of our favorite shops, especially for gifts, as they always have the latest (and coolest) tech products and accessories. Other stores worthy of checking out are Eye Society, Prism Boutique and Blends + Carve.
Located on 17th street, this party supply store is our go-to shop during the holidays. They have all the best gift wrap, gift cards, stationary, festive decorations, and so much more. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect hostess gi
ft, this is your spot.
Just a few doors down from Where’s The Party is OPT – an affordable home goods and ladies retail shop. And it’s every girl’s dream. From pretty cookbooks to fluffy pillows and fancy candles, their home goods are perfectly curated and awesomely priced. Their clothing is just as affordable – and ranges from casual lounge wear to holiday party Jovani dresses and accessories. (Just two doors down is their sister restaurant, No Rest For Bridget, where you’ll find even more hip and trendy styles that won’t break the bank!)
Just a few doors down from Where’s The Party is Doll Women’s Boutique – a tre
ndy women’s boutique and gift shop. While most of the clothing in Doll is under $100, they also carry a small selection of designer items that are perfectly curated for a special occasion. Their gifts and home decor section features scented candles, frames, perfumes and most everything is under $50!
At Almond, their aim is to “Make timeless, essential products for surfers and craftsmen of all varieties.” You’ll find surfboards, apparel, and accessories, all of which are sure to be a hit with the men on your holiday list. Their products are purposeful, their dedication to high quality is admirable, and their small team is friendly and willing to help. Not to mention their surfboards are works of art!
You’re not a true Costa Mesa resident if you haven’t shopped at Hi-Time. This family-owned retail space has been around since 1957, and boasts one of the largest underground temperature-controlled wine cellars in the U.S. They carry over 10,000 wines from all over the world, a walk-in beer ‘showcase,’ exotic liquors, a cigar humidor that holds over 500 different cigar brands, gourmet foods, and SO much more. Leave some time to wine taste with their Napa Technology wine stations – which are open everyday!
While we wish we could feature every small shop and business in Costa Mesa, we hope this small list gets you thinking, and excited, for your holiday shopping. This year, join us in giving gifts that are not only thoughtful and unique, but are supporting the brick-and-mortar stores in your own backyard. We’ll see you there!
