It wouldn’t be Christmas without a curated list of 10 shopping options in Laguna Beach. We hesitate to call all of these underground. We just like them so ho ho ho.
MOMEH this
837 1/2 Laguna Canyon Rd., momeh.com
The shop is in an Airstream. What else do you need to know? Owner Jessica Walker curates all things eccentric – from unique apparel to handcrafted decor to cool smelly things. Located in “The Hive” next to the Sawdust, Walker embraces the festival crowds and wishes more locals would venture past downtown for shopping. We can do that.
Unexpected garden gifts
The English Garden, 1199 S. Coast Hwy., englishgardenflorals.com
If you think this is just a flower store, think again. The English Garden is bigger than you think and has local jewelry, art and fun, funky gifts. Of course, as a full-service florist, the flower arrangements and plants are attractive and well done. But it’s the affordable, unique gifts that are a bonus.
Unique home décor
Vertigo, 1550 S Coast Hwy., vertigohome.us
Vertigo is the kind of designer store where you stand in place and stare, mesmerized by the evocative, European housewares. At times, you’re challenged to figure out what the gadget does. It could be a bottle opener, fountain pen or a 007 missile launcher. You’re not quite sure but it’s super awesome, whatever it is.
Men’s clothing made easy
Melrose Place, 361 Forest Ave., melroseplacelaguna.com
Laguna men should thank Gila Leibovitch for clothing them. As the owner of Melrose Place and the nearby Vault stores, Leibovitch has made it almost too easy to look urbane without being a poser. Simply walk in, point anywhere and purchase. Repeat as needed.
Women’s clothing in another league
Katharine Story, 1476 S Coast Hwy., katharinestory.com
When you’re ready to step up your fashion game, make an appointment with Katharine Story. The well-traveled Laguna native designs one-of-a-kind, transformative outfits for women. Do you need some courage to wear them? Maybe a little. Is it worth it? Absolutely.
Strut this way
The Guitar Shoppe, 1027 N. Coast Hwy., theguitarshoppe.com
Since 1972, you’ve heard young men trying to play “Stairway to Heaven” in this North Laguna store. From lessons to retail and repair, the store caters to musicians of all levels. You can also buy sweet old guitars, such as a 1965 Gibson L-5 Johnny Smith (for $11,500), which brought high-quality amplification and high-quality acoustic sound together for the first time.
Just like grandma’s drugstore
Bushard’s, 244 Forest Ave., bushardspharmacy.com
If you run out of Brut, you can get a giant bottle here. Laguna’s beloved downtown pharmacy hasn’t substantially changed since 1960, which is a good thing. Because when you need a “Gold Magic Professional Plastic Conditioning Cap,” this is where you go.
Soulfully soulful
Soul Project, 1516 S. Coast Hwy., soulproject.com
Salty … Awesome … Stoked … That’s Soul Project. They make their own one-word T-shirts, and source simple, innovative apparel. With local credentials and street cred, the store gives $1 from every Soul Project item to local kids and environmental charities.
Cool surf stuff
Thalia Surf, 915 S. Coast Hwy, thaliasurf.com
Whether it’s hats, suits or boards, the venerable Thalia Surf shop does a solid job of keeping things fresh. Since 2001, owner and surfer Nick Corcores has been catering to his core audience: surfers looking for the real deal – with soul.
It never gets old
Sawdust (Winter Fantasy), 935 Laguna Canyon Road, sawdustartfestival.org
It goes without saying that if you need one location to shop for Christmas, go to the Sawdust. It’s really a no-brainer. Original, hand-made, reasonably priced gifts always make a lasting impression. Besides, you’re supporting local artists who rely on the show to make a living. Be sure to get there before Dec. 19.
