Whimsical Christmas scene with glowing lights and festive ornaments in San Francisco

San Francisco Holiday Gift Guide 2025

Perfect Gifts for Everyone on Your List!

Give Bay Area experiences from three Michelin-starred dining at Benu, Quince, and Atelier Crenn to Golden Gate Bridge walks and Alcatraz Island tours. Discover Japantown ramen at HINODEYA, seasonal Californian cuisine at Frances and Octavia, and fresh sustainable seafood at Pacific Catch. From budget-friendly wood-fired pizza at Fiorella to Chef Dominique Crenn's poetic French artistry, celebrate San Francisco's tech boom wealth, progressive values, and spectacular natural beauty from hills to bay.


Local Gift Shops

Year-round boutiques and specialty stores perfect for gift-giving (not holiday markets)

City Lights Booksellers

Legendary independent bookstore and cultural landmark in North Beach, known for beat generation literature.

Specialties:
  • Books
  • Literary classics
  • Local authors

Address: 261 Columbus Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Green Apple Books

Beloved Inner Richmond bookstore with an extensive collection near Golden Gate Park.

Specialties:
  • New books
  • Used books
  • Local interest

Address: 506 Clement St, San Francisco, CA 94118

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826 Valencia

Whimsical pirate supply store supporting children's writing programs with unique creative gifts.

Specialties:
  • Creative gifts
  • Pirate supplies
  • Writing tools

Address: 826 Valencia St, San Francisco, CA 94110

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Red Blossom Tea Company

Chinatown tea specialist offering premium Asian teas with knowledgeable staff and beautiful selections.

Specialties:
  • Premium teas
  • Tea accessories
  • Asian tea culture

Address: 831 Grant Ave, San Francisco, CA 94108

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Cliff's Variety

Castro district institution offering eclectic gifts, hardware, and unique finds since 1936.

Specialties:
  • Unique gifts
  • Hardware
  • Neighborhood treasures

Address: 479 Castro St, San Francisco, CA 94114

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Local Experiences

Give the gift of unforgettable experiences

Alcatraz Island Tour

Ferry to the legendary prison island with immersive audio tour featuring stories from inmates and guards.

Included: Round-trip ferry, audio tour, and island access

Price: $41-$45 per person

Address: Departs from Pier 33, San Francisco, CA 94111

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Real San Francisco Walking Tours

Expert-led neighborhood tours covering Castro, Haight-Ashbury, North Beach, Chinatown, and hidden gems.

Included: Guided walking tour with local expert

Price: $55 per person

Address: Various meeting points (provided upon booking)

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Historic Cable Car Ride

Ride San Francisco's iconic cable cars for breathtaking city views and a unique transit experience.

Included: Single ride on historic cable car

Price: $8 per ride

Address: Powell/Market turnaround, San Francisco, CA 94102

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SFMOMA Admission

Explore over 33,000 modern and contemporary artworks at the renowned San Francisco Museum of Modern Art.

Included: Museum admission and rooftop garden access

Price: $30 per person

Address: 151 3rd St, San Francisco, CA 94103

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Napa Valley Wine Tour

Full-day guided tour of Napa Valley wineries with tastings, lunch, and scenic views.

Included: Transportation, winery visits, tastings, and lunch

Price: $135-$175 per person

Address: Departs from San Francisco (pickup locations provided)

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Restaurant Gift Cards

Budget-Friendly ($15-$50)

Great restaurants that won't break the bank

Pacific Catch

Fresh sustainable seafood with Hawaiian influences, offering poke bowls, fish tacos, and healthy options.

Address: 2027 Chestnut St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Fiorella

Neighborhood Italian spot serving wood-fired pizzas, fresh pasta, and seasonal antipasti.

Address: 2238 Polk St, San Francisco, CA 94109

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HINODEYA Ramen & Bar

Authentic Japanese ramen shop in Japantown offering rich broths and traditional ramen bowls.

Address: 1737 Buchanan St, San Francisco, CA 94115

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Mid-Range ($50-$150)

Popular spots with excellent food and atmosphere

Frances

Modern Californian cuisine featuring seasonal ingredients with a prix fixe menu in a cozy Castro setting.

Address: 3870 17th St, San Francisco, CA 94114

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Octavia

Seasonal American restaurant offering elegant tasting menus with locally-sourced ingredients.

Address: 1701 Octavia St, San Francisco, CA 94115

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The Progress

Contemporary American restaurant serving family-style seasonal dishes in a vibrant atmosphere.

Address: 1525 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94115

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Fine Dining ($150+)

Upscale dining experiences

Benu

Three Michelin-starred restaurant offering Asian-influenced modern cuisine with an elaborate multi-course tasting menu.

Address: 22 Hawthorne St, San Francisco, CA 94105

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Quince

Three Michelin-starred Italian-influenced California cuisine featuring exquisite tasting menus with seasonal ingredients.

Address: 470 Pacific Ave, San Francisco, CA 94133

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Atelier Crenn

Three Michelin-starred poetic French cuisine from Chef Dominique Crenn, offering an artistic culinary journey.

Address: 3127 Fillmore St, San Francisco, CA 94123

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Resources

Helpful information and links for planning your holiday season in San Francisco.