The Ultimate San Francisco Xmas List

Some Christmas gifts you can get only in San Francisco. In particular, San Francisco is well known for a two things that inspired this year’s shopping list–quirkiness and gayness. So here are six fabulous stocking stuffers and gifts ideas that are uniquely San Franciscan…

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A bottle of local Pinot Noir

Swirl on Castro has the whole shabang when it comes to fermented grapes: You can savor a glass in-store, then snag a bottle to put away at home or give to those wino friends of yours. Good wine is always in style as a classy, thoughtful gift, and with California’s knack for full-bodied vino you won’t leave disappointed.

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Funky socks

As much fun as it is to coordinating tube socks and jock straps, there’s something to be said about an old fashioned pair of whimsical ankle-dress socks. Why not drop in Body, throw a few in your basket to create an assorted sock bouquet for that special someone? You can never go wrong with warm feet, rainbow patterns and a quirky, creative cadeau that truly says “I care”.

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Leather stockings for Santa

Folsom Street Fair may be known as as San Francisco’s official leather holiday, but that doesn’t mean some good, old-fashioned cowhide doesn’t have its proper place come the Yuletide season. Swing by Mister S Leather in SoMA for a fashionably edgy leather or neoprene stocking, where Santa can stuff a kinky gift or two.

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Savory treats from an SF mainstay

After stocking up at your favorite leather store, walk one block up to Pinkie’s for the perfect treat on a brisk winter afternoon: a savory, warm brioche, loaded with caramelized shallots and gruyere (above). Pinkie’s has been hailed as one of the best bakeries in San Francisco. Also, local favorites Tartine and Arizmendi Bakeries in the Mission are definitely trip-worthy.

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Handmade hipster crafts

For those looking for a one-stop holiday shop, SFMade’s Holiday Gift Fair (Dec. 13, 14) is the promised land, welcoming more than 100 purveyors of locally made SF wares: man purses, organic skincare and horn-rimmed glasses, and more. If you see a hand-knit sweater adorned with caribou, that’s on my list, too.

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Museum of Craft and Design

If you aren’t able to manhandle enough local wares at SF Made’s Holiday Gift Fair, a second bonanza of crafty goods await at the San Francisco Museum of Craft and Design, featuring three rotating exhibitions and a gift shop, currently featuring a relevant “I Left My Heart in San Francisco” collection. What could be a more appropriate Christmas gift than a locally printed tea towel or a whimsical map of The City?

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