Did you know that when you make your holiday gift purchases from local businesses, two thirds of the money you spend stays in Alameda? Here’s how that works, according to score.org.
For every $1 you spend at a small business:
67 cents stays in the local community.
44 cents goes to the small business owner and employees’ wages and benefits.
23 cents gets reinvested in other local businesses.
And that $1 creates an additional 50 cents of local economic impact.
30 cents is spent by the small business owner on local vendors.
20 cents is spent by the owner and employees locally.
Many holiday gift shopping guides are filled with expensive, esoteric, and unattainable items that appeal to small, discrete segments of the population. Or they are filled with choices that must be purchased from big-box retailers who don’t have a presence in our community. Worse yet, many of these potential gifts can take weeks to deliver, causing anxiety as the holidays approach.
This year, we propose that you use your holiday gift-giving to give back to your community as well. We would like to offer a different approach by encouraging readers to shop in-person locally and support Alameda’s amazing small businesses, which work so hard within a challenging retail climate. Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is packed with nondenominational, nongendered gifts that will bring joy to anyone on your list. All the gifts listed are available for purchase here in Alameda, and most are not available online… or anywhere else.
You might not already think of shopping as a form of resistance, but with recent calls to boycott big-box retailers who enable and fund controversial federal programs and policies, being aware of how you spend your money makes a positive difference for local retailers and shows your priorities.
This 2025 Holiday Gift Guide was compiled by Corinne Avganim Wilk of ALAMEDUH Zine, Alameda’s newest culture zine about our island community. Corinne’s commitment to building community and showcasing local arts made her a natural fit to curate this year’s choices.
The twelve items listed below will be welcome gifts for anyone on your holiday shopping list, made even more impactful by supporting Alameda’s local businesses and small retailers. But it’s only a sample of the many delightful stores and gifts available in Alameda, so don’t be shy about exploring the others. Have fun shopping and happy holidays to you all!
Why we love it: These stunning bouquets and charming felt ornaments make for classy, timeless, and fool-proof host gifts. Stop in on your way to your next holiday gathering.
Why we love it: You can’t go wrong when supporting local and indie makers! We’re partial to the shop’s unique offerings and accessible pricing. And their surprise boxes are freaking adorable.
You’ll also find: Locally made art, human apparel, Labubu fashion.
Why we love it: We’re obsessed with coziness year-round, especially in the winter months. Bundle up your bae (or whoever!) in sustainable sweaters so vintage, they’re current again.
Why we love it: We realize this is a niche pick, but ever since we heard of this shop, we’ve had The Sopranos “The Ride” episode stuck in our heads (IYKYK). Make the meal real.
You’ll also find: Lures, halibut rigs, tackle earrings.
Why we love it: Need we say more than “the greatest toys on earth?!” Fine, we will: We never leave the store without admiring the stuffie tower and soaking up all of its kawaii powers.
You’ll also find: Pre-loved toys, builder sets, action figures.
Why we love it: We’re not sure why, but we’ve always loved balloon art. And this one won’t pop! It’s quirky-cute, and we can’t help but smile every time we see it.
You’ll also find: Smell-proof gear, edibles, accessories.
Why we love it: See Spot Run is like a candy store for pets. Owned by an Alameda resident, it also hosts regular kitten adoptions. Make someone swoon with the Lady and the Tramp treatment.
You’ll also find: Premium food, treat bar, holistics.
Why we love it: This semi-new specialty grocer carries an array of locally crafted foods, beverages, and home goods. Pick from pre-made gift baskets or build your own.
You’ll also find: Organic produce, full-service deli, coffee bar.
Why we love it: We’re big fans of gifting experiences. Pacific Pinball is an interactive play museum featuring big games and art you can only find in Alameda.
You’ll also find: Mural programs, league nights, games for sale.
Why we love it: Owner Athena is the sweetest and she will customize private lessons to your liking. Give the gift of a memorable experience to share with your foodiest bestie, forever partner, or faithful staffers.
You’ll also find: Group workshops, weekly bread specials, sourdough kits.
Why we love it: Near and dear to our hearts, the “Duh!” hat launched with the first issue of our new zine and is now available exclusively at Two Marys’ while supplies last.
You’ll also find: Luxury scented candles, handcrafted goods, vintage treasures.
Photos by Adam Gillitt, except for the Toy Safari photo, which is by Corinne Avganim Wilk, and the Island Bait & Tackle and Saffron Studios photos, which are from their respective websites.
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