Christmas is right around the corner. It really just sneaks up on you, doesn't it? This year my Christmas gift to you is providing you suggestions of where to do your Christmas shopping in Claremont.
Claremont is bursting with quaint, charming, and stylish stores perfect for any gift giving occasion-especially Christmas. Here are the best places to do your holiday shopping in Claremont.
Jewelry
The Diamond Center. Located in the heart of Claremont Village on the corner of Second Street & Yale Avenue, The Diamond Center is owned and operated by the Lantz family spanning three generations of jewelers. Their mission is committed to sourcing their diamonds ethically with the intention of you being able to keep your jewelry forever. Their collections include Hearts on Fire, Estate Collection, Claremont Collection, Gemstones, Watches, and more! They are leaders in their industry and offer various financing options, custom jewelry, repairs, and cleaning.
Respun Retro. Located at a kiosk in the historic Claremont Packing House, Respun Retro is owned by a husband and wife team Heather and Kevin. Heather is a goldsmith and jewelry designer making one-of-a-kind jewelry ranging in styles such as vintage, modern, bold, or simple.
Apparel
The Outdoor Store. You're guaranteed to score some really cool gifts at The Outdoor Store in Claremont. Located at 101 N. Indian Hill Blvd, this store is jam packed with outdoor themed items like Pendleton blankets, camping books, hiking themed shirts, socks, mugs, tumblers, fun koozies, backpacks, hats, candles, pillows, books and so much more! I personally have purchased my "honey bunny" gifts here and they were all a big hit!
Jasmine Boutique. This charming boutique off Second St and Yale specializes in luxury loungewear in the form of pajamas, slippers, robes, and bath accessories. It just makes me want to sink into the couch right now! Now that many folks work from home, give the gift of comfort this holiday season. Don’t forget to tell them it's a gift because they are the best gift wrappers in town.
MPower Lifestyle. This store is by far my favorite apparel store to shop at in general. MPower Lifestyle is located on the corner of Second St and Indian Hill and carries athleisure and loungewear from all your favorite yoga brands such as lululemon, alo yoga, Beyond Yoga, Spiritual Gangster, Free People Movement, and Mono B. Their customer service is world-class and if you’re lucky enough, Johanna Bradley (Owner) will be there to greet and chat you up. I’ve slowly been replacing my wardrobe with Yoga clothes and I am not mad about it.
Home or Office Décor
Norens Space. Claremont is sitting on a mid-century modern goldmine and it's called Noren’s Space located at the Old School House Building at 415 W. Foothill Blvd Claremont Ste138 (adjacent to Elvira’s). Owners, Kim and Neil Noren, also owners of Norens Nursery, have impeccable taste where their curated furniture and décor are one-of-a-kind conversation starters such as art, tables, glassware, couches, knickknacks, plants, dressers, chairs, and so much more. Their customer service is top notch and will personally find what you're looking for.
The Hens' Kitchen Shop. This unique gem of a store is located on Yale Ave and exclusively sells kitchen items like festive décor, handy kitchen tools, cook wear, marinades, tea, baking mixes, and seasonal accessories. What I love most about The Hens’ Kitchen Shop is their merchandise rotates around the seasons. Ask to get your gift wrapped because they do a phenomenal job!
Covey Gardens. Located off Foothill Blvd and Yale Ave, Covey Gardens sells stylish décor fit for any room in the house. I bought a gorgeous marble top side table with gold finishing, an indoor snake plant (with pot), and candles for a side nook of my office. Kelly Covey is the owner and talent behind Covey Gardens and has an eye for vintage furnishing and anything you purchase at Covey Gardens will impress that special someone in your life.
The Smell House. This shop is a staple, I tell ya! The Smell House is located inside the historic Packing House and exclusively sells candles. Amazing, right? They have any and every scent you can think of. Their current winter collection scents are sweater weather, warm flannel, Christmas morning, milk and cookies, under the mistletoe, midnight snow, and so much more! Right now their special is buy 3 and get one free. Don't forget to ask for a punch card because you will be coming back for more!
Out of the Box
Ophelia’s Jump membership. Here’s a creative one; Consider purchasing a membership package to Ophelia’s Jump Production for your theater or music lover. Ophelia’s Jump is a non profit theater company located at 2009 Porterfield Way, Suite H, Upland. Their performances aim to “create unending conversations, spark imagination, incite conscience, and elicit a visceral response,” and are active in hosting live, intimate concerts. The space is quaint with an exclusive, lounge-y vibe offering a cash bar with wine, cocktails, and local craft beer. Check out their upcoming performances.
Art Claremont Gallery Market. Every Friday from 6-9 p.m. (PT) in the historic Claremont Packing House, the Claremont Gallery hosts an evening where various kiosks and vendors set up their art displays. This is an ideal opportunity to buy one-of-a-kind artwork, jewelry, or other accessories.
California Botanical Garden membership. Did you know that Claremont is home to an 86-acre garden with the largest collection of California native plants? You can enjoy year-round unlimited access when you purchase a membership starting as low as $50. If you need more convincing, the California Botanic Garden is home to a 300 year old Majestic Oak, redwood groves, Joshua trees, fan palms, valley oaks, a turtle pond, wildflower meadows, and so much more.
Stocking Stuffers
Coffee shop gift cards. Claremont has no shortage of high quality coffee shops for your fellow coffee lover. Fill your family's stocking with gift cards from Claremont coffee shops such as Iron & Kin, Lucky’s Coffee Roaster, Rev’d Up Coffee & Classics, or Nosy Neighbor Coffee & Donuts.
Video games or gaming accessories. Lost Levels is located inside the Claremont Packing House and is perfect for any video game themed gift - especially in a stocking. They have actual video games for sale (including retro ones) as well as consoles, artwork, figurines, mugs, blankets, plush dolls, key chains, and so much more. Below ground is an actual arcade with many retro games making it a blast to the past. You can buy an hour game pass for $10 or an all day pass for $15.
The Grove Home. Specializing in indoor décor, office accessories, scents, house plants, and plant accessories, The Grove Home is located on the corner of Indian Hill Ave and Second St. Their inventory is rotated around the seasons and they carry more whimsical and witty gifts for the edgy type perfect for stockings.
Comic Books or POP! figures. A Shop Called Quest is definitely a gem in the Claremont Village carrying tons of comic books, graphic novels, action figures (including a zillion POP! figures), games, pins, and so much more!
Plants & Arrangements
Norens Nursery. For all you plant lovers out there, Norens Nursery is the best local place to shop for outdoor plants, succulent gardens, air plants, plant wreaths, plant accessories, vintage furniture, pottery, and more!
Artful Succulents. Diane Barnes is the owner of Artful Succulents, a home business based in Claremont. She is an expert succulent designer and specializes in creating custom, whimsical succulent arrangements. Check out her Instagram for various arrangements for sale and DM her if you’d like something custom for your loved one.
Dining Gift Cards
Okay personally I like gift cards as a gift! Especially if it’s a favorite place of mine, or if I’ve not been to it before. There are serious restaurant gems in Claremont that would make anyone excited to eat at. Consider purchasing a gift card at any of these Claremont restaurants:
Union on Yale (American food and craft cocktails)
Tutti Mangia (Italian food and chophouse)
Viva Madrid (Spanish food and tapas)
Bardot (chic atmosphere meets a casual elegance)
Eureka Burger (Gourmet burgers and Whiskey specialists)
The Quarter (authentic Creole cuisine)
The Back Abbey (Gastro Pub and Belgian beers)
Wine & Spirits
VomFass. Located at 101 N. Indian Hill, VomFass in Claremont is a European market and tasting room with a wide variety of liqueurs, spirits, wine, olive oils, and vinegars. I particularly like tasting their various styles of whiskey (i.e., Irish, bourbon, American) and choosing the best one for a gift. They also have delicious liqueurs like pumpkin spice, gingerbread, macchiato cream, violette, cherry and more! Gift wrapping is free so be sure to ask for it.
Packing House Wines. Located in the historic Claremont Packing House, Packing House Wines is a wine shop and restaurant with a curated selection of wines chosen by owner and sommelier, Sal Medina. If you are unsure of what type of wine to get, Sal or another staff member will personally assist you in making the best possible choice for any budget.
We Olive & Wine Bar. Located in the heart of Claremont Village, We Olive & Wine Bar is a wine and olive oil shop with a restaurant located in the rear. They have a wide variety of wines that are selected by their knowledgeable staff. Personally, I go there to stock up on their sparkling rosé by Folktale as I can’t get it anywhere else.
Skin & Beauty
Harvard Garden Day Spa. Give the gift of relaxation and self love with Harvard Garden Day Spa. I’ve been going here for 10+ years because the quality of service and products are unmatched. I usually get my dad a gift card for a massage and botanical facial and he’s always happy as a clam.
The Treatment. The Treatment Skin Boutique is located on 4th Street off and Indian Hill Blvd, and offers injectable services like Botox, Dysort, Kybella, and dermal fillers. What I especially like is how committed they are in achieving natural looking results. Their PA’s are incredibly knowledgeable (shoutout to Lindsey!), professional, and will answer all of your questions so you feel comfortable and confident with the treatment you’re seeking. Appointments can be booked on their website and gift cards are available.
The Treatment Facial Bar is located off 4th Street and Yale Avenue and they offer esthetician services like facials, chemical peels, skin blading, dermasweeps, and more. They also offer their own line of skin care products. Gift Cards are also available for these services.
Aromatique. Located on First Street in the heart of Claremont Village, Aromatique offers esthetician services and also maintains a retail shop and boutique inside. In their boutique they sell Dermalogica, SkinCeuticals, Eminence Organics, Jan Marini Skin Research, Fleur’s, and even Jane Iredale Mineral Cosmetics. Their services include facials, massages, lash extensions, lash lifts, reiki energy healing, reflexology sessions, and so much more!
I hope this list helps to organize your shopping list this year. Enjoy your holiday season.
Merry Christmas, friends!