The EBH Local + Sustainable Gift Guide
Last year I put together a local edible gift guide, and I had so much fun highlighting some of my favorite small town businesses that I had decided to give it another go. This year I've put a fun new twist on the guide by featuring what I would call, sustainable local businesses. In a world with such an abundance of "stuff" it's fun to consider how we can repurpose what already exists to create new joy and meaning in someone else's hands.
All of the businesses featured in this year's guide either use or sell pre-owned goods, creating something new out of something old. I remember as a child, my mom was huge fan of thrifting and while I didn't appreciate it at the time, as I've grown older I've come to realize just how valuable the lesson of not tossing something away just because it's lost its glimmer has become. One creature's trash is another creature's treasure and all of the businesses below have done such an excellent job of seeing the magic in every day items and giving them new life.
To check out this season's collection of eccentric, creative, artistic and vintage makers and sellers, all from Martinez, Benicia, Port Costa, and Crockett, see this fun local guide below
For The Artist + Magician
The first time I walked into the Theater of Dreams (artist Wendy Addison's shop) I felt like I had just walked into the most magical place on earth. A true visionary and creative soul, Wendy makes magical pieces using vintage items that are sure to whisk you away to a land of whimsy and wonder. This special shop is bustling around the holidays featuring uniquely crafted decorations and adornments for your home and magic loving soul. Located in Port Costa, visit her shop and then pop in for a libation at wondrous Bull Valley Roadhouse across the street.
For The Thread Hunter
When this sweet shop first opened in Downtown Martinez I was so pleased to see it arrive. From rockabilly threads, to great band shirts, and old school Martinez gems, Faded Gold Vintage has an excellent assortment of throwback clothing items sure to please any vintage clothing lover out there. My favorite item that I've ever grabbed at the shop? A vintage leather belt with a big ol' belt buckle featuring a 1970's Martinez club.
If you're doing some shopping in Martinez this season, than I highly recommend checking out this well curated clothing shop. Visit Faded Gold Vintage.
For The Vintage Freak
A newish addition to charming Crockett, The Cat Vintage is a serious throwback to any 90's loving person looking for memorabilia and items from the yesteryears of life. In addition to having a serious collection of 90's goods, this quirky shop also carries items from all time periods including a beautiful collection of home furniture.
Even cooler? They sometimes host rad events including movie nights in their old school theater complete with an extensive VHS collection. If you're extra lucky, you may pop in on a day when Township Healing Space is in the house. Visit The Cat Vintage
For The Eco-Conscious Homemaker
OK, not a used clothing or item shop, but I couldn't make a Sustainable Local Gift Guide without shouting out this Martinez and Lafayette based eco-conscious refill store, Might Market. From carefully curated low toxic products to a bulk refill station with common household goods, this local spot opened during the pandemic in Martinez and has been such a sweet part of the community ever since.
As a fun added bit of info, Mighty Market was the first local business to carry any East Bay Herbals goods, and you can still find a few coveted skincare goodies
on their beauty product shelves. Looking for more EBH goodies? Look for them at House of Petals on Main in the New Year as well! Visit Mighty Market
For The Antique Lover
Located right below the East Bay Herbals office, this darling antique shop carries such a sweet assortment of goods, perfect for any true lover of antiques. I have scored many nostalgic items from this darling shop, from serving ware, to mementos, vases, and more. The owner, Allie, is such a gem and is always willing to chat with you about all of the items in her shop.
For a truly charming taste of what downtown Benicia has to offer, be sure to visit this shop for all your antique gifting needs. Added bonus? Her shop (and my office) is located across the street from the stellar One House Bakery, supplying you with all the tasty shopping fuel your belly can handle. Visit Antiques on First
For The Natural Plant-Based Enthusiast
Taking inspiration and materials from the natural world, this local artist and creator makes the most beautiful, chic, and luxurious eco-dyed products around. An educator and local artisan, if you have yet to hear about Bricolage Press than be swift about it and check her educational classes and natural dyed products out.
I've included her website below, but you may also peep her Instagram for a dose of beautiful inspiration as well as a schedule of her pop-ups and shopping events. Visit Bricolage Press
For The Maximalist Mid-Century Designer + Art Collector
Last but most certainly not least is one of my all time favorite purveyors of fine antiques, vintage items, dishware, and art! The owner of The Compulsive Peddler, JJ, has a serious eye for beauty and design, and his shop is a treasure trove of high quality, sought after, and exquisitely picked items for any trend setting and artistically minded individual shopping for the home. On top of all of that, he is SUCH a joy to chat with and has always met me with such kindness and attentiveness whenever I visit his shop. I love this little Port Costa antique shop so much, and it will always hold such a special place in my heart.
I highly highly recommend checking it out if you have not yet! I've scored some true gems over the years, and I just know you will find something too.Psst...located right by Wendy Addison and The Bull Valley Roadhouse you can stop at all three while you are out! While you're at it, definitely be sure to check out my sweet friend's shop, The Crystal Garden, which you can expect a
future feature on down the road. Visit The Compulsive Peddler
Where Ever You Shop This Holiday Season, Shop Small!
This guide is by no means an exhaustive list of all the amazing local businesses in Martinez, Benicia, Port Costa, or Crockett, and doesn't even begin to cover spots in Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, Vallejo, Vacaville, or Dixon. This sweet little guide is but a mere sampling of some of my favorite local second hand and sustainable businesses with some eccentric flair.
Regardless of where you shop this holiday, I encourage you all to shop small and local as much as you can. Each purchase made at one of these spots literally makes the biggest difference in a small business owner's day, life, and year.
About East Bay Herbals
East Bay Herbals is a small-batch custom apothecary offering one-on-one Clincal and Traditional herbal health consultations, herbal classes and apprenticehips. Founded and run by Clinical Registered Herbalist and Nutritionist, Anna Marie Beauchemin RH(AHG), this integrative health practice aims to reconnect people to their ancestral healing power and rights. To learn more read below <3
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