Drawing a blank about what to gift your ladyfriend this season?
Fret not.
We went straight to the source: by interviewing the women behind five of S.F.’s coolest shops for ladies.
Because this is the Bay, the picks range from Peruvian handmade kimonos to funky DIY art kits to a device we’re just gonna call a next-level vibrator.
Here’s how to make her happy — well into the new year.
Mill
Selected by Ema Iwata, brand director
Gift: The Dynamite Sweater by Scottish knitwear brand Howlin by Morrison ($175): “I highly recommend something warm and cozy. Associating a gift with something personal always makes the gift extra special. [You want ] an item that is high quality, emotional, and functional leaves a lasting memory.” On the functional end, this sweater is 100 percent wool, which means it won’t lose its shape, and it’ll resist pilling. She will care about all of these things. [Editor’s note: This is our favorite store in town. Pick up the Mill candle if you need something extra.]
Presentation advice: “Be creative and personal — take the time to prepare a small, loving speech!”
LIttle Paper Planes
Selected by Kelly Lynn Jones, owner
Gift: “Give the gift of art! We offer five different types of art kits, so everyone can learn to make art — we have weaving, watercolor, indigo dye, macrame hanging planter, and a [California-themed] coloring book-style tote bag.” Not sure which one to get? All of these creative disciplines are exceptionally of the moment (and well represented on her Instagram feed) — if she’s all about self-expression, go with the watercolor or weaving; if she’s exceptionally invested in the color of her walls, and other home matters, opt for the macrame or indigo.
Presentation advice: “I always think a hand-written note telling your partner how much they mean to you is always the perfect way to create a great gift.
Legion
Selected by Sydney Pfaff, founder
Gift: “These beautiful blankets by Slowdowb Studio make fantastic gifts. Each one is designed by a different artist, and they can be hung on the wall as large tapestries, or used as throws. This one is by artist Kristin Texeira.”
Presentation advice: “We have beautiful wrapping for gifts, so just leave that to us! But do be sure to include a sweet, handwritten note. Everyone loves that.”
The Voyager Shop
Selected by Marta Fernandez and Valerie Hirsch, owners
Gift: “The Equals Studio Alpaca Kimono in Pink. They are handmade by women in Peru, who are taught the ancient weaving techniques as a way to build independent incomes and community. The baby alpaca fabric is ultra-soft, and the color is beautiful — she’ll never want to take it off.”
Presentation advice: “Definitely wrap it yourself — we believe the heart and soul of the gift is the thought behind it, so every step of the gifting should represent your love and appreciation for the person, no matter how bad you tie a bow.”
Feelmore Adult Gallery
Selected by Nenna Joiner, founder
Gift: “Anytime you can give a luxurious item that will connect with your lover’s body — dude, you are winning. Vibrators are always the go-to item during the holidays — but do not buy a vibrator. Instead, get a pulsating pleasure item called “The Womanizer.” The item which looks like an ear examiner thing-y and slightly purrs to ensure multiple, soft orgasms. Quiet enough to not embarrass her if she has roommates but sleek enough to let her know you put great thought into the gift.”
Presentation advice: “Make certain the present is free of store stickers! Nothing screams you didn’t pay attention to detail like leaving the price tag, or some info that lets her know where you bought it. Wrap the gift, if sexual, in either shiny red, black, silver, kraft-colored paper. Sign the card “XXX” — that way, it may give her a clue what’s in store — and she won’t open the gift in front of her mother. Lastly, give “The Womanizer,” or any other adult product, last, so there’s a lead up to the gift that deep down she wanted but didn’t expect you to remember. Oh, and stick a red bow on things.”
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