This year has proven what we had already known: small business owners are resilient, adaptable, and creative. Through shelter-in-place Tenderloin businesses continue to find ways to keep on keepin’ on and inspire others along the way.
A lot of them also have some great, mood-lifting items for sale this holiday season. So, show some love in return and shop local!
Want us to add your local biz favorites or gift idea to this list? Email [email protected].
Hello, Tenderloin Gift Cards!
You really can’t go wrong with digital gift cards! Treat someone to coffee and a dreamy, giant cookie from Jane, or for a date-night-in, takeout from Golden Era or Brenda’s. Or give the gift of “shop therapy” with Tilted Brim or Vacation —or tickets to a future theatre feature at Broadway SF.
After that brief time, when bringing your own reusable bags into stores was not allowed? Well, now you can return to your recycle/reuse mantra—and in style. Show some neighborhood pride with the Tilted Brim ‘Tenderloin’ tote. Or, for those totally overwhelmed with reusable bags, don’t worry, Tilted Brim has an incredible selection of unique clothes, hats, pins and more.
706 Larkin St
Threads For Therapy (TFT) is an advocacy clothing brand that provides therapy resources for kids with special needs. This year they also led a clothing giveaways with SF City Impact. Show some love for this neighborhood organization with a Threads for Therapy t-shirt for yourself and a onesie for the lil’ one on your list.
199 Eddy St
Who wouldn’t be in just a slightly better mood with the addition of a plant (especially one with some pink flare!)? Easily find plants and other plant-related-beauties online, order, and then swing by for a quick pick up. You can also have plants delivered.
687 O’Farrell St
Speaking of plants, Fleet Wood has created curated gift boxes and this one is for the plant-obsessed. Filled with items from local makers, this gift box contains a journal, air plant (also from Plant Therapy), hand-painted earrings, a hand-painted wooden planter, enamel pin, soap, and handwritten holiday card. Other themed gift boxes also available.
Because…“Who isn’t a SUCCA FOR PLANTS?!” (Thank you, Fleetwood for this pun.)
Vacation SF is a vintage fashion treasure trove with new items coming in quick. Shop through their online shop, Instagram shop, and at their physical location at 704 Larkin St (/Ellis St). This year, Vacation SF has also been holding open air, Vacation Flea Markets. The next one is December 5th, 12-4pm.
704 Larkin St
From enamel pins to books and t-shirts, the Tenderloin Museum is a great place to learn about the Tenderloin’s rich history, see incredible old photographs, and take some of that TL spirit with you.
398 Eddy St
PIANOFIGHT, EXIT THEATRE, CENTER FOR NEW MUSIC, CUTTING BALL, COUNTERPULSE, RECOVERY THEATRE
While this likely won’t be the holiday season for you to attend local performances, you can still support the Tenderloin’s performing arts by buying some merch (how about a Center for New Music hoodie or a PianoFight #TogetherWherever t-shirt?)—or just give a donation.
The Phoenix Hotel is a Tenderloin cultural icon and longtime favorite in rock n’ roll circles. While reopen for hotel stays, you can also enjoy a bit of the hotel from home, with their coffee mug and cozy sweatshirt. Their restaurant Chambers eat + drink, is also open for outdoor dining. While we’re doing our best to limit travel, consider mixing it up with a staycation at this legendary oasis.
601 Eddy St
We are so excited to have the La Cocina Municipal Marketplace in the Tenderloin!!!!…It’s hard to wait. But due to Covid-19, permitting, construction, and the likes, we are still patiently awaiting the opening of the “country’s first women-led food hall.” In the meantime, they are keeping the dream alive and keeping us inspired with We Are La Cocina: Recipes in Pursuit of the American Dream—a collection of 40 stories from these incredible women entrepreneurs and 120 recipes. Also consider ordering one of their delicious community food boxes or gift boxes for yourself or a friend.
101 Hyde St (at Golden Gate Ave)
TLCBD is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and our Federal Tax ID #20-3828997.
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