BY KAREN YOUNG
Looking for a gift for mom? Check out some of these local, independently owned businesses in the 818 where you’ll receive personal service and beautiful gift wrap. These are some of my favorites across the 818. If there’s a shop you love and don’t see it here, I want to know! Please add it to the comments section below or email karen@mydailyfind.com.
BURBANK
The following stores are in an area called Magnolia Park, which is full of one-of-a-kind shops. Check out the Magnolia Park Facebook page.
Mindfulnest and Klean Spa inhabit a two-in-one boutique in Burbank. Owner Amanda Vernon has filled Mindfulnest with mostly North American artisan’s wares — jewelry, candles, greeting cards, pottery, home décor and more. Klean Spa, owned by Jennifer Hardaway, located at the back of Mindfulnest, has delicious body products that you can buy off the shelf or custom blend your own. They also have a location in Santa Monica. Order online at Klean Spa and save 20%. Use Code: MOMTASTIC at checkout.3319 West Magnolia Blvd, Burbank (818) 840-1023
Playclothes Vintage Fashions offers an extensive collection of fashion, furniture and accessories that range from the 1900s to the 1980s, with a special focus on the 1940s through the 1960s. Owner Wanda Soleilu relocated from Studio City to the Magnolia Park neighborhood . 3100 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank.(818) 557-8447
Audrey K (named for the owner herself) has a vast array of kitschy gift items — from books, home accents, jewelry and hand picked fashions. Owner Audrey has infused the inventory with a modern and vintage appeal. Clothing is all made by local designers and carried in small collections. 3414 W. Magnolia Blvd., Burbank (818)558-1733
Unique-Vintage is a “vintage inspired” clothing store overflowing with eye candy — satin, tulle, and chiffon in every color — mix it up with sequins, animal patterns and polka dots. The prom dresses, cocktail dresses, bathing suits, shoes, and even the wedding dresses, all have a modern twist on decade-old styles. There’s also a fun selection of handbags and accessories. 2013 W. Magnolia Blvd Burbank (800) 721-6589
CALABASAS
Little Blue is a funky little shop with an ever changing assortment of gift items with an affordable price point. Look for an assortment of handcrafted gifts, including candles, stationary, jewelry, kitsch sayings and more. If you’re hungry or in need of something to eat or a gourmet gift, check Blue Table just a few doors down. 4774 Park Granada #7, Calabasas,(818) 225-8078
Magnolia/Treasure Chest: These two stores share a space in the Magnolia is an upscale boutique with trendy designers, while Treasure Chest carries jewelry, watches and other things that sparkle. 23675 Calabasas Rd, Calabasas, (818) 222-0568
ENCINO
Heaven Massage and Wellness Center is an affordable luxury and the perfect gift for relaxation. And it couldn’t be easier, just download an instant gift card for $48 for a one hour massage from the website. Two locations… 13509 Ventura Blvd Sherman Oaks, (818) 783-1995 and 17301-4 Ventura Blvd Encino, (818) 788-1234.
Blush Boutique is also located in Calabasas. Owner Sherry Thomas-Blaka fills her boutiques with trendy clothing and accessories for women and teens. Best of all, her stylish items retail at (way) under $100. 23671 Calabasas Road Calabasas, (818) 222-5874; 16101 Ventura Blvd, 2nd fl. Encino (818) 788-3893 (the merry ground mini mall)
SHERMAN OAKS
No Roses Gallery owned by Lisa Sirlin Hall and Tracy Hall, features jewelry artists, fine artists and fine crafters. You’ll find an eclectic, unique selection of jewelry for both men and women made from a variety of metals, silver, gold, semi-precious gemstones, textured glass, leather, petrified stone, wood and industrial fiber. Many of the unique pieces are under $100. And brand new to New Roses — beautiful, big bling by Beverly Friedman, L.A., jewelry designer to the stars. Her fabulously bold, colorful gemstone jewelry is all over the red carpet. Get 20% off all designers with MY DAILY FIND. 13624 Ventura Blvd. Sherman Oaks (818) 986-1246
Big Kid Collectibles Toy Mall and Retro Shop has a tremendous selection of retro games, figurines, lunch boxes, toys, posters, candy and more. Remember wacky packs, shrinky dinks, bozo and kit kat clocks? Snack on free popcorn while you roam. Another plus — Nat’s Early Bite is right next door. 14109 Burbank Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 785-9208
Mulberry Row is a florist and a gift shop. In addition to unique floral arrangements, they also carry many one-of-a-kind items from local designers— greeting cards, pillows, handbags, jewelry, bath and body products, candles, books, stationery, and home decor that includes vintage items and fine art. 13365 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks (818) 788-8285
Nesmon Cafe and Boutique is just a little bit of Paris. Owner Nily Yefet Shalom has traveled to Europe to fill her cafe with a carefully curated boutique with French imports, including antique serving dishes, antique aprons and dishtowels, serving pieces, containers, food products, candlesticks, and more. Create your own gift basket — wrapping is complimentary. 13333 Ventura Blvd.,Sherman Oaks (818) 855-8818
SOTO THROUGHOUT THE 818 (and Brentwood)
Soto Boutique and Soto Lifestyle need their own category because there are stores in Westlake, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks and Studio City — and if you’re over the hill, they just opened in Brentwood. SOTO stands for “south on Topanga” where the first store was born. Pamela Sutton and Jodi Perlman have filled their boutiques with fashion forward clothes, jewelry, shoes and handbags. Phyllis Steinberg has stocked the Lifestyle stores with an array of home décor, jewelry and select clothing. The price point can’t be beat. Click here for all the locations.
STUDIO CITY
Emerald Forest is celebrating 25 years in business. This is a treasure chest of a gift store that looks like a small cottage. Owner Michelle Gagnon has filled her shop with an eclectic array of items , including home décor, handbags, cookbooks, jewelry, bath & body products, whimsical trinkets and more. 12638 Ventura Blvd. Studio City (818) 509-8529
Henry Road is in a new larger location and filled to the brim with a whimsical selection of goods for home and body. Ower Paula Small is a textile designer whose inventory includes unique furniture, pillows, chandelier and handbags, as well as candles. jewelry, select art, books and more. 12240 1/2 Ventura Blvd., (818) 762 8966 Studio City, (818) 762-8966
Jill Roberts Boutique on Ventura Place offers chic lifestyle wear that can be dressed up or down. Find the perfect outfit for travel, going out or hanging out. There’s also a great selection of jewelry, candles, lotions, shoes and more. This is the first location in the 818. Others are in Santa Monica, Beverly Hills and Manahattan. There’s also free personal styling by Allison Marsh. 12053 Ventura Place Studio City, (818) 821-3413.
LTH Studio is a most unassuming, yet upscale boutique, filled with an array of unique jewelry — mostly meaningful pieces from over 35 designers — many of whom make one-of-a-kind items. Owner Heidi St. John is brilliant at teaching the art of layering jewelry. 12192 1/2 Ventura Blvd., Studio City, (818) 985-1278
Mimi and Hy is a funky, fashion savvy, fun shop filled with trendy jewelry, clothing, candles, candy from Dylan’s Candy Bar, niche gift items and more. Sisters Allison and Leah Moss named the store after their parents. Ask about gift baskets. 12212 Ventura Blvd., Studio City (818) 761-2202
If you are in the Studio City area, be sure to check out Tujunga Village just south of Moorpark and east of Colfax. It’s a must visit for wonderful small shops and restaurants — including Swag (vintage and new clothes, accessories and home decor), Verona (jewelry, shoes, handbags), Diana’s (fashionable attire for teens and women under $100) and Panache (reasonably priced fashions). Get a bite or coffee at Aroma Cafe, Gelato Bar, Caioti or Suck It Sweets.
TARZANA
Billy’s Boutique carries designer names for both casual and dressier occasions. Look for designers such as Elizabeth and James, Rag and Bone, Tracey Reese, Helmut Lang and Autumn Cashmere. 18723 Ventura Blvd.Tarzana (818) 343-5332
Dalia’s is an upscale boutique carrying designer labels, including Equipment, Koral Los Angeles, Repetto, Blue Candy, Jonathan Adler, Vita Fede and more. Find clothing, shoes, handbags, accessories, home goods and more. 18663 Ventura Blvd. Tarzana (818) 881-8166
Jane of Tarzana is filled with clothing, jewelry and accessories that fit most every budget. Most everything is under $100. Find lots of stocking stuffers and glitzy holiday wear. 18735 Ventura Blvd., Tarzana 818) 343-5001
***Note: Billy’s, Jane, and Harrisons are all in the same strip mall anchored on each corner by Hummus Bar and Kushiyu. You can shop and lunch!
TOLUCA LAKE
Pergolina is a home, gift and garden boutique situated in the middle of Toluca Lake Village. Owner Paulanna fills her shop with sophisticated items with a European edge and wraps gifts with pure elegance. Known for its art shows, you’ll also find original art work. 10139 Riverside Drive Toluca Lake (818) 508-7708
WOODLAND HILLS
Kingfisher Road, located south of Ventura on Topanga, is a fun store filled with reasonable and unique gift items. Owner Kelly Epstein offers a diverse selection from here and abroad — designer jewelry, clothes, handbags, candles, books, greeting cards, home décor and more. 4922 Topanga Canyon Blvd. Woodland Hills (818) 887-1687
Bead Lounge, also south of Ventura on Topanga, is a place where you can create your own jewelry for friends. Choose from a selection of semi precious stones, swarovski crystals, gold filled, sterling silver, glass beads and charms. Make it yourself or pick what you want and a staff member can assemble it for you. 4873 Topanga Canyon Blvd Woodland Hills,(818) 704-5656
