With Christmas quickly approaching and you are in search of the perfect gift for family, friends or acquaintances, here are 7 options for Holiday shopping in Contra Costa County that are outside of a web browser.
Sorry Amazon fans and big box stores, but Contra Costa County has a number of shops where gifts can be found and also be creative and memorable—versus of course, something that is thrown out in a year or two anyway. Here is a rundown of some local shops that you should drop into and possibly pick up some gifts this Holiday season.
Note – originally published Dec 1, 2023
Local Country Stores — Continente, Gurskey & McCauley
- Continente Country Store – website
112 Sandy Lane
Oakley Ca 94561 - Gursky Ranch – website
1921 Apricot Way
Brentwood, CA 94513 - McCauley Olive Groves – website
380 W Country Club Dr, Ste G
Brentwood CA
I am combining these three shops into one because the thought processes is simple, drop in, grab some goodies and include them in a special gift basket. Whether it be olive oil, balsamic vinegar, nuts, olives, cooking spices, local honey, local wines, treats or other goodies, these shops have the perfect items to include in a gift package – or simply pick up any of their gift baskets that have already been created. Each of these stores offer their own unique experience, so be sure to drop in and experience what they have to offer.
Salt & Fig Marketplace
225 Oak St
Brentwood, CA 94513
Instagram – click here
This is a foodie and entertainer’s dream. Located in downtown Brentwood, it has a wide variety of treats for the entertainer while also offering many items to add to the atmosphere in improving the décor.  This local gem has something for everyone from gourmet food items, a plethora of special gift options, and items to spice up the entertainment at a dinner party. It also has gift baskets available along with 100’s of stalking stuffer items. Plus, décor for the Christmas and New Years holidays.
Willow Park Mercantile
205 G Street
Antioch, CA
Website – click here
This is the gem of downtown Antioch in terms of shopping. A nice mix of new meet old with plenty of Christmas decorations to fill a home, add to ones collection of décor or give as gifts, Willow Creek Mercantile has something for everyone including some incredible vintage finds. It also mixes in old antiques with refurbished furniture with over 20 vendors filling the space with something for everyone.
Le Marche Emporium
516 Ferry St
Martinez CA
This place has a fabulous combination of new and old while decked out in Christmas décor. This is a 11,000 sq.ft. of carefully curated blends of old finds, re-purposed, vintage and antique pieces from our talented artisans & designers. From Farmhouse to French designs, we are here to make your spaces uniquely yours, as no two pieces are ever the same at Le Marche. Also, Le Marche evening opening on Thursday, December 7, 5pm-8pm. Come shop with us at this exclusive event and enjoy sweet treats, drinks, music, a raffle, and special discounts.
Photo by Flying Colors Comics
Flying Colors Comics
2980 Treat Blvd
Concord, CA
Website – click here
A little nostalgia as comic books are both for kids and collectors. Consider getting off those iPads and phones and get kids back into comic books, graphic novels and art. This store has something for everyone with high-end books, classics, weekly releases to all sorts of other reading material. Drop in and check them out. Â Not only that, this store has worked for years to help local teachers and libraries to help kids find their love of reading.
Pot of Gold Collectibles and More
1100 Contra Costa Blvd
Pleasant Hill, CA
Facebook – click here
You can’t have Christmas shopping without nostalgia and this store is pure nostalgia as any toy one could ever want is located in here—think Star Wars, G.I. Joe, Hot Wheels, Pokemon to plenty of other rare toys. This is a collectors dream to the adults with Peter Pan Syndrome who never want to grow up. They also have items for kids of all ages.  Finally, they are also a drop off location for Toys for Tots. They live up to their name as the reliving your childhood one toy at a time with plenty of vintage and modern toys.
–Bonus–
David M. Brian
700 Sycamore Valley Rd, Danville CA &
1129 Broadway Plaza, Walnut Creek, CA
Website – click here
This one needs no explanation as it has two locations (Danville & Walnut Creek) as its one of the largest gift shops around. Whether you need gifts, kitchen items or anything else, they have it!
Bonus #2 — an Online Special!
Anchor Attire
Shop Online – Click here
Locally made and handcrafted in Antioch, these beanies will keep anyone warm. They are completely handcrafted with the highest quality textiles on the market. Their unique beanies are designed for maximum comfort and style. Not only are they stylish but they are lined so you do not need to worry about your forehead being itchy during the cold winter days. Each beanie comes with one pom of your choice. Poms are all handcrafted and interchangeable. Don’t settle for just one look, you can have several different looks by simply purchasing different color poms.
Do you have a store you think should be featured this holiday season, leave it in the comment section or shoot an email to [email protected]
For upcoming events and holiday boutiques…. click here
