The Ultimate Guide To Boutique Shopping in Santa Barbara

November 15, 2023

How is it that every year holiday shopping sneaks up on us all? After all, it was only just summer and we were all enjoying the sunshine and our toes in the sand. Well…in Santa Barbara, we always enjoy our toes in the sand due to our dreamy Mediterranean climate. But that doesn’t change the fact that the holidays are still quickly approaching, even for all of us in paradise!

That’s why we put together a list of our favorite locally-owned boutiques in Santa Barbara and the surrounding towns. If you’re looking to #shopsmall this year in Santa Barbara, we know just where to send you to shop for anyone on your “nice list.”

For Foodies

Cheese Shop Santa Barbara

Find the perfect domestic or imported cheese here plus all the tasty accouterments to go with it.
Located at 827 Santa Barbara Street, Santa Barbara.

Chocolate Maya

True chocolate connoisseurs should look no further than this quaint corner shop located in the often overlooked, but should-not-be-missed Sevilla Square for rich handmade treats.
Located at 15 W. Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara.

The Eddy

Food. Booze. Flowers. Need we say more? You’ll find unique foodie gifts ranging from art covered tinned fish to decor for the kitchen at this hip, cozy corner market.
Located at 137 East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara.

Olio Bottega

Find those last-minute gourmet goodies in the tiny shop inside this charming Italian cafe located a couple doors over from mid-State Street.
Located at 11 West Victoria Street, Santa Barbara.

Santa Barbara Gift Baskets

Not sure what to get the foodies in your life? (Other than a gift card from us, duh!) Let the talented team at this gift basket shop put together the perfect blend of local goodies in a basket or wood box while you peruse their curated shop of tasty treats – they’ll even handle the shipping!
Located at 230 Magnolia Avenue, Goleta.

For Her

Angel

Montecito does quite a few things perfectly and luxury shopping is near the top of that list. Explore this women’s clothing boutique during your next stroll down Coast Village Road.
Located at 1221 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara.

Parker Clay

Retail therapy always feels a bit better when you know your purchase helps make a difference. Support fair trade practices and feel good about spending all that dough at this ethically-made Ethiopian lifestyle accessories store.
Located at 133 East Anapamu Street, Santa Barbara.

Diani Boutique

Women’s luxury fashion in Santa Barbara starts here. Begin your luxury shopping excursion at this classic Santa Barbara shop in Arlington Plaza before heading for the Montecito hills.
Located at 1324 State Street, Suite B, Santa Barbara.

Dylan Star

If you find yourself in the Funk Zone, check out this collection of unique pieces from wardrobe staples to one-of-a-kind accessories.
Located at 110 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara.

Jake & Jones

There’s more than meets the eye at this Presidio-centric store, from women’s clothing to sweet pieces and gifts for the little ones.
Located at 136 East Canon Perdido Street, Santa Barbara.

Lovebird Boutique & Jewelry Bar

Find the perfect “something” to add to your wardrobe or eclectic jewelry piece to complete your collection at this hole-in-the-wall shop nestled just inside the old Presidio neighborhood and a skip off State Street.
Located at 7 East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara.

Asher Market

Designed by mom and shop owner, Ashley Maike, this lifestyle brand of alpaca throws, ponchos, and scarves offers a mix of finds from Peru and around the world. Within the shop, you will also find Asher Baby, their children’s clothing line featuring unique prints made from Peruvian Pima cotton as well as recycled remnant fabrics.
Located at 535 State St, Santa Barbara.

The Shopkeepers

From the curious to the cool, this collective shop found in the heart of the Funk Zone features a little something for every woman in your life. Here you can also find Waxing Poetic, specially crafted handmade jewelry also known as works of art. Located at 137 Anacapa Street, Suite A, Santa Barbara.

For Him

Ace Rivington

Don new denim duds or that perfect soft t-shirt from this quality men’s apparel shop nestled inside La Arcada Plaza in the midtown area of State Street.
Located at 1106 A State Street, Santa Barbara.

Civilianaire

From the creator of Lucky Brand is birthed this curated apparel store for both men and women featuring high-quality denim.
Located at 1145 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara.

Whiskey & Leather

There’s a bit of everything in this chic Montecito boutique, from menswear to women’s fashion plus a few things for the home.
Located at 1101 Coast Village Road A, Santa Barbara.

Wolf’s Head

For the man who appreciates a good shave and haircut, you’ll find everything needed for the perfect grooming session to rustic-chic menswear.
Located at 270 Storke Rd Suite D, Goleta.

Photo courtesy of Make Smith Leather Co.

For Anyone

Chaucer’s Books

Get lost in the maze of aisles upon aisles of books in this reader’s enclave. (Insider tip: pay a visit to Renaud’s next door for a French treat before you settle into a good read!)
Located at 3321 State Street, Santa Barbara.

Make Smith Leather Co.

Browse another one of the charming shops in the Presidio neighborhood for handmade leather pieces made by a third-generation craftsman.
Located at 135 East De La Guerra Street, Santa Barbara.

Westward General

Shop home decor, vintage pieces, and kitschy apparel at this hidden gem in the San Roque neighborhood. You’ll even find quality gifts and clothing for the kiddos.
Located at 160 West Alamar Avenue, Santa Barbara.

The Riviera Towel Company

Head to the beach in style with an Instagram-worthy Turkish towel from one of the charming boutiques found in Sevilla Square.
Located at 17 West Gutierrez Street, Santa Barbara.

For The Kids

Chicken Little

This long-time family-owned children’s store is rife with toys, gifts, furniture, and staple items for newborns.
Located at 1236 State Street, Santa Barbara.

The Nurture Cottage

Love, laugh, and enjoy a sensory experience at this darling children’s store where all proceeds go to the Nurture Foundation, an organization that benefits Teddy Bear Cancer, Storyteller Children’s Center, Girls Inc., and the Youth Sailing Foundation.
Located at 1213 Coast Village Road, Santa Barbara.

Photo courtesy of The Blue Door.

For The Home

The Blue Door

Wind your way through three levels of vintage and modern treasures, plus a few locally made artisan home goods. Currently on display is a Betsy Johnson pop up through the holidays.
Located at 4 East Yanonali Street, Santa Barbara.

Diani Living

Cozy up to plush home goods, essential decor, and a quintessential book selection in this quaint shop found inside Arlington Plaza.
Located at 1324 State Street, Suite M, Santa Barbara.

Heritage Goods & Supply

Wander off the beaten path to the lazy seaside town of Carpinteria, a short ten-minute drive south of SB, for curated rustic-style home goods made for man, woman, and child.
Located at 5100 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria.

SB Mid Mod

In the mood for a good antique hunt? Visit this curated boutique specializing in vintage mid-century modern furniture, art and décor. Located in the heart of our beloved Funk Zone neighborhood.
Located at 223 Anacapa St Suite C, Santa Barbara.

Stocking Stuffers & Other Local Favorites

Folio Press & Paperie

Grab a cup of joe next door at one of the oldest coffee roasteries in town before perusing letterpress stationery and gift wrapping items that are sure to put your gifts over the top. (Insider tip: they can also print your holiday cards in-house!)
Located at 301 Motor Way, Santa Barbara.