Speedy Chic: Seven Timely Treasures and Tips for Christmas Gifts
That won’t leave you with the Big Box Store Ick
For the past couple of months, our downtown Modesto Instagram has been a continuous dribble of shops and eateries we think about as downtown enthusiasts. Every fork that has been lifted to our mouths has been housed by a head swirling with ideas for holiday gifts and how to tell you about them. We love downtown. It’s romantic. It’s unique. All the biggest ideas happen in all of downtown’s smallest spaces. Shopping small is a no-brainer, essential to the health of your conscience and community.
Local shops keep our local economy healthy and employed, yes, but they’re also the first ones to support programs and initiatives that are fun, build culture and community, and help us thrive. They give so much behind the scenes. By supporting their businesses, you’re making a big change for our city.
Allow our downtown-obsessed team to bluntly tell you where to go, what to get, and all without the Instagram-grade frivolity you don’t have time for because — CHOP CHOP! — it’s less than a week ‘til Christmas!
Chartreuse Muse: Funky Organic Modern Gallery Gifts
918 10th Street
Favorite things we saw at Chartreuse Muse, ranging from $6 to $65:
Watercolor mosaic mugs
Day Off Uniform by Kelly Troxler
Modern organic bowls by artist Emma Lowe. We couldn’t believe the incredible quality of these bowls, vases, and jars with lids that fit perfectly and glazes so beautiful and earthy you’d easily spend a fortune anywhere else. But for some reason, these creations are all around $30-$35, with some larger pieces priced a little higher. Definitely a great gift.
So many earrings! If you have a pierced-eared person on your shopping list, getting even just one pair of funky handcrafted earrings is like giving an art piece as a gift. Our recommendation is to make sure you get the artist's name and make that information available to your gift recipient. They’ll want to know how special these are and where to find more someday.
Trevino’s Barber Shop: Shave and a Haircut, Fine Scents
909 10th Street
These are a few of our favorite things:
$15- Beard Oil
$15 Aftershave
Pomades
gift certificates for a proper shave or beard trim
When my coworker and I were waiting in line to purchase a couple of items from shop owner Tony Trevino himself, he reached out to the product shelf and grabbed a new container of pomade, twisted it open, and used a smidge on his client’s new hairdo. The scent hit our noses immediately, and we both swooned like a couple of child actors who’d really practiced our lines, singing, “That smells soooo goooood!” and busted into laughter.
The scent was a mix of some palo santo balsam peppery stuff, and if everything else that’s for sale at Trevino’s smells even a little bit as good as that product, it’s a sure-fire bet for gifting. Of course, there are other reasons to use hair and facial products besides scent alone but that isn’t our domain— we trust that Trevino has selected the products he carries because they’re quality and do what they’re supposed to do. Trusting Trevino is easy. Go for it.
Chinn’s International: On-Trend Build-A-Chef
1205 J Street
Chinn’s International is the brainchild of Patrick Chinn, who grew up in the restaurant industry, built a craft brewery and specialty food market as the manager of Persuasion Brewing and The Market, and then shot off like a rocket to start his own restaurant and store so that he could foster the EXACT kind of business he wanted. That’s the short of it. The long of it, though, ascends the kingdom of words. It’s in the flavors Chinn and his longtime partner and chef, Sondra, put before us, piping hot and calling subliminally to us every day. Those scoundrels. Chinn’s is a food geekery paradise, whether you’re dining in or buying ingredients to cook at home. It’ll make the most interesting gift in the world.
Now, straight to it, the checklist:
Build a four-pack of craft brews with artwork on the cans so special and fun, they’re like a present on their own
Bottle of Calabrian Hot Honey
Pack of pasta (don’t skimp on this— Chinn’s carries high-quality pasta, and you can tell by the more gritty, lighter-colored texture)
Bottle of Sciabica Olive Oil, buttery notes
Jacobsen Salt Co. lemon salt
All of these ingredients, together with a nice little tub of ricotta cheese (which, sorry, you’ll have to get from a grocer) and those delish beers, will make a simple, divine, gorgeous pasta dish and a fantastic gift for the home cook. Or, ahem, the person you want to feed you.
Beads of Contentment: Treasures From Around the World
1028 J Street
When Beads of Contentment newbies step into this store, they often exclaim, “I feel like I’m in old-school Berkeley.” And that’s precisely when downtown Modesto freaks and geeks like us say to ourselves, “No, man, this is EXACTLY what downtown Modesto feels like.” Beads of Contentment is also known as Soul Beads, thanks to the neon light lettering in the window containing a famously ominous, all-knowing eye that has looked over J Street for the past 30 years.
The worldly shop is filled with beads, crystals, and artifacts from human tribes all over the globe. In Christmas crunch week, this is a great stop if your gift recipient would like natural stones set in sterling silver rings or pendants on a delicate chain. Also, shop here if your gift recipient is:
crafty and would like to explore making jewelry
fascinated by meditation
interested in the metaphysical properties of natural earthly objects
would enjoy earthy & genuine incense that doesn’t use artificial-smelling perfumes
an ancient soul
Preservation Coffee & Tea: It’s coffee. It’s simple. It’s a winner.
1030 J Street
Sometimes, gift-giving is just about buying a stash of things that your gift recipients wouldn’t buy for themselves, right? When was the last time you went in to your favorite coffee shop and said with an airy wave of the hand, “Bag it up! I’ll take it all!” and bought every little treat in sight from the cool new bag of beans that, surely, one of the baristas will happily geek-out about, to the chunky mug and all of the gourmet chocolates you’d never find at regular grocery stores? Have your own personal Daddy Warbucks moment (without breaking the bank whatsoever) at Preservation Coffee & Tea, and then snag a gift certificate to ensure future happiness for your giftee. Easy and done. Roasty toasty, nice and boasty. You win.
ChéRoot: Smoke ‘em If You Got ‘em
915 10th Street
Know someone who wouldn’t turn down a cigar? Downtown’s cigar lounge, Cheroot, is a low-lit paradise sizzling with sultry pleasures. It’s where sophistication meets smoky bliss. Bring that experience to someone who might swap a glass of champagne for a stoagie in a moment of celebration, relish, or curiosity. The staff is always happy to help make your selection, even if you haven’t the slightest clue what you’re doing. We sure didn’t. But we had fun trying.
Intrinsic Elements: Crystal Clear Gifting
1214 J Street
If you’ve got a mystic on your hands, get to Intrinsic Elements and find stones, crystals, an array of tarot and oracle decks, and other wonders to bring a touch of magic to your giftee’s life.
Be sure to ask about classes offered and getting gift cards for your giftee. The gift of learning and experience can sometimes be more impactful than items that you unwrap, even if the payoff isn’t instantaneous. Learn more about upcoming events at Intrinsic Elements here:
BONUS: GIFT COMBOS
Just about every downtown business sells gift cards, including restaurants. Build your own gift packages using these ideas below.
FOR THE MOVIE BUFF
A gift certificate to a movie at Brenden Theatre or State Theatre + a gift certificate to a nearby restaurant + bag of gourmet popcorn from Rodin Ranch Farmers Market to tease the surprise
FOR THE SNACKMASTER
Speaking of Rodin Ranch, they’ll whip up a beautiful gift basket filled with the best of the Central Valley—piles and piles of snacks that put those online snack box subscriptions to shame. Throw in a bottle of wine from Tresetti’s, and you’ll be a hero. Maybe you’ll even get an invite to the Snack Soiree Spectacular.
FOR THE CARETAKER WHO NEEDS R&R
Boutique at Mira’s has cozy socks and soft pajamas. Pair that with a soft, oversized sweater from Halo B and a cozy candle from Fleur de Lis. FILL MOM’S STOCKIING. It’s not going to fill itself.
FOR THE FASHION SHOPPER
Zyanya Boutique gift cards are for those who like to shop their own styles, and they pair well with a cool cuff bracelet to entice your gift recipient while giving them something to enjoy right away.
FOR THE HOST WHO HAS ONE FOOT IN HERE AND THE OTHER FOOT IN EUROPE
A host’s heaven, Fleur De Lis has everything from the dearest little silverware perfect for spooning gourmet pistachio butter to drinkware that makes every guest feel treated graciously and warmly. The whole place, filled top to bottom with very special bits and baubles, is a safe bet for gifting and is counted upon for special occasions year-round, thanks to their ornately beautiful gift wrapping. Pair a gift from Fleur de Lis with a handwritten note about the 2024 schedule for Modesto Certified Farmers Market (which is right at the end of the block) so your gift recipient can be sure to visit and shop when this downtown area is in full splendor. Modesto Farmer’s Market 2024: Thursdays open April 8th – October 31st from 8 am – 1 pm | Saturdays: January 20th – December 21st from 8 am – 1 pm