Four downtown stops within a few blocks cover local apparel, handmade glass, games, jewelry, candles, and gifts from area artists. Check each shop's current hours before you go, then park once and walk the route.
Four useful gift stops
- For someone who misses Boulder Creek: Good Vibes, 13124 Central Avenue, sells Boulder Creek and Santa Cruz Mountains shirts, a wooden Boulder Creek coaster, and other home and lifestyle goods. Its online shop is useful if you need to check stock or ship the gift.
- For the person who would rather make something: Viscosity Art Glass, 13158 Central Avenue, sells blown-glass drinking vessels, jewelry, wall and garden pieces, and gift cards that can be used for glassblowing classes. The gallery asks visitors coming from a distance to call ahead at 206-669-1955.
- For jewelry, candles, tarot, or local art: Air & Fire, 13150 Highway 9, carries its own soaps, oils, candles, and incense alongside crystals, jewelry, books, tarot decks, and work from local artists. It also sells physical and digital gift certificates.
- For a tabletop gamer or painter: Herrick Games and Hobbies, 13111 Pine Street, carries tabletop games, miniatures, paint, brushes, and hobby tools. Check the shop or its online store for current stock before choosing a specific set.
If none of those fits, browse the business directory by shopping category, or use our guide to the essential shops in Boulder Creek for antiques, secondhand clothing, shoes, and other specialty stops. A meal can finish the route; the current options are in where to eat in Boulder Creek.
A simple downtown route
Start at Herrick Games on Pine Street, then walk the Central Avenue and Highway 9 blocks to Good Vibes, Air & Fire, and Viscosity. Stock and gallery schedules change, so use the shops' own pages and the directory to confirm the day's hours before you leave home.
Make a day of it
Check the Winter Festival and December First Friday pages for holiday programming and shop hours. Small Business Saturday, the weekend after Thanksgiving, is another useful date.
A few tips
- Bring cash and allow time for parking. Downtown lots are small and Highway 9 runs through the middle.
- Check hours before you go. Small shops keep their own schedules, especially around the holidays. The directory and each shop's own page are the best starting points.
- Ask about stock. Small shops may have items that aren't shown online, and they can tell you what is available that day.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I do holiday shopping in Boulder Creek?
Start with Herrick Games on Pine Street, then walk the Central Avenue and Highway 9 blocks for Good Vibes, Air & Fire, and Viscosity. See the directory for other current shops.
What can I buy from a Boulder Creek maker?
Viscosity sells glass made by its artists, and Air & Fire sells its own small-batch soaps, oils, candles, and incense along with work from area artists. Stock changes, so check with the shop before making a special trip.
When are the best times to shop local for the holidays?
Check the current Small Business Saturday, December First Friday, and Winter Festival announcements for programming and any extended shop hours.
Shop rosters and hours change, so check the directory and each shop before you go. Own a downtown business we should feature? Tell us.
