23 St. Louis Shops to Buy Unique Gifts, No Mall Required

By Riverfront Times Staff on Mon, Dec 12, 2016 at 7:15 pm

So you need a gift for your friend/parent/sibling/significant other/dog groomer. You could go to the mall and get a mass-produced item from a chain. Or you could visit one of St. Louis great, independent shops and find something truly unique. Which sounds better to you? We rounded up 23 locally owned stores where you can find just the thing for that special someone. Whether you're shopping for a cook, artist, jewelry lover or someone else in your life, one of these places is bound to have what you need -- and didn't even know you wanted. The best part? At these shops, you'll be putting money back into your community -- and may not even have to leave your neighborhood to visit them.

We rounded up 23 locally owned stores where you can find just the thing for that special someone. Whether you're shopping for a cook, artist, jewelry lover or someone else in your life, one of these places is bound to have what you need -- and didn't even know you wanted. The best part? At these shops, you'll be putting money back into your community -- and may not even have to leave your neighborhood to visit them.

December 12, 2016

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23 St. Louis Shops to Buy Unique Gifts, No Mall Required

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Fauxgerty
228 N. Euclid Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63108

For those who hate the idea of wearing animal products (and/or the exceptionally stylish), pay a visit to Fauxgerty, which specializes in vegan leather. You'll also find clothes, jewelry, purses and natural body care products. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Bali Cargo Company
3203 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 762-0231

The owners of Bali Cargo Company travel to Indonesia to hand-pick the items that they then sell here in the St. Louis store. You'll find furniture, jewelry and more, most of it made in small workshops or Balinese homes. Photo by Corey Woodruff.

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La Belle Histoire
2501 S. 12th St.
Saint Louis, MO 63104
(314) 556-0156

This Soulard shop is full of fascinating items, including handmade Chinese lanterns, Mardi Gras masks and candles, as well as perfumes, lotions and lip balm. You'll also find books on topics like voodoo and praying away bad spirits. Who knew such a unique place was right here in St. Louis? Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Penzeys Spices
7338 Manchester Road
St. Louis, MO 63143
(314) 781-7177

The cook in your life will get a kick out of any gift from Penzeys Spices. This store has any type of spice you can think of -- and even ones you can't. Photo by Corey Woodruff.

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Green Goose Resale and Consignment
1267 S. Laclede Station Rd.
Webster Groves, MO 63119
(314) 961-4444

Looking for antiques? Or maybe some home decor of a slightly more modern scale? Whether you're looking for furniture, dishes, jewelry or some other related item, Green Goose is your place. Photo by Corey Woodruff.

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DNA Clothing and Apparel Boutique
1308 A Washington Ave.
Saint Louis, MO 63103
(314) 825-5757

DNA, or "Dictate Never Accept," is a boutique that specializes in men's apparel and urban street fashion. If you're looking for clothing with an edge, this downtown shop is a good bet. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Music Record Shop
3224 Locust St. #203
St. Louis, MO 63103
(314) 675-8675

Give the gift of music by visiting one of St. Louis' great record stores. One of those stores, Music Record Shop, is your stop for domestic and imported reissued music. Vinyl records, limited edition box sets, music DVDs, CDS and more will be at your fingertips. Photo courtesy of Instagram / dat_kid_from_cleveland.

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Sunshine Daydream
Various locations, including the Loop and South Lindbergh

You'll always find something new at this gift store and smoke shop. From music to tie dye shirts to incense, Sunshine Daydream has those quirky finds you can't track down anywhere else. Photo by Corey Woodruff.

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STL-Style
3159 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 898-0001

STL-Style is your place for all things St. Louis. You can find t-shirts, hats, posters, stickers, postcards, totes and more embracing St. Louis pride -- in a non-cheesy way. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Zee Bee Market
3211 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 932-1000

This ethical retail store has a socially and environmentally conscious business model, providing gifts from all across the globe. Hats, scarves, chocolate (in cool flavors like lemon ginger!), kitchen accessories, art, baskets, textiles...the list of things you can find here goes on and on. Photo by Holly Ravazzolo.

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Phoenix Rising
6331 Delmar Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63130
(314) 862-0609

Books, bags, jewelry, socks and all sorts of quirky, fun items await you at this boutique, which has won "Best Gift Shop" numerous times. From an "emergency bowtie" to a Donald Trump-scented candle, you never know what you may find. Photo by Sarah Fenske.

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Soulard Spice Shop
730 Carroll St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 783-2100

Located inside Soulard Farmers Market, Soulard Spice Shop has a plethora of goodies for the cook in your life. Ground coffee, tea, seasoning -- it's all there, and the people at Soulard Spice Shop are great about sharing their knowledge of each item. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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Rocket Century
3189 S. Grand Blvd.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 875-0705

This isn't your typical antique store. While many shops house a jumble of time periods, Rocket Century specializes in mid-century modern furniture and accessories. Furniture, art, barware and more await. Photo courtesy of Instagram / rocketcentury.

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Avalon Exchange
6392 Delmar Blvd.
St Louis, MO 63130
(314) 725-2760

You can go on one heck of a treasure hunt at this resale boutique. Whether you're on the hunt for designer clothing, vintage finds, a fun pair of shoes or some flashy jewelry, you can find it here. Photo by Corey Woodruff.

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Retro 101
2303 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 762-9722

Everyone from locals to tourists needs to visit Retro 101 at some point. It's the ideal spot to find vintage clothing, plus old toys, lamps, radios and housewares. Photo by Corey Woodruff.

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Bowood Farms
4605 Olive St.
St. Louis, MO 63108
(314) 454-6868

Shopping for a friend who's a gardener? Head over to Bowood Farms in the Central West End, stat. This sizable store has plants, natural self-care products, home goods and even a small kids section. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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South City Art Supply
1926 Cherokee St.
St. Louis, MO 63118
(314) 884-8345

Arts aficionados will be in heaven at South City Art Supply, which has two floors full of books, comics, periodicals, comics and, of course, art supplies. Whether you're looking for tools for writing, drawing, painting or mixed media, you're sure to find it here. Photo courtesy of Instagram / southcityartsupply.

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Vincent's Market
2400 S. 12th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 772-4710

Established in St. Louis in 1912, Vincent's Market is a Soulard institution. This local grocer has a great wine and beer selection, local ice cream, cheeses and charcuterie, and more. Photo courtesy of Instagram / soulardstl.

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The Porch
1700 S. 9th St.
St. Louis, MO 63104
(314) 436-0282

There's so much to look at inside this gift and wine boutique. Books, trinkets, home furnishings, pictures, candles, cook books, wines from all around the world -- it's all there. One of the best parts? You can sip while you shop. Photo by Mabel Suen.

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23 St. Louis Shops to Buy Unique Gifts, No Mall Required

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