If you’re looking for fabulous, unique gifts, get yourself to Floréal at 533 Taylor St. between Post and Geary.
The items in their store are all from, or inspired by, the natural world – they have horns, shells, corals, butterflies, beatles, stuffed birds and small animals, table wear that looks like poppy pods, jewelry made from seeds in Indonesia, beautiful floral arrangements…I could never have time to list all their great stuff!
Floréal’s owner Dominique, who works the shop, has an amazing eye and everything in her store is stunningly beautiful. Her price range is also so varied! She has items from thousand dollar taxidermy peacocks to beautiful thirteen dollar handmade bracelets.
You can walk out of there with gifts for both close personal friends and for people you only casually know. And all of them will make you look like you have amazing taste.
The store itself is a wonderful experience. It’s beautiful and you never know what strange new piece you’ll find. Also, Dominique is so fun to talk to. Not only can you rely on her aesthetic sense, you can bet she’ll get you laughing about something as simple as her lack of closet space.
Yes, that is a papier mache elephant you see.
Floréal Atelier does many of the floral arrangements for the beautiful hotels around San Francisco, and it’s the place to go to for statement worthy floral pieces for your home.
Dominique’s dog, Blaze, is usually around and he’s such a sweet clown. If it’s warm out he’ll come say hi, but as long as it’s cold he’s staying bundled up in the back where they arrange the flowers.
I don’t use the phrase “treasure trove” lightly (it’s too corny to be tossed around willy-nilly) but it IS the best way to describe Floréal.
So if you need great, unusual gifts, Floréal is the go-to.
