The Feel-Good, Mindful Guide to Shopping Small & Local

The holidays are local! 📍

Every time you support a small business, a local building gets angel wings painted on one of its walls. That’s the quote, right? Either way, it’s certainly a wonderful (local) life.

This year, instead of one big traditional gift guide, we’re sharing three — one for each neighborhood surrounding our studios. Inside, you’ll find holiday gems from local small businesses — and something even better: a plan for how to spend your Small Business Saturday (or whatever day you’re brave enough to face the holiday crowds) with your family in gratitude instead of spiraling into “we’re hungry, we’re tired, we’re bored.”

By keeping it locally-owned, small, and ethical, you can experience the season in a way that nourishes your soul and uplifts your community. So send that calendar invite and call it what it is: Neighborhood Shopping Day — in Echo Park, Eagle Rock, or East Hollywood.

Let’s make it a tradition worth keeping, because these businesses are worth supporting.

🧣 A Holiday Stroll Through Echo Park Village: A Day of Shopping, Snacking, and Self-Care

Just minutes from Downtown LA — but with all the sparkle of a proper neighborhood outing — Echo Park Village is the perfect place to spend a cozy holiday shopping day. Tucked between Echo Park and Historic Filipinotown, this walkable little hub blends city energy with small-town charm, making it easy to find gifts and a little seasonal glow for yourself.

• Start your day slow at cozy Clark Street Bakery or the minimalist Laveta just across the street. Grab a pastry that feels like a warm hug and a coffee to power your adventure. Sit for a moment, people-watch, and make a game plan for the shops you want to hit.

• Then drop into One Down Dog for a gentle mid-morning yoga flow or something sweatier — the perfect reset before the shopping begins. Bonus points if you pick up a gift card or a cozy hoodie for the yogi in your life. If you're thinking more presence than presents this year, we've got Thankful For Specials on class packs and memberships available through December 5th and sound baths and teacher training available through the end of the year!

• Stroll the Village’s cozy pathways, soak in the exposed brick, murals, vintage concrete floors, and dreamy natural light — along Glendale, you'll find innovative-pop-up-turned-curated-book-shop A Good Used Book. Browse this quaint little book nook for the perfect under-$20 gift or a new read to curl up with by the fireplace.

• By now, you’ve earned lunch. Head over to Gra Pizzeria for a succulent slice of sourdough pizza (or a whole pie — no judgment). If you're feeling like lighter fare, swing by Henrietta for market-driven, Rome-inspired salads and sandwiches that still feel very California (ideal for impressing out of town visitors).

  Before you wrap up the first part of your day, stop into Butchr Bar for a seasonal cocktail or a little snack, and toast your successful village voyage.

Optional Side-Quest

If you’ve got the energy — and want a little urban wander.

From the Village / Sunset corridor, head west/northwest toward Sunset Blvd and Glendale Blvd. After about 15–25 minutes on foot (or a quick scooter or rideshare if you're carrying packages), you’ll hit a pocket of shops and cafés worth discovering:

• Cookbook Market 
  A tight-knit neighborhood grocery with seasonal produce, artisanal pantry goods, prepared foods, and a curated selection for serious home cooks. Ideal for locally-sourced foodie gifts or something special for your own holiday table.
• The Semi-Tropic
  A cozy, slightly hidden bar/restaurant hybrid offering Mediterranean-inspired plates, cocktails, and a bit of merch. Chill vibes and a great spot for a late-afternoon drink or a “secret-gem” treat. You can't go wrong with a plate of crispy rosemary-dusted fries.
• Woodcat Coffee 
  A low-key, specialty coffee shop and roaster founded in 2014 by veteran coffee couple and hyper-locals, Saadat & Janine Awan who built everything with little money, lots of heart and their own hands — perfect for a pick-me-up, a rest, or a little hang before heading back.
• Shout and About 
  The first location for the brand, affectionately dubbed the "little urban oasis," this whimsical boutique gift shop on Echo Park Ave. is filled with unique gifts, cards, accessories, and small treasures. Great for last-minute surprises or just a little window-shopping delight.

If you've checked off your entire list in Echo Park Village and want a serene, sacred pause, saunter along Echo Park Lake toward Sunset Blvd. Visit Sacred Fortune for acupuncture, fertility massage, herbal formulations, facial gua sha, cupping, nutrition guidance, and holistic bodywork. For more inspired wellness services (and gift cards) in the area, we also love For the Love of Acupuncture, a queer and trans Filipino practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine located at the same address as Sacred Fortune.

End the day the Echo Park Village way: slow, satisfied, and stocked with gifts that support the neighborhood. Whether you came for the shopping, the wellness services, or the snacks, you’ll leave feeling like you spent a day in LA’s most charming little holiday village — all while supporting a diverse, creative community that makes the city so special.

🌿 A Holiday Walking & Shopping Day — “Colorado Corner,” Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock feels like something out of a Christmas Hallmark movie: locally-owned gems, warm small-town vibes, and plenty of spots to sip, stroll, and shop small. It’s the perfect setting for a festive day out and to get caught up in delightful conversations with your neighbors.

Begin with a morning class at One Down Dog. Shake off the seasonal rush, settle into your body, and tap into the grounded pace of the neighborhood. After class, browse the retail nook for self-care gifts — think super-soft leggings, candles, mat spray, and gift cards for the yogis in your life.

If you're leaning more toward presence than presents this year, check out the Thankful For Specials on class packs and memberships through December 5th, plus sound baths and teacher training offerings through the end of the year.

Walk just a few steps down Eagle Rock Blvd. to queer-owned Creature’s Plants & Coffee, a beloved plant-shop-meets-café serving specialty drinks among lush greenery.

• What you’ll find: Thoughtfully curated plants, ceramics, planters, and a peaceful outdoor garden perfect for sipping a latte.

It’s the kind of place that instantly softens your mood — the perfect “reset” before digging into more shops.

Head Back toward Colorado and pop into the little places you definitely window shopped on your way to Creature's:

• Parchment — a charming stationery and paper-goods shop known for cards, journals, and warm, crafty energy.

• Açaí Craze — quick superfood bowls if you want something refreshing and bright.

• Leanna Lin’s Wonderland — an Asian-American woman-owned gift boutique filled with art prints, jewelry, kid-friendly gifts, and indie-maker treasures.

• Not Another Pottery Studio — local ceramics, pottery classes, and one-of-a-kind handmade pieces.

• The Green Bean — a kid's boutique and toy shop for the littles in your life.

Wander Colorado Boulevard — Eagle Rock’s Main Drag

Meander along Colorado Blvd, where even more small businesses shine:

• Milkfarm — woman (and long-time One Down Dog student)-owned artisan cheese shop with curated cheeses, charcuterie, crackers, jams, and the best hostess-gift possibilities on the planet. A hat that says "Butter" or "Salami" for dad and an organic sparkling rosé for mom to drink when dad wears his new hat? They've got that!

• Four Café — healthy comfort food, homemade soups, seasonal salads, and baked goods — ideal for grabbing lunch or foodie gifts.

• Owl Talk — a longtime sister-owned vintage boutique offering curated clothing and accessories with a delightful, cozy vibe.

• Native Boutique — another local favorite for gifts, apparel, jewelry, and small-batch goods from independent makers.

When it’s time for a mid-day toast, head to Relentless Brewing & Spirits, a woman-owned craft brewery and distillery.

• Expect great beer, inventive cocktails, warm service (say hi to Mike and Bri behind the bar), and an atmosphere that somehow feels festive year-round.

• If you’re lucky, Bob Ross might be playing on the TV and don’t miss the Asian sticky wings — iconic and cheaper on Sundays!

Treat Yourself to The Loft Spa (or a Matinee at Vidiots)

Round out the day with some restorative self-care at The Loft Spa, a tranquil neighborhood staple with massages, facials, and a genuinely kind, welcoming team. Say hi to Heather and let yourself exhale — you’ve earned this one.

Not in a spa mood? Head to nearby Vidiots to catch a movie at LA’s most cinephile-approved and lovingly-restores community cinema and video store.

Wrap Up Back at One Down Dog

End your day the way you started: slowly. Wander back to One Down Dog with full bags, full tummies, and fuller spirits. Rest your feet, take a deep breath, and soak up the cozy satisfaction of supporting your neighborhood’s small businesses.

Optional Side-Quest — A Quick Drive to Highland Park

If you’ve got a few bags to drop off and don’t mind a short, scenic 6–10 minute drive, cruise over to nearby Highland Park, one of LA’s most charming shopping corridors.

The route from Eagle Rock takes you down Figueroa Street, over a gentle hill, and into a vibrant historic district packed with creativity, murals, and independent shops.

A few ODD favorites to visit:

• Belle’s Bagels — hand-rolled, naturally fermented bagels made with California-grown grain from a women-owned team.

• Crush & Touch Art Supply — a Korean-American–owned art supply shop with stationery, tools, and creative giftables.

• Shorthand — expertly curated stationery, pens, journals, and organizational goods from a woman-owned paper-goods company.

• Vinovore — a woman-owned wine shop focusing on women-made wines, cute gift sets, and the best animal-themed bottle labels in town.

It’s the perfect little add-on to an already delightful day.

🎁 A Holiday Stroll of Fun Finds & Food — East Hollywood & Los Feliz

East Hollywood is one of LA’s most vibrant little pockets — a mix of indie shops, thoughtful makers, and cozy food stops that feel especially magical during the holidays. Whether you’re chasing perfect gifts, delicious treats, or a little seasonal grounding, this stroll has everything you need.

Start with Presence, Not Presents

Begin your day at One Down Dog with a grounding yoga class under the skylight. Shake off the bustle, settle into your body, and check out the studio’s curated retail nook on your way out — candles, comfy apparel, self-care essentials, and gift cards that make “I’ll start yoga one day” happen sooner.
If you're more into presence than presents this year, ODD’s Thankful For Specials on class packs, memberships (through Dec 5), sound baths, and teacher training (end of year) make gifting and receiving extra sweet.

Fuel Up With Something Warm & Buttery

Head to Bolt for buttery baked goods — the cheddar biscuits are iconic — or dig into a full brunch. (Pro tip: you can get a breakfast sandwich on that legendary biscuit… just go early, they sell out fast.) Sip, snack, and map out your holiday hit list.

Stock Up on Holiday Goodies

A short stroll north on Western brings you to Lazy Acres Market, East Hollywood’s better-for-you grocery haven. Grab gourmet snacks, wellness-inspired gifts, pantry treasures, or the famous Lazy Acres Cookie — a soft, gooey holiday essential. Perfect for host gifts or your own cozy movie night.

Optional Side Quest — Los Feliz Village

If you’ve still got energy (and room for more treats), wander toward Los Feliz — either a 20–25 minute walk past Barnsdall Art Park or a quick drive.

Sip Something Sweet, Colorful & Comforting

Kick off round two with a Filipino iced coffee from Obet & Dels — ube, coffee, and oat milk in perfect harmony. It’s festive, unique, and tastes like a warm-weather winter hug. Stop at Barnsdall Art Park on your way to enjoy your bevvie on a grassy hilltop with a view of the neighborhood and Frank Lloyd Wright architecture for a little culture and inspiration.

Slip into Shopping Mode

Like Eagle Rock and Echo Park, Los Feliz Village feels like its own cozy holiday town. Along Hollywood Blvd and up Hillhurst you’ll find:

• Soap Plant / Wacko – Off-the-wall gifts, art, books, and curiosities for the playful or hard-to-shop-for friend.

• Spitfire Girl – Woman-owned boutique with candles, stationery, home goods, witty gifts, and handcrafted charm.

• Liberate Emporium – Crystals, tarot decks, spiritual tools, and high-vibe stocking stuffers.

• Sacred Light – Aura photography, mystical gifts, and metaphysical add-ons for the woo-inclined.

Wrap Up With Something Delicious

End your stroll with a treat from neighborhood favorites:

• Buttercake Shoppe – Rich, nostalgic baked goods perfect for gifting (or devouring).

• Earth Organic Juice Bar – Fresh, colorful juices and smoothies for a light reset.

• All Time – Warm, bright, ingredient-driven dishes that feel celebratory without trying.

A Final Moment of Calm

If you want one last dose of grounding:

• Take a sunset walk into Griffith Park for fresh air and glowing views, or

• Stay on Hillhurst for restorative care at Crescent Chiropractic or Los Angeles Emotional Wellness Center.

Either way, you’ll end the day feeling centered, nourished, and connected to the makers, growers, practitioners, and dreamers who shape this beautiful corner of LA.