When the holiday rush kicks off, there’s no better place to spend your money than right here in Encinitas. Small Business Monday (and the weekend that leads up to it) offers the perfect opportunity to discover unique gifts, support your neighbors, and experience what makes this coastal community special.
Why Your Dollars Matter
Shopping at local businesses creates a ripple effect that benefits everyone in Encinitas. Independent retailers return three times as much per dollar to the local economy as chain stores do. When you buy from a small shop on Coast Highway 101, nearly 48% of that purchase gets recirculated locally through jobs, suppliers, and other community businesses. That means your holiday shopping can help pay for better schools, safer streets, and thriving neighborhoods.
Downtown Delights Along Highway 101
The historic downtown shopping district spans more than a century of California charm, and over 80 retail shops call this area home. Start your shopping adventure at Coast Highway Trading, where products from 20 local artisans and small businesses fill the shelves with handmade jewelry and unique finds.
For those who love fashion, Thread Spun and Coco Rose Beach & Resort Wear showcase coastal style with personality. Looking for something sweet? Seabreeze Craft Chocolates creates artisan treats that make perfect stocking stuffers.
Experience Over Shopping
Small Business Saturday in Encinitas goes beyond simple retail therapy. The event features live music, sidewalk sales, and special deals throughout downtown. Meanwhile, Encinitas Surfboards, a local tradition for nearly 50 years, stocks everything from boards to accessories for the wave riders in your life.
Deals Worth Finding
Last year’s participants offered incredible promotions, and many return annually with fresh offers. Lobster West gave bonus gift cards with larger purchases, while Magical Child rewarded early shoppers with organic totes and raffle entries for prizes worth up to $300. Thrifty Threads brings out a huge selection of festive finds, and 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro hosts afternoon tastings.
Gift Guide for Every List
Finding something special becomes easy when you explore Encinitas shops. SoulScape Gift & Bookstore offers carefully selected books and gifts, while Off Track Gallery features art by local creators. For garden lovers, Weidner’s Gardens provides plants and garden treasures. Hansen Surfboards remains a local favorite for surf culture enthusiasts.
Explore Beyond Downtown
The shopping scene extends into Leucadia, known as the art and soul of Encinitas. Corner Frame Shop & Leucadia Art Gallery showcases local artists, while Cardiff by the Sea adds even more boutique options to your shopping route. The Encinitas 101 MainStreet Association coordinates activities across these neighborhoods, creating a full day of community celebration.
Make this Monday count by keeping your shopping local. Every purchase supports families who live here, work here, and invest in making Encinitas the vibrant coastal town we all love.
Sources: beachfrontonly.com, encinitas101.com
Header Image Source: encinitas101.com
