Looking for a unique gift? Why not combine shopping with a museum experience? Enjoy being out and about, peruse the exhibitions, and then, as Banksy has said, “exit through the gift shop.” You’ll find that crowds are smaller and merchandise is quirkier. Perhaps best of all, your coin will support a local institution rather than a chain conglomerate. Want to avoid the crowds entirely? Check out the online links for a socially distanced shopping experience. The following stores are perhaps the best that Los Angeles culture has to offer.

1) The Getty Store. Hands down the most uniquely curated museum shop in all of Los Angeles. I have never left here without a well-written, mind-opening book, but this is also a fun place to search for stationery, art supplies, and toys/crafts for children. Themed to the collections, merch is more art-themed at the Getty Center, and Classically themed at the Villa. https://shop.getty.edu/

2) The Huntington Store. If you’re searching for unusual jewelry, this is the place to go, with the buyers focused on independent artist designers and vintage styles as well as traditional necklaces, earrings, rings, and bracelets. As fits the shop connected to perhaps the greatest collection of manuscripts, the book selection is both literary and historical, with space also allocated to gardening and design books. There is also a small section devoted to tea-time, both Western and Eastern. https://www.thehuntingtonstore.org/

3) The Grammy Museum. Admit it, have you ever taken the time to visit? You’ll be glad you did when you enjoy the permanent exhibitions before scoring that Drumhead Youth tee or Apples to Zeppelin board book for the rocker-to-be little one in your life. Or maybe a copy of Patti Smith’s Just Kids would delight your best friend? Whether your musical friend listens to vinyl or watches DVDs, you’ll find a gift here that will be remembered and cherished. https://grammymuseumstore.com/

4) The Peterson Auto Museum. When was the last time you were able to find a model of a car meant for an adult builder? The Peterson stocks kits at different scales, as well as Disney Pixar Cars and a Hot Wheels Collection. In addition, you’ll find interesting socks and other wearables for automotive enthusiasts. https://petersenstore.org/

5) Heritage Square Museum. Admittedly, there is very little to purchase here, but it’s hard to conceive of a better gift for an architecturally or historically minded person than a membership or donation to this collection of antique buildings gathered together in a small area off the 110 freeway. https://heritagesquare.org/


A final nod goes to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. For a cultural institution this important, the gift store seems surprisingly small. At the same time, however, who can resist a Yoshitomo Nara onesie? https://www.thelacmastore.org/

Disclaimer: I am a member of the Huntington Library but have no other affiliation to any of these museums. I have paid for my purchases with my own funds.