SHOPPING
FLANNERY EXCHANGE
750 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
This former-bank-turned-retail-destination wins my vote for best desert shopping center. Heavily stylized with millennial pink accents and a slew of fabulous boutiques, the mixed-use site is both an Instagram dreamland and a shopper’s delight. Every store on the premises is can’t-miss (two of which, Bobo and Covet, are detailed below), as is the onsite coffee shop, Café La Jefa, which made my coffee list above. You won’t find a prettier place to shop in the Valley!
BOBO PALM SPRINGS
750 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
The cutest stationery store you ever did see – and the only one of its kind in the area! Founded by Angie Chua of the popular Bobo Design Studio, this high-end paperie is adorable, inviting and chock full of such enviable goods as gel pens, tote bags, stickers, washi tape, the company’s signature Wanderlust Passport travel journals and more! It’s feel-good through and through! Be sure to check out the shop’s “Greetings from Palm Springs” mural, hand-painted by Angie and a must-stop photo op for anyone visiting the area.
COVET
750 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
Located next door to Bobo, this chic spot boasts an exquisite inventory of clothing, gifts, cosmetics and accessories but is best known for its line of in-house jewelry, all of it dainty, classic, classy, and handcrafted by owner Adrienne Wiley. The shop even offers permanent jewelry via its onsite zapping station – making it a must-visit for anyone on a girls’ trip. Though Covet’s selections are elevated and personally selected by Wiley on her many world travels, prices are entirely reasonable.
SEAPLANE SHIRTS
1009 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
If you’re into patterned button-downs, this colorful emporium is your Oz! With splashy wares hung from nearly every square inch (even the ceiling!), the singular shop is absolutely teeming with countless limited-edition styles and patterns, all crafted in the USA from the “last yards of rare materials.” While the shirts are gorgeous and incredibly vibrant, the store is worth a visit to check out the whimsical surroundings alone!
JUST FABULOUS
515 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
The most whimsical shop you’ll find in the desert, Just Fabulous stocks a highly curated selection of gifts, books, accessories, home décor, artwork and thoroughly irreverent greeting cards, all housed in a chic setting that feels more museum than store. The boutique also hosts regular book signings and celebrity events, with everyone from Tippi Hedren to Lily Tomlin popping by. Although the place really does it up during the holidays, Just Fabulous is a good time every month of the year! As the website notes, “If you’re not feeling fabulous when you enter our store, you will when you leave.”
WINDMILL CITY SUPER #1
463 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
Brought to you by the fabulous folks at Windmill City Screen Printing, this shop offers a stellar array of Coachella Valley-oriented and locally-made goods, including many of the tote bags, t-shirts and prints the company produces for area outlets. Stocked with some of the finest postcards and tees (this is my personal fave) offered in the desert, as well as premier candles and lotions, the inventory is bar none, not to mention a blast to peruse. Need a copy of “Mojave Crime” or a “Welcome to Bombay Beach” hat? Windmill City Super #1 has you covered!
DESTINATION PSP
170 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
Looking for a souvenir that genuinely reflects Palm Springs and its fab midcentury vibe? Head straight to Destination PSP, an upscale boutique populated with countless desert-inspired items, including t-shirts, books, postcards, artwork, collectibles, glassware, and high-end baubles, all custom-designed in-house. Be sure not to miss the highly popular tissue box covers shaped like midcentury homes, which were prominently featured in The New York Times Style Magazine’s T List.
PEEPA’S
120 NORTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
A longtime landmark, Peepa’s is loaded with an alluring array of specialty items like cheeky greeting cards, Palm Springs-inspired clothing, and colorful barware. There’s even an entire line of “Golden Girls” trinkets available – from mugs to ornaments to books and more. The place is most beloved for its artwork offerings, though, which include Palm Springs Life posters, Norman Korpi prints, and (my personal favorite) Chris Burbach’s charming line of celebrity portraits. Bonus – the employees are some of the friendliest around!
GALLIVANT
120 LA PLAZA
PALM SPRINGS
As the name suggests, this truly inspired and pristinely styled boutique offers a well-curated selection of items for the discerning traveler, including desert-themed books, art showcasing various cities, chicly functional luggage and unique tokens to gift those back home who couldn’t make the trip. As such, Gallivant is one of my favorite spots to peruse!
THE BEST BOOKSTORE IN PALM SPRINGS
180 EAST TAHQUITZ CANYON WAY
PALM SPRINGS
Who doesn’t love an independent bookstore? And this is pretty much the only game in town! A true hidden gem, the inviting spot sits tucked off downtown Palm Springs’ main drag and is definitely worth a pop by. From best-selling titles to little-known finds, the store is tiny but mighty, chock full of a wide catalog of tomes that will please any bibliophile. Bonus – the front table is populated with scintillating gems hand-selected by the enthusiastic staff.
THICK AS THIEVES
183 SOUTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
An endlessly hip emporium housed in an enchanting space (complete with a fireplace!) that originally served as one of Palm Springs Plaza’s historic studio apartments. Here you’ll find a chic inventory of jewelry (all made in-house), skincare items, home goods, kids’ wares, décor and THE softest t-shirts known to man! If all that doesn’t entice you, the place is worth a visit if only for the wonderful scent of palo santo bundles that constantly permeates the interior.
PS HOMEBOYS
108 SOUTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
The most vibrant array of homewares you’ll find in these parts, PS HomeBoys offers an incredibly vivacious selection of art, furnishings, gifts, and more. Founded more than a decade ago by interior designers Jeremy Taylor and Niels Kosman, the shop has become a local staple. One glimpse at the colorful inventory and you’ll immediately understand why – and likely regret not bringing along an extra suitcase to cart it all back home!
MOJAVE FLEA TRADING POST
383 NORTH INDIAN CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
A bustling marketplace featuring a highly-curated array of wares crafted by local designers, vendors, artisans and other creatives, this shop offers what is easily the most uniquely artful inventory in town. From stationery to t-shirts to hats to prints, Mojave Flea has it all! Secret Canyon Books & Paper, Opal Atlas and Mijo Co. candles are my personal favorite sections to peruse. Bonus – there’s also a sister store located in Yucca Valley.
MARKET MARKET
1555 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE, SUITE F
PALM SPRINGS
If it’s vintage wares you’re seeking, look no further than this sprawling 40,000-square-foot marketplace. Offering everything from antique furnishings to clothing to art, all beautifully arranged with the look of a high-end department store, one can easily spend countless hours searching the colorful displays for endless vintage treasures.
PALM SPRINGS BOTTLE SHOP
1555 SOUTH PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
The most charming bottle shop I’ve ever happened upon, PSBS is a revelation! Teeming with colorful aisles stocked with the prettiest (and tastiest) liquor and wine offerings, whimsical gifts, and gourmet food specialties, I only recently discovered the store and could hardly tear myself away, walking out with a handful of birthday presents for a friend and a stellar selection of ready-to-drink mocktails. The vast majority of items sourced are from LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and women-owned businesses, affording a feel-good shopping experience through and through. Bonus – the store has a sister location inside the Mojave Flea Trading Post in North Palm Springs.
ANTIQUE GALLERIES OF PALM SPRINGS
505 EAST INDUSTRIAL PLACE
PALM SPRINGS
The vintage market to end all vintage markets, this place is a must-be-seen-to-be-believed metropolis of retro finds! Featuring over 30 vendors in a massive two-story, 12,000-square- foot space, Antique Galleries is a true treasure trove! Artifacts from the “RMS Titanic?” Check! A lamp created from a 1950s television set? Yep! A musket used in the Civil War? They have that, too – and more! With such rare finds, the shop practically doubles as a museum, offering endless browsing opportunities!
ACE HARDWARE
1785 EAST PALM CANYON DRIVE
PALM SPRINGS
A chain hardware store might seem like an odd inclusion on this list, but not all Ace Hardwares are created the same, and the Palm Springs outlet is truly singular! Stocked with pretty much everything you’d ever need to stylishly outfit your yard, including lighting, dishware, garden accents and BBQ accouterments, the place is best known for its incredible array of stylish patio furnishings, with plenty of design consultants on hand to help with your selections. In Palm Springs, Ace is definitely the place to bring your outdoor living space to the next level.
OMNI RANCHO LAS PALMAS GIFT SHOP
4100 BOB HOPE DRIVE
RANCHO MIRAGE
So much more than your ordinary hotel gift shop, the boutique at Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa is stocked with high-end clothing, shoes, gifts and more! From a huge selection of OluKai and Havaianas sandals to Ray-Ban sunglasses to Sugarfina candy to Pura Vida bracelets to Homesick candles, you’ll be hard-pressed to leave without buying something!
MOLLER’S GARDEN CENTER
72-235 PAINTERS PATH
PALM DESERT
This wholesale nursery, nestled against a stunning mountain backdrop with a plethora of paths to meander, boasts a distinct botanical garden feel and is one of my favorite spots to wander on an aimless afternoon. Stocked with myriad cactus varieties and countless perennials, Moller’s is the ideal location to familiarize yourself with the desert’s extraordinary landscape. The friendly employees are veritable walking/talking encyclopedias of plant knowledge and the onsite gift shop is absolutely unparalleled, offering a fine stock of upscale gifts, décor, and antiques.
THRIFTOLOGY
74271 CA-111
PALM DESERT
If it’s vintage you’re seeking, this is the place to head! Offering a highly curated selection of fabulous retro finds (whether it be jewelry or clothing or purses or art), with plenty of new items as well (including locally sourced diffuser oils, body scrubs, candles and planters), displayed throughout an adorable standalone shop with some of the friendliest employees around, shopping at Thriftology is always a joyous adventure!
EL PASEO SHOPPING DISTRICT
EL PASEO BETWEEN PORTOLA & MONTEREY AVENUES
PALM DESERT
Considered the “Rodeo Drive of the desert,” El Paseo is the Coachella Valley’s premier shopping destination. Spanning about a mile and boasting such upscale boutiques as Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co. and Ralph Lauren, you can really do some damage here! For the more budget-conscious, there are a multitude of staples to be found, as well, including Sephora, Anthropologie, and Talbots. Not into shopping? There are also salons, restaurants and art galleries to explore. Dotted with gorgeous foliage, fountains and plenty of tucked-away chaises to rest your weary feet, you won’t want for anything on the premises!
KAYLIE NICOLE
73200 EL PASEO, SUITE 2C
PALM DESERT
Easily one of the most gorgeous spaces in the desert, Kaylie Nicole sits tucked off El Paseo in a charming Spanish courtyard, with an environment that feels like shopping in your chicest friend’s closet. But despite the upscale ambiance, the classy, on-trend wares are all shockingly affordable. Be sure not to miss the shop’s Friday pop-ups, hosted from 10 to 5. Owner Kaylie Nicole Feist has created a true community with the weekly events (which are more akin to little celebrations), with guest vendors offering jewelry, skincare, and Buena Matcha, aka the best matcha in town!
CHRISSY’S ON EL PASEO
73200 EL PASEO, SUITE 1B
PALM DESERT
A clotheshorse’s dream, this boutique is a multi-level wonderland of designer duds, sparkly baubles and trendy accessories. Inviting, friendly and well-priced, with many affordable brands on hand, Chrissy’s has something for everyone – including husbands! Yep, even your S.O. will enjoy shopping at this place because tucked away in a nearly hidden enclave is the man cave to end all man caves! Stocked with comfy couches and chairs, a television, magazines, free Wi-Fi and a wide array of snacks, it’s the ideal spot for husbands to relax (sans complaint!) while you shop the day away!
BLONDE
73200 EL PASEO, SUITE 3A
PALM DESERT
Extremely high-end and finely curated, Blonde offers an elevated shopping experience for those really hoping to splurge! Recently celebrating two decades of operation in the desert, the family-owned boutique stocks fine brands like Moussy, ISMBS, Aviator Nation, Free City and Kerri Rosenthal, among many others. Along with fabulous clothes, you’ll also find dainty jewelry, home décor and greeting cards.
TRESTLE
73130 EL PASEO, SUITE C
PALM DESERT
El Paseo’s most charming gift store, this is THE place to come when you’re on the hunt for a present of any kind. Whether for a birthday, holiday, dinner party or even just because, you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for at Trestle. It’s almost impossible to leave empty-handed! From the shop’s ever-popular cashmere ponchos to Palm Springs-inspired items to pickleball attire to graphic tees, Trestle has it all!
IT REFILLS
73241 CA-111, SUITE 2A
PALM DESERT
Love DIYs, wellness, and beauty? Head straight to It Refills! The “vegan, zero-waste refill station” is stocked with a seemingly endless supply of cruelty-free, all-natural, biodegradable soaps, shampoos, lotions, detergents, and even toothpaste (think Lemongrass Multi-Purpose Cleaner Spray, Un-Bleach, and Orange & Bergamot Wash) – all of which customers fill and package themselves, using their own containers or glass vessels supplied in store! The shop also carries vintage clothing, kitchen tools, and assorted gift items.
LOTUS GARDEN CENTER
45350 SAN LUIS RAY AVENUE
PALM DESERT
Looking for an area florist? This is the spot I’d recommend. Offering spectacular, show-stopping arrangements, you won’t find more beautiful flower designs anywhere in the desert. And there is plenty more to be had, as well, such as high-end gifts, furnishings and garden items. Decorated to the nines, the place reads like a museum or a decorator’s showplace and, as such, is worth a drop-in if only to peruse the fantastical retail displays, including the whimsical parasol-adorned front counter.
JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT LOBBY SHOP
74855 COUNTRY CLUB DRIVE
PALM DESERT
Whenever I find myself at a loss for birthday gift ideas for a friend, I head straight to the Lobby Shop at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The stylish boutique sells all of your typical hotel sundries like wine, snacks and first aid items but also offers a fun stash of desert and California-themed pieces, including artwork, purses, clothing, jewelry and more. I always wind up leaving with the perfect gift in hand. Bonus – the Marriott’s other onsite shops (there are eight in total!) are also fabulous!
ART IN NATURE
75165 SHERYL AVENUE
PALM DESERT
A genuinely singular desert find, this designer showroom, initially established in 1982, is teeming with exquisite art and lavish permanent floral arrangements. A faux botanical dreamland, the custom pieces offered are costly but absolutely stunning. A bit outside your budget? Not to worry! The emporium also stocks a wide array of succulents and floral accessories (I’m talking shelves upon shelves upon shelves!) to craft your own masterpiece! An arrangement I created years back using Art in Nature wares still garners more compliments than pretty much anything else in my house!
KITCHEN KITCHEN
74-945 CA-111
INDIAN WELLS
If it has to do with cooking and it’s not in here, maybe it doesn’t exist! This longtime Coachella Valley staple was founded in 1979, remains family-run today and is chock full of every kitchen item known to man. Although the customer service is unparalleled and the selection massive, the prices rival Amazon! I don’t even like to cook, and I can’t seem to walk out without purchasing something! Also offering a plethora of classes and special events, there is literally something for everyone at Kitchen Kitchen!
JADABUG’S KIDS BOUTIQUE
78377 CA-111
LA QUINTA
If it’s toys, clothes or games for kids you’re after, JadaBug’s is the place to be! A children’s wonderland, the sprawling store offers a bright inventory of the chicest clothing for little ones (I often find myself wishing some of the dresses came in my size!), educational toys and an entire wall of softer-than-soft stuffed animals. This is also the spot to head if you’re in need of any child-related rentals while in town, including cribs, strollers, car seats, etc. JadaBug’s is a one-stop shop for parents, grandparents and anyone with littles in tow! And for those in the market for more bargain buys, there’s a sister shop, JadaBug’s Elite Repeat, just three doors down featuring “gently used” kids’ clothing, maternity attire and more.
LA QUINTA RESORT GIFT SHOP
49-499 EISENHOWER DRIVE
LA QUINTA
While pricey (as all hotel gift shops tend to be), there are some great finds here, including many unique desert-related items and handcrafted wares. The inventory of Coachella Valley-related books is especially vast, with a heaping of landscaping, cooking, and design tomes that will satisfy anyone looking to learn more about the area and/or hoping to incorporate some of Palm Springs’ fab desert aesthetic into their own homes.
OLD TOWN LA QUINTA
78100 MAIN STREET
LA QUINTA
With a bevy of restaurants and shops, as well as a fabulous Sunday morning farmer’s market and monthly art show, one can easily while away countless hours at this charming plaza. My favorite stores are detailed individually below, but additional not-to-miss spots include Main Street Coffee (featured in my Coffee section above), Stuft Pizza (listed in my Happy Hour section), La Quinta Olive Oil Company, and elizabeth & prince.
ROAM.E BOUTIQUE
78010 MAIN STREET, SUITE 106
LA QUINTA
A delightful clothing, jewelry, gift, and card shop with a decided farmer’s market vibe, this newish spot (it opened in 2022) boasts a splendid selection of fashionable finds, many hand-crafted by local vendors and artists. Attractively arranged, reasonably priced and geared toward the desert’s younger set, Roam.e Boutique is an extremely welcome addition to the desert’s shopping scene.
COCO ROSE
78065 MAIN STREET, SUITE 102
LA QUINTA
Bright, colorful and sourced mainly from Bali, Coco Rose features some of the area’s most beautiful goods. Started by a mother-daughter team who vacation regularly on the Indonesian island, the establishment stocks necklaces, bracelets, earrings, purses, hats, cover-ups, dresses, home décor and other bohemian treasures – many handmade by Balinese artisans. It’s a great place to pick up presents for jewelry-obsessed friends. The company also has numerous sister shops in the area, so you’re never far from a Coco Rose fix anywhere in the Valley!
COCO ROSE HOME
78010 MAIN STREET, SUITE 100
LA QUINTA
A new endeavor from the Coco Rose team, this beautifully curated home store is the stuff of dreams! Outfitted with myriad chic items to enhance any home, this is the spot I’d head when in need of the ideal hostess or housewarming gift. From colorful dishes to sumptuous candles to handcrafted wall hangings, you can’t go wrong with a Coco Rose Home pick! Bonus – there’s a shop dog often onsite, ready with a friendly greeting to all who cross the threshold.
MIMI & RAE
78010 MAIN STREET, SUITE 101
LA QUINTA
Catering to a young professional demographic (an innovative and much-needed concept in the Coachella Valley!) with a “West Coast minimalist chic” aesthetic, this boutique’s offerings are sophisticated, stylish and shockingly affordable. From basics like classic tees and jeans to upscale cocktail dresses and even festival attire, the mother-and-daughter-owned shop is chock full of adorable options (most selected from female-owned, Los Angeles-based lines), and the inventory is updated regularly, so stepping inside is always a new experience!
MODERN HIPPIE INTERIORS
49870 JEFFERSON STREET, SUITE 104
INDIO
This high-end gift shop/design studio is endlessly charming! Stocked with highly unique, upscale gifts and décor, this is the place to head when on the hunt for a present for that hard-to-buy-for friend. Offering everything from cards to candles to pillows to furnishings to whimsical accessories, there’s something for everyone here. The boutique also provides professional interior design services for those seeking to re-create Modern Hippie’s stylishly warm ambiance at home.
SHIELDS DATE GARDEN GIFT SHOP
780225 CA-111
INDIO
Tchotchkes and spices and candies, oh my! This gift shop, located at Shields Date Garden, is bursting at the seams with all manner of date ephemera (including the company’s beloved date crystals), but there is plenty more to be had, such as t-shirts, books, mugs, magnets, signs and a plethora of retro novelty items. Reminiscent of the roadside stands of yesteryear, you’ll also find nostalgic games (Highway Bingo, anyone?) and plenty of other trinkets to keep kids busy on long car rides. It’s a must-stop when in town.