826 Valencia

If you want your Christmas shopping to include experiencing some uniquely San Francisco spots, then head to 826 Valencia in the vibrant Mission neighborhood. 826 Valencia was started by local author Dave Eggers to provide a spot for kids to learn how to write. However, due to zoning laws, 826 also needed to be a business. With his signature humor, Eggers made it a pirate store. Besides eye patches and scurvy remedies, there's an impressive selection of books. The Mission neighborhood is easily accessible by BART or MUNI and loaded with bars, restaurants and nightclubs for those after-shopping treats. It's hard to think of a reason to not visit 826 Valencia.