Didn’t get your holiday shopping done on Black Friday? We’ve got you covered!
You’ve got options from handmade gold jewelry in Leimert Park to a refrigerator full of “grail” records in Inglewood. Nab some locally roasted coffee beans for the caffeine snob in your life or a pair of rare Jordans for the sneakerhead. Pick out a set of fruit cart-themed washi tapes or a flowery candle delicately carved in Oaxaca.
Here are six businesses based in Inglewood and South LA that just might have that perfect gift:
Sika
Located on Degnan Boulevard in the heart of Leimert Park, Sika by Queen Midas has established itself as one of the longstanding retail stores in Leimert Park Village. Opened in 1993 by Sika Dwimfo, the store is now operated by his daughter, Milan Dwimfo. You can buy Afrocentric clothing, art, candles, jewelry and so much more.
South LA Cafe
This isn’t your typical chain of neighborhood cafes. Joe and Celia Ward-Wallace launched South LA Cafe in 2020 with a mission they call “Coffee with a Cause.” The cause? To bring fresh, affordable and healthy food options to South LA. They’ve now grown to five locations in the area. They’ve now grown to five locations in the area that also sells merch!
You can also find beans and other gifts at Hilltop Coffee, Sip & Sonder or at Cafe Calle.
Cynthia Navarro Illustration
Cynthia Navarro’s kaleidoscopic designs feature aguas frescas, market bags and fruit carts. Buy them as notepads, washi tapes or sticker sheets on her website, or find her at a range of holiday craft fairs across Los Angeles. For other small Los Angeles-inspired artworks, check out Xonaxi.
TILT Inglewood
The walls of sneaker shop TILT Inglewood are home to a regularly rotating trove of shoes. TILT, which stands for Treat It Like Treasure, also carries classic streetwear brands and its own line of hoodies, T-shirts and other clothing. For another sneaker and streetwear option, try Rich LA.
Donají Oaxacan Crafts
Donají Oaxacan Crafts, located at the Mercado La Paloma in South LA, has all manner of Oaxacan craft goods, from jewelry to alebrijes. While at the market, also check out Joe’s Sports World for gear from your favorite team.
R&G Records
R&G Records opened up across the street from Hollywood Park in September. The record shop, housed in a former convenience store, displays its nicest vinyl in a unique “Grail Time Capsule Museum” behind the glass doors of the former drink fridges. If you like your LPs with a side of coffee, head to Asteroid Vinyl Cafe, also located in Inglewood.
