Are you planning a trip to San Francisco and looking for the best gifts to bring back? Or did you leave your heart in San Francisco and would like something to remember this beautiful city? Then look no further, as here is a list on all the unique and delicious things to bring backor have delivered straight from San Francisco!
Boudin Bakery
Boudin is an institution here in San Francisco. They are the original creator of the San Francisco sourdough french bread.
One can’t go to San Francisco and not try a bread that is created from the local bacteria, “lactobacillus San Francisco” (I’m totally serious). Who knew the secret to San Francisco’s soudough bread was in the air itself.
It all started back in 1849, when a French immigrant named Isidore Boudin used a traditional European technique to capture natural yeast found in the air for his “mother dough”. To this day, that same mother dough is used in every single bread made by this company for the last 160 years. How cool is that!
Click on the images below to bring home their famous sourdough and clam chowder right to your doorstep.
San Francisco has a long history steeped in coffee history. Did you know that the first restaurant coffee was served in San Francisco in 1846? Also, the first commercially roasted coffee was produced in 1850 by a company that eventually became Folgers Coffee.
Till this day, San Francisco is rich with amazing specialty coffee and coffee roasters. Here are some of my favorite coffee beans I like to gift my friends and family.
When in San Francisco, definitely try a mission burrito. One of my favorite is from Papalote with their award-winning house salsa. This is a delicious blend of herbs, spices, and roasted tomatoes that is definitely worth bringing back. If you haven’t tried it, click on the image below to ship a jar of this popular salsa straight to your door.
See’s Candies has been making quality chocolates and candy for over 95 years. My mom used to always buy their chocolate lollipops (in Hawaii..lol) so there’s always a sense of nostalgia for me. Stepping inside one of these stores is like being transported to a time when things were better.
Ghirardelli has been around for over 160 years and is the oldest continuously operating chocolate maker in America. Ghirardelli is a must stop for dessert while visiting Fisherman’s Wharf.
They’re known for their hot fudge sundae, but their brownie mix is my absolute favorite. They have the perfect chewiness and isn’t overly sweet.
Did you know that California produces 99% of all U.S. olive oil production? They also have 75 different varieties and is regarded as a world-class producer.
Stonehouse Olive Oil is an award winning locally-grown company. Their Olio Santo Extra Virgin Olive Oil is the olive oil of choice by Ina Garten. Located in the Ferry Building, this would be a great gift for your favorite chef or someone health conscious.
Cowgirl Creamery is a famous cheese shop selling artisan cheeses, soups and sandwiches. They used to have a store in the Ferry Building and at Point Reyes, but closed due to operational challenges amid the pandemic.
Luckily, you can still buy these cheeses at Whole Foods or Amazon (click on link) and make yourself a delicious grilled cheese sandwich at your own convenience.
Heath Ceramics is one of the few remaining mid-century American potteries that are still handmade and used in many of the country’s top retailers. Started in 1948, this cult favorite would make a great housewarming gift or why not an investment piece for yourself!
They have a storefront in the Ferry Building and in the Mission district. As well as a factory in Sausalito that offers tours.
Books on San Francisco
Books are a great way to introduce kids to a new place. Seeing pictures and learning about a place beforehand plants the seeds so when they’re at the place, everything comes to life. Here are some great books on San Francisco for kids of different ages.
