By Sophia Cao

With the holiday season here, check out my holiday guide map of some charming spots in the Sunset District for out-of-the-box gift ideas for friends, family or yourself.

1. GG Park’s Botanical Garden Bookstore & Plant Store: 310-312 Martin Luther King Jr Dr.

Hours: 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily

Did you know the Botanical Garden has a cute shop right outside, where you can find a wide variety of plants and books? I love picnicking at the garden, and making a stop at the bookstore is a great way to start or end your visit.

The Garden’s year-end plant sale will be on Dec. 13 and 14. For more information, visit gggp.org/shop.

2. The Game Parlour: 1342 Irving St.

Hours: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

This cozy board game cafe is the perfect place for a late night hang out with friends and delicious food. I love that with a flat fee of seven dollars, you can access all the board games, and stay for as long as you want. You can also purchase games to take home, or just come for the food, which is all gluten free as well.

The Game Parlour manager, Dana Baskett said, “If I have a couple hours, and I have friends and time to kill, I really like Slay the Spire.”

You can purchase a gift-card or gaming pass for the gamer in your life to enjoy in the new year in-store or at thegameparlour.com.

3. Sunset Music: 2311 Irving St.

Hours: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Closed Sundays.

From sheet music, to instrument rentals and gifts, this charming music store has everything you need. I especially love the music themed trinkets, and the books with the latest pop sheet music hits.

Find more information about this nearly 78-year-old institution at sunsetmusicsf.com.

4. Sunset Clay House: 2550 Judah St.

Hours: 8 a.m.-10 p.m. daily

Sunset Clay House offers classes and memberships for adults that come with studio access and materials. It’s the perfect place to bring a friend, or make a personalized gift!

For more information on classes and offerings, check out sunsetclayhouse.com.

5. Brothers Papadopoulos Flowers: 19th Avenue and Quintara Street

Hours: 8 a.m.-7 p.m. daily

This flower shop at the corner of 19th Avenue, has a variety of fresh, vibrant flowers and bouquets, perfect for brightening up foggy San Francisco mornings, or for bringing a loved one to start a holiday celebration on the right note.

Sophia Cao is an illustrator and San Francisco local. She loves making comics, cooking and exploring the City.