Unique Gifts for Teenagers in San Francisco

For that Green teen that cares about Fair Trade and sustainability, hit Global Exchange on 24^th for a special gift. The great finds in this environmentally and socially conscious marketplace are fair trade-produced, some from recycled materials.

You can buy crafts, jewelry, bath and beauty products, accessories, fair trade coffee and fair trade chocolate. The eclectic mix of unique items from all over the world is even more attractive by the idea that it supports the principles of socially and economically responsible business. A rare gift from here can also help heighten your loved one's awareness of the global

The Beeswax Bodycare Gift Pack is full of natural, cruelty free items that are sure to pamper and please. A Flying Pig Chime serves as a reminder that anything is possible. This item is comes from Maharani, a group that runs various charities in India. The Flying Pig Chime comes with a card which tells the story behind what makes each individual piece special.

Global Exchange

4018 24th Street

San Francisco

(415) 648-8068

Buffalo Exchange

Head to Haight Street when seeking something special for the Retro Glam junkie. Buffalo Exchange features a wide variety of all things (clothes mostly) vintage, designer, unique, eclectic and just plain fun. The best thing about Buffalo Exchange is that they have great guidelines for what they buy, so most things are sure to be within some realm of coolness - even in the teenage world.

B.E. purchases their merchandise directly from customers, so that's right, you can also sell/resell or trade some of your own clothes in! You can browse the aisles of colorful, inspired pieces until you find the perfect one, but I recommend pairing one simple piece with a funky accessory - or vice versa. For a boy I might choose a subdued 1950's bowling shirt with an over-the-top/conversation piece money clip.

Buffalo Exchange
1555 Haight Street
San Francisco
(415) 431-7733

Discovery Channel Store

This is a great store to get a unique little something for that hard -to-shop-for technophile. The Discovery Channel Store is known for it's educational toys and scientific gifts as well as informative books and unique novelty items. The store carries telescopes, toys and games, books and dvds, fitness accessories and more. Check out the Discovey Channel Store's electronic gadgets for great gift ideas.

The Discovery Digital Photo Keychain is a great gift for guys and girls alike. It's mini frame displays images in hi resolution color. The keychain stores up to 54 photos, and at $29.95, it's a bargain! The key here is not to get the must-have technology gadget of the minute, but rather to find some small, extravagant luxury.

Discovery Channel Store

4 Embarcadero Center (Street Level)

San Francisco

(415) 956-4511

Wishbone

For that quirky kid with a whimsical fancy, nothing is more appropriate than fun, over- the-top stationary, accessories and amusements that are reminiscent of a younger age and a 'playing with toys' stage. Suitable toys for this crowd are in abundance at this eclectic shop.

Though Wishbone's selection is ever-changing, there is always something unique here for that special teen in your life. From the entire Sock Monkey Gang and Scary Stories Stuffed Critters and T-shirts, to Mad Libs and Mensa Card decks, the stock here is sure to entertain you as you shop.

Check out the 'Emily' section (near the front window) for an array of t-shirts, handbags, pajamas, watches, belts, wallets and more in the signature black/red/white motif of the brand. The Paul Frank corner offers a great selection of hats, t-shirts, bags, clocks, posters and more of that fun stuff the label is so well-known for. (If your loved one is bananas for Paul Frank, make sure to check out Wishbones' bargain basement, which sometimes features Paul Frank items from past seasons.)

Unique Gift Pick: Wishbone has the Pop 9 camera! An inimitable fun gift that will allow your teen to create pop art images of their own experiences and surroundings! This innovative (if somewhat strange) camera's 9 identical tiny lenses capture your subject 9 times on one print. This is definitely a fun alternative to standard digital photography, and at fifty bucks a Pop, who can resist? (Pop-9 Groovy 9 Lens Camera is listed as $49.95 on Wishbonesf.com).

Wishbone

601 Irving St
San Francisco, CA 94122
(415) 242-5540