Carpinteria is known for the wide variety of goodies to be found, especially when it comes to gifts for family or friends and day-to-day necessities. It's rare that you would leave Carpinteria to find something (and who wants to fight traffic or pay for the gas).

Besides all the restaurants and shopping, there are services unlimited, including but not limited to, insurance companies, attorneys, cleaners, graphic designers, hair and nail salons, workout facilities, contractors, auto and auto body repair shops, dance instruction, dental, eye and health care, pharmacies, counselors, equipment rental, banking and finance companies, flag companies, real estate agencies, printers, a senior care facility and welders.

Enjoy First Friday, a new event that is festive and fun for locals and visitors alike. Participating businesses are listed in the First Friday brochure with street addresses noted alongside the business name. The map on the brochure will help guide you as you meander from stop to stop. You will also see the blue and yellow flags flying outside the business, denoting their participation in First Friday specials and the subsequent Saturday Sidewalk Sale. Merchants, restaurants and galleries will be offering an array of incentives including refreshments, entertainment and bargains.

Before driving on Highway 101 ... think "shop local."

Twice as Nice
When you're looking for just the right outfit, piece of jewelry, purse, swimsuit, designer sunglasses or hat, a visit to Twice As Nice is a given. Their items are consignment, many name brands with original price tags still affixed and new items arrive each week. They carry imported jewelry from Guam, Indonesia and Mexico. If you have nice items in good condition, then consider making an appointment and becoming a consignor ... the extra cash (or store credit) comes in handy. Shop owner Jill Castro has lived in Carpinteria for 28 years and started her business in June 1998. She and her assistant Allison offer expert advice about trends and fashion. You're sure to feel great about yourself and your purchases each and every visit. The shop is located at 957 Maple Avenue in the historic Castro House. She'ss open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. jillsshop.com

Carpinteria Toy Company
Carpinteria Toy Company, 5285 Carpinteria Ave = creativity, play, imagination, learning. Quality fun toys for kids of all ages. Books, art, craft, science, music, educational, wooden, green, games, Webkinz, Haba, Bruder, and tons more. From 1 to 100 years, there�s something for everyone! Free gift wrap station. Buy it, wrap it, go! carptoyco.com

Peggy's Used Treasures
Peggy's Used Treasures was started in 1952 and soon grew to be a Carpinteria landmark. Peggy and Dick Euller began with a pet supply store but took in a wide variety of items from wheelbarrows to china to wooden airplane propellers. In 1992 Armando Gonzales joined Peggy and her daughter, Dorothy, to expand the jewelry section and in 1995 Wendy joined in. Now estate jewelry is the centerpiece of the store as well as vintage jewelry, china, crystal, sterling silver and other consignment items. Armando is a graduate gemologist and appraisals keep him busy. Customer service, consignments and the showroom are Wendy's specialty. When looking for a treasured heirloom or piece from the past, make Peggy's one of your first stops.peggysusedtreasures.com

Punch Interieur
Unabashedly, girly Punch Int�rieur is a visual treat! The first thing that grabs you is the use of colors and props, from the harlequin walls to the little vintage doll parts (ears, legs, hands) tucked unexpectedly into chintz dishes. This collective antique store has some of the essential ingredients for making customers feel as if they fell down the rabbit hole, (full of quirky, kitschy gifts and little bits). Hip vintage furniture, hand painted in bold colors. Swanky vintage clothing and jewelry. When owner Sara Gehris isn't working at Punch, she and her dealers are on the hunt for unusual, quirky pieces that make their way into the store. Sara says the most challenging part of owning her own store is not taking everything home with her! She always leaves the good pieces for the customers. Customers have commented that they would love to take up permanent residence in Punch because it is such a delight! Don't miss out on the next "Paris Flea Market," a Punch event, held outside in the garden every third month. Open 10:30am-5:00pm. 619 Linden Avenue. punch.mysite.com

A Labor of Love — Susan Willis Ltd.
A walk into Susan's shop gives that "welcome home" feeling. For the past 15 years this incredible seamstress and seasoned buyer has offered Carpinterians and visitors delightfully constructed furniture from Europe, nationally designed and finely sewn clothing, quality gifts from the world over and, of course, her exquisitely made-to-order slipcovers and pillows.

Susan's infant and children's clothing and accessories reflect the care and love of a mother and a grandmother. The line features soft cottons, rainbows of colors and washable/wearable fabrics and designs. Looking for a special purchase? Her silk PJ sets will bring you back for a second pair. An array of handcrafted ornaments for the holidays, little gifts to celebrate birthdays and anniversaries, and of course, something to say, "I cherish you," are treasures only Susan knows you will love to give away or keep for yourself. susanwillisltd.com

Sandcastle Time
Jocelyn will always greet you with a friendly smile then settle in to take care of your jewelry or watch repairs. She's happy to show you the latest in tantalizing jewelry and Fossil wallets, purses and sunglasses. So, if you're looking for the perfect gift for yourself or that someone special, stop by Sandcastle Time.
sandcastletime.com

Whimsy
Whimsy's two locations, the flagship Whimsy Home and Garden shop at 5042 7th Street just celebrated its 6 year anniversary, while Whimsy's newest relative, Whimsy Town & Country at 962 Linden, opened its doors a year ago! The 7th Street store is housed in a 100 year old flower packing building and has treasures from the tin roof's high rafters to the old cement floors, which include vintage cottage furniture, antique linens, seaside decor, folk art, vintage advertising signs and wonderful vintage garden items. The Whimsy on Linden has a completely different flair, and the dealers creatively display architectural items, antique furniture, vintage decor, seashell encrusted mirrors and lamps, vintage chandeliers, among other unexpected vintage finds which Whimsy is known for! You won't want to miss scouring both...often! Both Whimsy locations have new shipments daily! whimsyantiques.com

SOAP
SOAP is much more than its’ name implies. Of course it has some of the World’s finest soaps from France, Italy, Portugal and America with Companion lotions, bath oils, shower gels and candles, but what makes SOAP such a wonderful shopping experience is owner Daniel Case’s ability to present these exceptional body products alongside elegant robes, loungewear and imported home décor items.

There are over 20 countries represented at SOAP. You’ll find antique Chinese jewelry chests, leather pillow boxes, red lacquer altar cabinets, Wall scones from Morocco, Peruvian pottery and an array of baskets
from Indonesia, Pakistan and Mexico.

Imported rugs line the floors, paper umbrellas from Thailand peer down from the ceiling and a variety of interesting collages by the owner are found throughout this lovely little shop located in the Torri Gate Courtyard on Linden Avenue.

Daniel’s approach to retailing comes from over 30 years experience in merchandising, product development and customer service. Daniel is constantly searching for new, unusual gift items to display for his loyal, varied customer. His recent acquisitions include turquoise jewelry from Indonesia and Colombia, black and tan print caftans from India and a charming Balinese wood puppet figure.

A trip to SOAP is a must when you’re shopping downtown Carpinteria. You will be welcomed by “Ursula”, a retro wooden mannequin who will be modeling a recent find, and once inside, soft guitars serenade you as you sample Buttercream Frosting Luscious Lotion by Jaqua or Black Citrus Natural Cologne Spray by California Fleurish, a SOAP exclusive. Be on the lookout for the small sign that directs you down the courtyard to 910 Linden Avenue. It’s a little hard to find the first time, but once you discover SOAP you’ll want to tell all your friends and one thing is for certain: you’ll be a customer for life.

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