Shop local, yet online: A local buyers’ guide beyond brick and mortar.

Not interested in braving the shopping crowds? Visit online stores of notable East Bay artisans to check out goods sold exclusively on the web, or that are hard to find in stores.

Casa Murriguez offers tea towels featuring hand-drawn illustrations by founder Sharon Murriguez, custom-made street sign pillows, and handmade gift tags shaped like phonographs and typewriters, among other original pieces atwww.casamurriguez.com.

Oaktown Blooms puts a twist on flower giving with the softball-size “sprouted cannonballs,” consisting of air plants, succulents, branches, and seed pods, as well as modern arrangements that incorporate artwork and other surprising accents over at www.oaktownblooms.com

Myrrhia Fine Knitwear spins her line of gunmetal-gray vests, boatneck sweaters and dresses woven with multiple colors creating a spin-art effect, and zigzag-patterned beanies from organic Merino wool yarn at www.myrrhia.com.

The Oakland Chocolate Company is on its way to opening a tasting room, but in the meantime, order the fair-trade chocolates online or find them at local farmers’ markets. Chocolatier Nancy Nadel works with cocoa farmers at Jamaica’s Parish of St. Mary to create rich bars, nibs, and bonbons available at www.theoaklandchocolateco.com.

LisaBBowman knows how to get kids excited about receiving clothes as a gift. She knits arm warmers complete with Superman and Wonder Woman emblems, making little ones feel like winter-ready superheroes. Another fun way to bundle up this winter is the pencil scarf. Find more for kids and adults at etsy.com/shop/lisaBbowman.

This article appears in the December 2013 issue of Alameda Magazine
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