Whimsical Gifts:

Christina Novello took over as owner of Mélange this past March. The store, which opened seven years ago, showcases 22 vendors and their work, whether it’s furniture, vintage clothes, jewelry or other collectibles. “I have been a lover of old things and treasures my whole life,” she says. “It started with a spare room in my grandmother’s house she called her ‘junk room.’ I couldn’t wait to spend time in it and hear old stories about what was in there. I think there is a need to honor our pasts and what better way to re-purpose, re-love or re-new something old.” Mélange is also the top spot for finding gifts with a crown on it or Eiffel Tower décor. “Audrey Hepburn would love it,” she says. “Our customers generally embrace the unique treasures they find in our store, whether it be a piece of restored and repainted furniture, a hard-to-find collectible to complete their own set at home, or a whimsical item that they know will be perfect for a special loved one.” Location: 307 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-357-5800
//  ALSO CHECK OUT: Cloud’s Porcelain at 608 1/2 Sutter Street,
Folsom, 916-985-3411, Country Elegance at 4496 Missouri Flat Road, 530-622-9338; and Under the Arbor at 4120 Sunset Lane, Suite C, Shingle Springs, 530-677-0100

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Vintage Décor and More: 

Lisa Wolf opened Burlap and Bees at the same location of her great grandfather’s gas station in the 1950s! The store name is a metaphor for its style—a mix of rustic chic with a French flair, explains Wolf. “It’s also an homage to my mother, Bea, who dragged me tirelessly through antique shops and flea markets as a child,” she shares. When opening her store, Wolf never hesitated about having other vintage and home décor stores on the block. “Historic Folsom is known for its vintage and antique stores and people come to the area specifically to find that,” she says. “I always say people wouldn’t go to Napa for wine if there were only one winery. The same goes for Folsom—the more vintage and antique-type stores, the more it becomes a destination for people who enjoy that.” Gift items are very popular at Burlaps and Bees, including the Simpatico Hobnail Candle in Verbena or Pine. And the Dee Foust Collection is known for its seasonal items. “We were already selling out of Fourth of July decorations in May!” she says. Location: 306 Riley Street, Folsom, 916-790-2337
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:  Gracefully Vintage at 611 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-353-1300; and Katrina’s - Antique & Vintage European Embellishments at 701 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-357-5176

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Unique, Last-Minute Gifts:

You’ve had your friend’s birthday party on your calendar for months. But the day before the shindig, you realize you’ve completely forgotten to pick out the perfect gift. Well, you’ll find plenty of options in the boutique at Painted. Studios, the art entertainment studio where you can take a two-hour guided painting class and enjoy some local wines from Amador, Lodi, Napa and Sonoma while doing so. “We have unique gifts such as Table Topics, Knobstoppers and a large selection of jewelry, scarves and clothing! Most shoppers that are looking for Dogeared necklaces and jewelry specifically come to our store,” says Jenn, the owner of Painted. Studios. Location: 410 Palladio Parkway, Suite 1621, Folsom, 916-817-8823
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:  Citrine Gifts and Treasures at 375 Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-934-8775; and Eleven B at 6151 Pony Express Trail, Pollock Pines, 530-644-1172

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Christmas Décor All-Year Round: 

Dorothea’s has been a Sutter Street staple since 1965, and it’s recently changed ownership to Jim and Sherri. “We wanted to keep the Dorothea’s tradition alive,” Jim says. “My wife and her family have been shopping here for years.” Whether you’re looking for a gift for a spouse, a friend, a relative, a cowboy, an athlete or a fashionista, there’s a special gift for them at Dorothea’s. “These ornaments would have meaning whether the person enjoyed sports, food, western, collected birds, roosters, fish, dogs, cats or any other item that was near to their heart. Dorothea’s would most likely have an ornament to suit their needs,” he says. And though their specialty is Christmas, they have a huge following for Halloween as well. Location: 801 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-985-2714

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All Your Gardening Supplies:

Green Acres Nursery & Supply is a local, family-owned plant nursery that opened in 2003. It currently has three locations and is gearing up to open the fourth in Elk Grove next year. As eating locally has become a growing movement, the popularity of edible plants has greatly increased. “People want to know what they’re eating and keep it organic,” says Kellie Natoli, a marketing specialist at Green Acres. “Anything edible has been very popular, including fruit trees, berry vines, blueberries, vegetables and herbs.” Green Acres also sells high-quality organic soils and fertilizers, tools and pretty much anything else you need to grow your own garden. As of 2012, the Folsom location offers outdoor furniture and grills. Location: 205 Serpa Way, Folsom, 916-358-9099, idiggreenacres.com
//  ALSO CHECK OUT: Green Valley Nursery and Landscape at 230-C Green Valley Road, El Dorado Hills, 916-941-0401, greenvalleynursery.biz; and Front Yard Nursery at 5801 Mother Lode Drive, Placerville, 530-626-3494, frontyardnursery.com

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All Your Grilling Supplies: 

Owner Buzz Homsy says California Backyard isn’t just a place to find grilling supplies, but it’s a complete grilling store. With everything from smokers and charcoal to smoking wood and grill baskets, Buzz is not exaggerating. Whether you need just one accessory or are looking for backyard concept design, he’s your guy—and his 51 years of experience prove it. Buzz also keeps track of the new trends in grilling. “The hot things now are slow cooking and smoking, so the Kamado-style or Big Green Egg grills are great for that,” he says. Find your next grill at one of California Backyard’s four full-line stores or the discount outlet. Location: 1529 Eureka Road, Roseville, 916-773-4800; 12210 Tributary Lane, Gold River,
916-353-5100

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Top-Quality Furniture Paint: 

Eager to upcycle that boring chair you’ve held onto for years? Head to ROOST Vintage Living and Design Studio for Maison Blanche Furniture Paint. “Unlike other furniture paints on the market, this one is incredibly durable and easier to use,” says owner Lisa Ingram. You can paint your own furniture during the shop’s affordable monthly workshops or bring it to the store for custom painting. The class schedule is posted on the website and you can purchase a ticket there or in the store. Location: 718 Sutter Street, Suite 103, Folsom, 916-932-3192
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:  The Painted Owl at 376 Main Street, Placerville, 530-621-1886

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Your Dream Bed:

If you’re are looking for a new mattress, head over to European Sleep Design’s showroom in Folsom and visit Chip and Jill (and their trained staff!). Their mattress systems are uniquely fit to offer real solutions to sleep-related problems such as sleeping hot; hip, back, shoulder and other pressure-addled areas; breathing issues related to snoring; and those with allergies and chemical sensitivities. Their natural mattresses are made in California with certified ecologically healthy and durable components imported from Europe for improved breathability, mattress longevity, stability and contour. With a variety of styles and firmnesses, they’ll help guide you by addressing your needs. Couples can choose the firmness each would like for their side of the bed. Jill tells us, “It’s such a blessing to be able to help our customers with their specific needs and sleep issues. We love taking a holistic approach in helping our customers understand all the areas they might be missing when addressing their comfort and sleep.”  Location: 6606 Folsom-Auburn Road, Suite 5, Folsom, 916-989-8909

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One-of-a-Kind Hand-Painted Vintage Furniture:

Forget shabby—the furniture at Not Too Shabby is 100-percent chic! With unique benches, dressers, chairs, tables and more, you’ll find the accent piece you’ve been looking for. Plus, the wide selection of charming home décor includes picture frames, wall art, chandeliers and more—perfect for putting the finishing touch on any room in your home. Location: 729 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-985-8979
//  ALSO CHECK OUT:  The Bird’s Nest at 401 Glenn Drive, Folsom, 916-235-0009; and Gracefully Vintage at 611 Sutter Street, Folsom, 916-353-1300