Curiously charming gift shop in West Portal

From simple boxes of greeting cards to celestially decorated jarred totem candles costing $48 Curiosities has a little something for everyone. This antiques and gift shop at 207 West Portal Avenue, a brief walk from West Portal station in the neighborhood of same name really stands out. The space is small, located on the street side wing of a larger building with other businesses in them. Friendly and cordial co-owners Tina and Carly said in near unison, "we're busy on Saturdays and slowest on Mondays." The candles are truly gorgeous gold metal jar candles with temple sunrise or waxing moon motifs. There are also curiously long matches covered by glass jars. I saw bowls, trays, vases, and other ceramics that would make great gifts. The Halloween themed display in the window was a cornucopia for the eyes with pumpkins, owls, and Day of the Dead cats standing out. Although the owners insisted they were just an antique shop with things, "new and old," there were many little details sparking a esoteric interest. The Day of the Dead cat, Hamza hand dish, or Virgin of Guadalupe statuette come to mind. The greeting cards sell in boxes for $22. I also saw a Buddhist item or two such as the planters for under $30. The antiques slinging duo operate Monday through Saturday from Noon-4pm and confessed to me that, "the pandemic has been really hard on business." There are also a lot of high end items that pique one's interest like the $850 silver with amethyst letter opener that could easily double as an athamé used in Wiccan practices or a $450 bronze reliquary cross useful for syncretic or totally Christian practices. There were also many ceramic and metal artifacts from $100-300 and beyond in addition to more affordable items like graphic totes and plush dolls. Their website is curiosities-sf.com and they may be followed on Instagram at (@curiosities.sf).