Holiday Shopping, Downtown Style

(Flickr pic by DaveofCali.)

Still have a lot of holiday shopping, but wanna avoid the mall? Angelenic puts together a list of downtown businesses you oughta check out.

Some recommendations:

Jewelry District: Unofficially framed by 5th , Olive, Broadway 8th, Downtown LA’s Jewelry District is the largest in the United States. With over 3,000 jewelry-related businesses making their homes in former movie palaces and department stores, the bustling neighborhood is a draw for all Southern Californians.

The most well-known jewelry mart in Downtown — as well as one of the largest in the world — is the St. Vincent Jewelry Center (7th between Hill and Broadway) in the former Bullock’s Department Store. This massive block-long complex alone houses over 500 merchants. If you’re buying her a diamond, you’ll find the best deals along these blocks.

Flower District: Thinking of adding some Christmas cheer to your loft? Wreaths and poinsettias abound in the Flower District. This growing sub-district is centered along Wall Street between 7th and 8th, but you’ll find that it has expanded to many of the surrounding blocks.

The larger markets have restricted hours for non-industry types and are closed on Sundays in December, however, smaller shops are generally open to the public. The Flower District’s massive wholesaler pavilion, the L.A. Flower Market — another “World’s Largest” for Downtown — has an admission price of $1 or $2 depending on the day.

Metropolis Books: A book is a gift that can last a lifetime. Though Downtown hasn’t had a major bookstore for a few years now, Metropolis Books (440 S. Main Street) offers a great selection of bestsellers and non-fiction titles.

El Maestro Bike Shop: El Maestro on Main Street is a great bike shop that’s been Downtown for over five years.

Right around now is the time I start seriously thinking about getting gift cards for everyone and just being done with it.