Community Gift Guide: 4 must-shop places in South Park this holiday season

South Park is a small San Diego community with a lot of heart, and that extends to its small businesses.

Underneath shady trees and in between old craftsman homes, there are a handful of shops that match the character of the neighborhood. South Park offers a slower pace and a more spread out shopping experience than it’s neighbor: North Park.

Here are 4 places to consider on the next trip along Juniper or Fern streets.

Bad Madge

Stepping into Bad Madge & Co. feels like stepping inside a house pulled straight out of the 1950s or 60s, in a good way. Where some vintage stores feel overcrowded and overpriced, Bad Madge offers gifts that are thoughtfully displayed and sold in a wide price range. There are vintage ornaments, bakeware, cocktail glasses, toys and kids clothes and lots of jewelry. There are also some modern items and brands for sale, and a major highlight are the fabulous caftans, dresses and other garments from Jennafer Grace. It’s a gift just to walk around this shop for a while, but you’re likely also to walk away with something unique. 2205 Fern St., San Diego. jennafergracecollection.com

Moon & Sun

Though this business got its start in Mission Hills, its second location brings a lovely dose of whimsy to South Park. Moon & Sun has such great gift options for kids that even people who don’t spend much time around them should have no problem finding something for the little ones in their lives. Rows of beautiful clothes hang on one side of the small shop, while colorful, glittery and adorably packaged art supplies, activities and games are for sale on the other side. Important to note, Moon & Sun offers free gift wrapping for in-store purchases and pick-ups. 3022 Juniper St., San Diego. moonandsunstudio.com

Vinyl Junkies Record Shack

If shoppers typically feel overwhelmed in record stores, they won’t have to worry about that at Vinyl Junkies Record Shack. Spread out across three different indoor and outdoor spaces, the vinyl here is displayed with impeccable labeling and organization. The shop is clean, easy to navigate and even has a little courtyard for taking a break. Vinyl Junkies sells used and new arrivals, as well as CDs and DJ equipment. There is even a local section and tons of $3 and $5 bargain bins. 2235 Fern St., San Diego. vinyljunkies.net

The Book Catapult

For the readers in the family or friend group, a stop by The Book Catapult is an easy gift solution. Find here the latest releases from the biggest names in writing and publishing, but also puzzles, pens, totes, candles, notebooks and other literary bits and bobs. The shelves are thoughtfully organized by genre and subject and there are even small books to carry in a purse or pocket and big books to show off on coffee tables and living room shelves. A separate space for kids should help find titles for the newest readers and staff picks throughout the shop can help any uncertain shoppers. 3010-b Juniper St., San Diego. thebookcatapult.com