Aldea

This is a nice, quiet shop that sells candles, soap, natural/organic high end bath stuff, water bottles, baby toys, baby clothing, and some home decor items like candle holders and bedding. The person who stocks this shop has great taste. I'm glad it's in the neighborhood so I can purchase nice soap and lotion without having to travel to other parts of the city. Some of the items are pricey but not too expensive to be a nice gift or a personal treat. The staff can be a bit cold but they're not rude, just sort of distant. Overall I recommend this shop. You should stop in. Pros: good taste, nice selection Cons: can be pricey, not easy to find the first time more

This place was a fun find as I was on my way to GoodVibes. I decided to shoot up 17th (to avoid the sketch on 18th) and lo and behold I happen upon Aldea. \r \r I smelled the place first, and later realized they have about 50 candles making the place smell lovely. I wasn't really in the market for anything, but the staff was attentive and friendly. I ended up buying a hot leather cuff (purfect for pride) and a mirror so I could look at my fine self. I saw they have a large baby section, which is good considering all the little tots out there that need fierce accesorizing. I did like the dishware and bedding, really quirky and modern. Discovered a huge card section. I will have to come back for the you are a *&^king lunatic card. It's about time someone sells cards that are a little more colorful. I've got a few friends who could benefit from them. \r \r Anyway, after a few minutes, I was back on my way to GoodVibes. I recommend this place for gift giving, and self indulging. Did I mention I love that mirror. Pros: You can buy enough candles to remake Madonna's Like a Prayer Video. Cons: If you buy that many candles and light them all you could burn your place down:( more

I went to Aldea today after having an amazing brunch at Maverick and was surprised at the range of gifts available for pretty much anyone. The staff was friendly and accomodating and I walked out a few minutes later with my purchases gift wrapped and ready to go. Great place to go for a last minute gift, really awesome recommendations and such cute baby cloths.\r Pros: Great gifts Cons: Not so many gifts for men more

My boyfriend and I had just moved to the neighborhood, and I was looking for cute little apartment things, which Aldea had a lot of. When I walked in the woman working was helping another lady, so naturally, she didn't acknowledge me. They finished speaking, and the other lady lady left emptyhanded. I tried to smile at her, but she gave me the cold shoulder. Another couple walked in (they looked like college students), and she also failed to welcome them. About five minutes later a very obviously well-off gentleman in a suit walked in, and she greeted him, and seemed to cater to him hand and foot. I am pretty heavily tattooed, and used to getting treated this way in the marina (which I avoid like the plague), but not in the mission. I don't think it's fair to treat someone like a second-class citizen just because they don't look like they have money. I was going to buy some things, but I don't think I'll be returning to this very cute, but equally ill mannered store. There are plenty of other awesome shops in San Francisco where I won't be treated poorly. Pros: Cute stuff Cons: Unfriendly, rude staff, and overly priced more