Gift giving season begins. In a city known for it’s quirkiness, San Francisco has unique boutiques including some of the most eccentric. Enter Paxton Gate; the coolest (and most random) curio shop in SF; originally off a little alley on Market Street, they quickly needed bigger space for their collection. Now you can find them on Valencia street in the Mission District. From costumed taxidermy mice (who WOULDN’T want this?!), vintage & antiques items, jewelry, books, and home décor, there’s a treasure trove here. In 2008, they added gifts for children. Handmade toys, puzzles, music instruments, science kits …they have it all. To top if off, they also offer design services for your home.