Tutti Frutti Cards Gifts & Fun Stuff

5/16/2013 Updated review

Was looking forward to shopping here after a great meal at Loving Hut.
Checked in as I was walking down the street.
I was met with an empty storefront
CLOSED forever!

So sad

3/26/2010

It is not a fro-yo shop, nor is it an ice cream shop. Instead, it is a fun, and funny, store that carry gag gifts, hard to find toys and oddities. I liked the odd car "aromas" and less-than-positive cards. You could spend a good deal of time in there and pick up stuffs you don't need but do want. Some items are pricey though, but are of better quality than at the dollar stores.

A good spot to get something before April Fool's Day, or whatever day it is that you want to "show your love" to friends.

• 

  double-parking fine signage

  double-parking fine signage
• 

  storefront window

  storefront window

3/26/2013

CLOSING!  A fun local store that I'll miss and will be hard to replace.  They started selling off their stock this past weekend.  Stop by, make your farewell purchases.  I wish them the best!

• 

  Sorry to see they're closing!

  Sorry to see they're closing!

7/25/2011

Adorable things!

Always something new to look at, and even though the store is small, it might take you a while to look around at all their fun stuff.

Neat stationary, novelties, tote bags and coin purses.

Love coming here, and I should probably shop here more often. At the moment, I have a neon pink garden gnome key-chain from TF to guard my keys. So cute.

Creative and unique cards for the special people in your lives.

Great stuff all around, but can be pricey. I won't knock 'em for that, because I will gladly pay a little extra here because the items are all well made and I know I'll be the only one at school/work/in my social group to have something I buy from TF,

Ask for one of their orchard bags when they wrap your items at the end. ADORABLE. So cute to reuse as a lunch bag for work or a snack on the go. Trust me.

2/26/2012

# Packed floor to ceiling with amazingly unique/fun/quirky gift items for *anyone*
# Huuuuge gift cards & baby clothes selection
# Very friendly staff who somehow know in which exact nook+cranny something is stashed away if you ever need help finding something
# Super sweet location w/N-Judah stop right outside the store (don't drive! parking is nuts!)

7/25/2011

Looking for a unique gift for a SO, friend, coworker, dog, etc?  This place has exactly what you'd think your gift receiver would love!

They've got candy, clothes, gag gifts, board games, decorations, and everything else that will make them smile.

Highly recommend coming by here if you're in the area just for some smiles!

9/28/2012

I really dig this store. Its one of those trinkets, toys, unique items gift shop.
Very friendly staff and prices that are good.
Parking sucks as it is on a main road.

I love the items they have there and it is all about small business support!

10/11/2012

This is my go to place when I look for gifts for friends and loved ones. I keep coming back because I find something new and quirky every time I step in.

Yes, the place is small and cramped (I always seem to be bumping into things or other people), but it's worth it to take your time browsing every inch of this store. There's small sections for everything from humorous books, t-shirts, cards, children's toys, stuffed animals, and plenty of other gag gifts. Their prices are also very reasonable, and the staff are incredibly friendly. It's definitely worth checking out.

8/28/2012

This place is a HOOT with all the weird and unusual items there.  I mostly buy the cards since they're not your usual "Hallmark" variety.  A-hem, some of them are a bit strange but absolutely fun.  The customer service and help is always first rate.

I like supporting local businesses and especially enjoy the "fun" cards available.  Parking is sometimes a pain but then again, I do go out of my way to get those unusual cards.

2/28/2012

This place is really cute, they used to sell a lot of the angry little girls stuff but they don't really anymore. They sell more of the recycled tote bags now.  It's a fun place to briing the kids because they do have a lot of cool toys here. They also have some cool games for adults. They have the apples to apples in a can game. I think i can play that game for hours!

2/10/2014

Went by there today and they are gone. I'm sad. I guess I should have bought from them more often. They had great t-shirts and toys.

9/16/2011

This place is not made for chlaustrobic or clumsy people.  It is jam packed with a bunch of cute things along with novelty items.  They have a bunch of character items including HELLO KITTY.  They have lots of kids books in the back too.  Everywhere you look there is something neat and interesting.  It may take forever to look through the whole store!

• 
• 
• 
• See all photos from Kymberli C. for Tutti Frutti Cards Gifts & Fun Stuff

1/20/2013

Despite bearing the same name as a popular yogurt chain, Tutti Frutti does not sell frozen yogurt, but they do sell a huge variety of cards, unique gifts, and kids' gear. And it's all crammed into a very tiny space.

I usually stop in when I'm in a crunch for a gift or when Wishbone (the nearby competition) is out of a particular item. The $10 minimum at Tutti Frutti is a bummer and the older woman who works the register (I assume she is the owner?) is always incredibly rude.

I much prefer Wishbone down the street. They tend to carry the EXACT same merchandise, but in a larger and better organized space. And their card minimum is only $5 which is much more manageable when all you're buying is a greeting card.

3/29/2012

I love this store! I always make a stop here if I'm ever on Irving.

Although Tutti Frutti has unique knick knacks, the real winner (for me) is the customer service. Que Sara was especially friendly and personable.

I believe quality customer service is what brings customers back time and time again; so keep doing what you're doing. You guys are awesome!

3/26/2012

Support your local business!!

Stop in here when you're in need for a unique gift for someone.  Look at the cards, the knick knacks, books and games.  It's amazing how much is packed into that little store!!  Just before careful if you have a big backpack or a lot of people are in there shopping too.

I find myself just window shopping even when it's closed.  So many t-shirts and cool stuff to consider for presents.  Location can't be beat.  When you're tired, you can head in any direction for coffee or a quick bite.   I've shopped here one Sunday after visiting the Farmer's Market around the corner.  Talk about getting all of my shopping done in one swoop!!  And I didn't even have to drive :)

12/1/2009

Cramped.
Cute.
Cool.

12/21/2010

This store is super cute. It's packed from wall to wall of toys and other cute stationery gift items. You can literally spend hours just looking at everything. My friends picked up one of those Uglies for their little girl. The prices are pretty reasonable for a small shop. I highly recommend stopping in to look at all the stuff.

4/10/2008

If I ever had the chance to own my own store...I'd love to have a store like this one!

I was at Wishbone across the street and headed on over to TF since I've had it bookmarked forever...

They also have great cards...a huge selection for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings...you name it!

The store is small but it's jampacked with cute, kitschy things...from magnets to wallets to different kinds of wrapping paper...which I bought 2 sheets of...one was of pink and white flowers and the other was this green and pink paisley one.  One of the girls told me that it was her favorite and that she'd put it up as a poster...I myself was planning to cut them and frame them then hang em up as pictures..

Right as I was checking out, I saw this cute box  set of hello kitty pez dispensers...sigh...next time!

• 

  Cute storefront

  Cute storefront

6/21/2011

When a friend was walking around inner sunset waiting for me to arrive on slow Muni, she told me she was at Tutti Frutti. In my mind, I was surprised to not know of this new frozen yogurt location. But when I did finally see this store, I was confused because it was not froyo but a gift shop filled with a child's wonder.

The first thing I saw and ran (exaggerated) toward was the Ugly Dolls. There were so many of them to touch and squish. I love Ugly Dolls; they're like Stitch but uglier and flat! I'm sure it's easy to make an ugly doll but I'd rather just get the authentic product.

There are plush toys everywhere. Books are spread out by the type matter. Games and novelties basically create the store experience. It's a good place to just explore or reminisce the youth age. Some of the things here I saw at Cliff's Variety in the Castro district. And if you want even more gifts and knick knacks, don't forget to stop by Great Stuff on 9th Ave by Judah Street.

6/19/2010

Such a colorful and cramped tiny shop full of surprises! There's cards for ever occasion, sticky notes, plush toys, books, handbags, key chains, wallets, candy, stickers, T-shirts, and a bunch of other random stuff. There's also Angry Little Girls, Hello Kitty, Curious George, the Simpsons, Family Guy, and Spongebob. Most items are geared toward the younger crowd and especially kids. You have to spend a good half hour in this store, and come often because they constantly get new shipments. The downside is their return policy: 30 days for store credit (no cash back). Good thing is that it never expires. Great, friendly staff as well. Tutti Frutti is a great place to get fun gifts for your friends! Some items sold here are also sold at Wishbone one block away, but Tutti Frutti is slightly cheaper.

12/13/2007

I am obsessed (some might even insert the adjective creepily before obsessed) with baby clothes.

I love trying to fit my thumbs in baby Timberlands.

Balance baby duck gloves in my hand.

And any Sandra Bullock-Reese Witherspoon appreciating fan (and that is secretly 85 percent of the female population) can't deny that baby onseies are reaching critical cute levels.

Tutti Frutti won't dole up any baby Timberlands - but they got your "baby's back" when it comes to coo-worthy accesories and onesies.

Not only do they carry genius baby ware (ie: "Milk Junkie" hat)  but they have some great parenting books, pastel stuffed animals, Britney's Mr. Sunshine T-shirt, felt bags, and __________ (insert like a hundred other random things in here)

oh yeah and...
,

....Mr. T key-phrase key-rings.

A couple of hours of....

"Quit your jibber-jabber" and

"I Pity the Fool"

is the secret key to any successful relationship....

9/7/2010

Even though I wish they had the card selection that Wishbone has, Tutti Frutti has inexpensive gift ideas for small children (plush toys and children's books), kids at heart and in case you need a gag gift, you can also find it in this small gem. Usually when I'm in need of robots, Wall-E and anything with monkeys, this has been my place to go to.

12/11/2007

If you're a kid that never grew up...or you just need a cool gift that will make people chuckle...Tutti Frutti is the place for you!

The place is packed wall-to-wall with unique blast-from-the-past trinkets (ie Chia heads, Sea Monkeys, Mad Libs, etc...) and cute little gag gifts.  Really fun place where we found ourselves enticed by literally everything they had on the shelves.

Only warning before you go is that the space is small and usually packed to the brim with shoppers.  So if you're claustrophobic...better pop a xanax or something before checkin' it out.

2/7/2012

Great place to get gifts for kids and friends! Really unique stuff.

6/9/2008

I LOVE COMING HERE!!!!

After passing restaurant after restaurant came cafe after cafe. Then I stumbled into this store. From the window they looked like they had some cute and random things. I went in and I felt like I was in a spencer-hallmark type of store.

My first purchase were tini little turtle magnets to put around my cubical. I think this was the first place I started noticing Bee House items. Definately a dope place to check out and see random things. I like coming to this store everytime I'm in this neighborhood exploring.

12/6/2011

Just got back from this place, after deciding to run in and see if I could find some Christmas gifts for my friends.  The problem was that I found myself wanting to buy everything in the store!  They have awesome cards and gift wrap, but their books and awesome gifts are so much fun. They currently have great holiday themed gag gifts and knick knacks. They everything you could want in terms of "the perfect gift." I will be going here way too often!

5/27/2009

A little cheaper than Wishbone and a little more fun stuff than Wishbone.  They have the best vintage lunchboxes and things you can stuff in them besides actually using them as things to carry your food in.

They have humerus cards and the fuzziest little stuffed animals.  The t-shirts are pretty fun and the books are hilarious.  But it's the baby one-sies that I adore for gift giving.

What else?  The old school candies are adorable and the "Angry-Little-Asian-Girls" bags are just as adorable.  They also have the most unique little knick-knacks.  Love it!

2/17/2009

The best things you can find at Tutti Frutti are:
Gnomes
Fetus keychains
Adorably unique cards for every occasion
Gag gifts
Baby gifts
Everything and anything you could ever want and need. Did I mention Fetus Keychains?! They're awesome!

Kitsch is through the roof!!!

2/5/2008

Cute stuff.  Some nice cards, great kids stuff, and just good tees.  And other fun stuff to look at and play with...

Too bad the place makes you feel claustophobic with more than three people inside...and parking is a pain.

1/19/2010

Definitely a fun, cute little store to buy logo tee's or cute, impersonal gifts that aren't gift cards.  I've bought several presents for my co-workers here over the years and you pretty much can't go wrong with getting anyone a quirky shot glass set... or an angry Homer Simpson tee... or glow-in-the-dark anything (and this place really is a gold mine for "glow-in-the-dark anything's")  I also occasionally get greeting cards here for occasions where I think Hallmark, American Greetings and other greeting card biggies are a little too G-rated

Oh and yes... the Angry Little Asian Girl is big here... but if I wanted AALG stuff... I just need to take pictures of myself and paste them on my bag.

Parking is a huge (___I___) pain around here, try walking/bussing if you can.

9/30/2006

What the Hell just happened?

I walked in with $40.00 in my pocket, and when I left, it was mysteriously GONE.

This store is MAGIC!

12/25/2008

Great little store!

I have to limit the amount of Tutti Frutti I take in every month. I usually spend so much when I go. There is just so much great stuff there! I want everything!

The staff is also really cute and sweet. And friendly.

If you're in the neighborhood, you need to stop by this shop. It's a staple of Irving Street.
Also, visit its sister store Toy Boat on 5th and Clement in the Inner Richmond, across the park, for some great food!

3/29/2011

I LOVE this place. It's so awesome!! When ever somebody's bday, go to  Tutti Frutti.

7/29/2008

OK. I admit it. I'm a Christmas card junkie. However, admitting that means that I have to also own up to the fact that I'm very bad at actually writing and sending Christmas cards. Nevertheless, when it's time to stock up on funny and creative cards (no matter that they will probably be left in the box for the next five years), I come to Tutti Frutti.

This is also the place I turn to for white elephant gifts, toys for kids (big and small), and what-the-hell-i've got-a-few-bucks-i-think-i-can-spend-on-silly-stuff presents for myself.

8/5/2008

Definitely a cute store that my friends and I stumbled upon before heading over to Naan & Curry a few shops down.  This place had novelty toys, cards, and your basic gifting needs.  The store is tiny, but it's fun to take a peek.  Will give you nostalgia and a spark of giddiness if you recognize something from your childhood, if not something you wish you had during your childhood.  

The store was about to close, but the owner of the place was patient and let us stay a little longer.  Felt bad we didn't take enough time to buy anything, but I will plan to drop by the next time I pass by.

3/13/2007

I LOVE THIS PLACE!!
I just wish they had longer hours.
I was FINALLY able to go and pick up an Angry Little Girls tote (It's totally me, it says F*@K!!! all over it). They've got the biggest selection of Angry Little Girls apparel (other than the website of course). Yes it's tiny, but it's a bigger selection compared to other stores i've seen that carry it.
Anyway, when I brought my tote up to the counter to pay, the nice helpful chica asked if I needed anything else and if everything went okay. I told her  "you know, I love this place. I just wish -"
and she said "that we were open later?"

SHE'S FREAKING PSYCHIC!! Hahahahaha

5/18/2009

Need to find a gift? This place has the most randomest things ever! They have things that "normal" stores don't have. Their selection of cards are very creative. They lose a star because everytime I go in, I spend at least $20 on stuff I don't need or over spend because everything is so cute!

7/9/2008

Tutti Frutti is the bomb!  Wishbone is nice, but there are more fun items at TF.  I'm there at least once a week looking for something to add to my cubicle, a card for birthdays, or just for fun.  The staff is nice, and I love that they use old school fruit bags to put your stuff in!
My only complaint is the size of the store, but this is SF and real estate is hard to come by!
BTW, don't ever call it "a more fun Wishbone," the employees seemed to be irritated when I said that to my coworker ha ha :)

3/31/2007

I found the perfect lip balm to complete my best friend's birthday present at Tutti Frutti. I was rummaging around and was about to give up until the birthday section caught my eye. A little background on my BFF...she's blond, loves pink and anything cutesy. The lip balm? Had a little blond girl on pink packaging holding a birthday cake flavored lip balm. My mind went through the checklist. Blond...check! Pink...check! Birthday cake flavored lip balm?! That's damn cutesy so check!

Needless to say, she loved it and has built a shrine to me in her office.

7/1/2010

This tiny store is jam packed with goodness.  Every toy, trinket, t-shirt, book, bag, card, and novelty you can think of is there.  Things you wouldn't find elsewhere, you'll find here.  Not just your average kitsch, but rather the extra special umph stuff that makes you giggle aloud.  I invariably find the "perfect" gift or card or both for someone here.  The owner is lovely and obviously has a great sense of humor!  I am all too happy to support this neighborhood store (it's easy to spend lots of money here).