Babette Schwartz

I absolutely loved this store. I was so sorry it closed. Anyone know if it has re-​opened somewhere else? I always had a laugh when I visited here. Their cards were hilarious and there were so many unique gift items. What a loss for Hillcrest.

So sad it closed down. This place was great for cards and candles. It will be missed.

Great gift shop that has been around for a long time. The selection of cards is more diverse than you will find at Hallmark. The gift selections range from campy to cute to classy. i have purchased greeting cards, candles, mermaid salt and pepper shakers, and t-​shirtst there. I like the stores Day of the Dead-​themed items, its oil cloths, selection of high end soy candles, upscale baby items, and more. Prices are reasonable for the quality and selection. A great «go to» shop in the heart of Hillcrest.

I Love Babette Schwartz! It’s a great place to find last minute gift items for friends you know really well or even friends you just met. They have everything from home décor and jewelry to gag gifts, books and cards. You can buy a nice candle for your neighbor’s open house, or a book about farts for your little brother.
I always enjoy stopping in to browse on my lunch break but I always forget about their rule to not take any pictures in the store. And they are REALLY strict about it! I was in recently looking for an item for my husband’s sister and wanted to get his feedback on whether he thought she would like a particular item or not. Just send him a quick picture, right? Wrong! I was stopped immediately and reminded of their ‘no pictures’ policy. I get it when the policy is there to prevent people from trying on hats and sunglasses and then taking endless, giggling selfies, but if you just want to send a quick pic to get feedback on a potential purchase?! Yikes! It goes against every Unilocaler fiber in my being not to be able to take pictures!
Anywho, I still love this place but I docked a star for their weird obsession with no pictures and the prices are a little high.

It sucks I have to rate this store so low because they really do have cool stuff. but i’ve had AWFUL customer service on two occasions. the first time the owner, believe it or not, freaked out at me for pulling my phone out. accused me of taking photos when really I was about to call a friend to get her opinion on a birthday gift. Then he followed me around the store watching my every move like i was going to steal something. Ummmm… I’ve never stolen anything in my life. He literally looked me up and down, judging every inch of me. Clearly he needs a lesson in sterotyping because I was dressed for work… nice outfit, LV purse and Marc Jacob pumps… HELLOOO OWNER, I DON’T NEED TO STEAL YOUR OVERPRICED JUNK. he followed me like I was a criminal. Finally I got sick of it, told the guy he was ridiculous and walked out.
About 3 months later my co-​worker convinced me to go back in to buy a gift for our boss. Against my better judgment I went. We found some fun items… started a collection at the register (since we were the only ones in the store). We went up to check out and while the gal was ringing us up, my co-​worker changed her mind and swapped out that candle we had chose for a different one. Big deal right? the store was dead.
We left and I looked at my receipt. She charged me for both candles. UGH. So I call, tell the girl what happened. She sounded super annoyed and asked me to hold on while she asked the owner what to do. Well while attempting to put me on hold, or not attempting, maybe she’s just not the sharpest tool in the shed, she missed pressing the mute button and I hear her say «those annoying girls are on the phone, the ones with the candle, they are accusing me of overcharging them.» WTF. are you serious. When she got back on the phone, before she could say a word, I told her to put the owner on. I told him it would probably be in his companies best interest to teach their employees to mute the line before talking trash about the customer on the other end. He felt like an idiot… as he should. credited me back for the overcharge and gave me a half-​hearted sorry. such BS. I’m shocked these guys are still in business. they’re awful. Too bad too because the store is pretty dang cute. I’m sorry they give the rest of us San Diegans a bad name.

I love this store! The associates are friendly and always say hi to you when you walk in! Customer service is how to deter theft in this store and I think coming from retail this staff is on it. I have this loss prevention mind set from all my years in retail. Anyways! Love what they have to offer, love how it’s displayed and love the unique options! Pricing is high, to be expected, but some stuff I haven’t seen anywhere else. Some of it. Some of it I’ve seen at home goods, so have a good eye peeps for pricing.
Thumbs up to all that work there, love your attitudes and music choice!
The 5 star is missing because of pricing … Sorry :(

If you are looking for a quick gift and or a funny card this is your place.
I come here all the time to grab a card or a T-​shirt for a friend or a relative because I really don’t like driving anymore and it’s just super convenient to pop in real quick.
Now the prices on their kitschy are pretty redic but sometimes I still buy them cuz I don’t want to have to get in my car and drive around.
Protip: Yeah, don’t try to take a photo of their stuff, they might cut you. Yeah, it’s weird

I will Never Return Here!
In fact I am shocked they have so many good reviews
They were so rude, i got on my phone to respond to a text and they were watching me like a hawk and finally the man said «No Pictures» I said «i wasn’t taking a picture» and he then proceeded to point out all of the no picture signs. I was pretty turned off at this point and i took my business elsewhere!
RESPECT THE CUSTOMERS SPACE!

Looking for the perfect gift for someone who has everything already? Stop by Babette Schwartz and you’ll be wowed by the quirky, funny and cool items around the store. Vintage tee shirt of Robin? Holy hotcakes, Babette’s got it! Hilarious cards that might make you pee your pants a little because you laughed too hard? Yep! Babette’s got it. Frida Kahlo and Dia de Los Muertos tchotchkes? Yep! Covered.
Be sure to check out the cool magnets and business card holders by the register too! Staff is friendly (and cute!) and the prices are very reasonable. Bet you can’t leave without picking up something for you too on the way out ;)

I give only 3 stars for this non-​sense anti photos policy. Comm’on you are not that original, you can find all these cool gadgets, gifts, posters, shirts, etc in many other places and online. Yes, it is located in Hillcrest and makes the shopping experience much more fun, but honestly there is nothing out of this universe there.
I like to go and browse all the fun and crazy messages they have to offer, but normally I stick to buying postcards for birthdays and also unique stationery (again, I can get unique stationery somewhere else, but I choose to go there because I like the store). I got a lot of nice comments from the receivers of my letters using funny papers bought there. Who does not like to receive coolness in the mail?
Prices are a little too high, but is a gift store, so kind of expected.

What gayborhood would be without its flamboyant card and gift shop. On Hillcrest’s main drag, University Avenue, Babette does not disappoint in this regard since it’s in her genetic make-​up and her Elizabeth Arden make-​up, too. According to their website, «Babette Schwartz was conceived in Las Vegas, the love child of Keely Smith’s back-​up singer and a pea patch Romeo of a blackjack dealer.»
I think that pretty much explains the zany, kitschy merchandise to be found here. White trash. Tiki hut. Religious kitsch. Mexicana. A Yiddish word magnet kit for a fridge door kibitz. A Wonder Woman lunchbox. A candle to provide you protection from your boss from hell. And cards and T-​shirts (see photo). Lots of guffaw-​worthy cards and clever slogan T-​shirts. No photography please. Keep it fresh. Stop by if you’re skipping by.