Review Highlights
“Eleen, Matt O, and the team at Modern Mouse were able to do that for me without any hesitation.” in 5 reviews
“I love a store that is almost completely dedicated to Alameda (they have lots of Bay Area and California stuff, too).” in 7 reviews
“Matt was sure helpful & verified that they had all the items currently available.” in 6 reviews
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About the Business
Business owner information
![Photo of Matt and Mynt O.](https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/buphoto/HA7NXdIDU8t5URH92ma7dw/90s.jpg)
Matt and Mynt O.
Est. 2009 | Home to over 300 local & indie artists from the Bay Area & beyond!
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Overall rating
104 reviews
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1 star
- Christigale F.Oakland, CA2464497Aug 22, 2021
A one stop gift shop! I love it when I can knock out multiple gifts in one go. For an intimate shop, there's a great amount of wonderfully unique gifts, and many which have that local Bay Area stamp on it... from quirky, artistic, funny, creative and stylish, I would certainly come to shop here again and again.
It is conveniently located in Alameda's South Shore Center amongst a wide array of other retail, service shops, restaurants, grocery and department stores, which makes it an easy stop by if you are running other errands... which is exactly what I did this past weekend! What a breeze it was, and super pleased with my purchases. On top of the gifts I bought for my friends, I also snatched a t-shirt for myself that reads, "Girls just wanna have fun-damental human rights" :) I definitely saw a lot of other Girl Power items which always brings a smile to my face. Right now, my living room smells just delightful from the scented candle (in hemp, rosemary, sage) I bought from there. Also, the staff are incredibly friendly and helpful. Since I spent a generous amount that day (I'm a recovering shopaholic), they gave me a lovely thank you gift in a branded reusable bag. Thank you Modern Mouse!
As I understand, they work with 250+ different artists, majority of which reside on the west coast and a plethora from right here in the Bay Area. I picked up a couple Filipino-themed birthday cards and look forward to seeing more! I try to advocate to support small, local business as much as possible. So shopping here makes me feel good, because not only am I walking out with a cool item (or usually several items the way I shop) but I am also helping out an individual artisan somewhere out there who has a creative gift they wish to share with the world.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 1 - Nov 12, 2023
Cute whimsical store that features a lot of curated and locally made clothing, jewelry, and home items. Every 2 weekends or so, they also setup outside kiosks along the front of their store. You'll find a lot of anime-related gifts and also Renaissance fair or DND styled clothing and capes. Prices are more on the high side, but you'd be supporting local artists.
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 1Oh no 0 - Lisa R.Alameda, CA8129123Mar 26, 2022
I'm very disappointed because I was just refused service because of my disability. I wanted to get a quick gift of a t shirt of Alameda or a little friend of mine, and momento of the island.
No accommodation was offered.Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 1Business owner information
Matt O.
Jun 23, 2022
Hi Lisa,
I sincerely apology to hear about the less-than-stellar experience you had at Modern Mouse. We do everything in our power to accommodate guests from all walks of life, while simultaneously maintaining equal safety measures for all of our guests and staff.
I'll be messaging you separately as well, but I'd very much appreciate it if you could go into detail about your experience, what happened, and how we can improve. I'd consider it a personal favor if we can chat.
Have a wonderful day, and I hope to talk with you soon.
- Matt, Head Mouse - Marticia W.Oak Center, Oakland, CA05Jul 29, 2023
I was able to find an apron for my job, and I would love to say I thank you for the wonderful service
Helpful 0Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Johanna L.East Bay, CA1322671145May 15, 2020Updated review
It's been 5 years since I wrote my review for this awesome gift shop and I just wanted to take this opportunity to write a quick updated review in honor of #ThankYouThursday. I have been grateful for this island gift shop ever since they opened - this may just be my favorite gift shop in the entire Bay Area! Just like my previous review mentions - I have spent so much money over the years on gifts for friends and family (and sometimes for myself too! :D) because everything is so fun and unique. You are not only supporting Modern Mouse but also the artist and vendors - it's a win win for all!
I have seen how the new owners have kept the vibes of Modern Mouse alive but also made it their own and it makes me SO happy that they are still thriving after so many years. Many businesses in South Shore struggle to survive as the foot traffic isn't nearly as high as malls that are right off the freeway.
During the current SIP order, they have been offering selected items online (and updated regularly) and orders will ship during their office hours. In addition they will do free Alameda deliveries on Thursdays (which is SO awesome because many can't or choose not to leave their houses during these crazy times but you can still support from a distance!) I saw recently they even started carrying cloth face masks at a reasonable price handmade by a local artist and some of the prints are pretty fun! You can also purchase gift cards online for future use. Items they typically carry in the store but not featured online may still be available - just ask!
I am looking forward to the day when they can safely and officially reopen their doors to the public so I can visit in person and support them.
Support your local small businesses whenever possible - stores like these really add to the charm of the city!Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 5Oh no 0Apr 2, 2015Previous reviewWell this is it...the 100th review. It's taken awhile for me to choose a place to review for this milestone but I have finally decided on one of my favorite local gift and accessories store - Modern Mouse in Alameda!
Tucked away in the South Shore shopping center, you will be amazed at all the crafty and unique items for sale from local artists. I could probably spend hours here just browsing around. I have very rarely walked out without buying something. I have spent WAAAY too much $$$ at this store haha. Staff are very friendly and knowledgable - kudos to the owner for hiring awesome people!
A great spot to find gifts for all occasions...definitely something for everyone. As other yelpers have mentioned, it really is like an ETSY but in person but instead of online. You pay for quality and very unique items! I also LOVE that it features a lot of local artists because you will find cool items that that exclusive to the Bay Area. Bay Area represent :D :D
Some of my FAVORITE artists include Delivering Happiness, Dinky Dimples, Le Petit Elefant, and Everyday Love Art.
They periodically have Sunday Crafternoons where you can learn to make something. You just pay a nominal amount for supplies and you're in for a couple hours of fun! Sometimes the Crafternoons are for a good cause which is awesome.
Sign up for their email list so you can stay up to date on new artists/sales, etc. They are on social media too. Also, they have a frequent shopper card reward program. I believe it's 10% off after you accumulate 10 reward points. They also will happily wrap up gifts for you in their signature blue & green tissue paper inside a brown bag/box with their cute logo stickers.
When this store first opened years ago, I thought it was super cute but wasn't sure if it would last as many small businesses in South Shore (Alameda in general) seem to come and go. Modern Mouse is still standing strong and definitely have gained many loyal customers (including me!) I have a feeling Modern Mouse is here to stay on the island for years to come :]
Shop small and support local business! - Oct 18, 2021
Really love this store and swing by every time we're in Alameda. Nice, unique gifts, some of them even a little quirky, but some really cool designs as well. Certain items can be a little pricy while others are reasonable. Items make good gifts, or in my case, a couple of tshirts and posters to add to my collection. The owners and staff are welcoming and helpful and provided some insight into the items and how they chose them. Happy to support this local business, and in turn, the folks they support as well.
Helpful 3Thanks 0Love this 0Oh no 0 - Lori C.San Leandro, CA1003701293Nov 24, 2019
I've been a fan of Modern Mouse for a while, because they sell items by Bay Area artists ranging from jewelry to prints, cards, t-shirts, enamel pins and many other adorable, artsy gifts for adults and kids. If you love cute things like I do, you might be shopping here for a while.
A few highlights: I really love the work by Genevieve Santos and they carry prints, pins, buttons, and greeting cards by her. My other favorite items are the Play-Deco cards by Magnote, along with the felt animal ornaments they carry during the holidays.
Other things to note: The staff are friendly and greet you right away. If they aren't too busy, they'll come by and ask if you need help. They're really knowledgeable about their products and the artists, so be sure to chat with them if you want to learn more. Also, they have a free rewards program, so you can earn discounts when you spend a certain amount and also during your bday month. Can't wait to shop here again the next time I'm in Alameda!Helpful 4Thanks 0Love this 3Oh no 0 - Melissa F.San Leandro, CA2071791820Nov 10, 2019
I love this store! I came in to take a look while shopping at south shore center and came across this super cute shop.
The employees were very friendly and helpful. They had cute local clothes, cards, jewelry, art, and more! I ended up buying a couple cards, stickers, and some cute earrings.
I definitely want to come back and get some gifts for friends, and more cute cards.Helpful 2Thanks 0Love this 2Oh no 0 - Veronica M.Emeryville, CA1075Jun 29, 2022
Literally my favorite shop in Alameda! They're so sweet and have so many different things from so many local artists. I especially love how they showcase AAPI and LGBTQ+ artists. Some of my favorite things that I've purchased are earrings, prints, cards, stickers, and washi tape! We love you Modern Mouse!!!!
Helpful 2Thanks 1Love this 1Oh no 0 - Apr 13, 2020
Cute little store with lots of creativity of many Bay Area handmade items. I picked up some room spray to naturally clean the air from toxins. Pretty interesting store! This visit was before the quarantine so I'm not sure it's open currently.
Helpful 5Thanks 0Love this 6Oh no 0
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