When asking yourself about something to do near me in Berkeley with a group of friends or family, consider
Tinsel Trading Co
Why Tinsel Trading Co is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Tinsel Trading Co, located in Berkeley, California, is a unique destination for those passionate about crafting, vintage materials, and antique embellishments. With a rich collection of appliques, buttons, ribbons, fringes, metallic threads, and specialty trims, this store caters to creative souls seeking to bring a touch of nostalgia and artistry to their projects. Their inventory includes exquisite items such as glass mirror-backed buttons, metallic soutache trims, gold and silver bullion epaulettes, and rare tin sequin embellishments dating back to the 1880s. Whether you are into quilting, sewing, or mixed media crafts, Tinsel Trading offers materials that evoke a vintage feel with authentic antique charm. The business has cultivated a strong community presence, both through their brick-and-mortar store at 1659 San Pablo Ave and their online platforms, including Etsy and eBay shops. They continually update their catalog with new treasures, encouraging customers to check back regularly. The inviting atmosphere, knowledgeable staff, and the curated selection make Tinsel Trading an excellent place to meet with friends, share crafting ideas, and find inspiration for period or nostalgic-themed projects. Alongside physical browsing, customers appreciate the option of gift certificates and personalized service for sourcing hard-to-find vintage materials.
Here's what people think of Tinsel Trading Co
As of recent, Tinsel Trading Co holds a 4.8-star rating based on 44 reviews.
Tinsel Trading Co enjoys an outstanding reputation, boasting an average rating of 4.8 from 44 reviews, reflecting a high level of customer satisfaction. Reviewers frequently praise the authenticity and quality of their vintage and antique supplies, highlighting particularly the Dresdens, which are noted to capture the look and feel of vintage items superbly despite not being old themselves. Positive feedback often focuses on the extensive and unique product range, attentive and helpful customer service, and the joy of discovering rare crafting materials unavailable elsewhere. Many customers value the store as a reliable source for nostalgic craft embellishments that enhance their projects with a genuine vintage atmosphere. On the other hand, while most reviews are glowing, some customers have encountered challenges such as limited inventory availability for certain rare items and the occasional wait for new stock to appear online. A few mention that shipping times can vary depending on demand, but these concerns are minor compared to the overall experience. In conclusion, Tinsel Trading Co is highly regarded for its specialized offerings and excellent customer relations, making it a trusted resource for vintage crafting enthusiasts and collectors alike.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Steve
Very niche market, but if you’re into what they are offering, go for it!
Magdalena Rawecka
Wonderful place where you can find all the tinsel you may need. I was looking for the perfect kind of ribbon in a particular shade that needed to match a large piece of artwork. The store attendant was extremely helpful and managed to find just what I was looking for! If you’re looking for a community feeling where you can still talk to the attendant who will be able to help you with a smile then that’s the place for you.
Kiki
I like the little rosettes they sell. I plan to sew them onto my tank tops. Great customer service, the owner lets you browse as long as you want without bothering you or asking if you need help. And puts everything in a nice paper baggie. Love that.
Diane Britto
Such a cool spot for vintage ribbons, buttons, trims, etc. Even if you're not crafty you'll find some type of embellishment to jazz up a sweater or jean jack. It's like a museum for tassels, ribbons, buttons + more.
Sylvie White
Beautiful, unusual, vintage notions. The merchandising is top notch, a feast for the eyes. Friendly shopkeepers.
How to reach Tinsel Trading Co
None
Website: None
Why rally at Tinsel Trading Co with your friends?
If you are looking for a truly unique place to meet up with friends or family, Tinsel Trading Co in Berkeley, California is a spectacular choice. This charming shop, rated an outstanding 4.8 from over 40 reviews, is not just a retail store; it is a creative treasure trove bringing together vintage and antique materials that spark imagination and collaboration. Gathering here means surrounding yourselves with history and creativity, perfect for bonding over shared artistic interests or discovering inspiration in unusual collectibles. It provides an inviting atmosphere where each visit is a sensory experience—colorful, shiny, and rich with texture, evoking the feel of a bygone era. The friendly and knowledgeable staff enhance the experience, making guests feel at home and happy to explore the vast inventory curated from around the world. Whether you and your friends are avid crafters, costume designers, or simply seekers of beautiful, rare finds, Tinsel Trading Co offers a stimulating environment perfect for creating lasting memories together.
What activities can you do at Tinsel Trading Co that make it perfect for group meetups?
Tinsel Trading Co offers an exceptional variety of activities that make it ideal for group gatherings. First and foremost, visitors can immerse themselves in browsing an extraordinary collection of antique and vintage crafting materials, including distinctive threads, glitter, beads, and paper goods, all sourced globally and carefully preserved. This is a goldmine for creative souls who enjoy hands-on activities such as scrapbooking, costume making, or artistic workshops. Groups can exchange ideas, collaborate on design projects, or seek inspiration for personal or collective endeavors. The shop’s history as a supplier to high-profile theatrical productions and design icons like Martha Stewart adds an exciting layer of cultural cachet, giving groups stories to share as they explore. Workshops or guided sessions can often be arranged, turning a simple meetup into an interactive creative retreat. The warm, welcoming staff are available to help groups navigate their selections, suggest projects, or even customize materials for special needs, enhancing the collaborative spirit.
How does the environment at Tinsel Trading Co enhance a group meetup experience?
The physical and sensory environment at Tinsel Trading Co greatly amplifies the enjoyment of group meetups. Located on San Pablo Avenue in a legacy storefront with large display windows and shaded sidewalks, the space invites visitors to linger and connect. The aesthetic charm—gleaming golds and silvers, vintage paper, and glittering beads—transports visitors out of the ordinary and into a world of creativity and nostalgia. This setting fosters relaxed conversations and shared discoveries, as groups move at their own pace and uncover hidden gems together. Because the shop has a rich history dating back to its Manhattan origins in 1933 and continued legacy in Berkeley with admirable community roots, visitors often feel part of an ongoing creative tradition. Plus, the convenience of ample parking enhances accessibility for larger groups. The combination of a welcoming, inspiring atmosphere with tangible historical significance makes Tinsel Trading more than a store; it is a communal space where connections are forged over beauty, craft, and shared interests.
What makes the product selection at Tinsel Trading Co unique and appealing for creatives?
Tinsel Trading Co’s product selection is deeply unique, embodying decades of global collecting and curation that makes it unlike any other creative supply store. The inventory boasts materials that are often no longer mass-produced, including antique gold and silver tinsel, vintage threads, German glass glitter, antique woodblock letterpress items, and rare paper goods. These materials appeal not just for their beauty, but for their capacity to inspire original, personalized art and craft projects. The store has a reputation among Broadway and Hollywood designers for costume and set design—highlighting the professional quality and uniqueness of the inventory. For groups of creatives, this means access to supplies that cannot be found elsewhere, fueling imaginative collaborations and creating distinctive works that carry the charm and character of their historical lineage. Additionally, the tactile experience of handling vintage materials encourages experimentation and engagement, making Tinsel Trading an ideal place for creatives looking to elevate their projects beyond the ordinary.
How does Tinsel Trading Co support and engage its community of creative customers?
Tinsel Trading Co actively cultivates and supports a vibrant community of artists, crafters, and makers, which greatly enriches the meetup experience for groups. Beyond selling materials, the store functions as a resource and hub for artistic inspiration and education. They publish a book titled “Treasured Notions: Craft Projects Using Materials from Tinsel Trading,” which helps customers learn how to use their collections in creative ways. The presence of a dedicated creative director emphasizes the shop’s commitment to innovation and artistic excellence. Moreover, the store’s social media presence, flash sales, and ongoing catalog expansion create avenues for customers to stay engaged and connected. By welcoming designers of all levels, from local hobbyists to industry professionals, Tinsel Trading fosters an inclusive atmosphere where everyone’s creative voice is valued. This sense of shared purpose and mutual inspiration makes the store an excellent venue for group gatherings focused on craft, collaboration, and community building.
Why is Tinsel Trading Co historically significant and why does that matter for visitors?
Tinsel Trading Co’s history adds a rich dimension to its appeal that enhances the visitor experience, especially for groups interested in culture and heritage. Founded through the passion of a man who amassed an extraordinary inventory of tinsel and vintage materials worldwide after working at the French Tinsel Company in Manhattan, it became a landmark store beloved by major design figures and theatrical professionals throughout the 20th century. Its move from Manhattan to Berkeley in 2017 marked a new chapter, preserving its legacy while expanding its reach and accessibility. This long history creates an aura of authenticity and tradition that visitors can feel and appreciate as they shop and socialize. For meetups, sharing knowledge of its storied past can deepen conversations and connections, while the ambiance itself evokes a sense of stepping into an artistic legacy. This historical significance makes a visit here more than shopping — it's participating in an ongoing creative and cultural journey.
What amenities at Tinsel Trading Co make it convenient and comfortable for groups?
Tinsel Trading Co is designed to be welcoming and accommodating, especially for groups seeking a comfortable, convenient location. Notably, its Berkeley location offers the rare advantage of abundant parking—a major plus for group visits, especially compared to its Manhattan predecessor where space was often limited. The storefront’s large windows and shade trees provide a pleasant retreat for visitors to enjoy natural light and fresh air between browsing sessions. Inside, the friendly, helpful staff prioritize customer experience with personalized attention, easing navigation through the extensive inventory and facilitating group needs such as custom orders or collaborative projects. The spacious layout allows groups to spread out and engage with different materials without feeling cramped. All these conveniences combine to create an environment where friends or family can focus on fun, creativity, and connection without logistical hassles.
How can a meetup at Tinsel Trading Co inspire creativity and collaboration?
Meeting up at Tinsel Trading Co naturally stimulates creativity and collaboration due to its environment, history, and inventory. The sheer uniqueness of the store’s collection encourages visitors to experiment with materials they might not normally encounter, sparking new ideas and inspirations. When friends gather surrounded by rare vintage tinsel, glitter, and craft supplies, the possibilities for creative projects expand dramatically, whether that’s for personal artistic expression, holiday crafting, costume creation, or even professional design ventures. The shop’s story—tied to theatrical history and celebrated design icons—adds a narrative layer that can inspire storytelling and thematic projects during meetups. Furthermore, the availability of knowledgeable staff supports collaborative brainstorming and group learning. This can turn a standard social meetup into a dynamic creative workshop where each participant contributes ideas, skills, and enthusiasm, building stronger connections through shared artistic endeavors.
What sets Tinsel Trading Co apart from other creative supply stores?
Tinsel Trading Co stands apart from conventional creative supply stores due to its unparalleled focus on vintage and antique materials, its historical legacy, and its deep ties to the arts and design communities. Unlike mass-market craft outlets that primarily carry new, often generic products, Tinsel Trading offers items with stories, rare origins, and exceptional aesthetic character. The store’s longevity and reputation in theatrical and high-profile design circles lend it unmatched credibility and allure. Its curated inventory invites not only crafting but preservation and celebration of artistic tradition. This makes it a destination for serious creatives and collectors, as well as those who appreciate the beauty in history. Its relocation to Berkeley with expanded accessibility, while retaining its old-world charm, means visitors can enjoy a unique blend of past and present in their creative pursuits. For groups, this distinctive atmosphere fosters more meaningful and memorable meetups, setting Tinsel Trading Co apart as a truly special creative haven.
Why do customers rate Tinsel Trading Co so highly?
Customers consistently rate Tinsel Trading Co highly, with an impressive 4.8 out of 5 stars from dozens of reviews, because of its unique product range, outstanding customer service, and inspiring atmosphere. Many reviews highlight the friendly, knowledgeable staff who make shopping enjoyable and provide valuable advice on projects and materials. Patrons appreciate the treasure-like discovery experience, finding unusual and hard-to-find crafting supplies that delight and inspire. The shop’s rich history and dedication to quality add emotional value and authenticity to each visit. For groups, the combination of excellent products and a welcoming vibe creates an environment where everyone feels included and motivated to create. These factors combine to build strong customer loyalty and make Tinsel Trading Co a beloved spot for both casual fans of vintage craft and professional designers alike.
How can you plan your visit and what should you expect?
Planning a visit to Tinsel Trading Co is straightforward and rewarding. The store is located at 1659 San Pablo Ave, Berkeley, CA 94702, easily accessible by car with ample parking available—a convenience for groups traveling together. It is advisable to check their evolving catalog online or contact the staff ahead of time if you’re looking for specific items or wish to arrange a workshop or group session. Visitors should prepare to spend time browsing slowly to fully appreciate the vast and diverse inventory. Be ready for interactive exploration—touching, selecting, and imagining the creative possibilities of each item. Depending on the group’s interests, it may be useful to bring project ideas or inspiration photos to guide choices. Expect a friendly, personalized shopping experience shaped by authentic passion for art and vintage craft materials. Whether you come to shop, create, or simply soak in the creative ambiance, your visit to Tinsel Trading Co will be memorable and enriching.