Shopping in Imperial Beach

Pick up a Steel Grip six-piece screwdriver set for $8.49, a VPT rip hammer for $6.29, and a whole bunch of screws, anchors, and bolts (prices vary), and you'll be ready to finally mount every buffalo nickel and steel penny in your coin collection. Illuminate the newfound décor with a 12-pack of Ace light bulbs ($21.48), the better to see by as you make use of a Purdy four-piece premium paint-tray kit ($19.99). If you need to match paint to a favorite coverlet or choose a hue that complements a pleather recliner, most stores offer a paint-matching service free of charge. Get keys made, or clean a barnacle-encrusted carpet with the help of a rented carpet-cleaning machine (inquire about pricing at your preferred location).

Located across from Pacific Beach, The Fabulous Rag stocks women's apparel, including everything from jeans to evening formal gowns. Dresses range from maxi to cocktail in a variety of prints and patterns. Daring customers can spice up ensembles with a decorative hat, ideal for a night out or clinching an invite to the next mad tea party.

Inside Tinsmith, a specialty shop in Old Town San Diego, dozens of light fixtures made from punched tin illuminate shelves stocked with shiny baubles. The fixtures come in a range of shapes and sizes—the most popular are three-dimensional stars set with colorful pieces of glass. The shop even has holiday pieces including tree ornaments, angel-shaped candleholders, and repair parts for Santa’s sleigh, all made from punched tin.