Our friend Robin stopped in at Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids on Valencia Street recently and has this to report: "Located a block away from the original Paxton Gate (the famed SF garden shop/taxidermy emporium), Paxton Gate’s Curiosities for Kids is the latest venture of Sean Quigley, who is known for his ‘predeliction for the more bizarre side of nature.’ Quigley’s new store carries uncommon vintage toys, classic games made from sustainable materials, science kits, educational merchandise, and ‘unusual or macabre items.’ When you enter the store, you’re greeted by a giant, petrified strangler vine wending its way across the ceiling; the canary yellow walls are bedecked with junior-level curiosities such as cherubic taxidermied stuffed-animal heads on plaques and old-fashioned monogrammed stitched samplers. There are interactive temporary displays (on my visit I admired the Hansel and Gretel–meets-shantytown playhouse made of cardboard scraps), and the store hosts periodic workshops and art classes." Photos via Robin Allen and Flickr.
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Above L: Why Not Eat Insects? book; $12. Above R: Grow a Tree Kit; $7.50.
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Above L: Handknit Octopus; $36. Above R: Wood Hobby Horse; $25.
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