About Us
Forever rare, always growing.
Rare Device has been a proud part of San Francisco’s creative universe since 2005. A shop where discovery, design, and delightful objects come together. For nearly 20 years, we’ve been your go-to for thoughtful gifts, playful treasures, and pieces that make you say, “Wait, I need this.”
In 2024, we entered a new chapter when Marine Malta took over the shop. Always on the lookout for inspiring new brands and emerging artists, she brings a fresh perspective, a French accent, and a commitment to keeping Rare Device... well, rare.
We’re here for the curious, the design lovers, the color collectors, the stationery nerds, the last-minute gifters, and the “just browsing” folks who leave with a bag full of joy. From ceramics and jewelry to kids goodies, art prints, and the perfect pen you didn’t know you needed.
Everything is chosen with care, intention, and a little sparkle.
Our Divisadero Street shop is also home to monthly art shows and community events that celebrate creativity in all its forms. Stop by, get inspired, and maybe even pet a dog or two.
Thanks for growing with us.
MEET THE TEAM
MARINE, OWNER + BUYER
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
One of my favorite gifts I've ever given were watercolor paintings that I made for my friends, representing their family members. It was really special to create something personal for them, and I loved seeing their reactions when they received it. Knowing that it holds a special place in their home makes it even more meaningful.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
One of my favorite gifts I've ever received is a necklace with my daughters' names engraved on it. It was given to me as a gift for their birth, and it holds such sentimental value.
VERONICA, INVENTORY MANAGER
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
One of my best friends is a lawyer, and she loves joking about how she can't wait to retire. So one day I randomly sent her the cheesiest "This Lawyer is Retired" mug to remind her to never give up on those dreams. She still tells me to this day that it's the best gift I've ever given her and I would have to agree.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
Summer going into sophomore year of college, one of my best friends whittled me a walking stick with my name engraved on the bottom of it. I was feeling particularly blue about summer coming to an end and having to start school again but once she showed up to my house with this random yet beautifully made walking stick all those worries went away. It's my favorite gift because it was so unexpected and so specific to our friendship and I'm never getting rid of it. I hauled that thing from NY so she's coming with me wherever I go forever.
JENN, MARKETING SPECIALIST
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
Since my mom lived far away, I wrote a bunch of letters to her to open on different occasions throughout the year, marking them with specific dates. That didn't pan out because she got too excited upon receiving them all the day she got them. so much for that idea.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
I got a puppy for my 14th birthday and that was pretty awesome.
COURTNEY, OPERATIONS SPECIALIST
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
One of the more recent Father's Day gifts I've given my dad! He's not the easiest person to plan a gift for–he always says he has everything he needs and insists that we (my siblings and I) never buy him any gifts. We don't listen, of course. Instead of a physical item though, for Father's Day last year, I took my entire family to an Angels game! We got lucky and it was a good, exciting game with fireworks to end the night. I could tell my dad genuinely had fun and it meant a lot that our family spent that time with him..
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
I'm so lucky to have so many great gift-givers in my life–this is so hard! My siblings and a few of my close cousins gifted me a trip to Joshua Tree for my first birthday during the pandemic. I refused to stop talking about (and still do) how I needed to go so they took me for a safe birthday celebration. I loved that gift was something I could share and experience with some of my favorite people. Also, I finally made my way to Joshua Tree and can't wait to go back!
CEECEE, SALES ASSOCIATE
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
My brothers & I were trying to decide what to give our mum for her 60th birthday. We thought a photo album of our little branch of the family would be great. So on her birthday after taking her to lunch, I set up my camera & tripod in the sitting room across from a sofa we could all sit on at the same time. During the rest of the afternoon we played cards (a family favourite pass time), drank & took turns sitting with mum on the sofa. I then curated the album to have a section for each sibling, as well as just the kids & all of us together. It was such a fun afternoon & I'm really proud of how it turned out. It looks like a professional coffee table book & contains some of the best smiles I know.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
I went to college in Chicago & cannot recommend it enough. It was some of the best years if my life. When I left to return to London, one of my dear friends made pins that reflected some of our shared experiences & some pretty ridiculous inside jokes. I still laugh whenever I see an image of or hear the name David Hasselhoff, don't ask, lol. It was such a thoughtful gift & meant I could take a little bit of Chicago everywhere with me. I still have them now & love to add a single pin to whatever jacket I'm wearing.
CECI, SALES ASSOCIATE
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
My dad loves wine and we used to do yearly trips to Sonoma and Napa when I was a kid, but I obviously didn't get to have the full experience with him at the time. For his 60th birthday, I gifted him a wine tasting and lunch at one of his favorite wineries up north. We don't get to spend much time together, so it meant a lot to both of us.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
For my college graduation, my mom gifted me a mother-daughter trip to Italy to see the winter olympics. We have always been obsessed with the Olympics, so it really meant the world to me and I can't wait to travel with her.
NOA, GRAPHIC DESIGNER
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
My sister, cousin, and I threw my mom a surprise party for her 50th birthday. It was such a fun way of celebrating her and it was so special to giver her something she wasn't expecting. She is also the ultimate host so it was nice letting her sit back and relax while we took care of everything.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
I got a Dyson vacuum a couple years ago for my birthday. No further explanation needed. It's my most prized possession.
DAVE, PHOTOGRAPHER
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER GIVEN?
The gift of travel. Getting to create lasting memories with those close to me.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GIFT YOU'VE EVER RECEIVED?
My wife bought me a fly fishing rod. Every time I'm on the river it reminds me of her. My happy place.