Cecilia’s Guide to Last-Minute Shopping in DTLA
For Cecilia, a 9-to-5er who’s worked out of the 777 Tower for seven years, the magic of Downtown doesn’t rely elaborate traditions. It lives in the everyday joys like a midday walk, spontaneous “let’s grab lunch” moments, or the way DTLA rewards you when you wander just one block farther than usual.
“What I love most about working Downtown is how walkable it is,” Cecilia shared. “Especially during the holidays. You can stop anywhere on your lunch break, pick something up, or just take a walk to see the lights. Plus, I get my steps in."
We asked her for advice on navigating last-minute shopping, and she mapped out a plan that turns holiday errands into something far more pleasant, efficient, and completely doable during the work day. One-Stop Shopping Downtown has the rare advantage of two major shopping centers within walking distance—The Bloc and FIGat7th—making gift-buying easy to squeeze into a lunch break.
At The Bloc, you’ll find:
> Kinokuniya (stationery and manga pop-up)
> Bring Something to the Party (DTLA’s it-girl shop)
> Video Vortex (nostalgia and cult classics)
> And Cecilia’s current go-to: UNIQLO (Japan-based clothing retailer)
“It’s such a convenient location,” she said. “Amazing work basics, great quality, and their seasonal collections make perfect gifts.” Her expert-level tip: order online and pick up in-store. “It’s basically free shipping—and they sometimes have online-only sales, so you save time and money.” We’re stealing that trick immediately and year-round.
Just down the street, FIGat7th offers even more open-air shopping with reliable favorites: Bath & Body Works and Sephora for stocking stuffers, clothing at Zara, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Nordstrom Rack, and of course, Target for anything you forgot. It’s quick, no-fuss holiday shopping you can knock out even on the busiest week.
Fast and Fresh
Rule one of holiday errands: never shop hungry.
When Cecilia needs something quick and fresh (especially during two months of decadent seasonal eating), she heads to KazuNori. “It’s the perfect office-worker lunch,” she said. “You pick a set with three, four, or six rolls, depending on how hungry you are. And lunch service is super fast. Once you sit down, the rolls come out almost immediately.”
Another foolproof tip: The length of the line predicts how long you’ll be there.“If you’re at the front of the line, lunch always fits into an hour or less, and the food is consistently good, fresh, and light.”
A Change of Scenery
When the gift bags get heavy, or you just need a moment to recenter, Cecilia suggests taking a stroll through the decorated plazas and parks. Downtown goes all out this time of year, and even a five-minute walk delivers a holiday mood boost.
When the gift bags get heavy or you just need a moment to reset, Cecilia suggests taking a walk to admire the holiday cheer. The malls, plazas, streets, and parks across Downtown decorate beautifully this time of year, offering an instant mood lift on the walk back to the office. We transformed 7th street into Candy Cane Lane, SPARKLE at The Bloc lights up nightly beginning at 5PM, plus dozens of other activations are listed at DowntownLA.com/Holidays.
For a place to regroup, exchange white-elephant gifts, or simply have a need for a lot of space, Cecilia loves HALO, the open, modern lounge-style space near her building. “Danny Boy’s and Trejo’s Tacos are right there for dining, but HALO itself is such a lovely place to hang out,” she said. “A lot of people bring their laptops and work there for a change of pace.” For a budget bite, she says walk over to Pechucos Tacos, the reliable food truck parked just outside. “You can grab something there, inside Halo, or just bring your lunch. It’s a great spot to meet up with everyone.”
You’ve Got This
Cecilia’s picks are a recipe for turning last-minute holiday shopping into something surprisingly joyful. The perfect mix of efficiency, little treats, and walkable charm. In DTLA, it’s all right at your doorstep.
Her version of Downtown shopping proves that you can knock out your holiday list, enjoy a satisfying lunch, soak up festive cheer, and still be back at your desk in a snap. Even when you’re only here from nine to five, you can absolutely enjoy the holidays.