Napa Valley attracts oenophiles from around the world to its renowned wineries but man cannot live on wine alone. When the urge to accumulate more than reds and whites strikes, head to the vintage brick storefronts along St Helena's Main Street.
Arrive early enough to score a parking spot along the tree-lined avenue, but not before 10.30am, when the doors open at Woodhouse Chocolate (1367 Main Street, tel: 1 800 966 3468), a family-run confectioner selling treats such as cork-shaped white chocolate champagne truffles and milk chocolate passion-fruit ganache (US$1.85/piece).
Next, pop into Goodmans (No 1331, tel: 1 707 963 1750), a colourful and casual emporium where many of the items feature the store's slogan: 'Life is good.' Check out T-shirts with quirky flowers and smiling pups (US$20) and plush socks (US$10) ideal for inflight comfort. Head to the second floor for bargains such as thick Native American print blankets (US$120).
Use your purchasing power to help poor communities by stocking up on fleece-lined hats hand woven in Nepal (US$14), vibrant Ugandan baskets (US$78) and artisan items from 35 other countries at Baksheesh (No 1327, tel: 1 707 968 9182). The fair-trade boutique guarantees living wages are paid to all whose wares appear on its shelves.
Next, try Footcandy (above; No 1239, tel: 1 877 517 4606), where the latest leopard-print Nossa by Manolo Blahnik (U$655) makes a sexy statement. Shoe fetishists can show they care by sliding on Casadei's black and white, red-heeled, peek-a-boo shoes (U$435), designed to raise money for the care of Thai elephants. Profits are allocated to pachyderm rescue in co-operation with the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation.
Update your abode to match your elegant new shoes by nipping into Vintage Home (No 1201, tel: 1 707 963 7423), where the French country theme is manifest in antique baguette boards (US$72) - once used for cooling the long loaves, today ideal for displaying baubles. Grab a handful of hand-painted Italian ceramic marbles (US$2.50) for a young one back home.