Tara Riceberg, the dynamic owner of Tesoro, wears many hats. After more than a decade overseeing her family’s home design store on Beverly Boulevard, she closed Tesoro in 2004 to launch Tweak, her home styling company. By December 2004, she had returned to retail with a holiday pop-up of pre-wrapped gifts inside Saks Fifth Avenue, a seasonal success she repeated for the rest of the decade. At her clients’ request, she reopened Tesoro on Canon Drive in December 2019, giving Beverly Hills a gift shop with a devoted following.
Beyond her store, Tara has lobbied Congress on behalf of the National Retail Federation, and in 2024 she was appointed an advisory member of the Beverly Hills Recreation and Parks Commission. A recognized authority on home design and retail, she is often quoted in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and the Los Angeles Times.
I discovered Tesoro over lunch with friends at Il Pastaio next door. Tara, a self-described “Curator of Happiness,” is a warm, vibrant natural beauty with a dazzling smile and long blonde hair, reminiscent of the iconic Farrah Fawcett.
“Do you know why we’re the best gift store ever?” she asked, holding up a beautifully wrapped book. “We believe in gift wrapping. Jasmine hand-paints the wrapping paper, and at the time of purchase, I add the bow.”
The name Tesoro, meaning “treasure” in Spanish and Italian, perfectly captures its collection of luxurious gifts for every age. The sunlit store is wrapped in neutral tones, with marble floors and shelves displaying exquisite hostess gifts: coffee table books, crystal frames, scented candles, gold and silver salad tongs and a striking 12-inch stone bowl. You’ll also find greeting cards, witty and one-of-a-kind books, and gifts across a wide range of price points. Several books and pet toys, including a Pawtier Watch plush, are a modest $19, while those seeking something more extravagant can choose one of Michael Aram’s handmade, limited-edition sculptures at $2,700. Tesoro also creates bespoke corporate and custom gifts you won’t find anywhere else.
Every purchase comes with Tara’s beautiful complimentary gift wrapping, a signature touch that makes each present feel as special as the gift inside.
We sat down with Tara to discuss her plans for Tesoro’s future and her aspirations for continued success.
How would you describe Tesoro gift store?
Tesoro is the world’s only entirely pre-wrapped gift store. The concept is there is a sample to discover and the backstock is already wrapped for grab-n-go convenience.
How did you become involved in Tesoro?
I’m a second-generation retailer. My late mother moved Tesoro from Robertson to Canon Drive in the 90s. When I inherited the store, I moved it to Melrose. In 2019, I was able to move back to Canon Drive.
What have been some of the standout moments at Tesoro?
The most meaningful moments are when clients share that they remember my late mother or still have a platter from her store. It reinforces my love of retail for its connection and sense of community.
What do you hope customers come away with after their visit at Tesoro?
I treat my store like my home, so customers are guests. I can’t control who comes in or what they spend. But I can control that they leave happier after spending time here.
What are the top 3 selling gifts at Tesoro?
Italian salad tongs; Mexican onyx heart dishes; Natural jewelry wash.
How has your approach to selecting gifts evolved?
My curation has shifted to buying from people and companies who I believe in and want to support. The products then must be inspirational, educational, or create joy.
What makes gift shopping at Tesoro different from other stores?
If you have the challenge of gifting someone famous or very wealthy, I guarantee I can source something unexpected, considerate, and delightful.
What does luxury mean to you?
Luxury means having something that no one else has. How gifts are presented are even more important than the gift itself.
What is your long-term vision for Tesoro?
I want to continue to be known for my informed curation, stunning gift wrapping, and most importantly, the most delightful retail experience.
