Whether you are shopping for gifts for the holidays, birthdays or a special family occasion, gift shops around Grays Harbor are packed with hundreds of unique items to choose from. Shopping in your hometown is a wonderful way to support the local economy and encourage small business owners. Plus you are sure to find dozens of handcrafted, high-quality items that will make your gift-giving efforts stand out among family and friends.
1. Country Creations
Tucked away in downtown Elma, Country Creations features beautiful, handcrafted items. The store was opened in January 2013 by local entrepreneur, Kristi Christensen. “We started making a few of our own items and then starting getting other local crafters into the store as vendors,” Christensen said. “We have hand-built furniture, refinished furniture, handmade signs, décor and gifts.”
The store also features clothing, shoes and accessories. “Some of my personal favorites for gifts would be the customized signs that we can make in any shape, style, color, or size,” Christensen said. “The candles and body scrubs make great stocking stuffers too.”
While gift-shopping can stretch your budget, one satisfied Country Creation’s customer shared that this shop “has amazing sales and lay-a-way, which makes it so easy to support this local business and save money.”
Country Creations is open Monday through Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.
2. Valu Drug
Known as the “best pharmacy and gift shop on the Harbor,” Valu Drug features exceptional, high-quality products. From home décor to unique personal items, you will find a wide variety of gift options to choose from.
“Our bling purses, wallets and sterling-silver earrings make great gifts,” said Lori Jouper, the store’s front-end manager. “We also have two candle lines and four card lines.”
For the Christmas season, Valu Drug is stocked with rustic holiday décor, vintage ornaments, winter hats, gloves, umbrellas, scarves and boot socks.
Valu Drug is open Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
3. Harbor Shoes
Harbor Shoes has been serving Grays Harbor for nearly 30 years. It was purchased by current owner, Cindy Debard in 2003 after the previous owners decided to sell the store and move to Arizona. “We are the only full-service, quality shoe store on the Harbor,” Debard noted. “We help our customers find the right shoe whatever their need may be.”
While a shoe store may not be the first place that comes to mind when shopping for gifts, Harbor Shoes is proud to offer a number of gift items including scarves, purses, jewelry and hats. “We try to bring in gift items you may not find elsewhere on the Harbor at a reasonable price,” Debard said. “One of our favorite items is ‘Heaven’s Alchemy’ perfume. It is all natural and made with essential oils. We also have all-natural hand-lotion, soap and lip butter from Honey House Naturals in Puyallup.”
Harbor Shoes recently won the “Small Business of the Year” award presented by Greater Grays Harbor Inc.
Harbor Shoes is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
4. Past and Present Mercantile
Packed with hundreds of antiques and modern products Past and Present Mercantile is one store you will find hard to leave. “The unique thing about our store is we will not sell junk,” said Kathy Pacana, one of the store’s owners. “Everything is top notch. We have many collectibles, but we also have some great artists that sell cards, painting, and jewelry.”
“The store has many interesting things in it from yesterdays and some from our times too,” Pacana added. “We may be the place to find something you are looking for that you can’t buy new any longer.”
Located in downtown Aberdeen, Past and Present Mercantile is open Monday through Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
5. Marni’s Petal Pushers
Nestled in the city of Montesano, Marni’s Petal Pushers is the perfect place to purchase stunning bouquets for almost any occasion. Flowers are a wonderful way to wish someone a happy birthday or a Merry Christmas. Arrangements are made fresh and can be delivered directly to your loved-one’s door.
However, Marni’s Petal Pushers is more than just a flower shop. They also offer beautiful gifts. “We have the best tasting taffy this side of the Mississippi, a gourmet food line, unique glass ware, and several hand-made items,” said Marni Sandifur the store’s owner. “The driftwood pieces we make include tables, lamps, plate holders and wine racks.”
Some of their hand-arranged gift baskets include a Chocolate Lovers Basket, Mixed Fruit Basket, Candy Bouquet, Salty Snacks and a Pamper Me basket stuffed with sweet smelling lotions, body wash and candles. Sandifur opened her store in September 2011. Her passion for helping clients come up with the perfect gift, as well as her creative talent makes Marni’s Petal Pushers an ideal gift-shopping location in Grays Harbor.
The shop is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
