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Mixed Bag
Categories: Shopping Toy Stores Event Planning & Services Cards & Stationery Shopping Arts & Crafts Cards & Stationery Shopping Flowers & Gifts Cards & Stationery Toy Stores, Cards & Stationery [Edit]
2405 K StSacramento, CA 95816
Neighborhood: Midtown
(916) 447-6123
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 10 am - 6 pm
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- No
43 reviews for Mixed Bag
Review Highlights
"Christmas ornaments like none you've ever seen."
(in 6 reviews)
"I particularly like their beaded jewelry selection."
(in 10 reviews)
"It's a shop crammed with stuff from floor to ceiling."
(in 4 reviews)
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43 reviews in English
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Review from Christine S.
Sacramento, CA
11/29/2011 1 Check-in Here
I really like this place for the odd gift or fun Christmas ornament. The store is definitely packed with everything imaginable, from cute and classy jewelry to baking implements to penguin shaped erasers.
Be sure to check out the awesome card selection, the wonderful Christmas ornaments, and other fun things - ie takeout boxes = gift boxes in different colors = inexpensive, affordable and memorable. They have an amazing selection of random things like salt and pepper shaker sets.
The staff is great, but it does take a little while - the store tends to get crowded so expect a little bit of a wait.
Definitely worth a visit during the Christmas season - and the parking lot is fantastic for the Midtown craziness. -
Review from Stacey C.
Citrus Heights, CA
11/13/2011 1 photo
Love this place!!! Why? Because of the following:
1. Unique, funky, one of a kind stuff can't find anywhere else
2. Great sale and promo items
3. Selection of lots of different things-there is something for EVERYONE I promise!
4. They have their own parking lot!
5. CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS!!!!!!! hehe -
Review from carol t.
Sacramento, CA
11/9/2011
Love this store. Employees are always helpful if you are seeking help.
Great item selections, great place to buy gifts or even treat yourself to something neat.
My only complaint is that some items are a bit costly, but i do take into account they are a mom and pop, not Target or Wal-mart. -
Review from Laurie M.
Sacramento, CA
2/9/2012
I normally love mixed bag. I can always count on finding a unique, cute, clever gift. However, I was disappointed with them this evening. I arrived in the parking lot 3 minutes before closing to pick up some specialty ribbon for my daughter's birthday treats. Imagine my surprise when the salesperson would not let me in (even though I said I knew exactly what I wanted to buy) because they were closing and had already closed the cash drawer. Now, I know that I was cutting it close by arriving just before closing, but isn't an establishment supposed to stay open until the time they state?
I guess I will have to find my unique gifts elsewhere...Parkside Pharmacy in Land Park is great! -
Review from Allie S.
12/27/2011
I don't think agree with the toy store label - maybe a toy store for middle aged women looking for something silly to get their friends. Being a middle aged woman at heart, I love this place. They have that fantastic vintage series with whitty remarks like, "I don't suffer fools but I make fools suffer." There's also a boatload of rare kitchen items you can't find just anywhere. Looking for a funny card to send your buddy for his birthday? It's here.
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Review from Brandon A.
Sacramento, CA
6/18/2011
A $10 minimum purchase for a credit card in a gift shop is just daft. This really isn't rocket science, guys. Just charge enough money for things to be able to make your profit even accounting for the transaction cost from Visa/MC. . . It's perfectly legal to give a cash purchase discount. Just do it that way. Or you can do it like bars do it and charge the minimum purchase amount but give store credit for the difference instead of turning people away who aren't carrying cash. The worst thing you can do to a customer is waste their time by letting them walk around picking out small items only to scoff at them and show them the door when it only comes to $9.99 -- I can assure you that that time was worth more than your piddly little transaction fee.
To those who think it's against Visa/MC's rules to have a minimum purchase for card use: it used to be, but a "financial reform" law passed not too long ago set that minimum at $10, overriding the card issuers' rules. Another example of how our government "protects consumers." So it's legal for low-IQ business owners to shoot themselves in the foot by alienating their customers now. Also a reason to ignore whiny, self-important small businesses and just buy things from http://Amazon.com. -
Review from Kim S.
Sacramento, CA
10/31/2011
So you know how your grandma carries everything in her purse like candy, printed tissues, spare jewelry, etc.? Well, I am guessing, mine had a fanny pack with Extra spearmint gum & her Sizzler's discount card. Anyway, I digress. This place is exactly what the name suggests. Christmas ornaments you ask? They have a whole section for that. Stationary? Plenty. Sugary confections, wind chimes, and oven mitts? Absolutely. Everything you never thought you wanted resides here. Think similar to Evangeline's but the PG version. Though the outside banners may have you thinking they are a gardening store, they are not. However, they do indeed sell some gardening/outside items...of course.
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Review from Mr F.
Sacramento, CA
10/1/2011
This is a great place to buy your mom a birthday gift. Lots of little adorable teapots and knick knacks.
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Review from Lindsay C.
Sacramento, CA
11/21/2011 2 Check-ins Here
I use to LOVE Mixed Bag. They have so much neat stuff. And at Christmas you can find truly one-of-a-kind, unique ornaments. My mom and I were so excited to stop in last week. But the store was so crowded that it made it a little tricky to navigate. I had a few items in my hands to purchase, but was so distracted by the women behind the counter. They were talking to each other so rudely. Everything out of their mouths was negative or accusatory. One lady looked at me and told me that if I was ready to go to the end of the line, rudely. I was not ready. I was still shopping. And she didn't have to be rude. And then I heard her talking crap about me, or possibly some other customer, to the customer she was currently helping. The nerve. I put my ornaments back and left immediately. Upon exiting the store, I told my mom what I had heard and experienced. She, like me, is a long time Mixed Bag fan. And she had a similar experience with a different employee and stepped outside to wait for me. She also ptu her items back. I get it, it was busy. They probably were not expecting such a rush on a Friday in the middle of November. But do you really think treating customers poorly is the solution to your stress? Furthermore, do you not think we can hear you when you talk rudely to each other? What a trip! If I go back, it will be awhile.
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Review from Marie H.
Meadow Vista, CA
9/20/2011
Cool selection of products, sucky customer service. This does show why old-school shops will end up dying. I go to stores for service and as smile. Not some grumpy old ladies acting like they are doing me a favor. They have always been this way since I've been going there (over ten years) so I think it's the culture there to put customers second. That aside, the stuff in there is super awesome so I go in about twice a year and put up with the grumpy girls. But I don't recommend it to many because of the attitudes.
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Review from rebecca w.
Sacramento, CA
10/12/2010
So you know when Willy Wonka opens the doors to the chocolate river where everything is edible, and the kids kind of freak out and go crazy.... But then Willy Wonka tells them later that they can't touch anything, try anything, play with anything....and they do because well, they cant resist? That's pretty much how I felt walking into the Mixed Bag. I had a whole bunch of.... "mixed feelings", if you will. I was in awe. I was overwhelmed. And then suddenly..... I wanted to play with everything in site.
Its hard not to spend an hour in there. Need an egg timer? you got it. mood ring? sure. whoopie cushion? yep! candy? cards? crayons and aprons? yes, yes, and yes! okay... you get the point. This place is convenient and overflowing with possibilities, literally, floor to ceiling overflowing. Check it out. -
Review from Esmeralda B.
Sacramento, CA
7/1/2010
While taking a stroll through downtown Sac and looking for Mother's Day and birthday gifts I came to Mixed Bag. It seemed like they have the same kind of quirky things you would find at Evangeline's or other little boutique shops in the area. I think that the prices are a little too steep for my comfort in coming back.
The service was decent. At first, I was kind of bothered by the fact that when I walked in, I wasn't greeted. A lady walked in right after me and let her dog run amok throughout the store. They were apparently friends because they were gabbing away, making cutesy noises at the dog, and giving them their full and undivided attention. I didn't want to interrupt the conversation they were having, yet, made eye contact and tried looking a little confused because I actually had a question, but he looked away and continued with the chit-chatting.
Finally once I eventually found what I was looking for, went up to pay and they were very pleasant people. -
Review from Jody M.
Roseville, CA
11/17/2010
I really love browsing Mixed Bag. It's a fun store for ideas and unique items. But, the prices are a little high and they are violating their vendor agreement by forcing a minimum purchase.
VISA, MC, Discover, etc. DO NOT allow vendors to set a minimum purchase requirement. Nor are customers required to show ID to complete their transaction. The $0.50 ATM transaction fee is legal, but a little nickle-and-dime considering the markup of the merchandise.
Overall, it's a great window shopping place and I might buy something when I stop in. It was one of my mom's favorite places to go, so there is a little nostalgia associated with the store. But I'd suggest bringing cash. -
Review from Sonia S.
Sacramento, CA
9/24/2010
Ok selection of cards and gifty things. Some staff is rather snooty and unfriendly. Not fond of the $10 min visa or 50cent ATM charge choices ... especially when I didn't see any signage informing me of this ahead of time.
They have good gifts and cards though.
I run hot and cold with this place Sometimes I get a 2 star vibe from them, sometimes a 4 star. Since I just bought some nice gifts from them and the cashier was nice *this time*, I'll go with the 4 star. -
Review from Linda C.
Carmichael, CA
8/15/2011
I do not agree that this place is like Evangalines. Evangalines to me is a bit tacky, but Mixed Bag has an unbelievable assortment of unique gifts in all price ranges. This is definitely the place to go when you have no idea what to buy someone; you will definitely find it here at any price point. I do agree that the customer service is a bit lacking on most visits. This is the kind of place you could spend 10 minutes in each aisle because of the quantity and variety of what they carry. Unique kitchen things, candles, good assortment of cards, unique stuffed animals, lunch bags, jewelry, soaps, lotions, I could go on and on.
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Review from Eduardo C.
Sacramento, CA
3/6/2011
At Mixed Bag I can buy gifts for my grandmother, mother, and lover. Truly this shop is a mixed bag.
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Review from Mark H.
Sacramento, CA
3/26/2010
The customer service isn't so great. There's a $10 minimum on Visa charges, a $.50 surcharge for debit transactions and the machine was down so I was told to drive to an ATM to get cash and come back, yeah right! Should have offered to take my Visa number to run through later when the machine was fixed, I'm somewhat a regular. Also should have let me use the bathroom.
(no merchants are allowed to charge a minimum on Visa btw) -
Review from Jose Luis C.
Sacramento, CA
12/17/2010
This is a great place for finding random gifts and stocking stuffers.
Favorite purchases:
Bicycle spoke flashing LED lights: $1.99 at the front counter
Pick-up sticks $5.99
Nice kitchen tool selection
Huge Christmas tree ornament selection -
Review from Olivia L.
Sacramento, CA
11/8/2009 1 photo
This place should make you sign some waivers before you walk in. Surgeon General warnings. Public Service Announcements on mixed bag anonymous groups in the area.
Don't be fooled by the outdoor garden flags waving outside this little mafia house. It's all a rouse. They know *we* know all about garden flags. The suburban shortcut to real decorations. Just stick a damn pole with a maple leaf on it to the side of the house and call it Fall. Or Vermont. (Hey, I never said they weren't versatile, but anyway, I digress.)
So, the windsock/flag displays are nothing more than a front for the crack/schtuff shop they're running inside ... and I don't even like schtuff. Or crack. (Well, I shouldn't say that. I've never tried crack so I don't know.)
Hands down, this is the best gift giving spot in Sacramento. With one-of-a-kind everything, the store is floor-to-ceiling, organized awesomeness.
They have:
Stationary
Jewelry
Holiday schtuff
Kitchen schtuff
Funny schtuff
Cards
The WORLD
and ... my last pay check. :(Listed in: Favorite Spots on the Grid, Cruisin' K Street
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Review from Paul C.
Sacramento, CA
1/29/2008
If you want to but a stocking stuffer type present for a woman - something for a coworker - or your niece or aunt - then in my book you have Mixed Bag. If it's the same deal for a guy, then by all means check out Evangeline's.
Both stores are crammed full of $5-$25 fun stuff - if you want to kill an hour they are both good places to wind little toys up and read funny little books. -
Review from Bill A.
Sacramento, CA
6/26/2010
What a wonderful selection of some many interesting things! I spend an hour looking around before I could focus and find the jewelery item I was looking for. The staff was very welcoming and friendly.
I'll have to go back when I have some more time. Two hours might not be enough.Listed in: Costume Jewlery
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Review from Kimberly M.
Sacramento, CA
11/12/2009
This is my go to place when I need to get a gift for someone I like. (Meaning people I think are just ok, get gift cards)
Mixed Bag has so many cute little things that I go crazy and each gift is a plethora of things. I recently purchased a really nice smelling Olive Leaf lotion, a neat little pill box and compact mirror. Voila, gift done!
I have introduced my mother, godmother and grand mother and countless friends to Mixed Bag and they all agree this place is awesome!
This is not really a run in and run out kind of place...you will wnat to take you time to find the little treasure packed within! -
Review from Becca F.
Sacramento, CA
4/22/2009
I remember the original Mixed Bag, where Dara Denim is... The current MB location began as the Christmas / holiday annex. Always seemed cool b/c it reminded me of an airplane hangar... For a midtown boutique, this place is tastefully 'crammed' or stocked with myriad gift ideas and greeting cards. X marks this spot for serendipitous finds at reasonable prices. (My problem: my basket adds up too quickly!)
Polyester / nylon flags and colorful pinwheels greet customers at the door. Enter the door and turn right to find my favorite corner, which caters to all things cooking, kitchen and entertaining: from food/drink items to aprons and decorative drain stoppers. Not necessarily my other favorite, but they have a bath time, lotions and oil corner.
There are some truly funny novelty gifts like the Wall Street Magic 8 ball; design based on a dollar bill with investment advice. Not to mention kitschy lunch boxes with candy. Keep the Wonder Woman or Superman, but no more Spongebob please! FYI -- Red Hat and diva inventory jackpot, if that's your deal.
I'm usually apathetic about the jewelry, candle, toys and baby sections... but I can't wait to find something for Baby Drew's 1st b-day. Maybe a tambourine or another musical instrument.
FYI -- Don't come here if you are claustrophobic.Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Caitlin P.
Aspen, CO
5/29/2011
This is the perfect place for thoughtful gifts. A lot of unique items and really cute greeting cards. The staff is friendly and helpful!
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Review from Madeleine D.
Roseville, CA
12/23/2009
Mixed Bag is like a tiny version of Evangeline's. And for that, I can give them four stars. However, I'm taking off a mere one star for the fact that this shop is extremely crowded, and that the cashier was berating everyone in the store. I'm only deducting one because I really enjoyed browsing, and the different things I found. But damn, that cashier really needed to chill out.
The line for checkout in Mixed Bag is unfortunately one of the aisles. So, my husband and I are trying to browse down the aisle and cashier man is yelling at everyone that the line starts down that aisle, and if you want to buy anything, you need to be in that line. So, a few people come flooding down the aisle where I'm trying to shop, effectively pushing me out of the aisle. Wtf.
Considering I had just been to Evangeline's, I didn't see anything that I couldn't get there. So I ended up empty handed which almost never happens when I go shopping. I'll probably go to Mixed Bag again if I'm in the area shopping at Prevue's or something, but there is nothing I can't get in the bigger, more spacious Evangeline's. Plus Evangeline's has like 10 times the stock of Mixed Bag. But still, a cute shop - and right by Prevue's, one of my other favorite places downtown.Listed in: Shopping
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Review from Serious C.
Sacramento, CA
12/20/2009 1 photo
It looks like a garden shop from the outside with it's green awning and knick-knacks. It's not.
It's a shop crammed with stuff from floor to ceiling.. seasonal items, kitchen utensils, novelty items.. I found some pretty cool shit, some funny shit. There's a sign hanging from the ceiling to show you where the line is to pay but there's so much shit everywhere you miss it.
It gets crowded too.. You got all the inventory then you add some people and you better just hope they don't have strong fragrances on.
Mixed Bag has some cool trinkets and such but nothing you really need so if you like to buy knick-knacks or what have you, this is a good shop to stop in. -
Review from C R.
Citrus Heights, CA
4/10/2011
I used to come here with my grandma when I was little and it is still as fun as I remember! Everything there is unique and its a great place to get a special gift. They have everything from gag gifts, flags, cards, games, baby toys, candles, office supplies, jewelry, cooking stuff, retro toys, lotions and aromatherapy and much more! If you have never been then its definitely worth checking out.
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Review from Alan T.
Folsom, CA
12/9/2009
Christmas ornaments like none you've ever seen. Seriously, a glitter cheetah laying on top of a large round cheetah-fur covered ball?! On top of that, you can fill out your African-Large-Animal-Christmas-Ornament collection there. Crazy.
Echoing other reviews: it looks totally hokey from the outside but the inside will swallow you up, fleece your wallet and spit you out an hour later.
Fun jewelry also. -
Review from Jennifer W.
Sacramento, CA
8/12/2011
Looks like their reviews are a mixed bag ... har har har. Joking aside I really like this place and I get all of my baby shower and bridal shower gifts here. If you buy a gift bag (even a cheap paper one) they wrap it up pretty for you with tissue and ribbons. I also love that they open at 9 am - perfect when you're running late like me to an event.
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Review from Joseph P.
Sacramento, CA
12/5/2010
This place is great for finding fun gifts for both kids and adults. Some fun and useful, some of them fun and completely useless.
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Review from Amanda S.
Sacramento, CA
4/11/2010
I like it. It's kind of a clean version of Spencer's Gifts, mixed with the randomness of the first floor of Evangeline's Costume Mansion. They have the weirdest stuff, for example a mechanical pig that rolls around on the floor and sadistically giggles when it detects motion. They have a big collection of miniature round up toys that are freakin' cute! I come here when I need to buy a gift for someone and have no idea what to get. Good prices too.
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Review from Rene L.
8/25/2010
this place gives me an ocd migraine. i need order and structure in this chaotic world. i'm that girl that alphabetizes her dvd's and cd's, color chordinates things, gets carried away with the label maker, you get the idea. imagine my angst when i walk in with Mom and my eyes dart around in confusion.
i remember when they were just a little hole in the wall around the corner years ago. the store was so organized! a place for everything and everything in its place. now that they've moved into their larger space it's like Mary Engelbreit, Ann Taintor, Gary Larson, and the rest of the gang got sick and threw up all over the store. maybe i came during inventory, but unless i'm in desperate need of a last minute novelty gift and can't get to Evangelines, i don't think i can venture in there once more... -
Review from Carla C.
3/17/2007
I dare you not to find a gift for a friend! When I'm outta time -- no time to drive downtown or to the mall (god forbid), mixed bag is always there for me! They rarely disappoint...even if I have to stand and look around and around for a while...it comes to me, as in a vision! :)
Listed in: My Neighborhood, Craft Mania, Born to Shop
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Review from Patrick B.
Sacramento, CA
6/18/2010
Mixed Bag is a store that I have shopped in for years to get that unique gift for friends or family and have always enjoyed my time in the store.
Until I had kids!! My family and I were in the store looking for a gift for grandma, when out of the blue the owner comes up and starts telling us to watch our kids better and how kids are known to break stuff etc... She made my 6 year old daughter cry over being a kid and looking at all the neat stuff in the store. Mixed bag gets my vote for being a non-kid friendly store. The owner of mixed bag not only lost a loyal customer that day she lost a future customer as well. -
Review from Laura B.
Sacramento, CA
3/3/2007
Mixed Bag reminds me of my mother-in-law. Lots of colorful flags, spinner things and windchimes to hang on the back patio. Inside, the place is crammed floor-to-ceiling with gadgets, games, knick-knacks, beads, and other good cluttery stuff for your house. I got a bell for my bike for $4. Fun place to look around.
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Review from Gina D.
Fair Oaks, CA
10/24/2007
This is the perfect store for unique, fun and low cost gifts! You will also find a wonderful selection of Christmas ornaments during the holiday season. I have purchased jewelry, retro refrigerator magnets with funny sayings and plates and silverware. All the gifts I have given from Mixed Bag are a hit!
Listed in: Born to Shop
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Review from Jen K.
Sacramento, CA
12/2/2009
OMG, don't hate me for leaving a bad review.. I had high hopes after reading spectacular reviews, but this was totally different from what i had expected. the outdoor decor has weird tacky garden flags which totally took me off guard.. inside, it looks like your typical souvenir shop that has little bit of everything.. no theme, nothing tasteful.. they have 6-7 small aisles with lotions, aluminum water bottles, christmas ornaments, wrapping papers, jam, candles, etc.. i thought i'd get my xmas shopping done here, but left empty-handed..
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Review from Tiffany L.
Sacramento, CA
11/17/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Mixed bag indeed...Hell ya I had fun in here! They really have everything for the person who has it all-no, really. Onion goggles?! Please! The kitchen area is very interesting, to say the least...mini everything. I love Thyme lotions and body perfumes sold here- especially the eucalyptus. Today, I walked out with a 22 dollar red rubber rhinestone watch, (crafty artsy jewelry here)a dragonfly cookie cutter(95 cents- what a variety they had) an ID holder and a Gone Fishin' game (you know- that old school magnetic pole game) The toy section was off the hook! Wood, tin and what not. I spent most my time in it- from jaw harps, to tops, old school musical instruments of all sorts. The toy section was probably the most fairly priced- everything else was a wee steep- but, I guess if you re gift shopping, no worries. Oh! the coffee sold here is pretty yum too- better than Temples I might say..shhh..
Listed in: Come here often??
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Review from Natalie D.
Carmichael, CA
2/25/2011
I had a very poor customer service experience. I was shopping with my 2 small children before closing (20 min)~they yelled out," we will be closing in 10 minutes". At the time I was clearly shopping and had products in my hand.They proceeded to shut off lights and proceed with close down. My son was sitting looking at 3 stuffed dogs, I didn't realize he had pulled the price tags off the dogs~ughhh! My son came running over in tears saying, "that man scared me." Not sure what her said to scare him so much. But I can assume he got really mad at him. I thoroughly apologized as I felt bad. The two people in the store didn't speak a word to me, as if I committed a crime! I even tried to joke and say, "thank goodness for price guns" and the man working there didn't even respond to me!
I understand pulling off price tags on 3 toys may have been frustrating, but they made me feel so uncomfortable~I bought my things and left. They have children things in there, I have to assume that "things happen". But to not speak a word to me~ WOW! They have lost my business and I have been going there for years! -
Review from Adele B.
Miami, FL
5/28/2009
I love this place. It's right near my work, which is dangerous. They have an amazing selection of seasonal window clings, ornaments, wrapping paper, great gifts for babies and lots of other things I enjoy shopping for (because in my heart, I am a 75 year old grandma). The staff is always friendly and the store is stuffed with cute chatchkas that will entertain you for hours... that is, if you, like me, appreciate things like decorative seasonal window clings. If not, I'd suggest a margarita at the Mexican place across the street.
