This might finally be the year to revise the old adage, “It’s better to give than to receive.” Giving is nice, but it’s way better to give something truly awesome. Before getting all psyched up to run the gauntlet of sometimes impersonal megastores, check out these local shops that help make finding one-of-a-kind gifts for family and friends a joy.
By Greg Elwell Photos Garett Fisbeck
Shop Good
3 NW Ninth St. shopgoodokc.com 405-702-0517
“Give the gift that keeps on giving” kind of sounds like you’re passing around a fruitcake that nobody wants to eat. Instead, give a gift people want to keep from Shop Good, where a portion of every sale gets donated to worthy causes in Oklahoma and around the world. Buy a shirt from the store’s small-batch printing press, shop for Smell Good Daily scents and other unique grooming supplies and invest in a new pair of fashionable Warby Parker specs, all from the comfort of Ninth Street.
Learning Tree
7646 N. Western Ave. learningtreeokc.com 405-848-1415
For more than 30 years, Oklahoma City parents have trusted Learning Tree for toys, books and games that entertain and enrich children’s lives. The shop has grown to include toys from 450 manufacturers that help kids hit developmental milestones. If you’re looking for a kid-friendly gift but you’re not sure what’s appropriate, Learning Tree sells products divided by age group, and its staff of knowledgeable experts will help find the perfect gift for any young genius.
Cork & Bottle
16502 N. Western Ave. facebook.com/corkandbottle 405-341-9463
Unless you are Robert Parker, buying a bottle of wine can be a real guessing game. Take the worry out of wine shopping with a visit to Cork & Bottle, where the motto is, “We try the bad stuff so you don’t have to.” It’s a little shop, but the staff has crammed it full of expansive selections of wine, craft beer and liquors. Anyone looking for something special needs only ask — Cork & Bottle is great at searching out hard-to-find products.
RINK Gallery
3200 N. Rockwell Ave., Bethany rinkgallery.com 405-787-7465
Finding a great gift can be inexpensive and fun when shoppers go on a Rink Gallery treasure hunt. The venue is filled with antiques, collectibles and vintage furniture finds that you just won’t find at other stores. Whether looking for something specific or just browsing away an afternoon, there’s always something new to discover at Rink. And if keeping kids (and husbands) engaged while looking at dressers sounds impossible, there are plenty of used toys and oddities to peruse, as well.
OK Humane Adoption Center
7500 N. Western Ave. okhumane.org 405-286-1229
The best gift to give this holiday might be a new home. Central Oklahoma Humane Society Adoption Center has young and old animals that would love the gift of family for Christmas. Pet ownership is a big commitment, so people who want to snuggle kittens and play tug of war with puppies but can’t adopt one can instead volunteer at the center to walk dogs, feed animals, clean kennels, provide administrative help and discover the satisfaction in helping great pets find forever homes.
Chirps & Cheers
1112 N. Walker Ave., Suite 101 chirpsandcheers.com 405-509-6336
Get ready to nerd out over stationery. Paper craft connoisseurs, quirky gift lovers and hardcore organization enthusiasts can all find what they’re looking for at Chirps & Cheers. The Midtown stationery shop helps make sending snail mail delightful. It also carries place cards for fancy parties and wrapping paper that adds pizazz to your gift packages. Those who want help finding the right inspiration can make an appointment and staff will give them one-on-one attention.
Reference • Point
1745 NW 16th St., Suite F1 referencepointshop.com [email protected]
If all jewelry starts to look the same after a while, it’s time to schedule a visit to Angela Hodgkinson’s shop Reference • Point, where the selection is anything but ordinary. Specializing in minimalist and modern designs, the store carries engagement rings, necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry that will wow the recipient. Too soon for jewelry? Reference • Point also sells fragrances, candles, soaps and pottery.
Print headline: Shop happy
