Time is short to pick up those last-minute gifts for the holidays, but we all want to find that something special for those who mean a lot to us.
“Unique gifts are our specialty at Sarah’s Hallmark,” said owner Dee Babicke. “Right in the neighborhood, our store elves can help you fill your list, or give you some great gift ideas.”
Because Sarah’s Hallmark is a Gold Crown store, shoppers will find exclusive Gold Crown merchandise not available at other Hallmark outlets, such as Grab-N-Gabs, the Children’s Angel Choir and the Until We Hug Again recordable bunny and bear, all brand new this year. “But walk through our doors, and you’ll see it’s much more than just a Hallmark store. We offer a large variety of gift items for all ages and tastes.”
Every year, there is an item many folks start looking for even before the holidays. This year, Elf on the Shelf is one, and it is quickly becoming a tradition among young families. “Elf on the Shelf is a keepsake gift set, which includes an elf and a hardcover book telling the story of how Santa makes his naughty and nice list,” said Dee. “Children can register their elf online and receive a letter from Santa.” The Elf on the Shelf: An Elf’s Story also has been made into an animated holiday special, which will air on CBS-TV on Friday, Dec. 14.
Also popular now are the interactive Story Buddies and books, also only available at Gold Crown retailers. Interactive books bring the story to life as the Story Buddy chimes in when certain words or phrases are read aloud. Jingle, the husky dog, came out last year to rave reviews, and this year brings Bell, his girlfriend. Several other stuffed pets come with their own story books, such as Scooby Doo, Nugget the Puppy and Abigail Bunny.
“Our huge Vera Bradley section is hot with women and girls of all ages, both for gifts and for themselves,” Dee explained. Updated patterns and styles include new items appealing to coeds and tweens, such as backpacks, lunch satchels, and iPad and reader covers, along with luggage items and the well-loved assortment of handbags and accessories.
“For those who love to decorate, we feature scores of beautifully crafted, new and traditional collectibles,” said Dee. “Annalee Dolls have been around for more than 75 years, in a variety of Christmas characters ranging from palm-size to those designed to stand on the floor. Each is unique, but you can always tell an Annalee by the smile.”
Started in the 1960s, Byers’ Choice Carolers are featured in the most traditional of Christmas décor. Jim Shore’s Americana folk art Santas, angels and Nativity sets also are on many wish lists.
“Gifting a holiday village can start a wonderful tradition for a new family,” Dee suggested. Founded in 1976, Department 56 lighted village buildings and accessories come in many styles. These detail-oriented scenes can create a throwback to simpler times of Christmas-past, or display contemporary Disney or Snoopy characters.
And, of course, there are Hallmark’s renowned Keepsake Ornaments, full of detail and created in styles for old and young. Especially popular are Count Down ornaments, which mark the days until Christmas with special messages.
Spending a few minutes perusing the shelves at Sarah’s Hallmark may save you hours of shopping time. Then you can wrap and mail right from the store’s post office.
Sarah’s Hallmark is located at 1112 N. Higley Road. Holiday hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The postal station is available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., weekdays, and from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. Last pick-up time is 3:45 p.m. aweekdays and 4 p.m. on Saturday. For more information, call (480) 981-8828.