Fireworks is a knick-knack lovers' paradise (or as my coworker calls this type of establishment "a store for girls"). They carry magnets, purses, jewelry, books, candles, most things cute, colorful and small. Fireworks also sells furniture and table lamps, but these are beyond my desired price range and thus usually not a stop on my tour of the store.
Each column and table is organized by theme or product type. Looking at the goods on each table keeps me occupied for a good 15 minutes. One of my favorite themes may have been monkeys at a luau. I'm not sure who made these things or from where they came, but I loved the idea. Mugs, picture frames, candles, all adorned with monkeys in hula skirts, wearing leis. Do I want it in my house? No! But is the idea so absurd and the execution so adorable I can't help but examine everything in that line? YES! Half of the goods I come across I find more suitable for teacher-types, crafting-types, moms, etc. (the enamel flying trumpeting angels fall in this category). The rest I find amazing gift matches for friends (i.e. "The White-Trash Cookbook") or just plain cute (baby T-shirts and stuffed animals dressed as other animals).
I don't always buy something when I come in to Fireworks--in fact, I don't think I frequently do--but I love to walk around looking at all the colorful goods and wares. Fireworks is a required visit when holiday shopping; it's a great place to get gift ideas. If I do make it to the cash register, I almost always walk away with one of the 500 doodads with which they've lined the counter. Mini-buttons with a rebus for phrases like "bad apple" or "puppy love"? I'm a sucker every time.
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