Even though I agree with the other reviewers of this store, that its prices make it better for browsing than for buying, I justify a high rating because they carry so many pieces by local artists. I... More

Even though I agree with the other reviewers of this store, that its prices make it better for browsing than for buying, I justify a high rating because they carry so many pieces by local artists. I like their stained-glass boxes, and salad tongs shaped like human bones—and one Christmas I was the lucky recipient of the medieval-looking hammered-pewter measuring cups and spoons. Since I first stopped in to the Westlake branch, almost twenty years ago, I’ve actually found fewer things that I like here instead of more, but I don’t know whether that’s a change in my tastes or in what the store carries. I still recommend stopping in.
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I love this store - very girly and funky with all kinds of fun things. They have unique gifty items here - from flamingo lights to handpainted mugs to paper mache sculptures of dancers hanging from... More

I love this store - very girly and funky with all kinds of fun things. They have unique gifty items here - from flamingo lights to handpainted mugs to paper mache sculptures of dancers hanging from the ceiling. (Some of these are really beautiful - they're made by a local artist, who is very talented.) This is a great spot to look for desk-stuff - like magnets, fun arty post cards and things like that to spice up your office life.
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As soon as you walk in you are overwhelmed by the number of colorful unique gifts and things they stock. There's tons of things to look at and chances are you'll find a gift here. They have things... More

As soon as you walk in you are overwhelmed by the number of colorful unique gifts and things they stock. There's tons of things to look at and chances are you'll find a gift here. They have things like trendy purses, coffee table books, magnets, and tons of other trinkets. If you really can't think of what to get someone, it's probably worth a visit! At least it will get you thinking about the possibilities!
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Fireworks seems to be recently leaning on the idea of being a gallery moreso than a store. While a lot of great knick-knacks (books, pens, silly toys etc) grace the shelves, it seems like you would... More

Fireworks seems to be recently leaning on the idea of being a gallery moreso than a store. While a lot of great knick-knacks (books, pens, silly toys etc) grace the shelves, it seems like you would have more fun just looking at them for awhile instead of dolling out a lot of money to take them home. The photographs and paintings are gorgeous, the highlight of the store if you take your eyes off the oddities on the shelves below for but a minute. There is a small alcove for kids with pillows and movies to let them relax while you walk around the store.... probably for the best as it seems kids are always trying to grab and play with the items. Basically, this store is a great place to browse, but prices usually restrict me from becoming a buyer.
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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... More

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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I have been in here several times and have not ever purchased anything. It seems like most of the stuff consists of coffee-table-like books and expensive knick knacks. They have things like fancy... More

I have been in here several times and have not ever purchased anything. It seems like most of the stuff consists of coffee-table-like books and expensive knick knacks. They have things like fancy magnets, alt-style hand bags (like one made out of seat belts), picture/coffee-table books, signs, some jewelry, and other random things. I'm sure it's possible to get cool gifts here, but I just haven't ever found anything worth buying. If you're alread at the U-Village, it's probably worth a look, but otherwise I wouldn't make a special trip.
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Over the holidays I had occasion to take my mom to the University Village. We walked through the bookstore and had brunch and had just started a leisurely stroll when she saw Fireworks. Now I have... More

Over the holidays I had occasion to take my mom to the University Village. We walked through the bookstore and had brunch and had just started a leisurely stroll when she saw Fireworks. Now I have lived in Seattle for over 12 years and can still remember the first time I stumbled into Fireworks. It blew me away. There was so much to see and explore. My mom had the same kid-in-a-candy-store reaction. Which got me wondering: Is Fireworks Gallery all flash? With a collection of jewelry, furniture, home decor items, personal accessories and books created by known artists and craftspeople, Fireworks Gallery is committed to bringing art into people's lives and they keep that promise. I think there is a lot of flash, certainly, but there is substance if you look beyond the riotous merchandising. Over the years I have purchased gifts for friends and family from Fireworks that literally brought tears of appreciation to people's eyes. That is a real testimony to the folks who buy for Fireworks Gallery. You can find the right gift for the right occasion at Fireworks. And, there is not a Feng Shui problem out there that cannot be fixed with something from Fireworks. My mom bought a handbag that day, for me, for my birthday (to go with my Dangle: http://members.judysbook.com/posts/revieweditems/product.aspx?ri=26669181). That was the first Fireworks gift I ever received and it was perfect! Here is a http://www.fireworksgallery.net/ to their site.
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I always seem to have a lot of success finding a gift here. Sometimes it is the first place I go - whether looking for a housewarming, birthday or baby gift. The baby items are a little pricey,... More

I always seem to have a lot of success finding a gift here. Sometimes it is the first place I go - whether looking for a housewarming, birthday or baby gift. The baby items are a little pricey, but they are super cute and unique. They have a lot of handmade jewelry to choose from, although it seems to get more and more expensive each time I go in. It is a fun place to wander around even if you aren't planning on buying anything. I highly recommend a visit to this store.
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