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I am a big fan of Ten Thousand Villages for reasons noted by other reviewers, but especially...
More 6 months ago
I am a big fan of Ten Thousand Villages for reasons noted by other reviewers, but especially because I know that the wonderful artisans supported by the store/organization get a fair price for their work, whereas IF you buy cheaper elsewhere, it's likely the artisans got less. TTV is a non-profit, mostly run by volunteers, and staff paid a living wage [not big bucks], so the prices are more reflective of what artisans need to make a living and send their kids to school, rather than to work in a factory. Markups only keep the store running and the artisans supported on the long term.
The staff are friendly and helpful, the store is cheerful, and you can get a lot of information about the artisans and their products.
My house is wonderfully decorated with TTV items, and I buy most of my gifts and also my coffee there. The store is a great place to visit to see how cleverly people produce hand-made products, many of recycled or salvaged materials. The colors are great.
If you ARE searching for bargains, there are many at Ten Thousand Villages, particularly jewelry and ceramics, as well as musical instruments and many other things. Wonderful wall hangings and scarves.
I am a conscious consumer and buy most of my dry goods [except what I buy at TTV] at thrift stores [recycled]. So save your money at thrift stores and spend it at TTV, where artisans get what they deserve.
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Stuhlberg's
Category:
Furniture
1801 Queen Anne Ave N
Seattle,
Washington 98109
I purchased my wedding invitations at Stulbergs for my wedding and Ann (the wedding invitation...
More 1 year ago
I purchased my wedding invitations at Stulbergs for my wedding and Ann (the wedding invitation sales person) was so great in helping me with my budget and invitation selection. My invitations turned out so beautiful that I received so many compliments from guests who were excited to come to my wedding because my invitations were so great. Ann took so much time and care with me that I even came back and ordered thank-you cards. She is great and I highly recommend going to Stulbergs for wedding invites.
Pros: Working with a wedding specialist.
Cons: Can be expensive.
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Every one of my Christmas presents from my husband came from Watson Kennedy this year, and I was...
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Every one of my Christmas presents from my husband came from Watson Kennedy this year, and I was delighted!
I just love to spend time sifting through all the little trinkets they have inside their Pike Place location. From soaps to glass pears to letter openers, everything is gorgeous and oh-so-French.
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Impress Rubber Stamps
Category:
Rubber Stamps
2621 NE Village Ln
Seattle,
Washington 98105
(206) 526-5818
This is a wonderful little stamp shop. They have lots of sample cards around which provide great...
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This is a wonderful little stamp shop. They have lots of sample cards around which provide great ideas. The little stamping/card accessories are unique and I don't usually see them at other stores. Part of the charm of this shop is that it is small, but if you are serious about stamping and really want a bigger selection of stamps and paper, I would head elsewhere.
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Whether I need a unique card or gift for a friend, this is my first stop. They keep an unusual...
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Whether I need a unique card or gift for a friend, this is my first stop. They keep an unusual selection of funky and fun gifts - like recycled fabric handbags to the chicken chucker (you have to go see it to understand). Nice selection of candles and bath items. And the card selection is the best in Fremont. Cute to handpainted to hilarious cards. Just a fun place to shop! And, no I don't work there.
Pros: Cards, Recycled items, Fun Store
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Bitters Co
Category:
Gift Shops
513 N 36th St
Seattle,
Washington 98103
Every time I've been in the shop, I've been greeted warmly by some beautiful people. Whenever I'm...
More 3 months ago
Every time I've been in the shop, I've been greeted warmly by some beautiful people. Whenever I'm on a mission for a gift, I find it. This is one-stop shopping for gifts for all occasions--and there are some lovely things to pick up as personal treats. I send all my friends here. I love it!
Pros: Everything is wonderful about this place!
Cons: Fremont just started charging for parking.
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I just received a bouquet from Martha E Harris Flowers and Gifts - it is simply gorgeous! This is...
More 2 months ago
I just received a bouquet from Martha E Harris Flowers and Gifts - it is simply gorgeous! This is not a cookie cutter arrangement in a nondescript vase. Rather the vase, colors, flowers and overall shape are cohesive and lovely. I have to say that this is the most beautiful floral arrangement I have ever received.
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tottini
Category:
Retail Shopping
259 Yale Ave N
Seattle,
Washington 98109
(206) 462-3244
tottini has a great selection of cribs, changings tables and rocking chairs for the modern...
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tottini has a great selection of cribs, changings tables and rocking chairs for the modern nursery! It also carries twin beds, bunk beds (the ones on display are very cool) and dressers. It carries a vast selection of toys and accessories. Wonderful book selection! A great store with a lot of wonderful items!!
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Joe's
Category:
Auto Parts
328 NE Northgate Way
Seattle,
Washington 98125
My husband goes into Joe's all the time to get softball items for my daughter. He likes that they...
More 1 year ago
My husband goes into Joe's all the time to get softball items for my daughter. He likes that they have a wide selection of items to choose from. He also goes into look at hunting items. The prices are really good.
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When I first called this shop after looking at their website, I thought I would be constrained to...
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When I first called this shop after looking at their website, I thought I would be constrained to the "FTD" looking arrangements I saw on-line. The woman I was buying flowers for, however, appreciates more sophisticated designs. Being constrained by time and needing the close proximity of the shop for easy pick-up, I called the shop and asked for something more high end. When I arrived at the store, which looks extremely busy, I was greeted promptly and was presented with my flowers and was stunned. They were fantastic! My girlfriend thought it was the most beautiful, arrangement she had ever received. I've ordered flowers from the "fancier" shops in town but this place did an even better job and was more reasonably priced. They are my new "go to" florist for specialty flowers.
Pros: Creative staff, very good customer service
Cons: parking can be tricky
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