Holiday Shopping Adventures in Eagle
story and photography by Pete Grady
The holidays are just around the corner and it’s time to dust off that credit card, take a spin by the ATM or finish submitting that home equity loan application in preparation for some major league purchasing. The list of places to shop in the Treasure Valley grows by the month it seems as new retail centers pop up and the old standbys expand. And, great deals can be had from mail order catalogs and the Internet. The closer we get to Christmas the more the traffic will grow, leaving us less and less time to find something for the guy in accounting for the office gift exchange, the impossible-to-find game for junior’s X-Box or that special soap-on-a-rope for dad. With that in mind, Eagle’s retail shops want you to know they feel your pain! Rather than slogging your way to downtown Boise, The Village at Meridian or Boise Town Center, give yourself a breather and shop local.
Second Avenue Fine Housewares and Quality Consignment has become a landmark in the core of Eagle’s downtown. And for good reason. They’ve paid attention and learned their clientele’s taste and budget. It’s the perfect place to find everything from terminally cute decorative chicks dressed up for the holiday, unique night lights or an elaborate yard sculpture. Have someone with a sweet tooth on your list? Satisfy them with a tempting tin of Cowgirl Chocolates.
Eagle is lucky to have one of the best bike shops in the country. Reed’s sells rides for all ages and skill levels. Whether it’s conquering mountain trails, speeding down the pavement or cruising the neighborhood they has the right machine to take you there and a great selection of gear for your safety, comfort and convenience. Ride on!
Mimi Marie carries women’s and men’s cutting edge fashions, and offers exclusive brands like Juicy Couture, True Religion, Rock Revival and more. Besides designer clothing, hats, bags and belts, this holiday the focus is on jewelry. Check out the new selection of unique pieces. And, don’t forget to stop in for the annual holiday party on December 12 for fun and special values.
Worn out from holiday bustle? Stop in at Olive and Vyne for a chat with proprietors Kellie or Hope and taste your way through a spectrum of flavored olive oils and vinegars. The gourmet specialty shop carries premium extra virgin and infused olive oils, balsamic vinegars and stuffed olives. Not sure what to get that client you want to remember and thank? Olive and Vyne has interesting and affordable gift baskets for every taste. Your table setting and kitchen will get a boost of color and charm with the shop’s selection of ceramic ware, serving pieces and utensils.
Like their tagline says, here’s a shop full of effortless style. From around-the-house casual to elegant evening fashion, Ruby Lou’s offers ladies clothing, accessories, shoes, jewelry and gifts for the home in a contemporary, fun atmosphere. With cooler temperatures just over the horizon, come check out the charming selection of sweaters and outwear, designer jeans and tops.
If you love the look of awe and wonder on a child’s face, you owe it to them and yourself to visit Bricknowlogy. A toy store for the mind, let’s not forget the heart as well. Packed from floor to ceiling with a truly complete selection of Legos Construction Sets, the store offers classes, plans and hosts parties and stages events and camps, all with the vision of expanding learning and feeding the imagination of young people. It’s a treasure in our midst and a place to find stimulating gifts for your budding designer, engineer, architect or entrepreneur.
Take the charm of an century-old house on the boulevard, mix in contemporary, trendy clothing and accessories with touches of safari-chic decor and you have The Threaded Zebra. The emphasis is on “Made in U.S.A.” and while you’ll see that throughout the shop, there are fashions from elsewhere as, too. New selections arrive every week and as the weather cools, fun and funky outerwear makes its way to the racks. Check out the savannah-inspired jacket set off by cammo tights and fuchsia belt with Faux-pearl accents. Kaboom!
If you haven’t realized by now that consignment clothing shops are all the rage you must be living under a rock. That is made all the more clear by the fact that Eagle supports two “re-thread” stores by the same owner. Again and Again2 are the kind of clean, well-lighted boutiques we love to wander to score great deals on upscale fashions we might not otherwise indulge ourselves in. Of course it’s the kind of place where to need to come prepared to buy. Like that cute top? Better get it because there’s only one. Wait, and you’ll possibly find yourself smarting when you show up tomorrow morning for coffee with a friend and find her wearing it! Have some things you’re tired of or never really fit just right? Bring ‘em in! Consign them for cash or get a little premium with in-store credit.
With all these great choices close to home, it’s time to start new habits and think local when the shopping bug bites. Impress your friends this holiday season by telling them “I got it in Eagle”!
