From Newburgh to the West Side, the Tri-State has lots of gift shops and knick knack stores to choose from. This week, the staff of Evansville Living revealed some of their favorite retail locations to browse for fun or find gifts for everyone year-round.
Technically a bookstore, Bluestocking Social is my favorite place to visit between errands or to get away on a rainy day. A subterranean gold mine — located at 606 S. Weinbach Ave. underneath Honey Moon Coffee — Bluestocking has books of every genre as well as art supplies, local artisan items such as stickers, book-themed décor and accessories, and features a local artist each month.
I love descending the stairs from the street level, surrounded by the signature-blue décor of the shop. Reaching the bottom and turning into the store is like entering your own secret library.
You can order online or shop inside to meet owners Annie and Matt Fitzpatrick and a chance to meet their two furry assistants — Huxley and Eleanor.
Besides its pun-derful name, Outside the Gift Box draws customers in with its trendy novelty items. From body products to pet accessories, the store at 327 Main St. has a little something for everyone.
“I like Outside the Gift Box on Main Street,” says Creative Director Laura Mathis. “They carry those fun Blue Q socks and not your ordinary selection.”
Open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Fridays, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays, Outside the Gift Box doesn’t just offer quality products, but quality service as well. The Gift & Go station gives last minute shoppers a breath of relief with gift wrapping and proceeds from some products are donated to local charities.
Overflowing with products from local, women-owned, fair-trade, and international vendors, Rare Bird Uncommon Gifts is your one-stop-shop for all things gifts. Some of our favorite items include one-of-a-kind jewelry and an array of Evansville-centric products.
“Rare Bird is my go-to place for beautiful, custom-made jewelry and other gift items,” says Staff Photographer Zach Straw. “We love it!”
Operating from 2605 Lincoln Ave., Rare Bird is open for in-store, online, and curbside orders Tuesday through Saturday.
Tracy’s is the best place to be if you need home accessories, furniture, lighting, and more. The shop is best known for statement pieces, fine smaller items, and holiday products.
“Tracy’s Attic has great coffee table books, candles, home accent pieces, charcuterie boards, and jewelry,” says Senior Account Executive Jessica Hoffman.
A staple of Franklin Street (2233 W. Franklin St.), you can find your next favorite piece of furniture at Tracy’s every day but Sunday.
A short drive into downtown Newburgh, Indiana will land you at R4 Design, a home décor, accessories, jewelry, and gifts store.
“When I pop in there for a gift I can always find something for women and men,” says Senior Account Executive Jennifer Rhoades. “They also have a selection of gifts for newborns and babies.”
R4 was named after the four “Rs” represented in the store’s products — reclaimed, restored, repurposed, and refined. You can get your gift fix in at R4 every day of the week!
Photos provided by Bluestocking, Outside the Gift Box, Tracy’s, and R4.
