Gift Giving
Finding the right gift can be challenging, but the Gifted Shoppe in the Village of Zionsville makes the chore easy and even fun. Opened last fall, the store carries unique offerings for every price point. The concept for the business developed from the joy Denise Cook and Stacy Singer found in giving gifts.
“Denise and I are huge gift givers. We met six years ago as volunteers at Christamore House. We just clicked. She and I are always trying to surprise each other. We dig deep! Among the gifts we have exchanged are an Avon piece from the ’70s, a hat box from L.S. Ayres and a favorite toy of mine when I was little,” Singer says.
“We had the dream before we opened the store. Denise came up with the name Gifted Shoppe because we are here to help you find the perfect gift. We know people stress about it and want to make it easy. For six months, before we even had a spot for the store, we gathered things. We set my basement up like a store,” Singer says.
Both Cook and Singer love the charm of the Village and felt that their shop would fit right in. During the half year they stored inventory in Singer’s home, a search went on to find a site for the business. When Hopwood Cellars Winery closed due to Ron Hopwood’s retirement, the location just off Main Street at 12 E. Cedar St. became the perfect spot for Gifted Shoppe. Another plus is that since Singer lives in the Village, she can walk to work.
Visitors to Gifted Shoppe will find unique, high-quality items that range in price from $10 to $1,400 luxury cashmere blankets. Both Cook and Singer love to travel internationally and cultivate relationships with vendors and makers of merchandise they admire. On a recent trip to Florence, Italy, to visit her daughter studying abroad, Singer made a connection with the producer of handmade makeup bags. They have attended buying markets in Atlanta and Las Vegas. In addition, they are hoping to go to market in Paris this September.
Inside the shop there are gifts that appeal to both adults and children. Gorgeous handmade and hand-painted pottery, pewter tableware, decorative pillows and whimsical porcelain cake toppers are some of the items available for the home. Handbags, needlepoint belts and accessories, plus stationery items and more, are other offerings. Three lines of jewelry are sold, including colorful pieces by local maker J Nicole.
“We have a lot of self-care gifts such as candles, lotion, soap and slippers. The only clothing we carry are P.J.s and handmade quilted robes. We are always on the lookout for the softest pajamas and switch up the selection often,” Singer says.
“One thing that wasn’t on our radar was the demand for baby gifts; it’s fortunate we have plenty to choose from. We are glad to help grandparents and others find the perfect gift. We carry wooden toys that are of heirloom quality. We offer complimentary gift wrap for all gifts. And we also put together baskets. We can supply the basket, or you can bring in your own. If someone calls us and lets us know their price point, we will put the gift together for them to pick it up. It’s that easy,” Singer says.
Gifted Shoppe now has the option to embroider any gift with room for a monogram. People often enjoy this touch on bibs, blankets or even dog scarves. In fact, many pet gifts are available and the store is dog friendly. Cook and Singer love dogs, and the shop is decorated with seasonal art featuring their own family pets.
“It has been gratifying to get to know so many repeat customers. We think of these people when we shop for items to sell in the store. It makes it more personal. We have so much fun! Shopping is fun, the customers are fun and for us, it’s fun to go to work,” Singer says.
