It’s the most wonderful time of the year! But for many holiday shoppers, it’s also the most stressful. People can be picky when it comes to what they want, wish lists can grow long, and time has a way of slipping between our fingers before we even notice that stores have already moved on to the next holiday. Lucky for us, we have two local shops, and Sponsors of our magazine, right around the corner.
Den of Antiquity
Joining us this month as a Sponsor, is the Den of Antiquity: An antique Christmas Shop for the vintage soul. Owners, Chip Miller III and Joanne Hartley, siblings and lifelong Gradyville residents have a rich family history in our community. Joanne and Chip have been the owners/operators for seven years, although they grew up in what was once their mother’s treasured shop.
Joanne said her mother passed her extensive knowledge of antiques through stories and hands-on experience. “Every time mom would come home from a trip to buy items, she would sit us down at the table to explain where they came from, why they’re considered antiques and how she determined the value,” she explained. “We would touch and feel each piece, examine them thoroughly and help her set them up for display.”
In addition to every kind of antique item imaginable, the shop has a “Christmas room” on the first floor, which welcomes visitors of all ages. Upstairs, there is an entire floor of holiday items that became the inspiration for a Letters to Santa mailbox inside the store. “A little girl came into our shop one day and thought our Christmas room on the second floor was Santa’s workshop,” Joanne explained. “When she came back for another visit with her parents, she placed a letter to Santa in a sleigh up there.” Every Christmas season, Chip and Joanne make sure the letters get back to the children’s parents in time for Santa’s arrival.
Under Chip and Joanne’s leadership, the Den of Antiquity attracts customers from all over the map. They add to the shop’s impressive collection by appraising estates, purchasing items and shopping yard sales for unique finds. The inventory is constantly changing, with new items added almost daily. Joanne noted that most items in the store are from the 1960s or earlier. “Over the years we’ve learned that there is a buyer for everything,” Chip said. “We take great pride in offering affordable items for any size budget.”
“Our favorite part is getting to know our customers and helping them discover pieces that are meaningful to them,” Joanne said. “Chip and I enjoy sharing the stories and the history behind the items, so our customers have even more reason to appreciate and cherish their finds.” Sharing the stories behind each piece also helps Chip and Joanne honor their parent’s hard work and continue their legacy.
The Den of Antiquity is located at 1350 Middletown Rd, Glen Mills. Their special Christmas hours are Mon.–Sat. 10am – 5pm; Sun. 11am – 3pm. For more information, call 610-459-2208 or visit www.GradyvilleTiques.com.
Bunny Hare’s Boutique & Gift Shop
Bunny Hare’s Boutique & Gift Shop is fully stocked, and owner Anne Marie Hare and her helpful staff, “her girls,” are ready to help you pick the perfect gifts for family, friends, coworkers and clients. One step in the shop, and you’ll be greeted by a friendly face to help you find the perfect gift. Whether you know exactly what you’re looking for or have absolutely no idea, she and her girls can help. “I tell my customers that if they see something they want for themselves, start a wish list with us, then if someone asks what you want for a gift, send them our way!”
“Some of the popular picks this holiday season are jewelry pieces by E Newton and Brosway,” Anne Marie said. “And if you’re looking for home decor, we have an entire room filled with the finest serving platters, scented candles, wall prints, door wreaths and more.” New this season is an assortment of Gifts to Go, already perfectly bundled in a gift bag at discount prices. Shoppers can choose from a variety of bags stuffed with hats, gloves, mugs, skincare, candles, socks and purses.
Bunny Hare’s is celebrating their 19th year in business and has stood the test of time because they consistently offer quality merchandise and superior customer service. Anne Marie loves that her shop is referred to as a hidden gem.
“We are a destination shop that customers visit because someone told them about us,” she explained. “I like that we’re tucked away and not just a place people stop because they drove by on a busy road.”
Personal service like this doesn’t happen online or in big retail stores. What’s even better is that every item you purchase at Bunny Hare’s is gift-wrapped for you at no charge. It’s the perfect place to send your friends and loved ones who might need to step up their gift-giving game if you know what we mean!
Bunny Hare’s Boutique & Gift Shop is located at 15 St. Albans Circle in Newtown Square. Their regular business hours are Tues.– Sat. 10am – 5pm, but follow them on Facebook and Instagram for special extended holiday hours or call 610-325-3205.