Community Corner
Escape to a Gift-Givers Paradise in the Shopping Park
"Critters" may sound like the name of a pet store, but it's actually a unique gift stop.
My mailbox is flooded right now with endless invitations to baby showers, summer time weddings, birthday parties and graduations... all for which I need to buy gifts for. I rarely have the energy to drive all the way down to the Glendale Galleria and search for a parking spot on some level that is painted with giraffes or blueberries. So, I recently headed off to in the Montrose Shopping Park instead.
Critters has been open for over 30 years and is one of my favorite places to shop. They sell things that I never knew I just had to have, and has something for everyone.
My children love to ride the coin-operated race car and horse outside the front entrance on Honolulu Ave., so be sure to pack a pocketful of quarters when you go. Too bad there are not babysitters outside the store to watch your kids while they are on the rides; I could get a ton more shopping done that way!
Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Critters is truly gift headquarters. Hundreds of cards for all occasions line the walls inside the store with everything from humor to birthday to deep-felt sympathy cards. Walls of stuffed animals are on display everywhere you look and there are even dancing stuffed marionettes located at the back of the store. Mugs, collectible figurines, pig-shaped bath beads, lava lamps in lots of colors, scarves, and sticker rolls on the walls are just some of the unique hodge-podge items that can be purchased.
With it being summertime, most of the store is devoted to gardening and yard accents. Beautiful flags, garden statues and sun catchers accent the store. I even found several pots of pre- planted flowers where all you need to do is add water, sunshine and a little love.
Find out what's happening in Montrose-La Crescentawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
At the end of my shopping trip, I scoop up my of toys, graduation cards, mugs, wedding gifts, a couple of candles and one little thing for myself. It's a stack of "fashion police" tickets to issue to people who are clearly violating the laws of proper fashion. I'll keep these in my purse and see if I am ever brave enough to use one.
Critters wraps up all of my gifts and I fill out the cards while I wait. My shopping is all done and everything is wrapped and I can head home with the satisfaction of accomplishing a lot for the day in a small amount of time.
