Kettering’s Town & Country Shopping Center boasts more than 35 specialty stores and has something for just about everyone. Here are a half dozen stops that offer great last-minute shopping opportunities to help you lesson your holiday load:
2nd & Charles
http://2ndandcharles.com
937-298-6540
Books, games, music, movies and more — 2nd & Charles has an expansive selection of entertainment options for the people on your list. Nestled in between a vast collection of books and media are surprises like retro record players, specialty socks, Japanese candy, comic books and an entire display of Harry Potter merchandise.
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Artisan’s
www.facebook.com/Artisans.Kettering
937-293-7022
The online reviews of this store says it all:
“Artisan’s is truly a great place to shop. No matter the occasion I know when I want something unique and cool I can find something there! I would love to see the shop expand to other cities. You guys have something going there!”
“My friend and I were there recently. I never leave empty-handed. We both agree it is one of the ‘happiest’ shops to visit.”
And then there’s this one that simply sums it up: “This place is my zen.”
This is a great spot to head to when shopping for your wife, girlfriend, mom, sister, grandma or any other lady in your life. From clothes, to jewelry, to bags, to home decor to scents, this is a spot that offers options galore.
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C&C Studios
www.facebook.com/candcstudios
937-572-1911
Are you looking for your gifts and cards to have that handmade touch? A gift that looks like you took a lot of time to make it one-of-a-kind? C&C Studios offers handmade cards, tags, ornaments and other items that will make it look like you went the extra mile.
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DeClark’s Cards & Gifts
www.declarks.com
937-294-4741
This is a Hallmark on steroids, with plenty of Ohio and Dayton stuff for the folks on your list who wear Buckeye gear with pride. There are toys, ornaments, cards, hostess gifts and plenty more to uncover during a visit. And obviously, plenty of cards. If you don't quite know what you are looking for, this is a good spot to start. Browse their latest 2017 winter catalog online for the special people in your life and then stop by their Town & Country shop to grab what you need.
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Tuesday Morning
www.tuesdaymorning.com
937-298-2988
If you like a shopping experience that’s more like a treasure hunt head to Tuesday Morning. This national retail chain specializes in domestic and international closeouts of medium- to high-end name brand gifts, home furnishings, housewares, luggage, toys, seasonal items, gourmet food and fashion accessories for men, women and children.
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We Care Arts
www.facebook.com/wecarearts
937-297-0008
We Care Arts is a non-profit organization that helps developmentally disabled adults and youth achieve greater personal independence through a variety of art classes and experiences. The results of this is a variety of paintings, pottery, jewelry and sewn goods. This store in Town & Country features the items made in the We Care Arts program. We Care Arts provides all training and materials to artists and a portion of the proceeds of all sales is returned to the artist. The remainder goes back to program funding. Shop here if you are looking for a story behind the gift that means as much as the gift itself.
With more than 35 specialty stores you should be able to knock out most of your Christmas shopping in one visit. The Town & Country list of stores goes on and on. You could buy a gift certificate to Figlio’s for the foodie in your life. There are hostess gifts galore at Trader Joe’s, Senses Home Fragrances offers plenty of wonderful things to smell, What’s Poppin’ and Cheryl’s have stocking stuffers for your tastebuds — and T.J. Maxx and Stein Mart have everything else.
Contact this reporter at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com.
HOW TO GO
What: Town & Country Shopping Center
Where: 300 E. Stroop Road, Kettering
More info: www.daytontownandcountry.com or 937-293-7516
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