A Sea-rene holiday season
Searenity Boutique: holiday shopping with all of the fun and none of the stress
By Linda Turner Griepentrog
For the TODAY
Shopping for holiday gifts can sometimes bring angst, but that’s not the case at Searenity Boutique in the Marketplace at Salishan. There’s something for everyone on your list, including you, and it’s hard to resist the eye-catching displays and multitude of choices.
“At the moment over half the store space is filled with gifts for the holiday season,” said Jen Lee, owner of the boutique.
And a goodly number of those gift items are handmade by more than 50 local and regional artisans and small businesses, groups Lee is adamant about supporting.
Looking for something cozy and warm? Visit the Sweet Dreams corner of the boutique where you’ll find robes, PJs, slippers and loungewear.
For something scent-sational, check out the handmade candles and diffusers.
One very popular option is the new Flower Bar. No, not real flowers with short life spans, but crocheted flowers that last a lifetime. Pick them individually and customize a bouquet to match your recipient’s décor, or purchase them in combination with a handmade card showcasing the flower of the month.
Adjacent to the Flower Bar is a natural Botanical Bar where you’ll find soaps, balms, scrubs, lotions, bath salts and some whimsical “calorie-free” bombs that look exactly like real ice cream scoops and donuts.
And, let’s not forget the Charm Bar, where you can pick the trinkets and bling of your choice.
What’s with all the bars?
“Having a specific ‘bar’ of options allows customers to customize their gift to the recipient’s likes and interests,” Lee said.
But, if you’re not a decision maker, never fear, there are some ready-made gift box combos available year-round, complete with fun prints, ribbons and tags attached. All you have to do is pick one up and sign your name.
Perhaps you’re looking not for a gift, but for a little seasonal décor. Searenity has lots of that as well. Gold-trimmed holiday dishes and beautiful charcuterie boards add fun to any party get-together. And, of course, there are ornaments and stockings galore, including a sock that says “Santa Paws,” for your friend that is a fan of the four-legged. If DIY is in your blood, look for garland and ornaments kits — everything you need to make it yourself or let your kids have a little fun. Looking for something more upscale, wander over to the shimmery crystal trees.
Need a child’s gift that’s a sure winner? There’s a selection of sensory kits to encourage imagination. They’re like Zen Gardens with kinetic sand and small bits inspired by themes ranging from race cars to faux bugs, and all come with a tray to keep things contained.
There are lots of seasonal special events happening at Searenity, kicking off on Black Friday, Nov. 29. The shop will have extended hours from 9 am to 5 pm and the biggest surprise sales of the season.
Nov. 30 is Small Business Saturday, when the Marketplace shops have a “passport” scavenger hunt. Visit the shops looking for the specified items, have them stamp your card and then deposit it for a prize drawing.
Dec. 1 from 1 to 3 pm is Santa Sunday. Visit St. Nick at Pioneer Joe’s and savor some hot cocoa and cookies.
Searenity’s ongoing Book Club offers a special Book Exchange Party on Thursday, Dec. 19, that is open to the public. Following that on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 21 and 22, is the shop’s fourth anniversary celebration with sales and sweets.
The boutique is currently having a toy drive through the first week of December in conjunction with North Lincoln Fire & Rescue. You’re invited to donate a new, unwrapped toy suitable for ages three through 17.
In addition to that community connection, Lee hosts Beach Buddies, a group helping those with intellectual or developmental disabilities. Although their in-store activities vary seasonally, the group recently painted garland kits to decorate the shop’s holiday windows.
Lee’s commitment to community is never ending. She is “ever grateful” to the community not only for her store’s success, but also because of the excitement and support they bring to her personally and professionally. Her holiday wish for everyone is “A BIG thank you!”
Searenity Boutique is located in the Marketplace at Salishan, 7755 N Hwy. 101 in Gleneden Beach. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 am to 4 pm and Sunday from 11 am to 3 pm. Shopping other times available by appointment. For more information, go to searenityboutique.com or call 541-622-2447.