A knickknack is a small item used as an ornament while bric-a-brac is a miscellaneous collection of small objects commonly of ornamental or sentimental value.

This boring definition discounts how much fun it is to shop and curate the perfect look for your home or add to a collection you are passionate about.

Thompson's Furniture Co. is an eclectic store located in Tumwater. It carries new furniture, knickknacks, gifts, kitchen items, clothing and jewelry. The Thompson family has been in the retail business since 1930 selling everything from groceries to feed and finally furniture. The store is much bigger than it looks on the outside. A series of interconnecting rooms are filled with interesting items to discover, and the Thompsons added a row of truck trailers across the back loading dock with additional pieces when they ran out of space.

The store carries a popular line called Magnolia by Joanna Gaines. She gained fame starring in the HGTV series Fixer Upper with her husband Chip Gaines. The line includes vintage-inspired accessories that are designed to be versatile and functional.  There are metal trays, wire baskets, bookends, wooden signs and storage boxes. With Gaines' signature style, these knickknacks are sure to add a pop to your space.

Even better, Thompson's offers a military discount.

"We want to honor the military by offering a ten-percent discount for both active and retired members of the military," said Joyce Bryant, a sales associate and retired military spouse.

Thompson's Furniture Co., 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday, 5407 Capitol Blvd. SE, Tumwater, 360.357.6342, thompsonsfurnitureco.com

Another local furniture store to try is K&M Furniture Home. The store sells furniture and décor bought from estate sales as well as from individuals. It is not your typical used furniture store. Everything has a like-new appearance, and the inventory changes frequently. The prices are very reasonable, and older items are very well made.  I recently purchased a complete 12-place setting of high-quality Noritake Stoneware for $95. It retails for hundreds more online.  On one trip, a vase caught my eye for $5, and it turned out to be a vintage piece worth $20.

"We are knickknack heaven," said sales associate Sandy Bishop, as she pointed out some of the many items for sale.

The store has a large selection of accessories and artwork for the home. It is packed but never feels stuffy. Everything is displayed in "rooms" made out of a bedroom set or dining room.  Knickknacks are tastefully placed as if part of the room.

K&M also offers a military discount.

"We have a lot of items that appeal to the military market, especially those trying to outfit a home," said Peggy Dodson, a sales associate. "We do a ten-percent military discount and also offer layaway."

K&M Furniture Home, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday; noon to 5 p.m., Sunday; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday, 6403 Steilacoom Blvd. SW, Lakewood, 253.302.5568

These are just two of the many Mom and Pop stores in the local communities surrounding Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Take the time to get out and shop local.