Crescent Moon Gifts

Eclectic store in Tacoma offers bewitching holiday finds

By Allegra Antwine on November 30, 2017

There's no doubt that this time of year can be stressful; the tidings of good cheer can get lost in the holiday hustle and bustle. Luckily, Tacoma's own Crescent Moon Gifts offers an incredible selection of unique gift ideas as well as a tranquil shopping experience.

Located on the beloved 6th Avenue in Tacoma, Crescent Moon lures patrons in with its beautifully whimsical mural piece decorating the entire side of the building. An added stress-busting bonus is the designated parking lot for customers - a rare find for downtown Tacoma businesses.

Voted 2016's Best Gift Shop by Evening Magazine, the store boasts an extravagant amount of charms, trinkets and a host of other assorted esoteric goods.

"It's a great place because we have very unique gifts," enthused owner Angela Wehnert. "We have (more than) 15,000 items in the store, and they are not the run-of-the-mill items."

Entering the shop is akin to entering another world: Colorful items from myth and legend beckon for shoppers' attention, each item magnificent and near-magical as if it appeared straight from the fantastical worlds of favorite books and films.

"The combination of stuff we provide is something you can't really get in the big stores," Wehnert explained. "The personalized service is so important to us; we will show you how to use something, and we're most likely fans of the same things."

Before the shopping commences, stop by the tea counter to purchase a hot cup of tea. Be forewarned: With a near-endless selection of tantalizing teas in flavors such as Creamsicle, Oatmeal Raisin Cookie and Pineapple Mimosa, settling on just one may be a difficult endeavor. The good news? The shop also sells tea to take home, so stocking up for tea lovers is certainly doable. Nothing soothes frazzled shopping nerves quite like hot cup of tea.

"I think the energy is more relaxed here. What I like most about holiday shopping at Crescent Moon is that people leave in a good mood because they've recharged while they were in here," Wehnert said.

For the wizards on shopping lists, consider pursuing Crescent Moon's impressive collection of Harry Potter memorabilia. From robes to wands to books on magical creatures and Quidditch, you'll find what you need to send your future Gryffindor or Hufflepuff to Hogwarts prepared.

Countless candles and incenses alight the senses. With names like Baking Brownies and King's Cake, they smell almost good enough to eat. Tapestries, carved keepsake boxes, healing stones and crystals, and Ouija boards contribute to the alluring theme of the shop.

For the artistically inclined, snag a beautifully crafted journal, sketchpad or planner for gift-giving. For pals who adore fairy, gargoyle or dragon-themed collectibles, look no further than the abundant selection of such mystical merchandise lining the shelves throughout the store.

Need goodies to stuff stockings? The shop has a wide selection of tarot card decks, themed coloring books, kitschy mugs, essential oils and handmade soaps. Other exclusive items include dream catchers, Himalayan salt lamps, and perhaps most importantly - lawn gnomes, in all shapes, sizes and levels of mischievous adorableness.

Odds are, if looking for something special, rare, or even downright weird this holiday season, Crescent Moon Gifts will have the items on your list. Stop by this enchanting establishment to take a look around and find inner zen.

Crescent Moon Gifts, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday; and noon to 5 p.m., Sunday; 2502 6th Ave., Tacoma, 253.572.8339, crescentmoongifts.com