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Gustonian Gifts, located at 357 Pine St., Williamsport, is a gift shop boutique that offers a large selection of unique gifts for every occasion.
The store, which has been open since 2005, carries goods from local artists as well as name brands such as Mantrabands, Vera Bradley and more.
"We started out with a few local artists, but now we have over 80 local and U.S. based artists. We try to get from The United States. It's nice because all of the artists do something different. There’s no two pieces alike," Barb Miele, Owner of Gustonian Gifts said.
The business is owned and operated by Barb Miele and her daughter, Denyse Miele.
Some of the gifts available in store include handcrafted jewelry, art, handbags, pottery, walking sticks, greeting cards, American Girl doll clothes, pillows, and more.
"It’s fun because they’re all different. When you’re making them by hand, they’re all different and unique," Barb said.
"We have local soaps and lotions and Zum; which made in Missouri with Goatsmilk and essential oils to produce soaps, sprays and laundry detergent. We sell Natural deodorant called Smartypits made in USA after the creator’s Mom had breast cancer. She wanted to get away from chemicals and such. We have repeat buyers who love it," Denyse said. "We even have a Furry friend section for treats and toys for your 4 legged friends," she added.
Barb and Denyse first started out doing craft shows, where they would sell locally made goods.
"We decided that if we found a spot we would open the store. We did, so we opened the store 17 years ago," Barb said. "We made jewelry, we made candles, we made all kinds of things. We decided instead of going to craft shows let’s just go and have a brick and mortar store," she added.
Gustonian Gifts often joins in celebrating downtown events with the community.
"We always try to do different, fun things with everybody. We do Black Friday, Small Business Saturday -- we always do drawings and fun things there as well," Barb said. "Trick or Treat will be coming up. We will be doing Trick or Treat with the kids," she added.
The store will be having an event in October in celebration of 17 years of business this month.
"October 13th through the 17th we will be celebrating our 17th anniversary. There will be door prizes, all kinds of specials and refreshments," Barb said. "We always do big sales when we have big events. It should be a very nice anniversary," she added.
"During our birthday bash celebration customers can earn extra goodies for those currently in our rewards program and those who sign up at purchase." Denyse Miele said.
Those interested in signing up only need a phone number.
"Customers can build more points, earn more $ off a purchase and win products and more," Denyse said.
"Everybody’s starting to come back now since the pandemic. It was rough and we had to improvise. I came in and did videos of everything. People were kind to us and bought online and bought gift cards from us to use at a later date to help us. So we always try to give back when we can," Barb said.
Gustonian Gifts is open Monday through Thursday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, and Sunday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For more on Gustonian gifts, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gustoniangifts or visit their website at www.gustoniangifts.com.