The Expected and Unexpected Places to Shop

We all have our favorite shopping haunts. Apart of this blog is the hope that we'll all have the opportunity to share and discover new places. In the meantime, there are the expected places to look for particular items and the unexpected alternatives. Here is an exercise in thinking 'outside the box', especially if that means shopping someplace other than a 'big box' store.

Towels
The usual: Any major department store (MDS)
The unusual: Costco. I don't know why but Costco consistently carries decent quality, basic bath towels. Yes, the color selection can be limited.

Kitchenware
The usual: Any MDS
The unusual: Cost Plus. Sometimes when I can't find an items, I'll try Cost Plus and be pleasantly surprised. Not only can I usually find the item, but it is frequently cheaper. Also check out Standard Restaurant Supply. No, I don't want to remake my kitchen into 'industrial restaurant' (although, I have considered it) but Standard Restaurant Supply on Fairview does carry some items that are hard to find anywhere else. If you can't find the item, they just might order it for you.

Toys
The usual: Toys R Us, Target, Fred Meyer, WalMart, Shopko
The unusual: There are a several options in this category. First of all, be sure to visit the Childrens Store on Orchard. It is an absolute treat. I try to go WITHOUT the children or else I'll end up spending a fortune. Another great option is Learning Express on State Street. The selection isn't as vast as Childrens Store but the quality is just as good. One store I'll gladly bring my children to is the KB Outlet at the Outlet Mall. We can usually find some little trinket of a toy that will keep the kids entertained. On the way out to the outlet mall, pull off the freeway and head toward the Edwards Theaters. Drop in and look at the little toy section in the gift shop of the Cracker Barrel Restaurant. You'll probably end up buying several toys just because what you see will bring back fond memories of your own childhood.

Books
The usual: Barnes and Noble, Borders, Hastings, Waldenbooks, B Dalton, etc
The unusual: The Book Warehouse at the Outlet Mall. The prices are worth the drive AND they have knowledgable staff. If you want to talk to a walking encyclopedia, however, you really must visit Trip Taylor Bookseller on 10th Street. The owner loves books and may have even read every title in his store.

Gift Wrap and Cards
The usual: One of the many Hallmark Stores or the gift wrap section of any major grocery store, drug store or variety store.
The unusual: There are so many wonderful places to go. Try the Record Exchange downtown for truly funny and unusual cards. Cost Plus offers beautiful gift wrap and unusual cards, too. If you keep checking Cost Plus after Christmas, you can frequently find their gift wrap deeply discounted and you can grab up a supply that will last you all year. For cheap, fast and consistent go to a dollar store. I cringe at paying $3.95 for a simple birthday card in the grocery store's card display when I know I can get THE SAME ITEM at the dollar store for 1/4 the price. For handmade cards with local interest, look near the check-out lanes at the Boise Co-op. For those funny Hanging Tree cards, you'll want to check out Sportsman's Warehouse or your closest D&B.

Jewelry
The usual: Any free-standing jewelry store that tends to advertise on the radio.
The unusual: Stewarts Gem Shop. Yes, you can get diamond rings at Stewarts and they will be beautiful qualify at a fraction of the price. If you haven't had a chance to go by Stewarts, they are highly recommended. They do jewelry repair, too. D&B also tends to have a nice selection - albeit small - of silver and Black Hills Gold jewelry. Frankly, the Shopko jewelry department is a pretty decent supplier of Black Hills Gold, too. If you must shop at a 'usual' jewelry store, then Helzberg Diamonds in the mall has our nod.

Groceries
The usual: Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Winco, WalMart and of course, Costco
The unusual: The Boise Co-op comes to mind first. Is that really unusual? Maybe not, but if you haven't been - go. While there, grab something from their prepared food deli, too. The Boise Co-op is known for their wine and beer selection (they really should open up a separate location JUST for that side of the business) but they also have great meats, cheeses, breads, and condiment selection. And yes, it is worthwhile to purchase a membership.

Other off-the-beaten track grocery stores are M&W on Warm Springs, Paul's Markets and Ridleys. Sometimes the higher prices can discourage shoppers from going the distance to get to one of these stores, BUT if you happen to live where one of these stores is convenient, you'll appreciate the hometown-friendly shopping experience.

About once a month it can be worth your while to go to the Grocery Outlet on Fairview just to see what they have in stock for cheaper than the standard grocery stores. Our last great buy there was frozen pizzas. While there you can also visit the Great Harvest Bread bakery. Yes, you can find real bread in Boise! Along the same lines (can you tell I love bread?), be sure to make Zeppole, downtown on 8th street, a usual stop. Zeppole is also a wonderful place to grab a quick bite for lunch.

Another good once-a-month stops is Cash-And-Carry on Shoreline. You don't have to have a wholesaler's license to shop there. It used to be, though, if you were one of the general public you had to pay with cash - a major inconvenience. Now you can use a debt card and buy all you want! The problem with Cash-And-Carry is the temptation to get carried away. My freezer isn't big enough sometimes.

For produce, it is hard to beat Reggies Veggies on the corner of Ustick and Milwaukee. Yes, they are in a tent. It is okay. Shop there anyway. The produce is worth it. If they have any pies left, seriously consider picking one up. If you don't the person behind you in line WILL. The worst part of shopping at Reggies Veggies is when they close down during the winter. I go through withdrawls.

There is so much MORE! But those other wonderful stores will have to be mentioned in another post.