HOLIDAY DISPLAY: “We have something for everyone to enjoy, and something for everyone’s pocketbook. There is the historical aspect of the connection with Morven and related items, but we also have a wide array of gifts of all styles and types. And we are a nonprofit. All the proceeds from the shop go to support Morven’s programs and events.” Kathy O’Hara, left, Morven Museum & Garden hospitality manager and manager and buyer for the Morven Museum Shop and Rhonda DiMascio, Morven Museum & Garden executive director, are shown by a display of holiday favorites.

By Jean Stratton

Do not wait!

Hurry over to the Morven Museum Shop for some last minute holiday shopping. This is truly a Princeton hidden treasure, filled with an array of gifts for everyone, regardless of age, taste, or pocketbook.

What’s more, this special shop challenges the ubiquitous online shopping of today. Yes, it is convenient to sit at the computer or with a hand-held device, click, and just add to the cart without leaving the house.

But at the Morven Museum Shop, you can hold something in your hand, feel the fabric, test the weight of the item, or notice as the light shines through a crystal bowl, creating a rainbow of colors.

Treasure Trove

And moreover, you can enjoy the welcoming ambiance of this charming shop, with its festive decor and displays and knowledgeable friendly service.

The selection is indeed a treasure trove of surprises for friends and family, and all in a variety of styles and signature specialties.

The shop itself, located at 55 Stockton Street, next to the Morven Museum & Garden, is a fascinating piece of history. Dating to 1844, the building was formerly Morven’s Wash House.

“The concept of the shop is to carry on Morven’s mission and to promote New Jersey culture and history and the Morven Garden,” explains Kathy O’Hara, Morven Museum & Garden hospitality manager and buyer and manager of the shop, who has been with Morven since 2005.

Many items in the shop have a relationship to Morven, the historic former home of Richard Stockton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and later home to five New Jersey governors from 1946 to 1981. The house is now a museum, and features permanent and rotating exhibits exploring the history and culture of New Jersey.

“Some of our gifts are historically oriented, and others can serve as a guide to the museum’s changing exhibitions,” continues O’Hara.

Amazing Miscellany

And there is so much to see!

Customers will find an array of items suitable for many occasions. Picture frames, pottery, trays, vases, clocks, candles, and candlesticks, are displayed, as are notecards and greeting cards, bird houses, and books, even special soap for gardeners.

Among the shop’s amazing miscellany of intriguing items are bookends and doorstops. The latter surely belongs in one’s den or library, since it features a “literary” book design.

And don’t forget to get a jar of the local honey! “This is very healthy and really good for you,” points out O’Hara.

It can also serve as a welcome stocking stuffer, as does a mini red tin filled with refreshing mini mints!

Old World Christmas ornaments are all available to trim your tree with their unique old fashioned flair, many featuring birds, including New Jersey’s eastern goldfinch state bird. Signature Morven Christmas ornaments are another favorite, and other ornaments are made from genuine oyster shells.

A variety of decorative items are standouts. Old-school bottle brush Christmas trees are on display in assorted designs, including sleek, imaginative styles with silvery branches reminiscent of trees glistening in light after an ice storm.

Santa and Reindeer

Accent pillows of all sizes are always favorites, and special this year is a sure-to-please red oblong pillow featuring two cheerful reindeer faces.

A selection of holiday lanterns offers several designs. These are big sellers, and appeal to everyone with their battery-operated lighted rotating interior designs, including Santa and reindeer, poinsettias, and others.

A set of 20 red and green plaid cocktail napkins with accompanying spreader knife from Germany can be a fun stocking stuffer or a welcome hostess gift, as are coasters in many designs in sets of six. Colorful wine glass charms are a plus in helping to identify each guest’s glass.

Moving on to the kitchen, a selection of super absorbent flour sack dish towels in many designs, including holiday, are favorites, and the shop’s salad tongs are a welcome and functional gift.

Princeton University alums will enjoy the many tiger choices. Figurines and tiger motif pillows are just two samples.

In addition, popular men’s gifts include the assortment of clocks. In various sizes and styles, there is surely one to please someone on your list. A clock can be a “time-honored” and engaging surprise!

“A Must See”

One of the most popular sections in the shop, the jewelry selection is always a “must see.” As a gift or as a special something for yourself, the earrings, pins, necklaces, and bracelets offer styles for everyone. Bold and dramatic or delicate and graceful, the choices are often unique.

“Handmade beaded pins from India, with flower and feather designs, are very popular,” reports O’Hara. “In addition, we have lovely six-strand mother of pearl necklaces in assorted colors.”

Necklaces, generally are very popular, she adds, and pins seem to be making a comeback.

Items with a blue and white color theme are always big sellers. “Everyone likes blue and white,” says O’Hara. “We have a big variety, from trinket dishes to rabbit figurines in the Royal Doulton style to trays, and small purses and coasters. There is a blue and white item for everyone!”

It is true, as the French say, a woman cannot have too many scarves. They can change the entire tone and look of an outfit — a true fashion standout!

Scarves are also year-round favorites, and there is an especially nice display this year in different fabrics and sizes. Silk, acrylic, blends, even some from recycled items, are all available. In many patterns and styles, a number include large shawl choices.

Seasonal Changes

As the buyer, O’Hara, points out that while holiday time is always festive, the shop functions smoothly year-round with seasonal changes in merchandise and displays. Items are both domestic and imported, and there is a big effort to include American-made choices.

“With each season, we try to have different looks in the shop, with different items,” she points out. “This is a pleasure for me. I enjoy buying for the store — who doesn’t like to shop? — and I have gotten to know what the clients like.”

The appealing arrangement and array of gifts is one of the pleasures of visiting the shop. Items are conveniently displayed, with intriguing nooks, crannies, and cubbies revealing still more hard-to-resist items.

For example, in a corner cupboard, set on a shelf, an irresistible pink pottery piggy bank can be found. In two sizes, it is hand painted from a company in Tennessee. And not only that, it “lives” in its own charmingly decorated cardboard barn. Obviously children will be delighted, but no doubt, many an adult will want to take this piggy home!

Nearby is a big box filled with fun items for kids. Harmonicas, wooden yo-yos, peg games, outdoor bingo sets, paddle balls, stickers to make model airplanes, even Quoits. This really is a treasure chest for kids.

The shop also has a selection of books, most relating to history, including the American Revolution, the history of Morven and that of New Jersey, even one about the New Jersey seashore.

Special Place

The shop offers a very accessible price range, with items from $5 to $100 and everything in-between. A Morven membership includes a 10 percent discount for items at the shop.

As The Morven Museum Shop celebrates its 20th anniversary, O’Hara is very proud of its success and longevity. “There really is no other shop likes ours. There really are not many gift shops here anymore. We feel we are a special place, and for our customers, it’s like going to someone’s home. We want everyone to feel at home.

“We have such a great staff, including our assistant manager Melissa Rittmann, who all contribute to making this such a memorable visit for customers.

“We are a destination stop, but our location right next to Morven is important. We have many loyal and regular customers, and we look forward to even more people finding us, and enjoying our unique selection.”

The shop is open Wednesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Online shopping is also available. For further information, call (609) 924-8144, ext. 103. Visit the website at morven.org.