As I left Awakenings and walked down the Square, I saw a horse drawn carriage and some carolers in costume wandering around.  It was snowing out so it really felt festive.  On that day (saturday, 12/6), Hyde Park Square was doing a special holiday event where the shops were open until 8 and Santa came to the Square in a fire truck.  The shop owners I talked to said this was just a one day event, but it happens every year.  Each store also had snacks and drinks out for shoppers to enjoy, which was really nice.  And, most stores had a special going on for the day, such as 20% off certain items.

The first store that I checked out was The Pink Box, further down the Square.  The Pink Box is a small jewelry, handbag, and accessory store that used to be located on Wasson Rd. and just moved recently.  I saw a few pairs of really cute earrings that I knew my friends would like, but at about $40-60, they were more than i could spend.  However, they did have a range of prices and some earrings were as low as $12 per pair.


My next stop was Paul Haas Hyde Park Jewelers, which is a place I have always wondered about, but have never gone into.  This is the place on the Square that always has a bunch of old looking jewelry sitting in the window with a sign that says "Estate Sale, $14 each."  I had no idea what this place was, but have always been curious about the funny Nixon political buttons, tarnished silver spoons, and sparkly animal shaped pendants I have seen when walking by. 

I went in and talked to the sales clerk, who explained that the entire store (three rooms) is all jewelry that has been purchased at estate sales.  In the back room, there are some non-jewelry items, including silver napkin rings, cocktail glasses, and interesting antique pitchers.  All the jewelry was really cool and there is a huge selection.  I saw a number of really cool things that I know my friends would have liked, but again the things I liked were too expensive for me.  But, there really is a wide variety in price (from the $14 section all the way up to thousands of dollars for some really rare and beautiful pieces). 

If there is an antique jewelry fan on your shopping list, you must check this place out.  It's really unique and unlike anywhere else I have been in Cincinnati.

Next was Poeme, a stationery store across from Sassy Boutique.  They have all kinds of great notecards and paper products.  The sales clerk told me that they only buy a few of each item, and when they are gone they are gone, so it is a constantly changing variety.  There were lots of cute holiday cards, as well as some unique gifts like travel journals, conversation starter card sets, and fun tote bags. 


Finally, I hit pay dirt on a gift for my psychologist friend: therapy flashcards!  I'm thinking about picking up some vegetable printed thank you cards for my foodie friend, so i may be back to Poeme in the next few weeks.  Hopefully the cards won't be gone, but even if they are, I'm sure there will be more fun cards to choose from.

My last stop was Sassy Boutique, around the corner on Michigan Ave.  The Sassy Boutique is a retro-ish shop that sells an interesting variety of housewares, jewelry, and clothing.  They had some delicious smelling candles and a cute selection of vintage handbags.  There was also a really cool selection of antique christmas ornaments which, at $6-12 each, was definitely in my price range. 

Since I was out walking around for the day, and the ornaments are very delicate, I did not get any right then, but I am planning to go pick some up when I have my car with me.  I'll buy a few of them, wrap them up all cute, and whip them out for every unexpected gift I get.  I'll say, "Oh thanks!  And, here's the gift I picked out just for you!" No one will be the wiser (unless they read BuyCincy).


awakenings coffee and wine: 2734 erie ave., awakeningscoffeeandwine.com
the pink box: 2643 erie ave.
paul haas/hyde park jewelers: 2709 erie ave.
sassy boutique: 3437 michigan ave.
poeme: 3446 michigan ave., www.poeme-online.com