The Bowerbird

Bob Smith

2023-05

You will find some unique items here, especially great for us Grandparents looking for gifts. Pretty good size store, lots of inventory. On a previous visit i purchased a laminated chart here after searching elsewhere before I found this store. I, like another reviewer however, did feel like I was being watched constantly. That cost you a fifth star.

Dan

2023-08

The store has a huge assortment of gifts for any age and interest. While some of the stuff falls under the typical "gift store" items (jokes, gag gifts, small trinkets), there are plenty of other things to pick from as well: Playmobile, LEGO, puzzles, books, clothing, jewelry, kitchen items, and it goes on. If you're unsure of what to pick up as a last minute gift on the way to an event, you'll most likely find something here.The reason for three stars instead of the five stars that I'd love to give, is for the weird atmosphere that the "store security" gives off. Before you even get inside of the store, you're welcomed with at least three signs stating that you'll be on camera and that bags may be checked at any time. Right next to the register is a pole with these signs yet again displayed as your fourth warning not to try and steal along with security camera shots of people who have been caught hosting their own Buy-None-Get-One-Free sales. Along with this, there usually seems to be more employees in the building than customers and someone is always close enough or able to watch what items you're currently browsing through. Multiple times someone has offered their help, which is definitely nice to have in a store, but I've noticed that some employees continue to watch after you decline assistance and seem to tag team with each other to scope out the shoppers on the floor. I've stopped by about five to ten times on my own, but so far have brought four other people on other occasions to shop for gifts. Each one has felt uncomfortable upon leaving as they've found employees watching them from a distance as they compared items, popping by in succession to offer help, or hovering nearby until cashing out at the register. It's understandable that shoplifting has to be prevented for both the security of the business and to keep prices low for customers, but the method weighs a bit on the shopping experience.Overall, the store has a fantastic selection of items. You'll find a gift for just about anyone here with a varying range of pricing options. The staff have also always been friendly during my visits. However, the level of security for a small town gift store feels a bit like encroaching on paranoia. It could definitely be that everyone there is aiming for stellar customer service and it comes off a bit too strong. However, for a laid back community like Old Lyme, the surveillance atmosphere feels a bit out of place. There has to be a better way to protect a business without encroaching on the comfort of its customers.

Mike Endy

2024-04

What a fun place with a great selection of greeting cards! We laughed for an hour

Sabrina

2023-05

Plenty of inventory and variety but having three different employees ask if I "need help" when I'm in the middle of a discussion with someone about buying an item? Instant pass. This is after they spent entire minutes standing in place staring at us as we browsed. I've never felt so unwanted in a store before, I'd rather go to the office supply store.Have your bag policy, that's fine I'll let you search me, but you don't need to hunt patrons down. Invest in cameras and security to manage them.

kathy hayes

2023-05

I really liked this shop with all its assorted stock. I had been looking for a new address book and apron. I found both there!

SinnersChoice

2023-05

The workers are all snobby and rude. They stare and follow customers around while pretending to look at items. They act as if everyone is a thief: out to steal their overpriced trinkets! The store is cramped and the aisles are narrow. There is a large variety of objects here, but nothing so special as to feel the eyes of a worker burning into the back of your head.

Melissa Barraza

2022-05

OH. MY. GOODNESS! I stumbled upon this gem last week in Old Lyme CT and couldn't believe my eyes when I walked in the doors. The entire store is filled with incredible finds for kids and those still kids at heart no matter what age. I (rudely) arrived 10 minutes before closing (without realizing the late time) and it wasn't until after checking out that I was made aware that I had overstayed by 15 minutes. The staff was so kind and patient and never alerted me to it, even though I'm sure they were ready to go home :). They even opened two of different options of one particular toy I was hoping to buy so that I could decide between the two model options for my little boys (an old fashioned working toy Christmas Plattenspeiler advent with tiny working records!) They stock the type of items that you are searching for (the good stuff) but also the stuff you never knew existed (and can't live without the moment you see it!)... the stuff that makes personalized gift giving so wonderful. I'm a part time RN (also a full time homeschooling mom two little boys, one with special needs) and my husband a local police officer and military reservist currently serving 9 months into a one year over seas deployment.... To say that finding the time to make Christmas magic happen this year was looking slim would be a huge understatement... until I walked into the Bower Bird. I am so grateful for purchases I was able to make for my little boys and to find this gem of a store. I will forever be a customer! Thank you Bower Bird!

Barnes Barnes

2023-05

A favorite gift and card store. I travel with a friend two or three times a year to stock up on absolutely the best cards and lovely unique gifts. Worth the trip!

eileen lemontagne

2023-12

Great little gift store with one of a kind items

M Pit

2021-05

A grandmother's dream store! A little pricey, but the toys are quality and unique. Lots of crafts and toys for all ages, toddler and baby clothes, and another part of the store has gifts for the entire family. From jewelry to kitchen gadgets to pottery and unique womens attire. Love this place.

Meghan Gibbs

2020-05

Couldn't comfortably shop unfortunately. I love cute gift shops and we're visiting on vacation. Read good reviews and were excited to browse. As I walked around the second section of the store, I was so closely followed by the woman working there that I was just uncomfortable and just couldn't enjoy myself. It was a slow day at the store, so maybe it was more noticeable but it felt excessive and I wasn't sure what I did to be trailed like that. The stuff was very adorable, wish I could've actually shopped.

Candace Page

2023-07

LOVE this store.. friendly staff and great variety of gifts

Alison Nelson

2023-07

Love this store. Great selection. Lots of unique and beautiful gifts.

Kelly Hunt

2024-04

So many great gifts!!!

Nancy Waters

2018-05

If you haven't stopped in here, now is the time! Fantastic place to browse and shop for the unusual items, unique cards and gifts, toys for the kids, fine jewelry and fashion accessories for the ladies, and kitchen tools and utensils. Literally something for everyone at far prices.

JeS

2023-06

Literally something for everyone. Amazing gift ideas. One stop shopping with greeting cards & gift wrap too.

Margaret Kacerosky

2023-12

Great place for all different items...

laurie sollitto

2023-12

Always a lovely shopping experience ☺️

Georgia Mislick

2020-05

Great assortment of unusual items to buy as gifts, or for yourself! Plan on spending at least an hour when you enter this stylish shop. It is a great experience.

K C

2023-05

Such a great shop! Nice unique gifts for yourself or for others. Definitely worth stopping in!!

william folland

2023-05

Merchandise has not changed from the day they open, although their prices have exceeded what you might expect to pay for cards and trinkets.

Red Crow

2019-05

Great whimsical place, lots of interesting gifts, awesome kids toys I have not seen in stores but only online before. Greatly enjoyed going and looking forward to going back

Andrew Snyder

2018-05

Great place for that hard to find gift. Very helpful staff. Unique items that even a local would want.

Charlene Maddocks

2018-05

The Bowerbird is my first stop when I need a present for any ocassion, and the only stop on most visits. Also my stop, as they like to say, for all my impulsive necessities. The staff are friendly and so very helpful. Thanks for being my local go to wonderful shop.🛍

Neil P.

2023-08

This is a great gift shop. A little bit of everything.

Jessica Reardon

2017-05

I adore this place. Spent most likely 3 hours here and made out like a bandit. There is literally something for ANYONE in here. Definitely worth a stop inside you will not regret it..unless you buy way more than you expected!

Irene Woloszyn Lipchus

2021-05

Wonderful treasure of a place. One stop shopping for gifts, cards, clothing and one of a kind items. Baby clothes and books and toys as well.

Cheryl Parsons

2021-05

You can always find unique gifts and lots of quality items here. Love shopping here.

Fran Shute

2022-05

The most wonderful gift shop. Beautiful toys and baby gifts. A must!

Jason Kemp

2017-05

Bowerbird is always a great spot to visit for a creative, quality toy, something for the home, a variety of gifts, and more. The staff is very friendly and helpful, too.