It was a bitter cold January in 1961 when the ever-affable Stuart worked up the nerve to buy academic darling Annesley a cup of coffee. He was captivated, and it only took him two more weeks to learn her name and for them both to reveal that neither even liked coffee. College sweethearts Stuart (82) and Annesley (84) Kern are now celebrating 62 years of marriage and 55 years of doing business differently … together. As with every brilliant piece in their shop, it all just had to begin with a story.
Different by Design
Stepping through the threshold of Evelyn & Harriette’s Gifts (so named for their mothers) is quite an unexpected sensory experience. At first glance, you may feel as if you’ve stepped into a marvelous global art gallery. With exquisite craftsmanship and endless eye candy to ogle at every turn, you discover fine Irish tweeds, Killarney newsboy hats, woolen lambswool capelets and luxurious tartan scarves straight from County Kerry, Ireland. Timeless textiles and authentic woven calicoes form wearable works of art.
Corinthian bells chime alongside elaborate Uzbekistan blown glass, signature Czech ornaments, contemporary prints from upstate New York, Germany and beyond — Finnish Löök’s quirky cards, Vietnamese paper arts and a multitude of rare stationery components. A stunning array of vibrant, hand-painted Polish earthenware and famed Majolica pieces of Gorky Pottery are already vying to be your next cherished family heirloom piece … while also being durable, non-nonporous and microwave, oven and dishwasher safe! Their nod to the global market is apparent while shining light on lesser-known local creators who may otherwise never be seen.
A far cry from oft-coined “tourist traps,” Stuart asserts, “We don't do kitsch or trends. What gives a product or an item value is the story behind it. You don’t get stories from Amazon or Walmart. You get shelves of stuff and, without the story, it is just stuff. We sell romance, history — adventure!” At its core, their shop is fueled by stories, and like hounds on a scent, they’ve traversed countless miles of trade show floors in scrupulous pursuit of the most exceptional tales.
Top-Tier Toys
Upstairs, you’ll find a bona fide cornucopia of thoughtfully sourced interactive toys for all ages and play styles, from sophisticated concept toys for your little explorer to darling porcelain tea sets and hand puppets so well made that they could be Jim Henson’s friends. Fostering creative engagement are crafting and science kits, a Montessori range, mesmerizing kinetic and sensory-friendly toys, EXEO Duo battle games for hardcore strategists, puzzles and finely crafted wooden letter blocks in 26 languages, including braille.
Something for Everyone
Evelyn & Harriette’s captivating offerings are sure to resonate from heart to hearth. Their ability to cater to traditional and contemporary tastes alike is uncanny. The shop’s carousel of ever-revolving and ultra-captivating treasures, each steeped in their own vivid lore, will guarantee you never leave empty-handed. Annesley and Stuart have masterfully curated a global patchwork of distinctive, durable and undeniably appealing items.
1232 Oysterdale Rd.
Oley | 610.987.6055
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The Bear-y Best.
Don’t miss a chat with the shop’s adorable interactive animatronic, Harry D. Bear! Harry has just the right amount of Brooklyn sass.
Shh! It’s a Secret.
Ready to get into the festive spirit? Check out Evelyn & Harriette’s Gifts on this year’s Berks County Best Kept Secrets Tour!
