The Bowerbird — Local services in Old Lyme

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...

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...

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...