I can think of two reasons someone would shop at Things Remembered: 1. They like fancy, frilly, or…read moreornate stuff or 2. They are a middle-aged man trying to get out of their wife's doghouse.
While there, a mother was literally begging her 7ish year-old not to touch anything. I can't blame her: I barely trusted myself in the narrow aisles and the high fragility rate of the merchandise. There are glass snow globes with plinky songs playing; shimmering jewelry boxes with high gloss finishes, ceramic cups and wine glasses; personalized picture frames; fancy watches behind a glass case, etc.
I can see the in-trouble husbands flocking here for the necklaces, purses, scarves, rings, and bracelets.
And of course, plenty focused on "her": purses, scarves, jewelry, watches, etc. My personal fave was the jewelry boxes, amazingly colored in what they call "Piano Wood" with a high-gloss mahogany finish.
Actually, I found a third reason to go into Things Remembered. Surprisingly, there is a good amount of stuff for the dudes. Fancy dudes, but dudes nonetheless: Sterling silver (cuff links, money clips, keychains, crosses, rings, dog tags, etc.); bar stuff; pocket knives and other tools; even cuff links, mugs, and glasses with NFL and MLB team logos.
The thing that is important to Things Remembered is their motto of "Personalized Gifts". Almost everything can either be engraved or monogrammed ... and, in some cases, graphics can be added. Adding text does add up price-wise, but for the right gift a personal touch seems like a cool touch.
I came after Christmas, and they had some epic 60-90% sales ... this is good since their prices are too high!
Still, Things Remembered is a great store for the times when only fancy and personal will do.
Dog house or not, I'll be back.