On a whim, I stopped in to BowerBird as I was at the Post Office nearby. Oh my! How did I ever miss this gem?! The store is surprisingly large with everything from baby items, toys, housewares, jewelry, clothing and gift items!! It was beautifully set up and displayed. I picked up a few gifts for my granddaughter and my niece's 12th birthday. When I am in East Lyme for the summer, this will be my FIRST stop when looking for nice gifts...for anything from a baby shower, kids, men, women, hostess gift... and yourself!! I love this shop!! read more

Great items, very helpful staff. Always enjoy visiting this store, especially finding gifts for children.

Of course we had to come here when in the area, cutest store. Our son who had just gone to the dinosaur place that day of course found a dinosaur here and had to get it. I'm sure it was cheaper here then anything there :P Had lots of cute stuff. We're about to do construction in our house so last thing we needed was anything extra at this moment lol. read more

The Bowerbird - Jewelry Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

I ordered something from their website a few days ago and after I placed the order it was found to be out of stock, and they refunded my money right away. It was the second store I tried to buy this product. When I checked other stores, it was out of stock everywhere. I figured I might have to wait until after the holidays to get it. Then today I got a phone call from them letting me know that they found what I was looking for and I could have it if I still wanted it, and that they would send it out today. I was very happy as it was going be a hassle for me to try to find this elsewhere, or having to wait until January. I really appreciated the effort they took to make sure I was able to get the gift I wanted. Thank you for the excellent customer service! read more

Great Selection, help is nothing but exceptionable, for the gift quality prices are fare, Plus 10 all around.

Place rocks. Unique store. The toy side is my favorite. You will find something in the store for yourself or someone else.

Bowerbird has a great selection of gifts and toys, and it has been a staple of Old Lyme for many years. I've shopped there dozens of times. However, I went in to pick up a candle as a Christmas gift today. I asked if they could give me a cellophane bag that I could wrap the candle in, and I was told that they could not but would wrap it for a $3.00 fee. I was alright with that and went ahead with the wrapping, but the sales person did an awful job! So much so that I had to unwrap it and re-do the wrapping myself at home. If you're going to charge for wrapping, fine, but at least ensure that a half decent job is done. read more

The Bowerbird - Jewelry Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

Ordered some puzzles online (great selection when larger retailers were sold out) and they were packed/shipped within 24 hours. We got them less than a week later in California, not bad for pandemic service! read more

This was was second visit in the last few years. Last time I had a bad feeling when I left. Relatives love this shop but have shared the same complaint. They follow you around the store. It's obvious and really irritating. There are cameras everywhere on the walls yet you still have an employee following you. They don't engage the shoppers or offer help. My wife, my 16 year old daughter and myself walked together on our visit. There are signs about them not wanting handbags in the store so we even made our daughter go put her bag back in the car before we started our shopping. They just follow you. There are three sections to the store and there is a handler in each section. I understand that they do not want to be subjected people shoplifting. They have a great inventory although it's a bit pricey. We would have spent a lot today but I told my wife will use the power of the pocketbook and shop somewhere else. Most of the nautical things we like to be purchased on Etsy anyway. It's too bad that their practices cost them quite a bit today in terms of us not buying anything today and having a bad feeling in our mouths leaving and not planning to return. We will also be sharing our experience with our friends and family because I don't want them subjected to feeling like a criminal suspect. read more

Thank you so much for one of the Bowerbird employee to make my holiday shopping, especially my holiday wrapping, neat and attractive. She really went above and beyond to help me out. She didn't reveled her name for this review and I know she got herself into trouble with management helping me, but for the Holiday spirit she did a excellent job! I truly thank her! read more

Truth be told for the Bowerbird...it is expensive but sometimes it's worth it when you need a unique gift or little treasure. It's a great place to find something for the person that's hard to buy for -AND you can get the card AND the gift wrap all there! I love it for unique place cards and napkins for my Thanksgiving table. They carry Stonewall Kitchen food items plus Pandora plus much much more. I still cherish the sentiment of a hand written card and they have beautiful cards and stationary. Stop in when you are in Old Lyme. read more

So it started with my boyfriend proposing to me in the parking lot... and then we went shopping for our daughter at Bowerbird. And we were so over the moon. We told the woman who worked there... who told the owner. She took our picture and put us on the Instagram! They were so sweet and happy. We also found really cute toys for our daughter for Christmas. The staff here is so sweet and we'll always remember them! Thank you! read more

Just walked out. They have amazing things but the old lady working there followed 1 step behind my well behaved kids acting like they were going to steal something. Will never return fuck that place and their rude behavior read more

With the decline of small businesses in CT especially unique gift shops, Bowerbird is really quite the find. I honestly don't get the negative reviews as I have always found the store welcoming and staff efficient and friendly. It's a huge gift shop carrying many unique items and a must for Christmas. They have a huge card section of unique offerings, a large specialty toy section, great little kitchen area along with many other unique gift offerings. I really enjoy coming here a few times a year, always walk away with some great finds and highly recommend a trip. read more

One stop shop! Wonderful kids section with great toys and games that you don't find anywhere else. The kind of gifts you can feel good about giving to your kids. I love the cards, kitchen and entertaining stuff, and the jewelry. Seriously great selection! I've always had great interactions with staff - they're always helpful and pleasant and able to suggest gift ideas. Love this place!!! read more

It's easy to see why Shoreliners flock to The Bowerbird for gifts: a babydoll for your niece, Alex and Ani for your teen, tons of kitchen gadgets for the hostess, a jigsaw puzzle for Christmas day, an unparalleled stock of cocktail napkins, but that's not all! I found something I have NEVER SEEN BEFORE (believe me when I say that's not easy!): Molecular Gastronomy kits that turn your food or drink into something, well, else! I snapped up the Cosmo Kit, and set unsuspecting dinner party guests to work on the "Encapsulated Cosmo". This was meant to be a little ball of cosmopolitan, served in a spoon. My good-natured guests complied, while my daughter accused me of making jello shots. While they didn't come out exactly as pictured, they were close, and most of us were delighted. I have yet to make the "cranberry foam" or "citrus caviar", so don't be surprised if you're put to the task if you're over for dinner. Cosmo, mojito, margarita and food kits available from $29.95. read more

The Bowerbird - Jewelry Near Me - Old Lyme, Connecticut

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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! read more

The Bowerbird is a nice gift store in Old Lyme. They have a wide selection and gift wrapping. However, they charge to wrap, which I find obnoxious, especially considering the fact that they rarely discount. The salespeople aren't the most helpful, either. read more

I'm confused by the reviewers that don't find the staff friendly. I have not had this experience here ever and I shop there almost once a month. Great selection & the prices are pretty typical. This isn't a dollar store after all. Something else that confuses me is that you are put off by being charged 4$ to wrap your gift in beautiful paper with ribbon? For real? This is a great store with something for everyone. Well worth it. read more

Nice gifts but really unfriendly staff . I don't think I would go back . They are very condescending and looked down upon me !

My husband received the funniest birthday card ever from a friend who lives in Old Lyme. When I asked her where she got it, she told she bought it at The Bowerbird. I called today to see if they have more of this card (I hope to buy four) and the woman took my name and phone number and said she would look through her card selection to see if she has more. She was so friendly and helpful. Hard to find that kind of customer service these days, especially when one lives 50 miles from the store. read more

I'm commenting on Susan's review. I was in there that day too...this is the store I shop at all the time to get the best gifts, especially during Christmas. The 20% was off Christmas wrap.......THAT THEY SELL. Wrapping paper, gift tags, etc. They had a Christmas special everyday day. Also, I've been there in the morning too at opening. They vacuum and prepare to get ready for the day....Also, if it was cold and snowing and you were waiting before the store was even open, why didnt you just wait in your car until you saw they were open? Bowerbird, keep up the good work. read more

Staff essentially stalks you while you are trying to shop. Unique items but a horrible place to shop with staff following you around store waiting for you to shop lift. So disappointing read more

I'm not really understanding the negative comments regarding the staff. Everyone we encountered was friendly and helpful without hovering. As soon as we walked in the door we were greeted by the 2 women at the cash register and politely asked if we needed assistance on more than 1 occasion. This place is amazing. I had read something about it last Christmas and have tried to get there since then. I'm just sorry it took me so long. I'm sure I could find a gift for anyone on my list with me on the top of that list. There are gifts in all price ranges and so many unique cards. I ended up buying soap and a coaster with a clever saying but put many things on my wish list. My birthday is coming and I will definitely be stopping in. read more

I think the owner and salespeople really need a wakeup call. The pros of having a locally run business are known and appreciated by the locals and tourists that visit Old Lyme and the Shoreline. However- the rudeness and snottyness and the total vibe of this place only makes people want to look elsewhere-and there are other options. read more

I feel exactly the same as the previous reviewer - nice shop, but I was shocked after spending almost $200 that they charged to wrap. Come on, you're Connecticut Mag's best gift store, you can throw in the wrap. It bugged me so much I felt I had to write a review - and they ought to know that it does bug people. read more

They were so rude to my mom and I ! We got there 10 minutes before closing and an elderly lady met me at the door and asked me if I knew exactly what I wanted, and didn't even let me in! The staff there are so rude, and I had been a long time shopper before- but not now. read more

One of the main reasons I stay away is Bower Bird's gift wrap policy. At the gift store where I lived, one of the main joys in paying full price was their lovely gift wrapping. Everything looked nice when you left that store. Now, I simply shop elsewhere! read more

Horrible service. The owners need to learn about customer service. We will not buy another item from this store. We suggest that you spend your money elsewhere. read more

I am a regular shopper at the Bower Bird and have always had a positive experience. I was very surprised to read the reviews about the unfriendly service. I've always found the staff to be friendly and helpful. They always have a wide selection of interesting and unique gifts. it's my go to store when I'm looking for a present. read more

Bowerbird has very cool stuff. It's expensive but that's not the reason I'll never shop there again. The clerks are very rude. I have never been treated nicely, not even just adequately while shopping there. Luckily, you can find cool stuff online now, so I'll never have to go back there and be mistreated. read more

I was very disappointed by the cashiers attitude in the toy area of the store. Verbally short and not friendly. This is addressed toward the two older woman around Christmas. The young people are quite friendly and much more pleasant. Adults in the other area were much more friendly. I mentioned my opinion to three other people and they all agreed. Not very pleasant folk. Very disappoionting as the inventory is good, but nothing I can't get elsewhere. I always try to shop small stores and spend my money somewhat locally. I expect pleasant help and gift wrap, or I would shop the outlets. read more