Mark’s Hallmark – It’s In The Cards And So Much More

If you care enough to send the very best, Mark’s Hallmark at Parkplace, one of 40 Mark’s Hallmarks in the country, is top of the line. Owned by its employees, Mark’s Hallmark has been in business for 40 years and is the epitome of one-stop gift shopping.

“It’s exciting here,” says longtime manager Yvonne Tagoai. “I know so many of my customers now. Helping them to have a celebration makes for a contagious excitement.”

Some of Yvonne’s favorites for the holidays include:

• An adorable animated snowman statue that plays piano, sings and moves to three popular Christmas songs. This collectible is half price with the purchase of three Hallmark cards.

• The holiday music of popular adult-contemporary artist Michael McDonald, a Grammy favorite, is sure to please. “Artists like this are starting to contract with Hallmark,” says Yvonne, who explains that last year’s Hallmark exclusive James Taylor CD went platinum in 44 days.

• A myriad of collectible and lovable holiday ornaments.

• Holiday figures that look hand carved and painted in a quilted pattern by Jim Shore.

• Sets of gorgeous table decorations, in various themes.

• Festive gift bags, along with tissue and ribbon. These make wrapping as easy and as beautiful as it gets.

And we have to mention the 13 rows, each 54 feet long, of cards for every occasion imaginable. “Ones for your letter carrier, day-care provider, in-laws, paper delivery people, hairdressers, veterinarians, neighbors, you name it, we have it,” says Yvonne.

My favorite gift ideas is tiny cell phone ornaments which attach to the antennae, in various styles – high-heels, martini glasses, flip flops, hearts, flags, angels, crosses, the list goes on.

“I can’t resist these,” says customer John Pollock, buying a bagful for future gifts. “I happened upon these by accident but they will make me very popular at home and work.”

“I saw them when they first came in,” laughs regular customer Betty Austin. “Because I have such a big family, I have to be in here every other week buying birthday cards, and of course I have to go around and see all the dolls and stuffed animals and everything. I’ve never grown up.” Betty’s children have told her not to buy anymore stuff. “But I love everything in here, and my children all want to inherit it anyway.”

Stop in. You’ll find so many things to please so many people.