Find unique gifts, variety of stocking stuffers at one of the city’s longest serving retailers.

By SARA VANDEN BERGE

One of Stephenville’s longest-serving retailers is ready for the holidays.

Frames Etc, located on Belknap Street, first opened its doors more than three decades ago.

The store originally specialized in custom framing, and while that is still a large part of its operation, today it offers customers much, much more.

“My dad, George Wooley, purchased the store in 1984 when it was called ‘Old Town Gallery,’” Julie Lowrance told Beneath the Surface News. “When we bought it, it was located above where Newton’s Cellar is today.

“And, my, have we evolved.”

What many people might not know about Frames Etc is that it’s also a book store, with more than 15,000 gently-used copies in every genre.

“No book in the store is priced above $3.77,” Julie said.

And this time of year, the boutique is filled with an array of fantastic gifts and stocking stuffers.

You’ll find cute holiday dishes that will brighten up your dinner table, tons of great candles, unique (and humorous) dish towels, coffee mugs and cute ornaments.

There are funny socks that say, “Merry Christmas Ya Filthy Animal” and “Naughty or Nice?” and long-sleeved Christmas T-shirts, nuts from Gilbert Pecan Co. and chocolate from Hico’s Wiseman House.

Here are a few more of my favorite things you will find at Frames Etc.

TEXAS-MADE OLIVE OIL

This olive oil made by the Texas Hill Country Olive Company in Dripping Springs is amazing and Frames Etc carries an impressive line of it.

You can purchase the oil in a variety of infused flavors like rosemary, garlic, basil, jalapeno (my favorite) and hatch green chile.

Purchase a bottle or two for that hard-to-buy-for cook in your life.

Click here to access a previous story I wrote about this wonderful product.

HEAVENLY SPONGEABLES

I was thrilled when Frames Etc began carrying Spongeables.

I fell in love with this great product last summer and have kept a supply on hand ever since.

This sponge comes in all kinds of beautiful scents made specifically for feet and body that will transform your bath or shower time into a luxurious event.

These are for people you really, really love.

For more on Spongeables, click here.

CHRISTMAS BATH BOMBS

I love these bath bombs so much that I wrote about them just last week.

Check out the full story here.

For the bath-lover in your, these bombs by Whipped Up Wonderful come in festive scents like Mrs. Claus Cookies, Snowkissed Sugar, Candy Cane and Gingerbread Brulee.

Believe me when I say that you need these in your life

So don’t waste any more time; add a stop at Frames Etc to your holiday to-do list.

And remember, shopping local is a win-win for everyone.