Goods & Services

One day, you might feel like painting the flowers in your garden. The next, maybe learning to sculpt your pets out of soapstone. It’s all possible — well, you’ll find all the physical tools to do so — at Blick, which has a huge selection of art supplies that allow you to experiment your little heart out. Everyone’s welcome here, from college art students to crafting enthusiasts to professional artists. Blick’s got kilns for your new pottery studio and lights for your professional photography setup. It’s got origami paper, stained-glass materials, and kids’ easels for your budding artist. The store even offers art classes and kits. At Blick, the only limit is your imagination.

Currently closed for browsing but open for curbside pickup, the aptly named Books is one of our favorite local secrets. This family-owned and -operated trove stocks nearly 200,000 hardbacks, paperbacks, records, comics, and DVDs — and has for more than 30 years. We’ve scored several rare, out-of-print treasures here, including a first-edition copy of Shirley Jackson’s Hangsaman and a signed wartime edition of We Followed Our Hearts to Hollywood by Emily Kimbrough. Always friendly and eager to help, the staff is made up of bookworms who’d love to help you find your next favorite novel or memoir. We look forward to the day when we can return to wandering around the neatly categorized and alphabetized selections in this brick-and-mortar booklover’s paradise.

The closure of All About Books and Comics in April, after nearly 40 years in business, felt like the end of an era for nerd culture citywide. Fortunately, another pop culture torchbearer has been marching along this entire time: Drawn to Comics. This Glendale shop shares AABC’s commitment to unabashedly celebrating nerdy pursuits, uplifting fans with new heroes, and maintaining the flames of artistic curiosity. (Not to mention a great pull service and deep back issues.) But what we really love about Drawn to Comics is that it provides a comics-buying experience that prioritizes the people. It’s a store where the most magical thing isn’t the flying aliens or dudes in robot suits: It’s the community.

It’s easy to lose track of time inside The Paper Place, where those looking to eschew electronic communication will find everything they could possibly need to do so. Operated by a pair of sisters, this charming retail space lets you custom-order invitations for weddings and other occasions, shop for unique greeting cards, explore gift-wrap options including individual sheets of decorative paper, and find presents for all those little holidays and celebrations that happen throughout the year. Amid all the paper, you’ll find cookbooks, desk accessories, stuffed animals, pens, jewelry, and more. The cheerful ambiance, attentive customer service, and creative offerings make this paper store a standout shopping destination.

Hazel & Violet could easily be the moniker for an adorable pair of kittens, or a trendy fashion line. But over on Grand Avenue, it’s the name of a letterpress that’s long been a hub for First and Third Friday activity. Owner Nancy Hill welcomes the artsy crowds in a hands-on way that few businesses do, setting up letterpress printers where people can try their hand at small prints or coasters. Other times, people pop in to order wedding invitations, shop for text-based gifts, or take workshops that bring a dash more creativity to their lives. The shop prints personal as well as commercial stationery, business cards, broadsides, and more. We hit up the brick-and-mortar store (or Hazel & Violet’s Etsy shop) when we’re looking for minimalist or smart-aleck greeting cards, desert-themed art prints, or cool patterned stationery. Simply put, life is better with letterpress love.

Need to buy somebody a present but have absolutely no idea what to get them? Hit up The Museum Store at Phoenix Art Museum, which has an excellent assortment of gifts for any budget. For art lovers, there are exhibition catalogs, art books, art prints, and even art-inspired clothing for both men and women. There are kitchen supplies, office supplies, and ceramics by local artists. (We are big fans of the store’s collapsible vases, which come in handy when you’re giving fresh flowers.) There’s an extensive children’s section too: Start ’em early.

Rachel Malloy’s beloved shop first opened in 2007 inside a small space in Roosevelt Row. Nowadays, you’ll find it tucked inside a building just north of Burton Barr Public Library. Don’t let the cozy size of Bunky Boutique fool you. The store is packed with items that reflect Malloy’s love for Arizona and her vintage vibe. There is a gift here for nearly any occasion. Candles, tote bags, and greeting cards. T-shirts, rings, and body care items. Presents for babies and toddlers. And if you’re short on ideas, Malloy will help you find something sure to be a hit at the family gathering or office gift exchange. She’s that type of shopkeeper (the best kind).

Lots of changes happened near MADE Art Boutique in Roosevelt Row this year. The Eye Lounge art gallery got a new entrance around the corner on Fifth Street and Greenwood Brewing moved into the neighborhood. But the art boutique, which is located in a cute vintage house that’s a charming contrast to the area’s ho-hum apartments, is pretty much the same: still filled with eye-catching works by local artists. It’s a wonderful place to support metro Phoenix creatives while shopping for jewelry, prints, greeting cards, personal care items, small ceramics, stickers, and more. Our favorite things to buy include charming embroidered artworks with cats or desert plants by Cindy Dach and miniature robots made by Jordan Alexander Thomas using upcycled materials and wood. The eclectic selection shifts over time, so you won’t get bored by seeing the same offerings over and over again, and there are great items in every price range.

Originally run by the Arizona Record Collectors Association, this vinyl swap meet has been a mainstay among platter fanatics for more than 20 years. Originally organized by record whiz Sam Hill, the convention — where you’ll find mint and still-sealed albums by everyone from ABBA to Frank Zappa — lately has been a project of Tracks in Wax shop owner Timmy Stamper, who has moved it to the much-roomier Arizona American Italian Club. There, several times a year, some 60 vendors offer boxes and boxes of rare and hard-to-find albums, singles, and CDs to hundreds of collectors. You think you’ll never find a VG+ copy of Lou Reed’s Growing Up in Public or a decent copy of the Life With Mikey soundtrack. But that may be because you haven’t yet hit this groovy record swap meet.

Where, we wondered, could we find that super-hard-to-score arrangement for the Maureen McGovern version of “The Carioca,” published in 1973? Then, we remembered that we’re within driving distance of Central Music, one of the best sources in the Southwest for old, obscure, and up-to-the-minute sheet music. Need a lead sheet for Sammy Fain’s “I’ll Be Seeing You”? You’ll find it here. Think you’ll never find a simplified version of Schumann’s “Im Wunderschonen Monat Mai” for violin? You’re wrong. Central Music will have it, or it’ll get it for you if it doesn’t. The staff here is always friendly and seems to actually want to help you track down print music spanning every genre — rock, blues, country, sacred, classical, opera, jazz, and folk. This place has always been a great resource for music teachers, professionals, and amateur musicians alike. Here’s hoping it always will be.

It would have been better for our savings accounts if we hadn’t hopped on the vinyl bandwagon, but we’re record collectors now, and we’re not stopping anytime soon. As a result, we find ourselves at The ‘In’ Groove a couple of times a month surveying the selection. Owner Mike Esposito has created an environment welcoming to both vinyl newbies and seasoned collectors. We like to hit the bins of recent used arrivals first, then scan the rest of the store, which is heavy on pop and rock of today and yesteryear, but also has strong sections of jazz, hip-hop, and soundtracks. Everything is fairly priced (like the gorgeous vintage copy of Led Zeppelin’s first album we scored for under $20 the other day), which isn’t to say cheap — there are some real vinyl gems under glass at the store, with prices to match their rarity and condition. The folks at The ‘In’ Groove are friendly — but they ain’t dumb.

Yes, we still listen to CDs. Quite a bit, thank you very much. And the best place to buy them is at Zia Records. The esteemed local chain celebrated its 40th anniversary this year, and indeed, we’ve been hitting up Zia stores for CDs since high school. They carry new and used copies of rock, hip-hop, country, etc., plus imports, rarities, local stuff — they’ve got it all. Everything is inspected at the buy counter, so getting a scratched-up used disc is unlikely. Of course, once you’ve got your CDs picked out, it’s time to explore everything else Zia has to offer, like clothing, video games, books, comics, records, and toys. It’s one-stop shopping for everything entertainment-related.

Oh, sure. Those big-box national chain pet stores at the mall are convenient. But when’s the last time you were greeted at the door of one of them by a chicken? Never is the answer, and that’s why it’s high time you headed to Pratt’s to meet Zeus, who for five years has been clucking and scratching and serving friendly fowl attitude to everyone who comes through the door at this Glendale pet store. She won’t crow, and she’s not especially interested in helping you pick out a collar for Rover, but Zeus will offer something you won’t find at the mall: her incomparable presence. Recently, she’s been joined by Poseidon, a 2-year-old hen whom you’ll find strutting down aisles of feed and feline beds and most everything you’ll need to keep Fido and Fluffy in the pink. But don’t be fooled: Zeus is the ruler of this roost.

At the family-owned Fantasia Crystals, visitors get a warm welcome from an attentive staff well-versed in numerous spiritual traditions and practices. The store, open since the 1980s, provides a safe space for people to explore multiple avenues of belief without giving one particular perspective more validation than the others. Fantasia Crystals offers classes on metaphysical, occult, and spiritual topics, and carries a wide range of items used by individuals who embrace these traditions. Everything you need for your metaphysical practice (or to start a new one) is here: books, tarot cards, small sculptural deities, candles, sage, and much more. There are also lovely gifts like jewelry, journals, and trinket boxes. In need of guidance? Fantasia has psychic readings on the weekends. If you’ve got an open mind, you’ll learn a little something every time you pay a visit.

When most people picture holiday shopping, one of two things come to mind — either the impersonal experience of ordering online or the massive crowds that fill mainstream shopping venues. For those who like their shopping to inspire a feeling of community and support local businesses, we submit Crafeteria. The December First Friday tradition, held in the Frances parking lot, brings together dozens of local artisans and their handmade wares, which range from creative buttons to custom jewelry. In 2019 alone, we picked up ceramic ornaments by Her Name Is Mud, stamped metal jewelry by Bezel and Brass, and Peabo Pots’ iconic zombie baby head pots. Add in live music, snacks and sale prices at Frances, food trucks, and a lively atmosphere, and you’ve got an event we look forward to every year.

Here’s a pothead pro tip: Next time Sky High is having one of its storewide sales on 4/20, 7/10, and other big occasions (cannabis-related or otherwise), drop your doob and head for any of its locations. We’re not just blowing smoke. You’ll find deep discounts on many of its bongs, bubblers, pipes, grinders, and other hardware, allowing you to save some scrilla for sensimilla. It’s enough to bring a tear to one’s bloodshot eyes. Given Sky High’s vast selection of gear and supplies for any sort of vaping, dabbing, and smoking — from high-end and hand-blown glassware to grinders, wraps, and rollers — you’ll find an excuse to visit on any other day of the year. They also stock tobacco, CBD, kratom, and nitrous, if those are your mind-altering substances of choice, and have racks of candy, in case a sugar rush is the only buzz you’re after.

The specials are hot, the staff is friendly, and the medicines are potent and diverse at Mint Dispensary in Guadalupe. Finding the right stuff is no problem here, with Item 9, Timeless, Baked Bros., and other big-name brands represented, in addition to a fresh array of flower strains. Yes, it gets busy here, as any good pot shop does. But making the wait easier is the visual effect of the large, always-busy kitchen behind Plexiglass next to where patients line up for the budtenders. The chefs make pizza, salads, and all kinds of goodies with infused THC products that create a virtuous (sinful, really) cycle of more munchies. If you had to pick one dispensary to be trapped in during an emergency, it would be this one. You don’t even have to go in to shop: In September, the Guadalupe location opened a drive-thru. The small Mesa location doesn’t have a kitchen, but even on its own would get a rave review for service and selection — and, bonus, your customer points work there, too.

Vapeheads of the Valley, we feel your pain. This past year was a major buzzkill, thanks to a series of vaping-related illnesses and deaths that led to increased scrutiny by federal officials, public bans, and the closure of numerous shops and suppliers. Local vaporium Butt Out had to snuff out its downtown Tempe location in February, but its original shop at Seventh Street and Virginia Avenue is still around, offering a curated selection of reasonably priced juices, hardware, and other supplies. The staff is always accommodating — just as eager to help hobbyists assemble their perfect rig as they are to assist newbies picking out a starter kit. Butt Out will also deliver, if, in these strange times, you prefer puffing away in the privacy and safety of your personal vaping den at home.

You know a product is good when criminals take pains to make a fake version of it, as happened with Select Elite cartridges last year. (Just make sure you’re at a valid retailer, and you should have no trouble avoiding the counterfeits.) Select Elite used to be one of our go-to carts because of its potency ratings and smooth draw. Then, it upped its game and made a live resin version that tastes even better and has a noticeably stronger kick. These cost a few extra bucks — $80 a gram, not cheap — but they’re totally worth it. Every time you hit these dab-like cartridges, you know it’s the real thing.

Gummy candy? Delicious. Gummy candy that gets you high? Even better. Which is why we love Baked Bros., which combines our favorite genre of sweets with our favorite way to medicate. The Arizona-based company sells five varieties of gummies, each of which comes in two strengths. We’re partial to the peach rings, but the Sour Kush Kids, which won Best Product at the High Times Cannabis Cup several years ago, are no slouches, either. Baked Bros. also sells gummies that offer a mix of mostly CBD with a lower dose of THC, and a line of gluten-free, vegan THC syrups in flavors like strawberry kiwi, pineapple, and cherry. You can find the products at dispensaries around metro Phoenix.

It’s hard to predict what exactly you’ll find when you stop in at this self-described “fine science and natural history emporium for all things fantastic and strange.” Curious Nature’s best known for its collections of bones and taxidermy, but the shop’s “Wet Specimens” are also a source of endless fascination. Species suspended in glycerine or isopropyl alcohol solutions include everything from the sorts of things you might see in your high school science lab (preserved fish, centipedes, and frogs) to colorful art-science blends (dark red diaphonized frogs, iguanas, and snakes) to mad-scientist or sacrificial-ritual level items like octopus, dissected half-pigs, feral sheep and sheep brains, and turkey heads. Truly a shop of horrors, this place — and we mean that in the most complimentary way possible.

If you’re not well-versed in the ways of santeria, voodoo, hoodoo, root magic, and other related spiritual practices, you may feel intimidated stepping into the small storefront of Zombi World Market. But you don’t have to be. If you’re new to these belief systems, or you’re just curious about what the store is all about, the staff is welcoming and happy to answer questions about how to use items like hoodoo oils and crystals. There are candles, jewelry, used books, ritual items like powders and roots, and things our uninitiated eyes can’t even identify. We feel very confident stating that this is one of the most interesting shops in all of Phoenix. You won’t regret stopping in.

Cardio sports have experienced a resurgence during the pandemic — so much so that local bike shops have been struggling to meet the demand. Mike and Steph Cox (and their dog, Snickers) of the Ahwatukee Foothills shop Curbside Cyclery are just as busy as the bigger bike retailers, but they’ve sacrificed none of the high-quality personal service and expertise they offered before the coronavirus bump. The store has you covered in the way of bikes, equipment, shoes, apparel, and accessories. Things are rough out there still, but inside Curbside, cyclists can count on the help and the gear they need for a smooth ride.

Ain’t no paint pusher in town like Jimmy Nguyen, a.k.a. @buddhasnails on Instagram. Once you’re in his studio, you’ll see out-of-the-box examples of wild stiletto acrylics and matte coffin shapes embellished with embossed, hot pink Old English lettering, animal print, marbling, and even cartoon characters like Helga G. Pataki of Hey Arnold! fame. Nguyen started as a self-taught technician, but after years of posting his delicate yet bold work, he’s become a well-known Valley nail artist with a major following. He went from the Amazon warehouse to the manicurist table at Stash House Az. But now, a new chapter is budding. Nguyen is behind a nail station at his own salon, Slain Studios. Nails are usually $70 a set, take about an hour, and the result is unreal. For COVID-19 reasons, the salon’s opening was postponed in early 2020. But as of this summer, the shop started taking appointments, and soon will take walk-ins.

It’s all about simple sophistication at Phoenix General. Kenny Barrett and Joshua Hahn are at the helm of the local chain, the success of which is a testament to their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. The flagship store in midtown sports a fabulous lineup of cotton clothing, including some featuring designs by local artists. We especially love seeing Carrie Marill’s beaded jewelry, Sabrina Frank’s tie-dye T-shirts, and Linda Cato’s botanical prints when we pop in. It’s the go-to place for comfortable but stylish threads — jumpsuits, short shorts, flannel shirts, and track jackets — for both men and women. Look for the same magnificent vibe in the newer Roosevelt Row location, where merchandising clothing rises to the level of artistic curation. Phoenix General staff are eager to help you to accessorize your look with hats, belts, bags, and more, so you’re perfectly attired for casual office days or evening romps through the city’s nightlife.

Finding poodle skirts and ’40s A-lines and pink angora sweaters has never been a hassle around here: Most vintage clothing stores feature racks and racks of women’s clothing. Few, though, offer much more than a passing glance at menswear. Not Time Bomb, a furniture-and-decor shop that not long ago began emphasizing old, off-the-rack clothing in mint condition. Last time we were in, we spent an hour trying on great guys’ stuff from the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s: Pendleton knits and pristine disco shirts and enough double-knit textured polyester to choke a mule. Designer labels share rack space with department store favorites from Enro, Puritan, Milford, and Towncraft. The pair of wool plaid Boston baggies we bought still had the original tags on them! Owner Josh suggested accessorizing with some keen ’70s sunglasses and a cool sharkskin blazer. He let us try it all on.

We still remember the first time we stepped into Antique Sugar and marveled that one small store could hold so much fabulousness. We’re talking 1920s silk nighties. ’60s ruffled Western blouses. ’90s prom dresses. ’70s jackets. Mink miniskirts mingle with Chinese robes mingle with Mad Men-style cocktail dresses. Vintage handbags, jewelry, and other accessories cluster near the walls of the store, and like the clothing, it’s all in gorgeous condition. Walking around Antique Sugar inspires 1,000 sartorial fantasies and engenders newfound respect for the last century of fashion. A section of the store is devoted to menswear, which you ladies may be tempted to skip, but don’t — there’s a nice selection of vintage band T-shirts and high school varsity sweaters over there.

It’s been nearly three decades since the chic resale shop My Sister’s Closet opened in metro Phoenix. True to its name, the enterprise — which has since opened multiple locations in the Valley and California — is run by a pair of sisters with a flair for helping savvy customers find just the right item or outfit. It’s a must-shop destination for women who love designer labels but refuse to pay top dollar. On any given day, you might find a little something from Chanel, Valentino, Prada, or True Religion capable of making you feel like a million bucks (or maybe several thousand bucks: still good!). Hundreds of items land at various locations every day, and the boutique prides itself on selling them for at least 65 percent off retail. And since the pandemic hit, the chain has sold designer face masks bearing the insignias of your favorite labels, a stylish way to stay safe in 2020.

Sure, you’ve been stuck in the house for months, but there’s no rule that says you have to dress like a slob while social-distancing. Some of the freshest fits in town can be found at Trill, a hip-hop shop that’s got a little bit of everything. You can pick up tops by Supreme, Anti Social Social Club, and Le Tigre while checking out Spray Ground backpacks, Good Dope pins, Kangol hats, and much more. There’s a small women’s section, but the gear at Trill is mostly for the fellas. While there, remember to hit up the small side room to check out the wall of music memorabilia, take a selfie in front of the vintage boombox wall, and shop for new and vintage hip-hop vinyl.

Your eyes won’t know where to focus upon entering Shirts ‘n’ Things, a family-owned retail shop that is packed with, well, shirts and things. The “things” category includes pins, patches, stickers, tapestries, weird purses, and weirder shoes. But you’re here for the shirts — specifically, the band shirts. An entire half of the store is wallpapered with the faces and logos of rock stars and rock bands, punk outfits, rap icons, reggae legends, and femmes fatales. At the counters, you’ll likely meet husband-and-wife co-owners Larry and Deb Teiman, who opened the place in 1980 and sell gear from acts like At the Drive In, The Dead Milkmen, N.W.A., Wu-Tang Clan, and Frank Zappa. Those are just the bands we remember from last time we were there. There’s much, much more: This place has 50,000 SKUs.

Before we stepped into Many Worlds, we’d never been in the presence of a pair of shoes that cost as much as a down payment on a car. The new sneaker boutique in midtown Phoenix has a mint pair of used Nike Air Yeezy 2 Solars — along with dozens of other, slightly less spendy kicks. The minimalist space is home only to a few racks of shoes from the likes of Nike, Adidas, and Converse, plus a small area devoted to Many World-brand T-shirts and shirts by Supreme. Lookie-loos are welcome, so even if high-end sneakers aren’t in your budget or your feet are too small for anything in the store, the staff will greet you warmly. But if you decide to buy, know that the service doesn’t end when you walk out the door; half of the space is taken up by Many Worlds’ Reshoevn8r concept, which sells display cases and shoe-care products, and even offers shoe-cleaning to keep your purchase looking fresh.

Running hasn’t had a moment this big since Forrest Gump laced up his shoes back in the mid-1990s. Since the pandemic hit, the family-owned Runner’s Den, which has made uptown Phoenix its home for over four decades, has stepped up its game to assist those new to the sport (and those who returned to it after realizing their local gym wasn’t going to open anytime soon). Its friendly, knowledgeable employees will get you fitted into a cool pair of shoes that won’t give you shin splints, and to help everyone get what they need to make the most of their time outside, the store has offered free delivery options and curbside service to customers. But what we love most about Runner’s Den is that the staff isn’t just trying to sell you stuff. You can find information on topics like hydration and nutrition on the website, and after COVID-19 settles down, it’ll get back to its lineup of group runs, race training, and other activities that promote and support the local running community.

Sometimes, we look out our office window at the hot asphalt of central Phoenix and dream of going somewhere far away. When these bouts of wanderlust hit, we know it’s time for a trip to Arizona Hiking Shack. We’re merely amateur adventurers, so we go there to buy maps of local trails, clothing from brands like Columbia, and Tonto Passes for excursions in the national forest. But we can’t help but linger and look at all the incredible stuff the store offers — essential and optional gear for rock climbing, kayaking, camping, backpacking, and more. Arizona Hiking Shack rents equipment if you’re not ready to commit to buying an item, and the knowledgeable staff is always willing to answer questions, from which hiking shoe is best to how much food to bring along on a camping trip. Next time we get the opportunity to escape to the great outdoors, Arizona Hiking Shack will be our first stop.

Personal is the word that comes to mind when we ponder the virtues of Changing Hands, the oldest and greatest bookstore in the Phoenix area. Even though we haven’t been hanging around there as much this year — the virus and all — we haven’t felt any less connected to this powerhouse community hub. That’s because Changing Hands has done an excellent job of pivoting on the fly. It does curbside pickup, of course. The author events we love? Kinda great as literary Zooms, it turns out. Best of all are the book bundles. You fill out a Book Personality Quiz online, and Changing Hands’ expert staff will send you care packages with multiple books and themed swag (prices range from $50 to $500). It’s a wonderful gift to send somebody, of course, but it’s also totally worth treating yourself to a bundle — both for the reading material and for the simple pleasure of connection that comes from a smart person choosing a book just for you.

Yes, Bobbie’s Flowers & Marketplace is located in a bland southeast Valley strip mall called the Tempe Dental Plaza, but inside, you’ll be thoroughly transported somewhere far more verdant. Bobbie’s is a family-owned florist that’s been around since 1949, and it sources flowers from first-rate greenhouses on the California coast. The key here is cold-chain management — or keeping all cut flowers cold till purchased. Inside, you’ll also find yard decor like bird houses, pots, and planters, as well as Arizona-made gifts. But the best part about Bobbie’s is the way the staff, composed of three generations of family members and some longtime staffers, interacts with its customers. The shop offers a Flower of the Month Club, sends random bouquets to medical personnel, and manages giveaways like posting first names on Facebook (if that’s your first name, you get a free bouquet).

Most Phoenicians are transplants, which means they’re used to flora and fauna beyond the world of succulents and cactus. Sometimes they long for plants that have lush leaves instead of spines or blooms of fragrant flowers that aren’t common in the urban desert. Fortunately, a fascinating plant shop in the Garfield Historic District is filled with plants from parts near and far, and people who can help you give them just the right type of TLC. At The Bosque, there are plants that hang, cling, trail, float, and grow like gangbusters. You’ll get plenty of help with picking the right plants for your own personal vibe, and a warm welcome anytime you circle back for a little refresher course in how to help them thrive. The shop also carries a fun assortment of accessories, from macramé plants hangers to ceramic pots, as well as art prints, plant-themed gift wrap, and other goodies to help you rock that green thumb. (Also, it smells amazing in there.)

For more than 80 years, the Berridge family’s friendly service, devotion, and perseverance (the owners rebuilt after the nursery burned down in 1971) has made Phoenix greener. Its philodendrons and rhododendrons and Creeping Charlies have climbed and sprouted and greened up the Valley for generations. We’re nuts about the Berridges’ impressive array of bonsai starter plants and related pots, trays, soils, and tools; its vast pile of ceramic planters; its wrought-iron benches; and its tidy bags of manure. But what we love most is the saintly patience the Berridge staff showed when we were just starting to grow a green thumb and turned up to ask every dumb question a first-time gardener could come up with. During our first visit, one nice fellow patiently talked us out of planting bare-root rose bushes in the fall. We’ve been back almost monthly ever since.

Party planning is daunting when you’re out of fresh ideas. But walking the aisles of Arizona Fun Services is a lot like sampling your way through a candy store — every turn brings a new assortment of party decorations, favors, invitations, games, and other celebratory delights. It’s got all the big occasions covered, from birthdays and weddings to graduations and baby showers. And it has an impressive selection of holiday themes, for Valentine’s Day, St. Patrick’s Day, and Halloween. You’ll find entertaining options for celebrating everything from Mardi Gras to Oktoberfest, helping you earn the coveted “best party planner ever” reputation with family, co-workers, and friends. And if you’re planning a truly epic bash, the store can rent you a bounce house, casino equipment, and even a dunk tank.

We used to know a guy named Lavoo who works in his wife’s cake-pan store, and he swears by this place. It has, he says, the best selection of cake and baking supplies in town, and has for more than 20 years. G&G owner Gilbert offers everything you’ll need to make the perfect layer cake, from straight-edged pans in every imaginable shape, to frosting bags and tips, to the decorative junk you’ll want to pile on top once your masterpiece is out of the oven. Flavorings, colorings, and edible glitter share space here with cake mixes and cookie cutters in super-unusual shapes (we bought one shaped like a casket — no, really). Unlike other cake supply joints, G&G will even do the baking for you. Those online baking supply sites will only sell you SpongeBob cake-toppers in bulk, but at G&G you can mix and match. You’ll never need another cake supply store, we promise.

It’s all about making memories at urbAna. The boutique, owned by Ana and Brian Wells, was inspired by Brian’s grandmother’s written accounts of all the parties she’d once thrown. Some of the selection of home decor here channels such vintage vibes, and other items on offer have more of a modern flair. Either way, build-it-yourself furniture is not part of the equation at urbAna. This is where you go for the finer things that also have character: a brass bar cart, a laddered bookshelf, a cactus silk pillow, and a beach towel with a big, beautiful saguaro on it. The type of items, in other words, you’ll be glad to pass down to your own grandkids one day.

Antiquarian stores aren’t hard to come by around here; the center of most Valley-area cities and towns has a row of vintage shops to pop into while you’re out and about. If you’d like to graduate from casual browser to active shopper, though, head up to Sunnyslope and visit The Vintage Arizona. The antique wares here are plentiful, well-priced, and extremely Southwestern in their aesthetic. Hand-painted coasters, turquoise ashtrays, scorpion paperweights? Grandma-looking Pyrex or old-fashioned bathroom scales? Weird old records, magazines, books, and toys? Saguaro-shaped margarita glasses and well-worn playing cards? It’s all here. The store was opened in 2019 by Shannon Steward, who scouts and handpicks the many items lining the shelves, furniture surfaces, and front patio of her curated shop. Steward even throws the occasional dance party up in here. Stop by and she’ll tell you when.

How often does one of your favorite local shops reopen, years after it closed, in its same former storefront? Not very often. But Michael Robertson must have grown weary of listening to Phoenicians whine about how much they missed QCumberz, the vintage decor store he ran for years on Seventh Avenue before moving on to other, equally popular antique stores. So, late last year, he moved right back into his old digs. Within minutes of entering (or reentering, as it were) his store, we were already reliving our favorite shopping memories of yore. Robertson sells more than just antiques and warmhearted charm at this swell boutique. He peddles decorating ideas, too. We’re glad he’s back, and not just because we needed a new-old sofa and a lava lamp.

News flash: You don’t have to wait for Halloween to play dress-up. Mardi Gras sells and rents almost anything you could possibly need in the way of costumes, accessories, makeup, and props. The shop has helpful, knowledgeable staff experienced at working with clients ranging from the costume-curious to theater professionals. There is a dizzying array of options here. You might walk in wanting to be Mata Hari, but discover while you’re there that you’re actually better at rocking the Marie Antoinette vibe. Who knew?

Georgette Bryant named her charming boutique after her grandmother, and she treats everyone who shops there like family. The place is thoughtfully curated, organized into sections that reflect particular interests, from the great outdoors to life with a new baby. Some of our favorite items include candles with images of pop culture icons (Karamo from Queer Eye pictured as a saint), novelty keychains (“Just Trying to Be the Person My Dog Thinks I Am”), and vintage-inspired barware. It’s a great place to take an out-of-towner for some cactus-themed goods that are more classy than kitschy — or to take yourself when you need a little retail therapy.