yosemite gifts

…because it’s bigger on the inside than out, and filled with wonders and delights.Mariposa, like most tourist towns, is blessed with a good assortment of gift and souvenir shops, but Yosemite Gifts is the can’t-miss experience. The most striking part of the large central room is the assortment of polished minerals and stones, some just as individual pieces, others incorporated into impressive jewelry and other adornments. But, as you keep looking, you find that they’ve got everything in the way of (and many out-of-the-way of) souvenirs, ranging from the aforementioned jewelry to the most touristy knickknack, and everything in between. You can even get everything you need to create your own jewelry, in addition to the many ready-made pieces.I’m a local, so my demand for necklaces, bracelets, and shot glasses with depictions of El Capitan is fairly quickly sated, so I’m usually in there for other reasons, like greeting cards with illustrations by local artists, or (my favorite) the used books. The selection is amazingly eclectic, and the complete lack of organization is part of the charm. (On my last visit, I found three 1950s vintage collectable pulp science fiction magazines, sandwiched between a book about home aquariums, and—so help me—a copy of Sonnets from the Portuguese.)The books are off in tiny side rooms, closets, and alcoves that open up to your left as you head to the back of the store (also on your left—the not-to-be missed 4 by 6 foot collection of refrigerator magnets.) These nooks and crannies have not only books, but also various other treasures—last visit, one room was completely devoted to T-shirts. Like the greeting cards, many of these are unusual, featuring art with colorful nature, American Indian and cowboy themes. The largest of the side rooms is actually at the front of the store on your right as you enter—you can easily miss it if you don’t know it’s there.Add in the friendly and helpful staff, and your visit there can be as much fun as a trip to Gallifrey.