A creative artisan who had been making gift baskets as a hobby found she had created a product others wanted.
Sherri and Scott Hill began a sideline business Gifts A GoGo five years ago, but only as an online site for people to purchase gift baskets for various special occasions.
It was a creative outlet, a hobby for them, while they pursued careers elsewhere. Sherri was working at a property management firm at the time.
“I just loved making baskets. Most of them are nostalgic-type baskets. People really loved them,” she said.
Pretty soon, Hill ditched her other job and opened a retail store for the gift baskets. She made a commitment to work on the business full time.
Gifts a GoGo soon outgrew its original location in La Piazza. Hill found a bigger storefront at 353 Main Sreet.
But she didn’t want to have the store full of nothing but gift baskets, so she brought in gifts and arts and crafts from people all over the United States who share the same creative passion she does.
“I love representing the artists,” she said. “We are starting to incorporate their work online, and they can order from the artists in a kiosk inside the store. Now I represent hundreds of artists.”
The store has a good selection of Half Moon Bay souvenirs including magnets, coasters, pendants, hand-blown glass, pottery, jewelry and handmade organic soaps and candles. There are also photo note cards and framed art featuring local photographers.
“We generally have something for everyone,” she said.
More than 800 gift baskets are available online. Hill admits she has an all-time favorite — the Easter baskets.
“The little kids are so excited when they see them. They are all made by hand and from the heart,” she said.
Other best selling items include:
• Jewelry made from recycled wine and beer bottles, guitar strings and radiator parts
• War to Peace pendants
• “Bakery” bath items
• Custom party favors
• Corporate orders and special event gift baskets
The inventory in the shop is always changing.
“It could take two months before a piece comes in because it is hand made. There is a constant flow of beautiful things,” Hill said.
For more information, go go www.giftsagogo.com or Gifts a GoGo at facebook.
