For the Birds

Is the thought of fighting holiday crowds at the mall getting you down? There’s a local alternative that is a lot easier, has gifts for all age groups and has plenty of parking. Wild Birds Unlimited on Evergreen Way in Everett isn’t just about bird seed.

Long time storeowner Michele McAllister has a vast selection of collectibles, décor, apparel and toys — all with nature or wildlife themes. Of course there are lots of bird-related items too.

At this time of year, many customers head to Wild Birds Unlimited for holiday decorations. McAllister carries the extremely popular Birch Hearts collection of snowmen and there are also nativity scenes and tree ornaments well-known companies.

But don’t forget your feathered friends. Popular seasonal gifts include holiday seed cakes for birds that are shaped like snowmen, trees, Santa Claus and wreathes.

Many people buy them specifically for gift exchanges because they are cute and affordable.

“We sell so many of those,” McAllister said. “They’re so quick to just pick up and go, and they make great gifts.”

Wild Birds Unlimited is also a good place for children’s toys. Nature related stocking stuffers start at less than a dollar. There are science kits and puzzles. Kids love things like “Owl Puke,” a sanitized owl pellet that can be dissected to find the bones of the small animals an owl once feasted on.

“Webkinz are always really popular but especially at Christmas time,” McAllister said. “And we have all the accessories and clothes to go with them. People just love it.”

Other popular items, both for adults as well as children, are the Audubon bird toys. These plush stuffed animals are modeled after real bird species and even include a sound chip to give an accurate bird call.

Decorative wind chimes have always been a big seller for McAllister. But this season, she is really impressed by the number of Emperor Gongs that people are buying. Other huge sellers include any collectibles by Amia or Harmony Kingdom.

Wild Birds Unlimited is also one of the places you can buy Zulugrass jewelry. These unique jewelry items are made of hand-gathered and dyed African grasses and other

materials.

McAllister said, “The look so cool on and you can wear them as wristlets, anklets and necklaces. Put them together and almost any color combination looks nice.”

Of course there are plenty of items just for the birds. Brand new this year is Bark Butter. It makes every tree a bird feeder simply by spreading it on the bark.

“It’s a peanut butter consistency but it doesn’t melt, not even in hot weather. It’s exclusive to Wild Birds Unlimited,” McAllister said.

Wild Birds Unlimited also carries the Eco Tough series of feeders. These are made of heavy duty recycled plastic but they look just like wood. The price is about the same of a comparable wooden feeder of the same quality, but Eco Tough feeders don’t break down, so you won’t ever have to worry replacing them.

McAllister also has the ever popular and highly lauded “Eliminator” squirrel-proof feeder too. Wild Birds Unlimited is located at 4821 Evergreen Way in Everett. There is plenty of parking in front of the store.