Dec. 31, 1983, was not the typical New Year’s Eve for Mary Kirkland, owner of Hilton Pharmacy. “On December 31, I went into the store as an employee, then on January 2, I walked in as the owner,” Kirkland recalled. She had worked at the store for years, first as a clerk, then as a pharmacist. One day early in 1983, the owner suggested Kirkland buy the store. “I had no clue that was coming,” she said. “I was happy as a clam being a staff pharmacist.”
Nearly 25 years later, Kirkland is still happy as a clam. She takes on the role as owner and head pharmacist with enthusiasm, and delights in finding unique gifts, home accents and holiday trimmings for her customers.
This year, Kirkland has chosen holiday accents filled with the magic of the season. Sparkling designs, festive colors and a wide range of gift-giving options make for shopping excitement and simplicity.
Kirkland has focused on several nostalgic pieces this year. A grouping done in red and white brings back the elegance of yesteryear, with porcelain sleighs, sleek reindeer, flying cardinals and graceful angels.
The nostalgia continues through a wide assortment of musical snow globes and decorative pillar candles. Demdaco also reflects memories of Christmas through its Thoughts of Home line. Memories of the season are displayed in silhouette ornaments and vintage paper ornaments.
Always a sentimental favorite, Hilton’s host of roly poly snowmen will smile their way into your heart, as will the impish expressions found on the children of Turkey Creek Township. These figurines celebrate folk art fun and are the perfect touch of whimsy for your holiday table.
Also making a roly poly appearance at Hilton’s are penguins on parade. These dapper looking, tuxedo-clad gents appear throughout the store as ornaments, sitabouts and Williraye collectibles. “Joyride,” a piece from the Williraye collection, gives one lucky penguin a turn to ride “bearback” on a polar bear.
Another popular Williraye collectible is “The Precious Gift,” an 11-piece nativity set. The crèche includes Baby Jesus and his family all painted in the artist’s landmark style.
Hilton’s gift-giving possibilities go far beyond seasonal items. Throughout the year, Kirkland displays beautiful scarves, unique jewelry and luxurious spa products in her store. She has also carved out specialty niches for rustic figurines and candles from Big Sky Carvers, a fine selection of gourmet tools and serving ware, and an adorable line of baby products.
Other favorites include items from Colonial Candles, Lang Calendars and Midwest of Cannon Falls.
For the gentlemen on your holiday list, look for gift items from Washington State University and the University of Washington, vintage football posters, office accessories and barbecue cookbooks and seasonings.
Speaking of cooking, do you have a foodie in your life? Get your taste buds ready for Hilton’s selection of dream treats. Choose from wasabi ginger dip mix, marionberry fruit syrup, butter wafers, cherry cobbler mix and spicy bloody Mary mixer. Presented in a gift basket, a grouping from Hilton’s Third Street Gourmet is the perfect holiday touch.
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