BY CAROLE ROSNER
I thought my holiday wish list was near complete—world peace, extra sleep and a non-home cooked meal—until I visited Harrisons gift store in Tarzana. After spending some time at this new store, my list has greatly expanded.
Mother and daughter co-owners, Stephanie and Shellie Harrison, opened their namesake shop in April 2009 with a goal of bringing an assortment of top-of-the-line gifts from well-known and emerging lines to the west San Fernando Valley. Merchandise is quite varied and includes such items as collectables from popular South African artist and sculptor Carrol Boyes, as well as rarely seen Israeli-made “metal lace” serving pieces. “This is a place for personalized attention and unique items that aren’t found anywhere else,” said Stephanie.
Michael Aram candles, frames, etc.—really nice. Photo: Carole Rosner
Harrisons is one of the only specialty stores in the San Fernando Valley to offer a large variety of merchandise from American born artist Michael Aram.
Aram works primarily in metal and his pieces are often referred to as “table art.” All of his work is handmade and usually has a fruit, flower or vegetable casting as the focus of the piece. The selection at Harrisons includes salad sets, bowls, platters and picture frames. Aram’s large sized soy wax candles (my wish #1) have nickel plated lids that are beautifully adorned with silver lemons, pomegranates or lotus blossoms (to name a few). Once the wax is melted away, the glass jars are perfect for storing odds and ends ($60).
Vanishing Creatures Chocolate.
Another great gift idea are Vanishing Creatures Chocolates. (my wish #2). This Certified Organic candy features hand carved heads of endangered species (hippo, elephant or gorilla) in either white or dark chocolate. The eco-friendly product line donates 10% of its profits to Wildlife Trust and the package is designed to be “repurposed” as a floating candle (included) with holder ($48). Very cool!
Harrison's is donating 30% of the sales of their "pink" fine jewelry collection to Susan G. Komen.
Stephanie and Shellie also have a great eye for jewelry. Harrisons has cases filled with fine jewelry laced with diamonds and precious stones. There are sparkly necklaces, earrings, bracelets and rings—eye-catching pieces with white Agate mixed with rose gold and diamonds, earrings with white Topaz and black diamonds and any teenage girl’s favorite, diamond key charms. To support Breast Cancer Awareness, Harrisons carries a diamond and gold necklace and ring (my wish #3) that sparkles with subtle pink diamond ribbons (manufacturer’s price is $3150, but discounted to $2400 with 30% donated to the American Cancer Society).
Carrol Boyes — South African designer of "functional art" pieces.
The jewelry at Harrisons ranges in price to fit any budget–there are funky, chunky oxidized silver rings and semi-precious jeweled cuffs too. Always looking for ways to help their customers, Harrisons buys old gold jewelry and pays top dollar. It’s a great way to trade up or cash out.
Mother/daughter co - owners: Stephanie and Shellie Harrison. Photo: Carole Rosner
Although I have made my top three wishes from Harrisons’ merchandise, Stephanie explained that the store offers customers an opportunity to create their own “Wish List” by coming in and selecting what they’d like. The gift buyer then just has to go in and buy it—pretty easy for the shopping challenged.
Harrisons 18737 Ventura Blvd Tarzana, CA 91356 818.708.7133 Hours: Monday-Sat. 11am-6pm. Closed Sunday. Free parking in lot.
Carole Rosner is a native Valley Girl who has lived in Studio City for the past 11 years. She is a strong supporter of her local public schools and an active volunteer in her neighborhood. Some of her favorite things to do in Studio City are to celebrate 4th of July at CBS Radford, walk along Ventura Blvd. and browse through the racks at Crossroads Trading Company.
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