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About Us

A gift store for women…inspired gifts that are as much fun to give as they are to receive! Whether you are looking for the perfect gift for your girlfriend, bunko party, wedding shower, hostess gift, or just something special for yourself…The Joy of Living has it. You’ll enjoy the sensory experience we have created with color grouped gifts and we guarantee plenty of laughs when you browse our card selection. We beautifully gift wrap your selection at no extra charge!
Come see what everyone is talking about!

At The Joy of Living, we give back to the community we serve. We have chosen to concentrate our support to charities that mirror our business philosophies and the concerns of our guests. These charities include donations to women's issues, women's health issues, children's organizations, and endeavors that promote creative or artistic development and environmental concerns.

Please download or call us for a donation form. We plan our charitable contributions and appreciate having the time needed to consider your request. As we are not able to grant all requests at a given time, we welcome you asking again in the future.

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Our Story

I love to give gifts!
After a trip to Pier 51 in San Francisco a few years ago, I came home dreaming of the inspired boutiques that lined the halls. The common theme was passionate owners sharing their love of what they were offering for sale.

It stayed with me. I wanted to create a store where you could pick up a quick gift for your friend or a pick-me-up for yourself. I love things that are inspiring, comfortable, funny and beautiful and that most of all give your spirit a lift. I seek out inspired gifts that are as much fun to give as they are to receive!

A special inspiration to me is Fran Bigelow the owner and founder of Fran’s Chocolates in Seattle. I was hooked on her smoked salt caramels at first bite! Fran is a master chocolatier who has been creating extraordinary chocolates for over 25 years. She is described as “a person who loves to celebrate. She celebrates life and the pursuit of joy in any given situation, regardless of a specific occasion.”

Fran opened her first shop to share the French philosophy of joie-de-vivre, “the joy of living.” I wanted to name the store Joie de Vivre, but hard as I tried, I couldn’t pronounce it correctly! So, I chose the meaning “The Joy of Living.” It represents the spirit of giving that I like to live by.

With Joy!

Kris