Princeton Shopping

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The beautiful 1896 Tudor-style, half-timber building you see in the accompanying picture is the home of Hamilton Jewelers. This traditional, special jewelry store is where you will find designer jewelry, Swiss watches, china and gifts for weddings, anniversaries, birthdays or graduations. You might come here if you're in the market for corporate gifts as well. It's a quality store that sells quality items and where you shop if you want personal service. You get to see this beautiful building as a bonus!

If you are in the mood for sweets, the famous Swiss chocolate-maker, Lindt, has a store in Palmer Square. In every square foot you will find Lindt chocolates of all varieties. Little gift packages, boxes, by the piece or by the pound, there is something for every chocolate lover. But be prepared, Lindt is not your everyday chocolate and the prices reflect this.

When I visited, the signature "Gold Bunny" and other Easter chocolates were then on sale as Easter had just passed. The 7 oz. Gold Bunny which is normally $8.00 was on sale for half price. I almost bought one, but instead opted for special, individually wrapped chocolates which came in a variety of flavors at about $18 per pound to give to my son. For no more than 5 or 6 pieces, the total came to about $5.00 plus tax. Expensive but quite an extraordinary and special treat.

The Lindt company offers shopping online and shipping.

You can mix and match your favorites, choose the freshly-made chocolates by the piece displayed in special cases, or buy beautiful packaged, gift boxes at Lindt and they will ship your order if you prefer. Lindt chocolates are exceptional and make a very nice gift.

What to pay: Most gift-boxed candies are over $10. By the pound the special individually wrapped, different flavored chocolates are at least $18 per pound and up. At times, seasonally decorated and wrapped chocolates by the box or piece might be found on sale for as much as half price--a very good value if the wrapping doesn't matter. Being on Lindt's mailing list may bring coupons and special offers.

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While walking around Palmer Square, I was attracted to this cute little store named "Dandelion." Dandelion is an upscale jewelry store, but I was attracted to the charming storefront and the window featuring a beautiful array of unique, and exquisite little purses. In all shapes and colors, delicately embellished, the purses were all quite unique! I would say they would definitely be used for special occasions, or at least in special company. I love purses and I would have loved to come home with several of these little treasures, but Princeton shops such as these are for the well-heeled gentry.

The store is known for its designer jewelry, accessories, jewelery boxes and, no doubt, for these exceptionally beautiful little purses too! This is definitely a store for 'la femme'!!

What to buy: Even though the jewelry at Dandelion is also quite special, I would still have chosen a purse to buy, and probably one that had Asian-influenced detail, and jewel-toned hue. Anyone looking for a present for that special person may just find it at Dandelion.

Beautiful boutique in the heart of Princeton - really nice gift and home decor items, as well as fresh flowers every day. Really good prices and they gift box everything on request. They can also ship your gifts to you if you need, or if you have your address book with you they will ship for you a gift wrapped present within a few days.

Definitely check this place out - they also have a website www.sparkleemporium.com

What to buy: Jewelry, vases, lotions, candles, candle holders, baby gifts, fresh flowers, pashminas, handbags....and much more

What to pay: anywhere from $5 to hundreds if you want to get a lot of gifts

Okay, I have to admit that this was the main reason I wanted to come to Princeton. Well, you have to understand that Pennsylvania only has state run liquor stores and as a result our selection sucks! I had been hearing great things about this store for quite awhile so it was great to finally make the trip up here to visit for myself.

I walked in and was immediately impressed with the look of the place. It was pretty hot outside and it sure felt good to step into the Corkscrew since the whole store is temperature controlled for optimum wine storage. Within three second we were greeted by a helpful and knowledgeable staff member.

What to buy: I told the guy that I was here to stock up and gave him my approximate price range and he did a great job helping me pick out a dozen bottles of great wine for only $125. At just a tad over $10 a bottle, I found that to be pretty reasonable for the wines I ended up taking home. This place only buys from smaller vineyards so that it can hand select the specific wines it wants to buy and considering this, I was pleasantly surprised at the overall prices.

What to pay: You name it and they'll help you find what you're looking for in your price range