You know that cute little gift item, the perfect one you don’t know until you see it? Or the little special “pick me up” reward, that little spa treat or accent for your home, that makes you feel on cloud nine? Adorned Abode has it. Opened three years ago in historic Freighthouse Square by Benita Smith, Adorned Abode is that neat little shop you’ll keep coming back to time and time again. From pop-up cards to elegant travel journals to fun finds like wine-bottle umbrellas, Smith carefully curates gift items and keepsakes from local makers in Tacoma and beyond, creating a unique gifting experience.
A bright and cheery spirit fills the shop. Benita herself is warm and gracious, and staff are welcoming. “We take a warm-hearted approach here,” she says. Benita had a long-time fondness for unique gifts, and wanted to bring them together in one shop to share this joy with others and promote the work of local makers. You’ll have a hard time choosing what to look at first: from luxury candles to plants, fair-trade jewelry to toys for kids of all ages, looking around is pure fun. And you know the gifts are selected with genuine care. Combine all this with the creative décor and upbeat music, and you’re in for a real treat.
Adorned Abode features many products to flaunt your Tacoma pride, like “Tacoma Aroma” stickers from Kris Hay and “Tacoma You’re Beautiful” beauty pouches (you’ll also find an elegant selection of sustainable straws in keeping with the city’s plastic straw ban). Smith also makes it a priority to stock local artists, including handmade cards by Diane Rasch, art prints and postcards of iconic 253-area landscapes by Amelia Kaiser. And you’ll be surprised by whimsical touches here and there: “lefty and righty” handwarmer mugs and light-up bouncing balls for the kiddos round out the selection and will make you smile.
Beyond the store itself, the setting just adds to the shop’s charm. Nestled in Freighthouse Square, the store is a little gem in this landmark spot. “Everyone has a special memory at Freighthouse Square,” she says. As Tacoma grows and changes, “We want to reinstate that special memory. I want to be here, and do my part. Come see it from us,” she says.
Adorned Abode is accessible by bus and light rail, and a great stop for your day in downtown Tacoma. Benita thoughtfully notes that many of the items are great small gifts for the traveler on the go to pick up.
Benita is active in supporting the local community. She is part of the Tacoma Women of Color Collective, and participates in local events like Third Thursday Art Walk and Small Business Saturday.
On the day I visited the shop, Smith was preparing for The Community Market, a people of color-led market for the community featuring local vendors, music and more.
You’ll get top-notch customer service all year round at Adorned Abode. Smith and her staff enjoy helping you pick out the perfect gift. For the holidays, Adorned Abode offers complimentary gift wrap for items in their store, and you can purchase gift wrapping services for any gift you bring in.
With a natural flair for creative display, Benita had never done merchandising before owning Adorned Abode. But she lights up when she talks about the unique items in her shop and how she makes the shop visually appealing for customers. Of her experience owning Adorned Abode, she says, “I didn’t know it was something I was always meant for … I’m doing something I’ve never done.”
“People can count on us. Many of our clients are return customers,” she notes. So come in and shop, take an Instagram photo out front with the angel wings, and also browse the rest of Freighthouse Square, from coffee shops to specialty clothing to eateries.
Adorned Abode is also part of the SHEnlightens art tour of businesses. See a portrait by a local woman-identified artist, and get a stamp on your art passport: 12 stamps enters you to win a free portrait painting starter kit. It’s just one more reason to stop by this unique shop.
To keep up to date with Adorned Abode, check out their website, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Adorned Abode is located in Freighthouse Square at 2501 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421.
