Family Friendly Blount

Boutiques like Dandy Lions are a rare jewel in a sea of gift shops.  With Mother's Day right around the corner the pressure is on to find the perfect gift to express appreciation.  Dandy Lions owner Joy Carver was excited to give the Family Friendly Blount ideas meaningful and memorable gift-giving.  

If you've never shopped Dandy Lions, prepare to be amazed.  Joy Carver's welcoming smile and concierge-style service helps shoppers feel at ease.  "The greatest part of the Dandy Lions experience is that we make friends at every corner."  The no-pressure and uber-friendly shop carries some of the region's most sought after gifts.  Carver takes pride in her store and her staff saying, "We are sassy and sweet  … savvy and sincere.  Our staff is successful at bringing the best combination of gifts to our local East Tennessee market."

Get personalized!  Dandy Lions is well-known for specialty stationary.  The staff will help you design individualized note cards or stationary that will let mom know that you understand her taste.  From journals to letters and thank you notes, prose is a treat when written on special stationary.  Customized flat-print note cards are $12-$15 for a set of 10 and embossed cards begin at $35 for a set of 50.

Rumor has it that 86% of photos never leave the memory card.  Dig through the digital archives for a sweet memory to display in a quality frame.  Seeing innocent faces smiling instead of fighting, a rare and euphoric moment, will instantly melt any mamas heart.  The Two's Company tracadero frames are $26.50  Dandy Lions has a broad selection of out of the ordinary frames to exhibit your family's precious memories.  

These super soft terry spa wraps are available in a variety of colors.  As a mom, little people continually invade our personal space as we get ready for the day.  These wraps feel luxurious while providing hands-free coverage.  With an elastic top and velcro closure, this no-nonsense gift is perfect for use at home, the gym, or while packing up toys at the pool.  The jumbo pocket is the perfect size.  The one-size wrap is $17.50 and can be monogrammed for $6, letting everyone know this bathrobe is just for mom.

Available in multiple prints, Scout Pocket Rocket is the ultimate utilitarian tote.  With six pockets there is a place for everything and the the zip-top secures essentials for a day at the pool.  The polywoven fabric is durable and water resistant making for easy clean-up after a poolside margarita spill.  The leatherette reinforced bottom makes this bag a sturdy and dependable organizer. Whether it's used as a diaper bag or as sideline storage at sports practice, the Pocket Rocket is stylish, functional and affordable at $39.50.

This metal-framed market tote is perfect for a morning at the farmer's market or an afternoon picnic.  The structure is easy to clean and collapsible for easy storage.  The sturdy handles make for easy and comfortable transport.  The deep basket provides ample storage for just about anything you desire to contain (with the exception of children, of course).  Available in multiple prints for $28.95, this charming basket can be personalized for only $6.

Notorious for vibrant prints and patterns, Lilly Pulitzer accessories are crowd pleasers.  The line got it's start in the mid-50's while Pulitzer worked on her family's citrus farm.  Lilly' was frustrated with the juice stains on her clothes and she set out to design a line featuring patterns to camouflage splatter.  Lilly Pulitzer products were revitalized in the 90's as stores like Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom began to carry the line.  Dandy Lions carries a variety of accessories in the most popular prints.  After sharing with the kids, any mom would love to have a tumbler of her own – no apple juice allowed.  The following items are showcased in the picture above:  Tech case, $16.50, iPhone 4 cover $24.50, sunglass strap $10.50, koozie $7.50, and the perfect tumbler for $14.95.

Every woman loves sweet smelling bath and body products, but not every product has what it takes to make us feel special.  Lollia's products are beautiful for the eyes and the nose.  The bubble bath and perfume's screened glass decanters are a work of art with a bird at rest on a blossom-covered branch.  The floral fragrances of the Imagine collection is feminine and never overwhelming.  With hints of willow, lotus, orchid, and notes of mandarin and jasmine, this summery scent is light and sophisticated.  Lollia fragrances are just a sample of the specialty bath and body products available at Dandy Lions.  3.6 oz perfume – $46.00, 33.8 oz foaming bubble bath – $46.50.

Waxing Poetic – "Keepsake jewelry as an index for something greater, bigger, better, tender-er, and nearby."  We saved the best for last.  This unique line offers charms of every shape, size and style.  With beautiful necklaces and bracelets you can easily build your collection for years to come.  The tasteful sterling silver is perfect for daily wear while jewel-embellished pieces help make the line appropriate for any special occasion.  Dandy Lions carries an broad assortment of charms and pendants.  With personal crest and insignia charms to birth ornaments, you can showcase keepsake moments from your past, present and future.  Waxing Poetic offers charms and pendants to add whimsy and inspiration to every collection.  Every addition creates a layer of dimension and personality bringing an entirely unique expression to your ensemble.  Sterling silver charms begin at $37.  Necklaces and bracelets begin at $44 while charms are $37 and up.  The possibilities are endless!

Whether you're shopping for a gift or designing stationary, Dandy Lions carries unique treats to fit any budget.  The downtown Maryville boutique is the perfect destination to find a special something for everyone on your list.  With an arsenal of continually refreshed products, it's impossible to showcase even a fraction of the products.  Visit Dandy Lions, located in Historic Downtown Maryville at 300 East Church Avenue Monday – Saturday from 10:00am – 6pm or online at www.dandylionsgifts.com.