Homeplace Gifts

Such a cute little store! it’s connected to Archipelago, and they’re both great, really. This place seems to have a bit more kid stuff & toys, but just as many local and handcrafted items. I can’t wait to come back here on my next visit to Athens, just to see what they have in stock then!

Super-​friendly service in a charming, well-​laid-​out store. I am surprised I haven’t gone in before. This place has been around for nearly 30 years and seems to be going strong. One of the proprietors, Jim Norton, was working the day I went in and seemed to know the other customers in the store. (By the time I left, he and I had chatted, shaken hands, and gotten along swimmingly.) The kids’ section is fabulous! There are a couple parts of the store that seemed forbidden, though signs seemed to indicate that customers were welcomed in these sales sections. Still felt weird, as if I was sneaking where I didn’t belong.
The owners are very involved with the community. I’m looking forward to returning next month when my mom comes to town!

Homeplace is my go-​to store for gifts, including for babies and children. I also love the locally-​made jewelery and other items such as pottery, ornaments, and crafts that are made in the USA. Not sure what to get? The staffers are always helpful and know the inventory.

I found home place about two months ago and regret not visiting sooner. It’s located next to the wonderful 2 Story Coffee House, in the 5 Points area. Parking is available in front or in their nice lot around back.
I have adored Helix for a while now, but to be honest with you, Home Place is much more my style. While Helix is yuppy in the direction of bright, rounded plastic objects and pricey handbags, Home Places is yuppy in the direction of lovely gardening items, fancy teas and lavender body products.
They carry some children’s toys, lots of teas and jams (many locally made), a section of body produces of the Crabtree & Evelyn type (various brands of similar styles), nature inspired jewelry, artsy clothing in loose and colorful cottons, nice artsy greeting cards, creative stationary and much more. This is the perfect place to buy something for the women in your life, from mothers to best friends, with little fear that someone else already got ‘em the same thing. Come in and browse for a unique experience, and to listen to some NPR while you shop.
I haven’t checked the bathrooms here yet, but the one at 2 Story (next door) is great!

Back when I was in school at UGA I would go to my favorite lunch spot, The Lumpkin Café, and then head over to the Homeplace Gifts to find cool presents. Or potential presents since all my money would have already been spent on delicous steak salad and lemon cake. Whenever I visit Athens I still go to Homeplace Gifts and check out the cool stuff.

in the interest of full disclosure, i worked here in high school and college. but it makes no difference. there is no place like homeplace. clothes, toys, kitchen supplies and real people, who know your name, wrap your gifts and remind you what it means to be in five points. i miss homeplace. there’s no place in chicago like it. and it, more than any other place, is the heart of five points.