Back To Bali

Man, I need to start my new job already. In the meantime, I’m getting cabin fever, and that means I head to the mall every day… and since I’ll soon be getting a paycheck, I have no qualms about spending freely. The latest store at Northgate Mall to have received some of my cash is Back to Bali.
It’s nestled off the main walkway at one of the side entrances, and I probably wouldn’t have even known it was there if I hadn’t gone in through that entrance today. As you look into the store, one entire wall is covered in brightly painted, colorful mirrors, and the effect was eye-​catching enough to drag me into the store.
Once you get inside, it looks pretty much like any of those hippie stores, minus the stench of patchouli incense — Back to Bali is pleasantly unscented, for those of us with sensitive noses. They have mostly wooden carved figurines and boxes, a few purses and clothes, and a LOT of nifty carved and painted wooden chimes/​mobiles hanging from the ceiling. The mirrors mostly have a celestial theme, but they’re fun and colorful.
They also have a selection of sterling silver jewelry, but I wasn’t that impressed by what I saw — the few pieces that were of good quality were kind of overpriced. If you’re in the mall already, head over to Silverworks for comparable prices and a much wider selection. However, Bali does have some fun bargain-​priced trinkets, like beaded bracelets and necklaces for $ 2 each. I picked up a pretty painted wooden ring for $ 2.50 that would be a great stocking stuffer (especially paired with one of the wee wooden jewelry boxes).
Not a huge selection of stuff here, and the store is so small that the person tending the shop can — and does — watch every move you make, which is a bit unnerving. But if you’re looking for a gift with that artisanal, Eastern flair, Back to Bali might just have something for you.