Anthropology’s $9.99 Sales Rack and Other Gift Ideas

Maybe, like me, you thought that the big Adirondack-looking emporium that takes up a good chunk of real estate at 480 West Putnam Ave. is a bit too funky and high priced (not to mention, um, youngish).  So, I was surprised to discover that Anthropologie’s market is the 45 year old woman – or at least that’s the demographic that the store appeals to in this neck of the woods.  Also surprising were the groaning $9.99 and $19.99 racks of sale items.  Yes, there are those overpriced unique antiques – a 10ft tall Victorian-Mansion birdcage for your flock of parakeets for $26,800, perhaps?  But there are also interesting nicknacks (vintage glass and ceramic door and cabinet knobs starting at $6) and gift items (lavender-mint soap wrapped in felt; it’s own soap and washcloth for $14, Eric Carle Flash Cards for $14.95).  You can spend hours in the place, just reveling in the super, anti-Musak soundtrack.