Avoiding the Mall: The Best Places for Gifts in the Shenango Valley

When most people in the Shenango Valley think about gift-buying, the first images that come to mind are crowded malls and big box retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Target, congested with other consumers and filled with run of the mill items available just about anywhere. However, what few residents of the area fail to realize is that some of the best places to pick up those ideal, one-of-a-kind presents are not found at a shopping center or a mass merchandise store. In fact, there is a plethora of places in the Shenango Valley that have been around for years that oftentimes get overlooked by shoppers that get drawn to mass merchandisers because of colorful newspaper advertisements and over-played television spots. When searching for that next gift for a birthday, wedding, or other occasion, be sure to check out these three stores that have been in the valley for decades:

1. Daffin's, 496 E. State St., Sharon, PA (724) 342-2892, www.daffins.com.
Known for their delectable Daffin's chocolate that is made in their candy factory in nearby Farrell, PA, Daffin's has been a great place to check out for years. Originally started by Pete Daffin, the store has been in its current Sharon location since 1975. From their own chocolate creations to other famous candies such as Jelly Belly jelly beans, a shopper is sure to find something that will delight anyone with a sweet tooth. However, the sweets aren't the only available gifts in Daffin's. Cards, snow globes, candles, and other trinkets fill the rest of the floor. Upon entering the store, be sure to head to the back of the building to check out the Chocolate Kingdom, an area that is home to a 400 lb. chocolate turtle and other giant chocolate displays. Also worth the time is the short drive to the store's factory, where they also give tours by appointment to tourists, school groups, and chocolate fanatics so that one can see the great care that the company takes to make their delicious creations.

2. The Winner, 32 W. State St., Sharon, PA (724) 346-9466, www.thewinneroutlet.com.
The Winner, housed in one of the tallest buildings in the city, is really doted by residents as the focal point of the downtown area. The store specializes in designer clothing that normally shoppers would have to travel to Pittsburgh or Cleveland to find and all at deeply discounted prices. While clothing is their specialty, the Winner also does have a small but nice gift and toy section on the third floor. The Winner is also a gorgeous sight to be had at any time of the year. The store features different decorations and novelties at various times that delight shoppers. It's not uncommon to find antique cars, a live pianist, or even a Wulitzer jukebox on the store's main floor. The store even features a men's lounge for bored husbands and boyfriends that features satellite TV and beverages, allowing women to take their time in the dressing room.

3. Kraynak's, 2525 E. State St., Hermitage, PA (724) 347-4511, www.kraynaks.com.
Kraynak's is a place that is mostly associated with Christmas and Easter in the Shenango Valley. During those two holidays, the store has an immense display of decorations that fill a 300 foot corridor that attracts visitors both near and far. However, a great deal of shoppers overlook the exceptional gifts that Kraynak's carries. Kraynak's specialty is their greenhouse and garden section which has some of the most beautiful plants and flowers available in the valley. The retailer certainly has the best seasonal plants around- hearty mums in the fall, colorful poinsettias in the winter, and pristine Easter lilies in the spring. Kraynak's also is the perfect place to go for the collectible lover. They carry Hummel figurines, Department 56, Precious Moments, and many other collections. And, don't leave without forgetting the children on your gift list! The large toy section is a refreshing one that seems to focus on classic toys like Legos, train sets, and beautiful baby dolls, rather than electronic toys.