Museum quality gifts

Museum shops are one of the more underappreciated places to shop.

I think online museum shops might be even further under the retail radar.

One of my faves is the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., both in person and via the Web.

Today through Veterans Day there's a big sale as the legendary museum deaccessions some items in order to stock up for the holidays.
For exmple, this star, embroidered in the Zardozi technique developed in India, has been reduced in price fro $25 to $9,99. (If you're a member you can knock off another buck.) It's equipped with a coil base that makes it easy to place on top of the tree.

An 8.5-inch tall replica of King Tut's throne can be had for a mere $29.99 or $26.99 for members. Gift wrap will run you an additional $4.95. For details, head to http://www.smithsonianstore.com/

Closer to home, check out the goodies at Wheaton Village in Millville. This iridized glass ornament is much like a much larger ball I received as a gift from a good friend years ago and have displayed in a place of honor on the tree ever since.

Blown into an optic mold to create ribs, the glass is then fumed to give it a lustrous iridescent quality. You'll pay $20 for a box of four balls, each 2.5 inches in diameter. These homemade glass bonbons also can be hung as an artistic statement after the holidays.

Wheaton is a unique and interesting place, a charming look at South Jersey's once thriving glass industry.

Head to the glass museum and village in Cumberland County to see for yourself or start shopping at www.wheatonvillage.org