Museum stores offer holiday shoppers an outlet to find truly unique gifts as well as the opportunity to support their communities. Consumers can feel good.... Museum stores offer holiday shoppers an outlet to find truly unique gifts as well as the opportunity to support their communities. Consumers can feel good about their purchases from museum stores because the profits are used to support the collections and programming of the institutions.

Museum stores are unique and interesting places to shop because they offer merchandise related to the content of their museums' collections. Many museum stores carry products developed exclusively for their museum, so the items can't be found at chain stores or big-box retailers.

For example, history museum stores often offer specialty items from their era of expertise. Many art museum stores develop proprietary home décor accessories based on pieces in their collection. Stores found in botanical gardens often carry jewelry based on plants in their collections. Science and children's museum stores stock games and toys that promote exploration and education.

Museum stores also offer holiday shoppers additional ways to support their community by offering items from local artists and craftspeople. Many select merchandise from regional suppliers that reflect their institutions' mission as well as their communities.

Museum stores contribute to the overall success of their institutions by providing a valuable stream of revenue to support the preservation of natural and cultural heritage. In fact, museum stores are the number one source of earned income for museums, according to the most recent financial and operational data found in the American Association of Museums' "2003 Museum Financial Information" report.

Shopping at stores in museums during the holidays also offers a respite from crowded malls and superstores. Shoppers can enjoy a distinctive atmosphere and select appropriate gifts with help from museum store associates who know the merchandise's background and relation to the museum's collection.

In many cases, there is no need to pay museum admission to visit the shop, and many have comprehensive online stores. For a list of museum stores in your area and additional general information about museum stores, contact the Museum Store Association at (303) 504-9223 ext. 14.