It’s playtime at Polliwogs and Petunias in Easton. Offering eco-friendly and out-of-the-ordinary items, and even allowing parents to donate clothing in exchange for store credit, it’s a hidden gem of the Lehigh Valley.
Michele Maher of Polliwogs & Petunias
Michele Maher
Owner
First off, explain the name: Polliwogs and Petunias! Frogs and flowers…sugar and spice, frogs and snails and puppy dog tails…it’s boys and girls!
Tell us what makes the shop eco-chic, and why that was so important to you. It is based on the principle of reduce, reuse, recycle. The clothing and many items are upcycled directly from local parents. This keeps these items out of the landfill and money in the parents’ pockets. Many of our toys and gifts are eco-friendly, organic and/or fair trade. Our customers are making a conscious effort to purchase sustainable goods for the benefit of the planet and our future generation.
The shop offers clothing by the community for the community, but also sells toys and gifts from all over the world. Talk about the balance of that. We are trying to keep as much money in the local economy as possible by purchasing from local parents and featuring many hand-crafted goods from local artisans. We also source the quiet, educational, open-ended toys from the U.S. and all over the world that many parents, grandparents and caregivers are seeking for their children. We do our best to bring only the best to our community.
As you mentioned, parents can bring their children’s gently used items to the shop in exchange for cash, store credit or trade. Explain the thought behind that. It is incentive to get the parents in and it keeps money in the community. And, honestly, store credit is just fun! It’s free money to shop!
Is there a certain item that continues to fly off the shelves? Currently, our locally made wands, capes and crowns are very popular. Our locally handmade Waldorf dolls get the most oohs and ahhs and are popular as “that special gift.” Consistently popular are our beautiful heirloom-quality wooden toys from Poland and our cornstarch-based rubber bathtub toys.
What products or services does the shop offer that readers might be surprised to learn about? Our Fairy Godmother Service! Too busy to shop? Just call or email us the details of your event, such as birthday or baby shower. Tell us all the details—age or due date, style, color, theme and budget—and we will help you put together the perfect gift! We can text or email you photos and even have it all wrapped up for pick-up or mailing. Personal service is what sets small businesses apart. Oh, and bamboo toothbrushes!
What’s the best part about owning such a unique shop in Easton? Connecting with our community! We have met so many amazing parents, grandparents and caregivers who continue to make it a point to stop and say hello and see what’s new. And we get to play all day!
245 Northampton St., Easton | 917.355.4953 | polliwogsandpetunias.com
