I’m Sold on Hobby Lobby

Nothing makes me more deliriously happy than spending an afternoon exploring at Hobby Lobby. Whether I’m there with a specific purchase in mind, or just killing time, it is an experience so exciting it rates up there with getting my Real Simple magazine in the mail. I could spend forever browsing the aisles while humming along to my favorite church songs.

Shopping at Hobby Lobby is much like going to see a chick-flick; you know what to expect and the basic elements are always in place, but there is always a new an unexpected twist or surprise. Sometimes you go in expecting great things (what you’ve seen in movie trailers or store ads), but it ends up being just a little too cheesy. Others, it hits the mark with indescribable cuteness. While shopping (or watching the flick), you find yourself saying “awww” and “I want that.” And no matter what, even if it a load of cheese, you walk away with a smile on your face.

Just about the only downside to Hobby Lobby is that it is closed on Sundays. While I respect their decision and am very understanding of their reasoning, it is hard for me, a single urban working gal, to fight traffic and make it to the ‘burbs on weeknights. This only leaves Saturday which is quite often already filled with plans. So here’s my plea to Hobby Lobby Corporate: please build a store in Dallas city limits, or open for a few hours on Sunday afternoon!

Steals & Deals

Hobby Lobby is one of my favorite “go to” stores. Here is a list of items that I purchase almost exclusively at Hobby Lobby: (I say almost, because the lack of store locations in the Metroplex makes it much easier for me to go to Michaels.)

• Candles: When candles are on sale (almost always) they are a deal that can’t be beat. Plus, they have a great selection of sizes and colors.
• Housewarming/hostess gifts: HL has a great selection of wall crosses and lots of fun decorative items. These make pretty and useful inexpensive gifts.
• Seasonal/Holiday Décor: Holiday décor is usually hit or miss. HL is almost always a hit. Also their post-holiday sales are great for stocking up for next year.
• Entertaining Accessories: The sheer size of the stores make them perfect for finding any accessory for parties, from scrapbooking supplies, to floral items. My favorite thing to do is explore the entire store to repurpose items. For instance, their homecoming mum section has lots of accessories that can be used to add to the décor at any sports themed party.
• Ribbon & Fabric: My new favorite find are the assorted ribbon bags in the fabric section. Each bag has different colors and sizes of ribbon each cut to two yards. They are usually packaged by their type (i.e. satin, grosgrain, etc.)  This is really helpful if you want lots of colors but don’t want to buy a million spools of ribbon.
• Scrapbook supplies: I hesitate to buy scrapbook paper anywhere else. When on sale, it is the best deal in town. Also, their scrapbooking tools like paper cutters go on sale regularly so if you are going to invest in these, do it at Hobby Lobby.
• Custom Framing: With their coupons and frequent sales it makes it hard to shop anywhere else, but if you need more reason, their craftsmanship and quality is second to none. They have friendly sales associates in framing who are a great help in matching frames and mattes. All of the artwork in my apartment, including my diplomas was framed at HL.

Shhh….Shopping Secrets

The secret to shopping at HL is to follow their ads and shop when what you want is on sale. They rotate which departments are on sale each week, so check their online ads regularly. It never takes more than a couple of weeks for something to go on sale. This might take some planning, but the savings are worth it!

Store Coupons

Hobby Lobby keeps a 40% off one non-sale item on their website at all times. Before heading out, I always print one of these babies off in case I find something I can’t live without that isn’t on sale. Print a coupon here.

Where to find it!

I apologize to my west coast and New England readers who don’t yet have the pleasure of shopping at Hobby Lobby. They are currently in 33 states and still expanding. This should be one of the only stores I profile that doesn’t have a national presence. Find the Hobby Lobby nearest you!

Are you a Hobby Lobby fan? If so, please post telling us your favorite things to buy there!

{Photos Courtesy of: SwellDesigner}