Christmas gifts abound
IF you’re looking for a special gift for someone this Christmas, there’s one place that should be top of your gift- buying list.
The St Vincent de Paul Book and Gift Shop on Charters Towers Rd, Hermit Park, is unlike your normal Vinnies shopping experience for one reason – everything in the gift shop is brand new.
Like a gift shop located inside some of the most renowned cathedrals in the world, the St Vincent de Paul Book and Gift Shop sells new gifts – from nativity sets, cards and candles, to rosary beads, jewellery and children’s books – sourced from all over the world and ready to find a home right here in Townsville.
Yes it might be tiny and tucked away, and yes, if you blink as you drive by you might miss it, but venture inside and a world of heavenly treasures awaits.
In fact, every inch and corner of the store is brimming with the best Christmas gift ideas imaginable.
“Our nativity scenes are always very popular at this time of year. They come in all shapes and sizes from all over the world. Some are handcarved, some are handpainted with such care, but they’re all beautiful,” said Maree Church, manager of the gift shop.
“This year we have a very special nativity scene available from the House of Fontanini.”
For more than 100 years, the House of Fontanini has been creating its famous sculp- tures in the village of Bagni di Lucca, Italy.
Today, the fourth generation of Fontaninis continues the family tradition, crafting breathtakingly beautiful, handpainted figurines.
For many, a nativity scene from the House of Fontanini becomes a family heirloom, with the opportunity to add to the set every year with new figures that will last a lifetime.
“The House of Fontanini nativity scene that we have in stock at the moment is called ‘ My First Nativity’, with more to arrive soon. We also have Christmas decorations for the tree from the Fontanini range,” said Maree.
Another gift idea sure to take pride of place on anyone’s mantle or bookshelf is the shop’s new range of Willow Tree angels and figurines.
Famous for their simplicity of form and their ability to touch the heart through a gentle hand gesture or tilt of the head, these miniature, muchcherished works of art have been crafted to heal, comfort, protect and inspire.
“Everybody loves the Willow Tree range, they always make a very special gift. We have a beautiful selection of angels and figurines to choose from, which also includes nativity scene,” said Maree.
It’s time to put your Christmas gift list together and visit the St Vincent de Paul Book and Gift Shop at 219 Charters Towers Road opposite Donohues.
Pop in any time Monday to Friday from 9am to 4pm, or Saturday from 9am to noon, with car parking available at the rear of the store. a