Ohh Deer Interviews: E.A.T Gifts

E.A.T Gifts, based in New York, has been bringing the fun since 1985, celebrating 40 years of delightfully quirky finds this year! Step inside, and you'll uncover a treasure trove of home and paper goods. One minute, you're admiring a wind-up plastic pigeon, the next you're contemplating the necessity of pom-pom paper clips. It's a glorious mix of whimsy, wit, and just the right amount of weird.

We caught up with Kim Staller, the mastermind behind E.A.T Gifts, to chat about four decades of running one of New York's most wonderfully offbeat gift shops.

Hi Kim! Thanks for chatting with us today, and congratulations on 40 years of E.A.T Gifts!

Can you share the story behind E.A.T Gifts and how it all began?

Hello! I started working for Eli Zabar in 1980 when he had a very small food shop within a fancy women’s department store called Henri Bendel. Eli sold jars of jam, bottles of vinegar and oil, imported cookies - you get the jist! I started buying small non-food items that had a slight connection to food, like a teddy bear with a tiny backpack filled with gummy bears, or a bee hive tin filled with delicious candy made from honey. We left Henri Bendel in 1984, but Eli gave me the opportunity to open a shop right next door to his original food store called E.A.T. It seemed natural to call the store E.A.T Gifts. He gave me the freedom to fill the shelves with whatever caught my fancy!

Amazing! What a unique story. Setting up in New York and running a successful business for 40 years must mean that there is something special about E.A.T Gifts. What do you think sets E.A.T Gifts apart from other gift shops in New York?

Thanks for thinking it’s unlike any other store in NYC! I’d say, I’m continually changing merchandise. New items arrive daily, every thing with either a sense of humour, whimsy or novelty. I think the average shopper comes in with a willingness to discover and enjoy the variety of merchandise that we offer.

New York is such a popular and vibrant city. How does the city's energy influence the products you choose to carry?

NYC clientele are curious and receptive. And needless to say, tourists also are important to our business. Both local's and visitor's enthusiasm for the shop’s variety really inspire me to buy more, more, and more.

You must get a lot of customers through your doors, especially with tourism. How do you connect with your customers and create a memorable shopping experience for them?

I have superb staff. My manager Sean has been at the store for over 30 years. He’s indispensable. Especially for connecting with the customers. The same goes for Tracy, Hillary, Diana and Laura. All show true interest and respect for all our customers.

Also, we gift wrap! For free!

I bet you’ve noticed quite a few shifts in customer preferences over the years. Have there been any trends or shifts that have particularly stood out to you or been a favourite of yours?

I try very hard to steer clear of trends. Although, Sonny’s Angels are the exception - I bought them way before they became so popular! My criteria is what appeals to me, what I find attractive or funny. But honestly, I ignore customer’s preference. I try to stay true to my own taste.

Can you share a memorable moment or story from your time running E.A.T Gifts?

I’m sure there’s been many over 40 years! But almost every day I’m in the store, at least one person will say something extremely positive about the store. All those comments are most memorable to me.

Are there any specific Ohh Deer products that have really stood out to your customers?

They absolutely LOVE the cards! The charm of Ohh Deer cards is fantastic.

What do you think makes a successful collaboration between a store like yours and a brand like Ohh Deer?

FREE FREIGHT! (Thanks Harry!)

American customers can get free shipping when you spend over $400. Don't say we don't treat you!

It must be hard work running a busy gift store in the heart of NYC. Do you have any fun hobbies or anything that you enjoy doing to unwind?

I have so much fun. I’m very fortunate to have such amazing staff that I get to get away quite a lot. I love to ski, swim and spend time with my friends and family.

Finally, what’s next for E.A.T Gifts? Any exciting plans or new ventures on the horizon?

Keeping my fingers crossed that the rent doesn’t creep up any more. I’d love to make it to 50 years in business!

After 40 years of making New Yorkers smile, surprising tourists, and proving that a well-chosen gift can brighten anyone’s day, E.A.T Gifts is still going strong. With Kim’s impeccable eye for the weird, wonderful, and downright delightful, plus a team that makes every visit feel special, it’s no wonder this little shop has become a city staple.

We love celebrating the incredible shops that bring Ohh Deer products to life, and we’re always looking for more customers to feature on our blog. If you’d like to share your story, showcase your shop, and have a bit of fun in the process, get in touch here - we’d love to hear from you!
Back To Blog