Shop Localista: Every Li'l Thing Flowers & Gifts

Springing from a stretch of Springfield Avenue like a flowering oasis, you'll find Every Li'l Thing, a delightful dollop of a florist.

Don't let the small storefront or square footage fool you, this shop is filled with a bevy of beautiful offerings, surprising selections, an amazingly realistic array of silk flower designs, fresh arrangements and even a waterfall await you within a petite space.

Ask owner Marie Champagnie how her love of flowers grew from a fifteen-year hobby into a bustling business five years ago and she blossoms with enthusiasm: "I just love the beauty of flowers and the emotions they convey," she explains. "Their very essence lifts your spirits." Her affection for her work is evidenced in the pride and patience she takes making sure every order is filled to perfection for the event intended, be it a birthday, anniversary, wedding or funeral.

Champagnie offers ideas for design and floral options in her lyrical Jamaican lilt (still wonderfully perceptible after 23 years here in the States), which makes ordering over the phone or in person a pleasure. It's probably no coincidence that tropical arrangements are her big sellers or that the waterfall display that welcomes you as you enter her shop seems so completely at home.  The store's clever name also springs from island roots, inspired by the Bob Marley classic Three Little Birds.

As for her not exactly tropical and slightly off the beaten retail path location, Marie couldn't be more pleased. "We're on a main stretch between two lights and have a post box right in front of the store, so people have to stop and take notice," she said with a smile. You will also find ample parking by Every Li'l Thing, which makes popping in and out a feasible feat—and a truly rare treat in this town.

In addition to a nice range of pre-made arrangements and baskets, the shop's floral designer, Edward Esquivel, is in-house and on-hand to take care of custom orders. Every Li'l Thing can easily accommodate simple bouquets with turnaround as tight as 15 minutes to a half an hour. While they prefer two days notice for larger orders and formal events, they'll try to accommodate all requests. The shop also delivers locally for an added charge of $8 (slightly higher for neighboring towns).

Here's even more incentive to give this fabulous little florist and gift shop a try: Marie is offering the Shop Localista incentive of the week. Just mention this Patch article when ordering and she'll take a generous 10% off orders of $40 or more. Offer good from this Friday, August 6 until next Thursday, August 12.

Every Li'l Thing: 1573 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040
Phone: Toll Free: 866-456-6747   Local: 973-763-6747  

Fax: 973-763-6748

Hours: Mon - Sat, 10am - 6pm; Sun, closed