A Neighborhood Treasure for Gifts

Everyone thinks of the end of the year as the busiest shopping season, but many may argue that a much busier time for gift giving is May through June. Mother's Day, Father's Day, weddings, graduations, communions, confirmations, end of the year teacher and coach gifts-the list never seems to end. But the mall is not the only place to find a variety of gifts. The Hawley Corner Gift Shop, located at 214 Union Boulevard in West Islip, has something for everyone and anyone on your list.

Opened in 1988 by long time West Islip resident Maria Pecorale, the gift shop is more like a gift boutique, housing everything from jewelry, wedding gifts, housewares, Enesco products, souvenirs, nautical items, Jim Shore products and Vera Bradley pocketbooks. "I am the longest selling dealer of her bags in the area. But customers still tell me they find new and unusual things whenever they come in," she said.

Pecorale moved to West Islip with her husband in 1967. She was a second grade teacher before she left to raise their five children. Then she opened a country store called the Peddlers Three, also in West Islip, before opening the gift shop. "I always liked shopping and the gift shop is like the stores I always like to shop in when I traveled. Also, having a store is in my blood. My father had his own ice cream and candy kitchen in Italy," she said.

The gift shop now carries Fire Island Lighthouse and Captree Bridge tote bags, and the second floor features a colorful, eclectic nautical room. The shop is a one stop place for weddings, whether you are the bride or a guest. Unique bridesmaids gifts and quirky bachelorette party gifts can also be found at the shop.

"Customers call this their happy place. They can browse and no one bothers them. One customer told me that if the three wise men were alive, this is where they would shop," Pecorale said.

Many of her customers now are the children of some of her original customers. The shop's website features many of the products Pecorale carries, but encourages first time shoppers to come in and see the store in person rather than just view it online. "It has a homey, friendly feeling and everything is hands on. People need to see and touch everything to really take in what is here," she said.

When she is not in her gift shop, Pecorale volunteers at the Sagtikos Manor gift shop and spends time with her family, which now includes eight grandchildren. "But the best part of the shop is that the customers are like family. They come back and we catch up from the last time they were in. It's a lot of fun and a lot laughs," she said.