Walking around Campus Corner in Norman can be quite nostalgic. Even though many things have come and gone in this mini-district, some things have stayed, and the two-story, brick-red building with white trim and a welcoming front porch complete with rocking chairs is super hard to miss. Once the Norman Party Pic headquarters, it seems appropriate that this old house is still home to a party, albeit a different kind: Tulips is a one-stop shop for gifts, entertaining supplies, wedding registry, home decor … and just pure fun, as far as a shopping experience goes.
The transformation to Tulips took place about 11 years ago; power mother/daughter team Susan and Paige Potts bought it in 2014 and haven’t looked back. Susan, no stranger to retail thanks to running other local shop Occasions, heard through the grapevine that Tulips was going to be for sale around the time Paige was graduating. It seemed like the perfect plan, and as the two crunched the numbers and dreamed of what it could be, their plan became reality.
Saying it has been a success is nothing short of the truth. While Susan is primarily at their other store, Paige runs Tulips with an effortless and easy-going way. The store is a feast for the eyes, so much so you might find yourself standing in one place to make sure to take it all in. Once you’ve spent a few minutes looking around, you’re extremely likely to want to do one of the following: Throw a party, buy every birthday and Christmas gift in advance, redecorate or update a room in your home or simply treat yourself to something special. It may be a new pair of pajamas (I dare you to find softer ones out there) or a miniature fan that attaches to your phone, gorgeous tabletop and linens or bedding. It’s the unique selection that’s a crowd pleaser, too.
“I am inspired to find things that people are not going to see at every other store,” says Paige. “Finding unique items that people fall in love with the way you did is the best feeling. Most items have to pass the test of whether or not I would want to take them home or give them as a gift myself.” And pass the test they have. When it comes to Tulips, I say A++!
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Lisi Lerch earrings, $98 “These handmade beaded tassel earrings are so stunning, and are sure to be that finishing touch for your outfit.” // S’well bottles, $28, $38, $48 “S’well bottles are one of our favorite things in the store. With their sleek designs and ability to keep things cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours, what is there not to love? Plus, the large one fits a whole bottle of wine.” // Monogrammed purse, $37 “This purse is a bestseller with its perfect size and many compartments. Whether it is for game day, a night out or traveling, the wide variety of colors is sure to suit everyone’s taste.” // Watercolor volcano candle, $30 “Everyone is familiar with the Capri Blue Volcano scent, and it is definitely a fan favorite. This new watercolor design has us jumping for joy at how pretty it is.”
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Coton Colors platter, $50, and attachment, $18 “We love Coton Colors because it makes the perfect gift for that hard-to-buy-for person. Once you get them a base option, you can buy them the interchangeable attachments for the different holidays.” // Easy Tiger YAY! champagne flutes, $22 each “These champagne flutes are our go-to engagement gift right now. What better way to celebrate than with some bubbly in a champagne glass with a gold ‘Yay!’ on it? Sure gets us excited!” // Juliska place setting, $148 “We love Juliska because you can mix and match all the different designs to create your own perfect place setting. The stoneware can be put in the dishwasher, microwave, freezer and oven – does it get much better?” // Vietri Incanto pitcher, $126 “This handcrafted pitcher is not only stunning, but also very useful. We love to put flowers in ours and use it as a vase.”
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Opolis kids’ tees, $30 “Opolis is a local company in OKC [that] makes the cutest shirts, and we are lucky enough to carry their kid tees and onesies. They come out with great new designs each year. We carry from newborn all the way up to size 12, so even if you don’t have a baby, we have shirts to fit your middle schoolers, too.” // KicKee Pants swaddle blanket, $25 “KicKee Pants are the cutest, softest baby clothes line made of bamboo. They come out with seasonal designs that people cannot wait to get their hands on. Their newest items are these swaddle blankets, and they could not be cuter: the perfect size for swaddling, and a great blanket for your child as they grow.” // Bla Bla knit doll, $46 “I don’t know if these knit dolls could be any cuter. They have recently been our favorite baby gift for the modern mommy.”