Drop In Gifts

This Gift Shop is a true San Pedran gem. Not only can you find a truly fine array of gifts and novelties that range from beautiful/​exotic to Port Town hilarious, but Darka, the owner, is also gem and has a supernatural ability to guide you to just what you are looking for. Darka will also introduce you to her birds and makes everyone feel very welcome whether browsing, buying or just stopping by to say hello. Great place.

I don’t buy my greeting cards from anywhere else but Drop in Gifts… and Darka.
I cannot stand superstitions. That being said, I know for a fact if I get my Greeting Cards from anywhere else but Drop in Gifts the event will end in disaster for all present. Darka, the owner of Drop In Gifts, is one of those beautiful people inside in out. She is my gift card counselor. She will ask me about the occasion, a little bit about the person, and presto… she hands me a card. Honestly, I can say not a single event in the last 20 plus years has not been garnished with one of «Darka’s» cards. I won’t go as far as to say if Drop In Gifts is closed I will not go to the event; however, I do «forget» the cards and promise to send it on later.
When it comes to buying cards I am really a basket case. I walk in Drop In Gifts with this whole mental «work up» playing the event before my consciousness right smack in the middle of the card aisle. I used to look at the words, mentally compose what I will write, and suffer the entire range of both appropriate and inappropriate emotions at that exact place in time. As far as Darka probably sees me weaving back and forth comatose to my surroundings. I think that is why I have Darka just picks one for me now. I generally look at the outside, and making sure if I am giving it to Father Michael the appearance on the outside won’t condemn me to a thousand confessions. Then I open them and later when I can play out my emotions in the safety of my own home. «Hey Darka, it is a birthday for Hydrophobic parent if a child about to be Baptized.» She knows the right card.
The most challenging cards are always the ones for Ian, my one and only son. Ian reads the cards. He reads every word and then he reads what the person writes, slowly, and then he will ask about the person if he knows them not. He is remarkable. He has more patience than I do. Sometimes I want to say, Ian read the card, check for money, and let’s eat cake. As always Ian has taught me about patience.
Drop In Gifts has been the place where I have bought all of Ian’s 18 Birthday Cards, Valentines Cards, Graduation Cards, and even other holidays just for an excuse to see his facial expressions when he opens and reads them. There is something really meaningful about the tangibility of opening a card given. It is like the spirit of the person travels with the greeting card. Whoever started the E-​Card tradition should be tried as a «spirit slayer» and sentenced to sixty days of compassion in the real world. Seems to me E-​Cards are like proposing by text message: «Wll U Mary Me, luv U»
Just like a apple does not fall far from the tree, a card rarely falls far from the giver. Happy people generally give happy, funny, raunchy, off color and nasty cards. Serious people give serious cards with relatively serious content. I, of course, received these cards over the years… you know the birthday card from Aunt Manic who treats your birthday like a funeral. There is a bunch of flowers wrapped in a blue ribbon on the front of the, and the message reads, «Best wishes for bright future and hope your wishes unfold.» It is like a metaphoric allusion to laundry. At that moment the only unfolding wish you have is money inside so Aunt M can redeem herself. There never is, just a few word of discouragement. I think there is a direct correlation between cards and the individuals level of morbidity.
Drop In Gifts has a lot of other cool stuff. Darka has Teddy Bears, Glasses, Hawaiian Shirts and really unique, quality gifts from all over the place. She also has a lot of great things from local creators and artists. Drop In Gifts is San Pedro, and brought to you by a person who loves san Pedro and its people. I love visiting and you can find something for everyone here.

As a man trying to find gifts for the OLD friends, Darka carries a full line of Old Guys Rule Items and other great Gift Items. I now have a one stop Gift Shop close to home!

Darka is a helpful hostess when you visit this shop; it’s like having your own personal shopper. As a place for gifts for family, — it is ideal and they have some of the best unique ties. Gift baskets are always different and so very well received when given as gifts. you will appreciate the visit to this original and different shop.

This is one of the best kept secrets in the South Bay!
As a fan of «Christine Alexander» ladies clothing I was ecstatic when I learned there was a shop right in San Pedro that carried this difficult to locate label as well as a myriad of accessories.
I’ve always found the owner/​proprietor, Darka Klaric, to be pleasant, helpful and knowledgable.
It’s also become my favorite place to shop for greeting cards as the large selection runs the gammut from the rediculous to the sublime.
«Drop» In carries a great selection of male-​oriented gifts as well from nice quality Aloha shirts to «Old Guys Rule» shirts, hats and mugs.
One of the special things she offers is the ability to create an attractive custom gift basket from any of her items.
She has been a life saver for me at birthdays and holidays as I know I’ll always be able to find something appropriate regardless of taste and budget level.