Karen's Keepsakes

I'm addicted to the place. I always find good things there. My girls just love eveything I get them. I've known Karen for years and she has never ceases to amaze me with all she does to make her shop special and to keep people coming back. She told me she has been in business for over 18 years. We hope she never leaves! Pros: Happy vibes and outstanding service over the years! Cons: Absolutely none. more

This is a great place to shop for unique gifts. I've been shopping here for years. I always recommend it to my friends and family. Pros: Always new items Cons: Karen's moody attitude more

I never saw such a wonderful selection of fashion and costume jewelry, plus all the extras like totally unique and wonderful cards for all occasions, Italian silk scarves, be-jewed purses and handbags, flat wallets for the working woman, amazing wristwatches. There is no store in Fresno or anywhere in the San Joaquin Valley like this. My husband and I love the place. You can also get custom ""Pop Portraits"" made of yourself, family members, even your home --- framed and ready to hang. You can see a whole gallery of the owner's incredible ""neo-Impressionist"" artwork on display permanently at the shop. One of the things we like about this place is the international flavor of the merchandise (and the reasonable prices!), with designs from Europe and the main fashion centers of the USA. One of my special weaknesses is the sunglasses --- a jaw-dropping selection inspired by world reknown designers at affordable prices. One thing that will surprise you is the fine, classy packaging and special wrapping that is available for a song. Karen can make any gift you buy there look like a million dollars by the time she puts it into your bag to take home. To tell you the truth, I go to this store just for the lift it gives me: it is like taking a short vacation in some beautiful place -- and that includes the shop music. Service is fast and mechandise is constantly being refreshed with new items and selections. Occasionally, I've made the mistake of thinking I would be able to come back for something I really liked, only to find that it was sold by the time I made my return trip. So, if you see a treasure here you really like, it may not be a good idea to put off buying it for a rainy day. The important thing here, though, is that new and fun things are constantly appearing. Karen's Keepsakes seems to shop all over the world for its merchandise. --Celtic Maiden more

I discovered this little gem at Christmastime. My daughter wanted to go in. Normally, I probably would not have gone in because it looked too flowery and sweet from the outside and the name seemed a bit too cutsie for my taste. Goes to show you, never judge a book by its cover! The store is fabulous! It is full of unique and unusual gifts, fashion accessories, costume jewelry, cards, and wrapping paper. Karen, the owner, is a treasure, wonderful and helpful and not at all what I expected (which was probably a little old lady with blue hair and her nose in the air.) Anyway, Karen has great gift items and her prices are more than reasonable-- I always go in and spend more than I planned because I buy too much. The prices are that good! Pros: Karen, the fun and unique items, the prices Cons: Not open on Sundays more

This is my favorite little shop in all of Fresno! I have been shopping there for years and it is always unique, delightful, and full of wonderful gift ideas-- and the best greeting cards in town! There are prewrapped gifts to go, or they will wrap your purchase on the spot. This store is beautiful, the prices right, very reasonable. The jewelry is terrific too and comes with free giftboxes and wrapping. There is always lovely music playing, and the store's owner is friendly and charming, willing to go the extra mile to make your gifts special. I highly recommend this shop to anyone. Heck, go there just for the mind candy! A great escape. Pros: Good parking, good cards and gifts, beautiful atmosphere Cons: Not open nights, or Sundays, but then neither are the other shops in the area. more