Greetings And Readings

Having worked nearby for nearly five years now, I still find myself in here all the time! It’s become my go-​to gift store– they carry good selection of Hallmark cards and products, books, and gifts for everyone. No matter who I’m shopping for, I generally find something for everyone after walking through once!
Worth noting– They have a surprisingly large selection of Ravens, Orioles, and general Baltimore-​themed merchandise (oh, and Vera Bradley).
The only thing that keeps me from giving them five stars is the fact that they’re a little bit pricey… They do have an email list that sends out coupons from time to time, and participate in the HVTC sidewalk sales though– so that’s worth checking out!

I love this store. They have such a large selections of gifts and cards. My coworker and I went over on our lunchbreak. She needed to buy two birthday gifts. She had 2 pairs of earrings and 2 bracelets in her hand but was unsure. We came upon the Brighton display so she put the bracelets and earrings down so she could look at the Brighton earrings, etc. A salesperson by the name of Betty came over and pointed to the jewelry she had laid down to free her hands and asked if she was getting those. She replied that she wasn’t sure she’s thinking about it but she thinks she likes the Brighton jewelry better. Betty said that she would put the other items back, meanwhile my coworker had asked if they had boxes. Betty reached in a drawer and pulled out a heart shaped metal box. She then walked away. My coworker picked out a second pair but we needed a box for that so we opened the drawer and grabbed the same heart shaped tin but a different color. Betty quickly appeared and rudely grabbed it out of my hand. We told her that we chose a 2^nd pair and needed another of the Brighton boxes. She again rudely said, NO YOU HAVE TO FOLLOW THE RULES!!! Not sure what rules she was even talking about. Doubt they have a rule that states that a salesperson rudely grabs a free box with gift purchase out of a paying customers hand. This is unacceptable customer service. We work in the customer service industry and we would never treat a client this way. She treated us like we were stealing something. She should be repremanded for her behavior and made to re-​read this rule book!

I was followed around in the store by a cashier named Franny. I wanted to get a farewell card for my friend going away to grad school, and I wanted to try this store since I am new to the area. I noticed that several clerks were restocking, but all were focused on my every move, when there were several other customers shopping as well. When I made my selection, and walked to check out, the cashier RAN ahead of me to get to the cash register. (The place where she should have been instead of following me). I will NEVER come back to this store. It’s disappointing that in 2014 there is still discrimination based on color.

I think this is one of the best gift shops I’ve been to. If you need a gift in a pinch this is the best place to go as you will find something awesome for just about anyone of any age group. Merchandise from Natty Boh, Orioles, Ravens, Vera Bradley, and much more are available. And free Santa visits in December is a nice benefit for those of you with kiddos.

3.5 stars. Indie bookstore meets the Hallmark aesthetic. This is a fun, large store that is maybe ¹⁄₃ books and ²⁄₃ giftie things. The book selection is solidly mainstream/​middlebrow — you won’t find anything really deep or edgy here.
I visit a couple times a year and always enjoy browsing — particularly their boxed card selection at holiday time — yet I’m not often moved to buy anything, since much of the merchandise is knickknacks and I’m not really into a lot of that stuff. Given the number of independent bookstores that have bit the dust, I’m guessing it’s the giftie things that keep G&R in business. A sweet place to drop in.

A convenient short cut between levels of the Hunt Valley Towne Center, when the weather outside is frightful, Greetings and Readings is a place that can keep you occupied, with plenty to catch your eye. From gifts, to stationary, books, cards, Vera Bradley bags, stuffed animals, cookies and candies, and so much more, you really discover something new every time you pass through.

This is a humongous gift shop with a friendly staff and EVERYTHING you need if you’re shopping for birthdays and special occasions. They really do carry everything, from Hallmark cards and gifts to Vera Bradley and D&B handbags to chocolates and candy, toys, board games, fuzzy slippers, and sports paraphernalia.

I actually liked the old location better near Loch Raven, but there’s no denying the new (well, within the last five years new) location is nice.
It’s a big store, with a little bit of everything. Part gift shop and part book store. Whenever I need to ship off a box of «Baltimore» things, I usually come here. They have all kinds of touristy stuff to fill the void in my heart for over priced, touristy things.
The people that work here are friendly, and they can help you find something. They can also order stuff as well.

This store is so cool! Next year, all my stocking stuffers will come from here. I found this store after I had done most of my xmas shopping, but the best gift ever was from here — a sock monkey that you can throw across the room that makes monkey noises — it’s hours of family entrainment.
They have toys, books, cards, chocolate, a café and MORE. The staff are extremely friendly and the prices are reasonable. This is a super fun place to shop — lots of interesting things to look at on the shelves. Check it out!

I LOVE THIS STORE! I always have the best time wondering around without high pressured salespeople — but they’re there to help if you need it. What a find!!! Thanks for the terrific gift suggestions and always the friendliest service. I make a point to do all my holiday and gift shopping at G & R! AND PS I am not a relative!

Three and a half stars for a serious gift shop with touristy prices. Came here before a movie to hunt for a birthday card, and found that the usual chain-​bookstore spread of them were available. A few singing ones, some crafty textured ones, and plenty of cheaper ones ranging from jokey to sweet for many occasions. Gift bags right by the card shelves. Maryland paraphernalia arranged up front near the jewelry display cases. Hand puppets. Stuffed animals. Purses, dishware, and keychains. Lots of hmm-​okay and not a lot of wow factor. Not a bad destination for the desperate seeking generic gift items at the last minute.

This is a massive store with a little bit of everything-​toys, books, magazines, desserts, and cute little odds-​and-​ends.
They also sell Maryland souvenirs-​pajamas, post cards, mugs, etc.
Didn’t try any pastries but they looked yummy!

There is no place else like it. I love G&R — its a one stop shop. You can get everything you need for yourself, and great gifts for others. Great service too!

They have the best vanilla frappé. It’s very creamy and their chocolate sauce is really sweet.