Ballard Home Comforts

Let me start by saying I am a huge cat lover, I’ve had cats my whole life. While visiting the shop, the cat that resides there came up to me. I picked the cat up, and it wanted down, so I placed it on the ground and gave it some space. While leaning down looking at merchandise it came up again, I held my hand out for the cat to sniff. The cat bit and scratched me to the point I was bleeding. I’ve been bitten by cats plenty of times, so I didn’t think much if it, however my sister was with me and wanted to let the owner know. The owner stated it was my fault, and I was harassing the cat. I am very aware of giving cats space, and I would never do anything to bother a cat. The fact that the owner did not even apologize is beyond words. I will never go back again, and I think she should warn costumes that her cat bites.

From the moment we opened the door to this shop, which did seem to have some interesting wares, we were overwhelmed by the booming voice and overbearing personality of the owner, who acknowledged none of our polite cues that we would prefer to shop around on our own.
Though we tried to locate the items of interest we’d seen in the window, she proceeded to drown out even the loudest thoughts in our heads with her proclamations of her own opinions of her goods. When my shy and retiring companion stated in polite but no uncertain terms that the item the owner was proffering was not what she was looking for, the owner said, «Yeah, these are better!!»
We said we were tired of shopping, made our goodbyes and could not exit the store fast enough. Though we’d regarded it as a fib, as we’d only been shopping in the neighborhood for 20 minutes, once we were out of there we realized that suddenly, we really were tired of shopping.

This store is ridiculous and random but I dig it! I found a cute pair of crocheted baby booties that look like bumble bees. Cute jewelry and accessories. It is a mish mash of randomness… Some things are cheesy and some are cute. Mostly accessories for women. Would be a cute place for gifts of adult women of all ages.

I like this place because they sell these wallets that I think I have loaded a picture of. I get asked about the picture all the time and I picked up 4 new ones so that I can swap them out and just look cool or match to my shoes… ;)
Nice cute shop and love to just look around and see and find cool new things. Right now they are selling everything at a huge discount so go in.
Cheers.

Super cute clothes! I popped in while shopping in Ballard with a girlfriend and we both found a number of cute and very affordable items to try on. Jackets, hats, blouses. We were in heaven. Rushing off to get in line for a nearby restaurant, we didn’t spend as much time here as we would have liked. Can’t wait to come back and shop for more cute and lovely items. Definitely a great shop for gifts too!

I come here for the hat selection, awesome sales section in the back (pair of funky rubber rain boots for under $ 10 — steal!), and jewelry. They also have quite a selection of handbags but are too pricey and sophistomacated for my taste. The name of this place is a bit confusing but whatever, don’t judge a book by its cover! Come on in and check it out for yourself!

I’ve been in this store twice, both times not looking for anything in particular, and twice now I’ve walked out with some awesome thing I didn’t even know I needed. First time it was a cute, well-​made sunhat that is now my favorite summer/​beach hat (cost: $ 35). Second time it was a neat little wire knick-​knack that hangs on the wall and holds all my dangly earrings — not sure this was its intended purpose, but the owner suggested it to me and it actually works perfectly (cost: just $ 10!). I was psyched to find it as I’d been looking for a good earring rack for a long time.
They stock a fun assortment of jewelry, hats, and bags here at a broad range of prices. There were some great deals on sale handbags, in particular. Worth stopping in if you’re looking for a fun girl for a girlfriend (or even if you’re not looking for anything at all, apparently!).

My friend and I went into Ballard Home Comforts yesterday during a day of shopping along Ballard Ave. I’d seen the storefront many times, but never wandered in until now.
I really didn’t find much I was interested in at this store. There are plenty of jewelry, handbags, sunglasses, and all sort of accessories, but somehow none of it was really my style. The name of the store seems a little odd now, after having viewed what’s inside. There’s really no «home» like comforts here… I was envisioning furniture or accessories for the home like candles or rugs. Nothing at all like that here!
Prices seemed pretty high to me, but maybe that’s because there was very little I was willing to pay for???
I definitely wasn’t impressed with Ballard Home Comforts, but I’d certainly give it another try.

I give Home Comforts 5 stars. Here’s why: my wife loves the things i buy her from here. I’m a hero!
2 years ago i got her a black Kangol furry purse and she adores it. She gets compliments on that thing daily. It really didn’t cost that much (under $ 100) Then last year I got her an over-​sized laptop bag (about $ 150) that was so hip and cool, she absolutely LOVES it. I agree, she looks really cute with that big vinyl bag over her shoulder. Her $ 1800 17″ Mac fits in it and plenty of room for wallet, makeup, etc. It was another perfect gift for my fashionable wife. She uses it daily as a all-​purpose bag now. Its dark blue and green with retro style and patterns. Well made.
This shop has a million things my wife wants. Its located in a convenient spot, no parking hassles, no mall, no garages. The store seems to have 2 people working: the owner and a helper. The helper is generally nice gal who asks you if you need help. The owner is a little more quiet but more knowledgeable on what they have. Honestly at first i was put off by what I thought was an unwelcome glance/​vibe by the owner. But I often get that every where I go, perhaps because I have a lot of tattoos and some people only see that. But after I simply complimented her on her selection, she warmed right up to me. She has gift-​wrapped for me 2 times now (they don’t even offer that), just because I said something pleasant first. I can tell she is a serious biz woman and sometimes those alpha-​type owners make customers feel they are unfriendly. I do not feel that way about her.
Anyways. I am going back soon to get one of those plaid snap caps with the matching shopping bag for my wife. Also some soaps or who knows what else. GUYS: If you have a wife or GF, just go here, buy a bag or purse or a hat and ask the owner if she’ll make it a gift bag for you, I bet she will. Your GF will think you are a smart shopper.
This is a real local small biz. So if you are into supporting the small shops, try this place. You cannot get this stuff at Macy’s or Target.

I really only shop at Ballard Home Comforts around the holidays, and then usually only for stocking stuffers, of which they have a decent selection ranging from goofy to practical. The wares are generally geared towards women and there’s not much crap to be found, so it makes it easy for a guy like me to quickly identify something that would fit the bill, although the prices do run on the higher side.
The primarily featured items are funky pajamas, clever and stylish rubber boots, and a plethora of hats, but the shelves are filled with a random collection of cocktail accouterments, business card cases, jewelry, drawer knobs, and miscellaneous objets d’ arte for tastes that tend to the quirkier side.
I think I’d probably give it three stars based purely on this, but I have to go with four because every time I go in there it feels like a house party, particularly around the holidays. This weekend, in addition to the non-​annoying Christmas music (it does exist!), there was a spread of homemade cookies, wine, and rum punch set up in the middle of the store so you could snack and build up a little liquid fortification for holiday shopping.
The staff is friendly and gregarious, carrying on cheerful conversations with friends and regulars and calling out assistance to shoppers while they keep the register line moving. It all adds up to make it feel more like arts and crafts trunk show hosted at a friend’s house rather than a boutique shop on Ballard Ave — a friendly, cozy and unique shopping experience.

The unappealing exterior, somewhat reminiscent of Holly Hobby, dissuades all but the most tenacious window-​shoppers, but inside you will discover an array of charming housewares, gifts, it-​bags, and accessories you never knew you needed.
Walking down Ballard Ave NW, we had our sights set upon this cute, upscale doggie store (thriving in this economy, I’m sure) but were waylaid by a raucous display of colorful toiletry bags and hip sunglasses on the sidewalk. Everyone knows it’s bad luck to ignore such necessities.
And, once sucked into the sidewalk display, it’s virtually impossible to escape the magnetic pull that drives you through the door to the inner recesses, where the merchandise delights and surprises at every turn. I couldn’t resist purchasing some gorgeous (and practical!) wine goblets and cocktail glasses, all fortuitously on sale for $ 6 each. Colorful wallets, fun baby items, reusable lunchbags, and this fabulous rolling overnight bag that made me drool.
Home Comforts is owned by a group of cousins who also serve as the buyers. I love their eclectic taste that clearly follows no rulebook, but rather pulls together a hodgepodge of interesting and whimsical items at sensible prices.

I’ve been frequenting this store for many years and always come in to check out the latest shipment of jewelry or what she has put on the clearance rack this week. Clearance rack is always a steal… the clothes (usually PJs) can oft be cutesy adorable. She had the raddest dia de los muertos skull-​design pink robe that I eyed for too long and never purchased (if you bought that-​give it to me!)
She carries Foxy Originals, which is one of my favorite affordable jewelry designers and was the first in the area to carry the products (before Something Silver caught on).
Anyways, I’m rambling. The owner is a big sweetheart, and will talk your ear off if you aren’t careful. Maybe its cause I’m adorable and not the typical hi-​I-​just-​bought-​a-​condo-​in-​Ballard type, nor am I the excuse-​me-​are-​these-​napkin-​holders-​made-​from-​recycled-​materials question-​asking type. Not that I dislike ya’ll (you’re just annoying and pretentious).
Moving right along…
Bottom line: cutesy shop, good for gifts and odd things.
PS-​nice purses!

When walking down Ballard Avenue, I have a hard time NOT going in here. The windows show lots of cutesy crap, and on nice days, the door is usually open.
Everything here is pretty expensive — I saw these way cute luggage tags in the shape of animals (I know, sounds retarded, but they were cute) and I think they were like $ 18 bucks or something. I have found a few things that were not outrageously expensive that I was able to buy. I felt better after buying it though since it is a local business and in Ballard (2 pluses right there).

This place is ridiculous. My mom went in here once, and, completely confused as to what it was they were trying to do, asked whoever was working «what kind of a store is this?» To which the person replied, «It’s a furniture store!» Interesting, because I would have thought it was a store where you could get an ugly purse or a kangol cap, or maybe a wooden goose for your lawn. ‘Cause who doesn’t need a wooden goose for their lawn?

«Stupid in Seattle»
Popped into this funky shop and perused their unique lamps, but didn’t find anything to suit my fancy.
I was the only person in the shop on a weekday afternoon, and it’s a good thing because that place is chock full of merchandise and crowded by two kinds of stupid.
#1 stupid: clueless pit bull owner.
Cute & sweet young man of a pit bull named Jack.
He’s a typical bully dawg — loves people, a little dominant with the other dogs.
Not a problem for Ferghal, but could be a problem with the wrong pup.
Jack clearly needs a bit more training/​supervision in this regard before he gets much older and it is harder to train him.
I think a sign on the door that says no dogs ‘cept Jack allowed would be a good idea.
#2 stupid: crappy service.
They have a great selection of reading glasses, very cute and retro.
I found a nice pair in the lowest strength (very hard to find) and brought it to the counter where there were two gals busy rearranging merchandise (we’ll call them the stupid sisters).
I smiled at one and said hello, she looked up briefly, gave me a tight smile, then proceeded to ignore me.
Well!
I never…
(actually, I *always* do, but that’s another story)
I put the glasses down on the counter, said hey to Jack, turned on my heel, and walked out.
I don’t know what the hell was going on, it’s not as if they were tending to customers or minding their dog.
I’ll be back to get some bully love, but I’ll leave my fat wallet in the car.
An extra star for the cute dawg.
I’m a sucker for a pit bull.
And please, please, please sisters!
Stop being stupid — see to it someone trains that beautiful boy.

Eclectic with a cat describes the store when I visited. The friendliest cat who made it difficult to walk without tripping over her, but a great attraction. Sounds like they alternate store animals, I didn’t see a dog. Some of the items we lingered over were funky, trendy reading glasses, fun fur scarves, glassware and silver flasks, acrylic keychains with bugs in them, digital aquariums that hang on the wall in hideously gaudy frames and some nice pottery. There’s no theme tying the store together, just lots and lots of stuff for every budget and taste.

This is a really cute, homey store full of gifts and home stuff.

This place is really cute and the owner has this adorable dog that looks like a manatee mixed with a chiuaua. Anyways, this is a good place to start if you are looking for a birthday present and just have no clue what to get. You can find random things here. baby blankets, wall clocks, jewelery, underwear, lamps, coasters… just stuff galore!