Wrappin' Up

Unique gifts, imaginative presentations define new shop

When Lakewood Drugs closed up shop, many lamented that they had nowhere to buy unique gifts and have them wrapped in one location. Among those was Lodi resident Cindi Inman.

But instead of being resigned to the fact that Lakewood was gone, Inman decided to take advantage of an opportunity. On May 1, Inman, along with her husband, Paul, and son, Jacob, opened Wrappin' Up, a gift store that specializes in unique products and gift wrapping.

At first, Cindi Inman only researched products she thought would do well in such a store. She didn't want to step on any toes in case the gift store portion of Lakewood Drugs stayed open. When it was confirmed that indeed the entire store would close, she moved ahead with her plans.

The amount and diversity of products Wrappin' Up has in stock may seem ambitious for the small space at 227 Lakewood Mall (nestled between Matsuyama Japanese Restaurant and Max Muscle), but Cindi Inman plans to continually bring in new stock each season, while removing items from the previous season. She will also carry art from local artists on consignment.

However it's the wrapping that has Cindi Inman the most excited.

"Some people think it strange, but I love gift wrapping," Cindi Inman said. "I always wrapped for relatives." The creativity of it is what appeals to her the most.

When people hear the term "gift wrapping," they may think of just a package covered in paper and ribbons, but Cindi Inman points out that it can be much more imaginative than that.

A customer recently bought an item carried in the store called Beer Bread Mix (combine the mix with your favorite beer to make a one-of-a-kind bread dough).

"I had him go next door to (the liquor store) and buy a six-pack of beer. We made a gift basket with the beer and the mix. It was really cute," Cindi Inman said.

The store also carries bath and body items, specialized candles, robes and loungewear made from bamboo fibers (which naturally repels odors and bacteria and is soft to the touch) and a multitude of cards and craft items.

Potential customers need not worry about purchasing gift items from Wrappin' Up, however. Cindi Inman says that outside merchandise can be brought in for wrapping.

"I see this as an enhancement to the community," Cindi Inman said. She points out that gifts can be wrapped or bagged in a variety of ways. "I've tried to do different gift baskets. It could be a box or a bucket or a bag."

Cindi Inman, a licensed Realtor of four years, looks at the business as a sideline, as she's not giving up her job at Towne and Country Properties, even though Wrappin' Up has been consistently busy since opening (even drawing repeat customers).

"The reception we've gotten has been great," Paul Inman said.



The majority of the products, Cindi Inman says, are organic, such as Earth Mama Angel Baby, all-natural items for mothers and children from pregnancy through infancy. Other unique products are organic cards that can be written on. When the recipient is finished with it, they can plant the card in the ground and flowers will grow from it.

Wrappin' Up's inventory, too numerous to list, boasts everything from the edible to the wearable â€" they'll even sell wrapping paper and ribbon by the foot. But for Cindi Inman, it all comes down to the individual.

"It gets back to personal experience," Cindi Inman said. She will help customers put that personal touch on any present. "Got a gift card? Bring them in. We'll make them look good!"

Contact Business Editor Marc Lutz at marcl@lodinews.com.