Sense of Wonder Returns to Reading

After a three-year hiatus, Sense of Wonder Gifts is back in Reading. 

Featuring an eclectic mix of handcrafted items from artisans around the country, the store is back with a brand new location and, according to co-owner Jay Smith—who runs the store with his wife Jean—the response has been extremely positive.

“Oh, it’s been fabulous,” said Jay Smith. “It’s been really, really wonderful. I had a great response, people have been coming in and they’re happy we’re back.”

In 1995, the Smiths gave up office life and opened the original Sense of Wonder in Reading Center. The reception was so warm that in 2006, the couple cut the ribbon on a second store in North Andover. Three years ago, however, Sense of Wonder, then located at 622 Main St., was forced to close its doors when the lease expired and the Smiths learned they would be unable to renew it.

“We closed originally because we couldn’t renew the lease,” explained Jay Smith. “We could have stayed month-to-month, but with a business like this, you really can’t do that, so we closed.”

So with the Reading location shuttered, Jay and Jean Smith turned their attentions to Sense of Wonder’s remaining store in North Andover. But, as Jay Smith points out, Reading was never far from their hearts and the couple always knew they wanted another store in town. When the property at 2 Haven St. came up for rent, the Smiths wasted no time in acting.

Now Jay and Jean Smith are back in the town where it all began.

“We love Reading, and we wanted to come back,” said Jay Smith. “We’re happy to be here. We wanted to come back and we got an opportunity to when this space became available.”

While the address may have changed, all the things that made Sense of Wonder a Reading favorite have remained. Featuring a wide selection of jewelry, women’s accessories and other gifts purchased directly from artists and craftspeople, there is truly a little something for everyone.

Sense of Wonder proudly sells works from artists from throughout the area—often including items crafted by Reading artisan Tiffany Bradley.

With Christmas fast approaching, Sense of Wonder is the perfect place to find that one of a kind item, and a great way support the local economy by shopping locally.