L&M Gifts brings exotic treasures to North County

A world of international treasures and Oceanside pride has taken over at 307 N. Coast Highway 101, under the name L&M Gifts.
Sisters Louie Bird (the L) and Minda Webb (the M) have taken ownership of what was Jean’s Galore and are busy making marvelous changes. The pair, along with Minda’s husband Graham Webb, came home to Oceanside in July. The combination of Southern California weather and just the store and location they were looking for brought them here from Houston, Texas.
The sisters decided it was time to go into business for themselves once their children hit college age, which led to a hunt up and down the entire Pacific coast. They were delighted to end their search in the heart of downtown Oceanside, known first to Graham from his 1963 tour of duty as a Marine at Camp Pendleton and then El Toro.
As a family, they have spent time in more than 20 countries. Over the years, they have developed an impressive collection of friends and contacts in the international import trade who will fill the shop with exotic items from all over the globe. The selection will change each time a new shipment comes in, keeping the shop full of fresh surprises and bargains.
“We will also be carrying lots of things that reflect Oceanside and its marvelous beaches,” Minda said. “We will have everything from shells to a wide selection of beachwear.”
“To make room for our new and wonderful new merchandise, we will be having a 50–percent-off sale from Aug. 25 through Labor Day,” Louie said. “Then, in about 30 days, we will have a grand unveiling of an enormous mural we have commissioned on our wall. All we will say now is that it will relate to the sea and Oceanside.”
The treats at L&M Gifts will also include a gourmet section with chocolate, spices and sauces from foreign ports, along with jewelry, furniture, clothing and collectibles.
In addition to the wide variety of things to purchase, the store will celebrate its grand opening with a display of ancient artifacts from as far back as 400 B.C, as well as from the 15th century. Visitors can see such treasures as a jade Mayan priest necklace and rare artifacts from Andalusia and the South Pacific, as well.
Rounding out the inventory, Minda and Louie have access to more than 100 artists from across the world and will display their limited editions lithographs for purchase.
The store is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Mondays and Tuesdays, from 9 a.m. to
8 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sundays.
Call (760) 722-2400 for more information.