As the holiday season approaches, the gift shop at the Uncle Remus Museum will be busy with visitors searching for something special, something unique that they just can’t find anywhere else.
Tucked just inside the front door to Eatonton’s tribute to the stories of Joel Chandler Harris, among Putnam County’s most famous former citizens, the compact shop has earned a loyal following for its yearly rotation of Uncle Remus-themed ornaments, books, and locally inspired and created gifts.
Gift shop manager Lynda Walker said the key is keeping the collection fresh without losing sight of what longtime customers expect.
“You may think you know what’s in here,” Walker said, “but there’s probably something different that you haven’t seen before.”
For instance, many of the Christmas ornaments sold in the shop are unique to the museum, making them popular among collectors and former residents looking for a reminder of home during the holidays.
Walker explained that some limited-edition ornaments cost $50 or more, but she tries to offer a broad price range, including simpler keepsakes for less than $10, so that “anybody can come in without feeling priced out.”
That accessibility helps the Uncle Remus Museum attract a mix of casual shoppers and devoted collectors.
“There are people who come in every year to see if we have something different from the year before,” Walker said.
Beyond the seasonal items, the shop maintains what Walker calls its “bread and butter” items, in particular books featuring the Uncle Remus tales. The most popular title, she said, remains The Complete Tales of Uncle Remus, for visitors seeking the full collection of Uncle Remus stories in dialect.
Space inside the gift shop is limited, so each new item is chosen carefully, Walker said, as museum staff try to find different, interesting items to add each year while still maintaining stock of longtime favorites. The shelves at the Uncle Remus museum typically hold a mix of handcrafted ornaments, children’s stocking stuffers like an Uncle Remus–themed yo-yo, yard signs, and other souvenirs meant to convey a piece of Eatonton’s literary heritage.
As December nears, Walker expects a familiar rhythm to continue with returning customers, curious newcomers, and a steady flow of shoppers looking for that one unique item they didn’t even know they needed.
“You will find things here that you won’t find any other place,” she stated. “But I think for many of our visitors, that’s exactly why they come back year after year. I think they just love to see what’s new.”
Entry to the Uncle Remus Museum (214 S. Oak St., Eatonton) ranges from free for kids four and under, to $5 for adults, though entry to the gift shop is always free.
Visit the Uncle Remus Museum online at uncleremusmuseum.org or call 706-485-6856 for detailed hours, admission fees, and other information.