“You’re the last bastion for cards.”

And honestly… I get what she meant.

Over the years, a lot of the small shops that carried thoughtful, well-designed cards have disappeared. What’s left is often a wall of cards that all start to feel the same — or cards that are surprisingly expensive but don’t quite say what you want them to say.

And yet, people still want to give a good card.

What Makes a Card Feel Right

At Jenny K, we’ve always focused on cards that feel a little more personal.

Most of the cards we carry come from smaller, independent brands and artists — companies like Biely & Shoaf, Calypso Cards, Borealis Press, and local makers like Bald Guy Press.

They tend to share a few things:

• simple, thoughtful wording
• artwork that feels special (not mass-produced)
• a tone that feels genuine, not overly sentimental
• often more environmentally responsible materials

They’re the kind of cards people pick up, read, and immediately think:

“That’s exactly them.”

A Big Selection (and Why That Can Be Tricky)

If you’ve been into the shop, you know our card section is… a lot.

Between our main card displays and four full spinners, we carry hundreds of options at any given time. It’s part of what makes it fun — but it can also make it hard to find that one card you saw earlier.

That’s where our online shop comes in.

A Better Way to Shop for Cards

More and more customers are starting to browse our cards online before coming into the store.

On our website, you can:

• read the full message inside the card
• take your time comparing options
• save yourself from standing in the aisle too long

And if you already know what you want, you can place an order and select in-store pickup.

We’ll pull the cards for you so they’re ready when you arrive — no searching required. You can browse our full collection here → Shop Greeting Cards

Stocking Up (Our Favorite Kind of Order)

Every once in a while, someone sits down, goes through the collection, and stocks up.

Just recently, we received an order for over $100 worth of cards — a mix of birthdays, thank-yous, and everyday notes.

Those are some of our favorite orders, because it means someone has taken the time to find cards they really love — and they’re ready for whatever comes up. If you’re someone who likes to have cards on hand, you can browse and stock up here → View Our Card Collection

For Locals and Beyond

If you’re nearby, we always recommend coming in and exploring the full card section in person — it’s one of our favorite parts of the shop.

But if you don’t have a great card store near you anymore, or you just prefer to take your time, our online collection makes it easy to find something that feels right.

A Small Thought

A good card doesn’t have to say everything.

It just has to feel like you.

Browse Our Card Collection

Explore our greeting cards online → Shop Cards, or stop by Jenny K in El Cerrito — we’re always happy to help you find the right one.

NeeDoh toys have actually been a favorite in the shop for several years. From what we can tell, we started carrying them around 2021, and they’ve steadily grown in popularity ever since. But something shifted this winter.

In January, the rest of the country seemed to catch on.

Kids began showing up specifically looking for NeeDoh, and suddenly the demand skyrocketed.

Our most recent shipments tell the story. Our first order of over 200 NeeDoh toys sold out in just a few days. The second order, which brought 160 more, lasted a little longer — but not by much.

Right now we’re patiently waiting for our next shipment, which we’re hoping will arrive toward the end of March.

What Is a NeeDoh Toy?

NeeDoh toys are soft, squishy fidget toys designed to be squeezed, stretched, and played with. Made by the toy company Schylling, NeeDoh has become one of the most popular sensory toys in the country because it’s simple, colorful, and incredibly satisfying to squish.

Kids love them, teenagers collect them, and even adults find them surprisingly calming.

At Jenny K, we’ve seen them become especially popular with teenagers, who often gravitate toward the firmer styles like the Nice Cube, Popsicle, and other structured NeeDohs.

Teachers have even stopped by to pick up sets for their classrooms.

The NeeDoh Everyone Is Looking For

Some styles disappear faster than others.

The Jellyfish NeeDoh sold out in less than an hour when it arrived. The ice cream cone and popsicle styles have also been extremely popular.

And now that people know about them, customers have started asking for older favorites too — especially the Snowball NeeDoh.

At this point, honestly, all of them are popular.

Why Are NeeDoh Toys So Popular?

Part of the appeal of NeeDoh toys is their simplicity. They don’t light up, make noise, or require batteries — they’re just incredibly satisfying to squeeze.

For many kids and adults, they’re also calming sensory toys that help with focus, stress relief, or simply keeping hands busy.

At Jenny K, we’ve watched their popularity grow steadily for several years, but this winter the demand suddenly exploded as more people discovered them.

Sometimes toy trends take off overnight. Other times they build slowly until suddenly everyone is talking about them. NeeDoh seems to be one of those toys that quietly built momentum until it reached a tipping point.

Why We’re Focusing on In-Store Sales

Because demand has been so high, we’re currently focusing on making sure our local customers can find NeeDoh in the shop.

We’ve seen these toys selling online in some places for five times their normal price, which feels a little wild for something that’s meant to be simple fun.

For now, we’re holding off on listing most NeeDoh online so kids and families in our community have the best chance of finding them at the regular price.

The NeeDoh Phenomenon

The team at Schylling, the company that makes NeeDoh, recently shared with retailers that demand for the toy is “truly unprecedented.”

Behind the scenes they’re working hard to increase production, but for the moment many stores — including ours — are seeing the same thing: shipments arrive, and the toys disappear almost immediately.

It’s one of those rare toy moments where a simple, satisfying object suddenly becomes something everyone wants to try.

Waiting for the Next Drop

We’re expecting our next large shipment soon and hoping it lands in the last week of March.

If the last few deliveries are any indication, they may not last long.

If you’ve been curious about the NeeDoh craze — or you’re trying to track down a specific one — keep an eye on the shop.

And if you happen to stop by Jenny K when the next batch arrives, you might just see what all the squishing is about.

Curious about the NeeDoh craze? Stop by Jenny K on Stockton Avenue in El Cerrito to see what styles have arrived.

Where to Find NeeDoh Near You

If you're looking for NeeDoh toys near you, stop by Jenny K Gift Shop in El Cerrito, California. We regularly receive new shipments of NeeDoh and other sensory toys, and our selection changes quickly as new styles arrive.

Because these toys have been selling out so quickly, the best way to find them is to visit the shop and see what’s currently in stock.

This season we’re especially excited about a collection of garden gifts that are beautiful, useful, and easy to give. Whether you're planting a garden, starting herbs on the kitchen counter, or looking for the perfect gift for someone who loves to grow things, here are a few favorites arriving at Jenny K in El Cerrito.

Garden Gifts We Love This Spring

Here are a few of our favorite finds for gardeners and plant lovers this season.

Gifts for Gardeners
Gifts for gardeners are always welcome in spring. Practical tools, beautiful seed packs, and sun protection gear make thoughtful presents for anyone who loves spending time outdoors.

Gifts for Plant Lovers
Plant lovers appreciate gifts that help them grow something new. Seed packs, herb kits, and small houseplants make easy gifts that bring a little more green into everyday life.

Hudson Valley Seed Art Packs

Seeds That Are Almost Too Beautiful to Open

One of our favorite spring garden gifts each year are the Hudson Valley Seed Company Art Packs. These heirloom seeds are packaged with artwork created by independent artists, making them just as giftable as they are useful.

The varieties this year are especially fun and diverse. You'll find everything from kitchen staples to pollinator-friendly flower mixes.

Some of our favorite varieties this year include:

• Bee Friendly Meadow Mix
• Bird Lover’s Meadow Mix
• Sunflower Surprise
• Sugar Snap Peas
• Kaleidoscope Carrots
• Radiant Radishes
• Little Gem Lettuce
• Shishito Peppers
• King of the North Sweet Pepper
• Bumble Bee Mix Cherry Tomatoes

We love slipping a packet of seeds into a greeting card or adding them to a small gift. They’re hopeful, practical, and perfect for spring.

Explore Hudson Valley Seeds → 

Farmer’s Defense Sun Protection for Gardeners

Sun Protection That Gardeners Will Actually Wear

Another arrival we’re excited about is the Farmer’s Defense Sun Hoodie.

It’s lightweight, easy to pack, and provides excellent sun coverage — perfect for long days outside in the garden. It’s also great for camping, beach days, hiking, or any time you’re spending hours in the sun.

We also love their garden gloves, made with soft goat leather and designed with tech-friendly fingertips so you can still use your phone without taking them off.

It’s the kind of gear gardeners end up reaching for all summer long.

Browse Farmer’s Defense →

Burgon & Ball Garden Tools

Great garden tools make gardening easier — and the ones from Burgon & Ball are beautiful enough to give as gifts.

This season we’re bringing in several pieces from their charming Aster garden collection, including:

• Aster Garden Gloves
• Aster Kneelo Garden Kneeler
• Aster Indoor Watering Can
• Aster Pruner & Holster Set

We’re also stocking practical favorites like:

• Mini snips for herbs and flowers
• Houseplant and terrarium tool sets
• Garden waist aprons
• Telescopic anvil loppers for heavier pruning

They’re tools that look lovely in the garden and work beautifully too.

Browse Garden Tools →

Modern Sprout Indoor Herb Kits

Grow Herbs Right in the Kitchen

Not everyone has room for a full garden, which is why we love the Modern Sprout herb kits.

These kits make it easy to grow fresh herbs right on a windowsill or kitchen counter. They’re perfect for cooks, apartment dwellers, or anyone who wants a little greenery indoors.

Look for favorites like:

• Basil herb garden jars
• Mint herb garden jars
• Tiny terracotta grow kits
• Watering bulbs to keep plants hydrated

They make thoughtful gifts that keep growing.

Explore Modern Sprout →

Houseplants Are Coming Back

We’re also bringing houseplants back into the shop this spring, arriving in early April.

Most of the plants we’ve chosen are easy-care varieties, perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a little greenery without a lot of fuss. We’ll also have pet-safe plants clearly labeled, which makes it easier for pet owners to choose with confidence.

Small plants make wonderful gifts — especially when paired with a planter, plant care products, or a set of tiny pruning snips.

Our houseplants are available for purchase in-store only at Jenny K in El Cerrito, California — stop by to see what’s growing.

A Thoughtful Garden Gift

Spring is the perfect time to give a gift that grows. Whether you’re shopping for an experienced gardener or someone just starting out, these garden gifts bring a little more beauty and life to the season. Garden gifts are some of our favorite things to share at Jenny K because they invite people to slow down, step outside, and grow something.

These garden gifts make thoughtful presents for plant lovers, backyard gardeners, and anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether it’s a packet of seeds, a new herb garden for the kitchen, or a beautiful set of garden tools, these are gifts that keep giving all season long.

Stop by Jenny K on Stockton Avenue in El Cerrito or explore our newest arrivals online — it’s a beautiful time to start growing something.

Looking for more inspiration? Browse our Gift Guides for more seasonal favorites from Jenny K.

“She has the most friendly business in town,” said a woman bringing her father to the Jenny K. gift shop (www.jennyk.com) on a cold but sunny Friday in February.

Married entrepreneurs Jen Komaromi and Kevin O’Neal specialize in friendly and neighborly at their storefronts on Stockton Avenue, which include the gift shop, Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar (www.well-grounded.com), and their latest venture, a co-working space.

The gift shop opened on Valentine’s Day in 2004 and just celebrated its 15th anniversary. The coffee shop began in January 2005. All three are in the same building, with other storefronts sandwiched in between.

“I can’t believe it,” Komaromi said looking back 15 years. “I don’t know if I ever thought about it. We never thought of failure as an option. It just evolved. Time goes by very fast.”

So fast that the couple’s two children grew up in the coffee shop starting as babies. Jack, now 12, and Evie, almost 9, now know the routine.“Both have been here since they were three weeks old,” Komaromi said. “They know how to ring up on the register, clean dishes. They’re my sales assistants.

“We feel really blessed to create a life for ourselves that enables us to spend time with our kids, instead of having to commute and send them to daycare.”

Supervisor John Gioia congratulates Jenny K. along with Kevin O’Neal and Al Miller at a February 9th anniversary party marking 15 years doing business on El Cerrito’s Stockton Avenue.

The family feel also extends to the customers. “At the coffee shop we have what we refer to as ‘coffee babies,’” Komaromi said, referring to dads who would bring their tots with them on weekends. “They’re all freshmen in high school now.”

The success of the enterprises might seem unlikely in an age when online commerce is supposed to be eroding so-called “brick-and-mortar” businesses. Even more so because the gift shop originated as an online enterprise that was crowding the couple’s home.

Komaromi put an ad on Craigslist seeking office space or a storefront and the owner of the Stockton Avenue building responded letting her know he had a vacancy.

The couple took the plunge and opened Jenny K., a small gift shop in the space at 6927 Stockton. When a computer repair shop vacated the space next door, the couple thought a coffee shop would be a complementary business and unsuccessfully tried to find people interested in opening one before jumping into another new venture themselves.

Longtime resident and Stege Sanitary District board member Al Miller was the first customer in the door that day and he recalled that “Everyone was scurrying around. So I asked if there was anything I could do to help.”

Miller said he was dispatched to Semifreddi’s to pick up pastry that hadn’t been delivered yet.

The Big Scissors saw action at the opening of Well Grounded Tea & Coffee Bar in 2005. From left, Kevin O’Neal, then-mayor Sandi Potter, Jen Komaromi, and Chamber president Bill Kerber.

“It was really crazy. We had a nightmare opening,” Komaromi said.

The gift and coffee shops weren’t quite overnight successes. “We made sacrifices. We were at the poverty level the first five years,” Komaromi said. 

And even though their perseverance paid off, there are still challenges, including the new $15 an hour minimum wage that took effect in El Cerrito in January.

“Our payroll went up a ton,” Komaromi said, explaining that the shops closed early during the week of Presidents Day, when school is closed and patronage declines. “We can’t afford to have the store open when it’s slow. We’ve definitely been impacted. At the same time, it feels good to provide a living wage.”

The couple have been steady promoters of their businesses through direct mailings, sponsorship and support of local events, and community involvement, including volunteering at Fairmont Elementary, where their children have attended.

“We like to say we’re a community-based business,” Komaromi said. “Because we’re in the community and in the neighborhood, we need to be involved. It’s a way to learn more about the community and what the community wanted.“

We travel all over training. The key is you do have to constantly educate yourself and always have to watch the bottom line.”

This is my favorite video on how to use scarves as an accessory.  She shows you how to tie virtually any scarf.  Have fun figuring out your favorite style.  Please feel free to visit and I'll show you my three favorite ways to tie a scarf.