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Business & Tech

Holiday Shopping Spotlight: My Friends and Me

A Bear-y Good Gift Idea

Some of America’s most-beloved playthings have a special home in Leesburg.  A treasure trove of collectible bears and dolls reside in a 19th century log cabin in Market Station. 

My Friends and Me, having just celebrated its 25th anniversary, continues to please children and collectors alike with their assortment of teddy bears and dolls.  Owner Maria Balser started the business in 1985 because of her appreciation of traditional toys.  She has since filled two rooms with bears and dolls of all varieties and prices.

“I keep handmade, artist bears upstairs for serious collectors and more commercial bears and dolls downstairs for walk-in customers,” said Balser.

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For the holidays she has brought in special items that make great gifts or additions to collections. 

“Christmas becomes a tradition for collectors to get a special doll or bear.  Some of the same customers have shopped here every year for the past 25 years,” Balser said. 

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Some of the brands that they carry include Madam Alexander, Bearington Collection, Hansa, Ty, North American Bear Company, Gunds, Steiff Bears and Douglas Toys.

My Friends and Me not only appeals to locals, but people travel from all over to shop the store’s collection.  They have even established an international market via their website and recognition in specialty publications.

Each item in the store is hand-picked by Balser and the décor represents a warm and country-esque home.  If you are still searching for a gift that will bring a smile to someone’s face, My Friends and Me might have that special something.

The shop is located at 118 South St. SE in Leesburg. 

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