Close your eyes and envision a place where you can buy high-end décor, jewelry, handbags and more at reasonable prices.

Sound too good to be true? It isn't.

Imagine Gifts and Boutique sells a variety of French upper class items at prices comparable to Target and Walmart, said owner Tristen Tamblyn.

"People come in and say, 'Wow, this is a really great price!' all of the time."

Tristen runs the gift shop with her mother, Terrie Tamblyn. The duo opened the store in January on Bell Street and recently relocated to 149 W. Washington St. The new space is smaller but well worth the trade-off to be on the main street, Tristen said.

In addition to home décor, jewelry and handbags, Imagine Gifts and Boutique carries a full line of all-natural bath and body products and handmade candles decorated like fancy pastries.

"We offer a little bit of everything," Tristen said. "And if we don't carry it, we can order it."

Terrie specializes in the handmade, scented candles that look like tasty treats; Original artwork by Tristen hangs on the walls.


Tristen Tamblyn, co-owner of Imagine Gifts and Boutique, shows off one of her mother’s handmade candles that looks like a cupcake. Sequim Gazette photo by Ashley Miller

Both mother and daughter recommend the use of candle warmers as opposed to traditional burning methods. Although the homemade, soy-based candles burn cleaner and longer, warmers prevent accidental fires or burns while still releasing the pleasant aroma, Tristen said.

Getting in on the vampire craze, the Tamblyns created a full line of "Twilight" body mists and lotions, including the all-popular "Jacob's Desire," a musky scent, and "Edward's Temptation," a minty fragrance.

The Tamblyn family of five moved from California 10 years ago to be closer to family. Tristen graduated from Sequim High School in 2005.

While some young women might grimace at the idea of working with their mother, Tristen relishes the experience.

"We've always been best friends," she said. "And even though she isn't here in the store every day, she's a bigger part of the business than me because she has so much experience."

Tristen manages the day-to-day operations at the store while Terrie cares for the youngest member of the family at home - Tristen's 6-year-old sister.

Fully established in its new location, Imagine Gifts and Boutique will participate in the First Friday Art Walk Sequim for the first time from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6. It's the perfect time for regular and new customers to stop by and say hello, Tristen said or call 582-1510.