The Art of Curated Gifting
Years ago, I found myself at a loss for what to bring to a friend’s surprise birthday party. She’s the woman who collects memories, not mass-produced trinkets – her style is a lively swirl of eclectic whimsy and fearless originality. It was an impossible challenge, so I called a mutual friend for advice. She offered wisdom that’s shaped my gifting ever since: There are two kinds of presents. The first reflects what the receiver loves; the second, what you love – both delivering a different kind of magic.
That tradition of finding something unforgettable is at the heart of a Huntington Beach institution called Absolutely Fabulous. Eighteen years ago, Diane Silverstein saw a “for lease” sign, took a leap, and walked out with the keys to a quirky little retail space destined for greatness. Diane’s impulse didn’t end with a single purchase – it became a sanctuary for surprise, discovery, and the art of picking perfect gifts. Today, Absolutely Fabulous is a Surf City cornerstone that pulls visitors from every Orange County zip code, each searching for that rare token to mark a milestone.
Diane’s gift is curation, pure and simple. Step inside, and you’re instantly free of the digital rabbit holes and never-ending grid searches. Instead, you’re greeted by imaginative displays that transform the act of shopping into treasure hunting. Diane’s keen eye means very few products are what you’d expect – more often, they’re precisely what you didn’t know existed but now can’t leave behind. It takes a special kind of dedication to uncover the remarkable – from vintage finds to artist-made accents, quirky gadgets, and bold home decor – each chosen for their ability to enchant, amuse, or make life a dash more delightful.
The selection at Absolutely Fabulous is nothing short of astounding. Shuffle through racks of hand-made jewelry sparkling with personality, or try a Miche Bag – ingeniously designed so you swap out the “shell” without emptying its contents. There are silk scarves for $10, throwback shaving kits for the dapper man, and hilarious “Daddy’s Tool Bags” equipped for diaper duty, complete with tongue-in-cheek instructional DVDs and face masks for new dads. For art lovers, rare paintings by accomplished artists line the walls. Crystal chandeliers and perfume bottles glow with old Hollywood glamour, while stuffed animal baby bottle covers deliver giggles to new parents.
It’s not just adults who find themselves captivated. Piggy banks shaped like whales or unicorns and “dorm survival kits” for college-bound teens bring joy to all ages. Wedding parties discover unique keepsakes. Disney aficionados fawn over rare collectibles and signed art. In December, Absolutely Fabulous transforms into a holiday wonderland, with décor ranging from cheery bottle stoppers to towering, six-foot Santa dolls – some charmingly affordable, others highly collectible.
Diane describes her offering succinctly: “From birth to death and everything in-between is our moniker.” It’s a philosophy that rings true whether you’re wrapping a first birthday teddy bear or choosing a retirement memento. Shopping at Absolutely Fabulous isn’t about the transaction – it’s about the thrill of hunting down something you never thought you’d find, and the joy of giving it to someone special.
In a world teeming with mass production and endless digital choice, Diane Silverstein’s madhouse of marvels stands as a testament to the joy of genuine curation. For gift-givers chasing that one-in-a-million feeling – or for anyone who savors creativity – Absolutely Fabulous delivers, time and again, a little slice of surprise that’s absolutely unforgettable.
